Dan Wilga has released NeoDesk and Geneva as freeware, downloaded directly from the Gribnif website. I've quickly run through a test installation (within Hatari), and it worked without a hitch. My next project is to install this onto my Mega STe and get this amazing operating system running from an SD Card.
What a fantastic opportunity this is, but please don't forget to donate whatever you can. I would love to see your NeoDesk screenshots! Let me know what you guys think of Geneva/NeoDesk in the comments below...
Killing Machine is a vertically scrolling shooter by Atlantis Software released in 1992. We're on a remote planet controlled by a giant brain that identifies your sassy spaceship as an invading bacterium: vermin that needs to be wiped out!! The battlefield spans three levels with lots of kamikaze enemies out for blood.
The first thing that struck me was the graphics, which are uniquely colourful using a sweet palette. The smooth scrolling is slow and steady, with impressive enemy sprites zipping across the screen. Sound effects go beyond mere bleeps for some rather raspy samples, and that grunge works well and suits the style.
Killing Machine is brutal and requires lots of practice before you get close to beating the first level. That learning curve is nothing less than painful. Keep at it - collecting the power-ups and learning the enemy attack patterns is a must. Or you die a suckers death. This isn't the best shooter, but it's still loads of fun.
Rambo III, released by Ocean Software, is an overhead shooter similar to others like Into the Eagle’s Nest. I’m thrilled to finally own this game, which boasts impressive Hollywood artwork and a great back cover, too. So I decided to take a picture of both and double up on our love for movie legend Sly Stallone.
Sly Stallone plays our musclebound action hero, about to infiltrate a Soviet base holding Colonel Trautman captive. Our mission spans three levels: the first involves rescuing Trautman, followed by our escape. The final level is a shooting gallery reminiscent of Operation Wolf. Before you ask, the first part is the best.
Let's see a couple of screenshots, starting with the outstanding title screen...
I can't help but admire this superb screen. Yes, it is superb!!
Okay, we're in. Grab your knife because it's time to kick ass!!
Run. Shoot. Kill everything!
The gameplay on the first two levels is somewhat reminiscent of Gauntlet, but it’s not the same. Ironically, running around like Johnny Rambo will get you killed! Instead, carefully explore the complex, searching for the safest route. You’ll also need items like health, ammo, and infrared goggles to detect the invisible booby traps. Watch your health displayed using a meter that older games will find nicely (ahem) familiar.
Since each room is entered "blindfolded", always be cautious (ie, not shown until entered). Otherwise, the Russians will gang up and beat Sly. Yup, enemies occupy most rooms, but feel more like automated drones than the Soviet elite. They robotically patrol back and forth, unaware of your presence until you suddenly appear in their line of sight. Watch their movements and habits. If you get seen, an alarm sounds, and nearby soldiers come. Don’t be deterred by these tough soldiers who are creatures of habit.
This isn’t a run-of-the-mill Gauntlet rip-off; careful tactics are essential. Play more like the real US Army Special Forces than Hollywood claptrap. My only complaints are trying to memorise the massive map, which can easily lead to getting lost. I also think that there should be more collectables to help. But I'm entering into the territory of, "Steve's a bad gamer"! And yes, I doubt I’ll ever reach the third stage without a cheat!
I hear you cry for more screenshots! It’s nice getting feedback... Here you go…
Tread carefully because most rooms are heavily guarded with many tunnelled-vision soldiers!
These guys will patrol back and forth, so be slow and make sure you don't set off the alarms.
But is it any good?
I understand why Rambo III didn’t win over most reviewers back in the day. It’s Marmite - you’ll either love it or hate it. Despite its flaws, I think it’s fantastic. While it resembles Gauntlet, it’s totally different and more akin to our version of The Great Escape. Stealth is key, so prepare to spend hours sneaking (and mapping). Rambo III is challenging and tactical first and foremost, with arcade action as a secondary element.
Understand the type of game you're playing, and you’ll love it - I certainly do.
I received my latest "Atari Games" mug by Peter Jørgensen (Enduro Racer / YMT). No, they're not all the same, just scroll down for the reverse side. These cups are superb, and it's so kind of Peter to send them. The mouse mat was a gift from my mate Tom, another ST nutter. Both Peter and Tom made the ZombieCrypt mug - probably because they were blown away by that slideshow I released last year. Hmm, probably not lol.
My greetings, Peter/Tom - nothing is better than suppin' coffee from these mugs!! 😎
KillThings, by Orm of Digi Tallis, is a 3D first-person shooter similar to something like Wolfenstein. Alas, it was never finished, but it is still very playable, and I'm impressed by the speed of its 3D engine, which is both fast and fluent. What's more, is the mapping screen which works just like the one in Doom - love it!!
Sadly, there are no audio effects and little to do other than wander stark corridors looking for a bug-eyed stickman to kill. Still, the potential is staggering when you think about what's completed for this unfinished version. Interestingly, there is a level editor if you're feeling bravely creative. Go on, I dare ya.
Let's check out a couple of screenshots of the map and level editor...
The game's mapping function works like a dream, much like we saw in Doom!
Why not design your own levels using the editor?
The CryptO'pinion?
KillThings was never going to replace Wolfenstein or Substation, but I'm fascinated by oddities like this lurking within our archives. I'm impressed by the hopes and dreams of what this developer wanted to create back in the day. It's a shame his idea died before it was completed. The 'readme' explains a great deal.
But fear not, we have this demo, which is neat and shows what might have been if completed. It's rather cool and can be downloaded from their website, along with the level editor and much more.
I hope that one day, Orm gets back to this project because it's funky cool with massive potential.
When my hard disk decided to kick the bucket, I replaced it with an Ultrasatan. It's built like a tank and incredibly versatile and (obviously) silent - the old hard drive sounded like a Vulcan Bomber!! I could have bought CosmosEx/Gotek, but I would rather attempt open-heart surgery than risk cutting my Atari ST.
But what about games?? Not to worry, there are runnable disks thanks to Floppy Image Runner by Peter Putnik, who has adapted hundreds of games to load directly off the Ultrasatan. The D-Bug guys have converted loads of games with stunning menus and cheats - I wish they'd continue on as they are amazing.
I sure love my Ultrasatan, which is a superb clump of hardware and one I cannot recommend highly enough. Visit Lotharek's website for more information and lots of other goodies - get yourself one of these beasts!!
Goin' Down With The Captain was developed in GFA Basic by Terry King of Ninth Wave Software and must be one of the silliest titles since the robot monsters invaded. Or is it just me? Anyhow, imagine yourself as the unlucky cabinboy onboard a sinking ship who is running around for the lifebuoys. Can you help save him?
Collecting the lifebuoys is easy, but you must venture deep into the waters to find some scattered about the ship. Fetch them back to their hangers up on the top deck, but you are only able to carry a maximum of two at a time. Later levels will require multiple trips into Poseidon's realm. This is a frantic race against the clock!
Sounds interesting, right? Okay, let's take a look at a screenshot...
Leaky pipes, rising water, and now a crab has sent us to heaven, ala Monty Mole!
This ain't no killing gameshow!
The flooding is constantly rising due to leaky pipes splurting out water. These can be patched with a sticky plaster, and some decks have pump levers to reduce water levels. Flooded decks can be accessed - if you hold your breath and use air bubbles to replenish oxygen. Any treasures you find are yours to keep, but beware of snippy crabs roaming the lower decks who love nipping at your toes. There's much going on, but it never feels OTT.
The joystick controls are incredible, with responsive movements and no learning curve. Oh, and using the levers is an entertaining moment that brought back memories of Decathlon, albeit waggling up & down!!
It's fun and very hectic - trust me! Hey, I think it's time for another screenshot...
Some levels are a little more puzzling with lifebuoys hidden behind locked doors...
Cheap & cheerful
The graphics aren't exactly Bitmap Bros standard, but they do their job, albeit with the occasional slowdown. Scrolling is great, and I have massive admiration for the palette - especially when underwater.
The audio is in stereo on the Atari STe, but I'd much rather have the crisp YM chip over poor-quality samples. Yep, the music and sound effects are made from low-quality samples, which I didn't care for. Hence, this is another reason why chiptunes are timeless compared to many MODs. Flame me all you like, but it's true.
Am I trying to start a fight? Bring it on, Commies! No, let's chill with another screenshot...
Remember, not every door needs to be unlocked - so use your keys wisely before you drown!
The CryptO'pinion?
This is an oddball with more than a hint of a certain other action platformer. I enjoyed the gameplay style; it's fantastic with many interesting ideas. In fact, it's downright silly at times, but you won't mind one bit. Ignore the weak visuals and fuzzy audio because the gameplay is top-notch, and that's what matters.
Going Down With The Captain is challenging, addictive, and one of the best PD games I've played.
