Into The Eagle's Nest

'Allo 'Allo!

Into The Eagles Nest is an overhead Gauntlet-like shooter set within the enemy's castle, heavily occupied by thousands of Nazi soldiers. Our orders are simple: infiltrate the castle, rescue three allied soldiers, and then detonate the hidden explosives. Come on, leaving without blowing the place to kingdom come, would just be rude!!

As soon as the game begins, the battle is on! And it's against an onslaught of soldiers who eagerly patrol the castle's dingy corridors. Sneaking into the enemy's lair was the easy part, now we've gotta bust out of our safe room with guns blazing and rescue our fellow Allied soldiers before General Von Klinkerhoffen orders their execution (geddit?).

The overhead perspective works a treat, especially for the first screenshot...

Look for keys, health and ammo because you never know what's gonna happen next!

Search, Shoot, Kill

As you explore, look for anything that may assist in completing your mission: the health packs help repair hits you've endured. An ammo stash will replenish your Nazi killing abilities. Of course, elevator keys need no explanation - but don't be too quick to use these because you should fully explore the current level. A lot more than you might realise!

Don't forget to disable the messages telling you what item has been collected... so annoying!!

Use door keys wisely. These unlock parts of the map out of limits but, some doors were bought from Ikea and need a little gun love to bust open!! Not all the enemy wander the corridors looking for trouble, some soldiers have had too much beer and fallen flat-out cold drunk. An easy target or unnecessary if low on ammo? Remember to watch the status panel because you can withstand 50 hits, which sounds a lot, but even Rambo would die without a careful tactical approach.

Enough reading as it's time for another screenshot so brace yourself...

Shoot the barrels and make your way to a secret area with items to collect.

Aesthetics

The graphics are superb albeit with an older 8-bit feel. Everything is a bit clunky and big but, it works. The backdrops are gorgeous and represent the castle feel perfectly. However, it's the objects and enemy sprites that steal the show, from the soldiers and discarded items of food, gold, etc/etc. However, best of all, those guys slumped out drunk!

As for the audio, the title screen music is flunky but pretty good at the same time. I'm more of a chip guy but I still liked it. In-Game sound effects are all samples and really nice too but I miss a background chippy tune if I'm honest.

I hope you're enjoying this Mr ST Nutter? If not, why are you still here? Oh, for the screenshot I see...

Sneak by and pinch their food [oddly on the floor]. Hang on, they're asleep? BAM BAM BAM!!

The CryptO'pinion?

This is an easy one to rate because it's an excellent action shooter. A classic and the Atari ST got a fantastic conversion too. Most have already played this and I'm positive everyone has happy memories? Enjoyable, challenging, and a totally engrossing adventure for the most determined players!! You should play it again. Yes, right now.

Grab this cracker on a floppy or hard drive.

Kev's World

Another GEM lurking within the ST's library!

Kev's World was developed for FloppyShop by Ben Pritchard and is the prequel to The Curse Of Bolda. In this flick-screen platformer, we explore many rooms, grabbing stars, and shooting monsters. All this to rescue our beloved Katherine from the clutches of the nasty villain, Bolda. Okay, I know what you're thinking but stay with me on this one!

This is a typical platformer with many pitfalls and even the odd puzzle to solve using special keys and teleporters. This journey will eventually lead to a battle with that deranged-looking Bolda. During a rather crude end-of-level boss fight. Hey, remember this wasn't commercial - so keep an open mind and forget comparing it until you've played it.

Think less Magic Boy or Rainbow Islands when you gander at my screenshot...

There are many baddies but watch out for the little green alien thing - I hate those!

It's time to be a 2D hero again!

Any platformer needs responsive controls that blend well with the mechanics of the game. The joystick controls are perfect and I love how agile Kevin's movements are. This is a typical platformer but there are a few neat touches that I love: keep this Krazy Kid busy otherwise, he complains that he's bored using a speech bubble. Not new but a fun characteristic.

Actually, that bubble is also used to indicate whenever Kev's hurt. Along with any items/power-ups he has collected. Floor panels are randomly placed and stepping on one will reward you with extra points or a smart bomb that kills everything on-screen. However, this is totally random and may cause a rockslide, alert the baddies to your location or reverse the controls. Are you ready to take a chance? I know right, it's something different whilst being familiar.

Lots of bonuses are scattered throughout and offer a variety of features:

• QuintStar contains the value of five individual stars.
• Aurora Of Invincibility provides temporary invulnerability from everything but spikes.
• Hero Head ... well, don't get too excited because it's a 1UP!!
• Power Heart boosts Kevin's health.
• Sands Of Time adds to the ever-decreasing time limit.
• Oh, and Kevin's also partial to playing arcade games, if you happen to find one.

Right then, it's time for another screenshot! This piccy features Katherine plus the mean and nasty Bolda... 

Shoot Bolda in the face to save your girlfriend from this fiend!

Aesthetics

A platformer needs to have a clear and concise design. One that not only looks nice but isn't too visually obtrusive so the enemies are clearly visible, objects aren't easily missed, and you don't want to accidentally bump into something deadly. Well, Kev's World might not look as good as Rick Dangerous but its design is superb and eye-catching.

The sprites look ace and very comical. Some of the nasties are cute and it's obvious Ben spent most of his time getting these just right. Sadly, no Atari STe hardware is being utilised so STOS is struggling somewhat.

The audio is also excellent with tons of samples used throughout the game. However, like the visuals, Kev's World isn't using the Atari STe's DMA hardware. This means the effects are rough and the playback feels like it's pushing STOS to its limits. Don't get me wrong, I love the effects but I think the YM chip would have been a better option.

Games like this prove why the Atari ST has/had a fantastic PD scene. Here's the final screenshot...

Argh, that damn Bolda. My girlfriend is (slowly) whisked off once again!!

The CryptO'pinion?

What I love about Kev's World is its traditional oldskool gameplay which is just downright excellent and enjoyable. The joystick controls are superb and responsive plus I liked the gameplay mechanics with the additional bonuses, smart bombs, and other surprises. These help make the game stand out from most other PD/Shareware platformers available on the ST.

I have enjoyed playing this two-level demo and is definitely something I would have bought in the mid-90s. What a cool platformer and I hope Ben finds the full-registered game someday soon. We need to play that!!

The demo of Kev's World can be downloaded for either a floppy or a hard disk.

Completed!! I made 12th place and even beat Metallica. Can you beat me?

StarRay

The Atari ST cannot scroll

Logotron's StarRay is a Defender wannabe developed by a trio of incredible talent. It's something I boot up whenever I'm bored and need to kill a few mins after a dreadful day at work! Of course, this was programmed by none other than Steve Bak. A legend who always knew how to get the best from the Atari ST without ever resorting to lame excuses.

Aesthetically speaking, it's fantastic and compliments the gameplay perfectly. Pete Lyon designed what you see and it's glorious. From the moment you see the futuristic Monument Valley, you're in love with his pixels. David Whittaker created all of the jaw-dropping funk (anyone with extra Ram has sampled music on the title screen - but I prefer chip tunes).

StarRay is a blummin' awesome shooter and tons of fun. It boosts the original Defender format with its own brand of great gameplay style - plus beautiful sounds and multilayer parallax visuals. This is how all retro gaming should be! The perfect shooter if you are bored and fancy some frantic mayhem in your life - grab it now and play StarRay!

Take to the skies then download either the floppy disk or use your hard drive.

Overdrive

NFS

Feeling the need for speed, I booted up Overdrive by Ross McNaughton which he developed in 1996 using STOS. It's an overhead racer similar to Super Cars or Power Up and features 25 GEM-green tracks!

After listening to the horrendous title music [nails on a blackboard] you're asked for your initials before viewing a diagram of the first track. The physics are pretty dodgy but controls are easy to learn so it's not long before you're tearing up the asphalt. However, that's about as deep as it gets because your opponents are like Sunday drivers! Plus there are no differing road surfaces, weather conditions, car repairs, etc...

I'm probably being too harsh because Overdrive isn't commercial and there is a level of fun to be had. Sadly, it's too easy so gets repetitive and that green colour hurts the eyes. It's not long before things feel monotonous. Hence why I abruptly ended my recording. Enjoyable for a few minutes but nothing more...

Go on!! I dare ya to download Overdrive and play it. Let me know what you think!

Crash Time Plumber (longplay recording)

> Update: Read our review featurette about this beautiful game!!

Crash Time Plumber is an astounding platformer but I struggled to beat level 6 with my joystick skills. So that meant there was only one thing left to do - cheat! The later levels are killers!! Even with a cheat, all I would do is die-die-die!! But, eventually, I did it, as you can see in the recording. I dare anyone to complete it without extra lives...

This is most definitely one of my favourite platformers. It's nothing less than infuriatingly awesome!!

Insecticide

This game is bug-ridden!

This game feels familiar but, this time we're a ladybird who kills insects with her Spit Laser weapon! Yep, Insecticide is a Robotron-inspired shoot 'em up by Peter Hague where each screen is littered with two types of critters for us to destroy: those that move (kill 'em quickly) and the sleepy ones that offer extra points or bonuses. Controls are easy in all four directions plus a diagonal flying manoeuvre for quick motion.

Shooting the moth, which dallies at the top of your screen, gains extra speed - but only for the current level. Weirdly, you shall hear "Nairobi" when you kill it but this makes sense once you've read the docs. I know, who reads the docs? Every eighth level a "parent" turns up for a battle which makes a nice boss fight that isn't too difficult. This doesn't ruin your momentum so you're soon fighting the insect hoard once again.

I seriously doubt that Llamatron fans will be convinced by Insecticide? However, this is a fantastic game in its own right and definitely worth playing. What it lacks in originality it - more than - makes up with great gameplay, jazzy colour cycling and sampled sounds. I've enjoyed this silly alternative to the Robotron theme.

One final word to make you play this fantastic game: Nairobi!!!!!

Download the newly updated version of Insecticide released yesterday :-)

Ironically, it's had many bugs squashed so fine on all computers [thanks PP!!]

Shadowlands

Stay Awhile and Listen

Shadowlands is a 1992 RPG by Domark and developed by Barry Costas who created another personal favourite of mine Escape from the Planet of the Robot Monsters. I've wanted this game for years, and I finally have it proudly displayed on my ST shelf!! Will it live up to my expectations after all these years?

The story is based on an ancient legend of a warrior prince who was slaughtered on the battlefield. Somehow, our dead dude has magically awoken to find himself alive and kicking with the nifty ability to mind-control. So he has selected four loyal subjects to venture back into the Shadowlands and wreak his vengeance!

I don't know about you, but I'm excited and need to see some screenshots!! Onwards we go...

Earlier messages may appear rather obvious but reading them can be rewarding later on...

Don't be so quick to begin your adventure - take the time to look around this open area!

The graveyard proves a little clumsy for our warriors to navigate but the dungeons are fine.

It's that time... Dungeon Crawl time!

As you would expect, the gameplay is in real-time with characters, puzzles, and beasts to kill. We begin with the option to use the default characters or manually generate their attributes, which I suggest you do. The first level begins outside in a woodland graveyard with useful pickings before taking the plunge into the depths.

Our adventure begins once inside the creepy dungeons but the first thing that hits you is the lighting. This is incredible using a technique called Photoscape that adds a gradual gradient to the light around a character carrying a lit torch. This makes the dungeon spooky with its disturbing atmosphere. The audio isn't too shabby with fantastic title screen music and sampled sound effects throughout the game.

Let's crack on and see a few of the puzzles with some of that cool lighting...

I love how subtle many hints are! They nicely use silly wording to give you a hint.

Sometimes it's far too subtle but at least it tries to help you and I love that!

Now it's time to spend a quid... All brilliant puzzles help make this game so interesting!

Bring friends... and a torch!

Playing Shadowlands is an instant, and fascinating, experience. In fact, I couldn't wait to leave the graveyard to venture into the depths to see what nasties lurked. As you can see, we're in charge of four characters and each can lead and be controlled independently using their avatars along the bottom of the screen.

The first thing that hits you is the skills and lacking progression. Each character can offer similar talents and fight as well as each other. This takes away some of the RPG aspects as Shadowlands is more of an exploration puzzler in the dungeons. Treat each character as a solid member of your party rather than unique.

It's not always necessary to remain as a group. Sometimes, it's best to go alone when scouting in search of items. However, idle warriors should still be vigilant for critters that like to nibble!

Your four loyal subjects will need replenishment so eat, drink, and rest whenever possible but be wise and use your stock sparingly. Flasks can always be topped up from fountains but nothing stops you from having a sip or two while there. Torches are most helpful as it's so dingy plundering through the grim levels but, once again, use these sparingly and extinguish any idle ones in your inventory to make them last longer.

All dungeons should be this scary!! Hey, let's check out some more screenshots...

Look out, something hideous is creeping up on you!!!

The warrior is now a bag of bones... Perhaps he should have read the notice below?

Well, come on, it does say in plain English what not to do. He asked for it! lol

Run, think, shoot, live!

Soon into your first game, you realise how awesome the user interface is for controlling your A-Team. The inventory screen can be accessed at any time with a single right-click and is a cinch to use with extra functions like swapping items or grouping the adventurers into structured squads rather than a clumsy mob.

Each level has a superb design without losing your bearings. It's a good idea to read everything you come upon because not every puzzle is obvious; it might be a masked trap that conjures something nasty. Always beware!! Also, look out for switches, wall slots, or even rickety floor panels. Other puzzles are a fun play on words such as "weight and see" (a great way to get rid of any useless items).

Weapons vary and can be just about anything you can carry, and there are many impressive items just waiting to clobber your foe. Look around right at the start for something helpful... However, it's always good practice not to feel like you need to fight everyone all the time - sometimes it's best to simply walk away.

Enough of my boring jibber jabber, let's see more screenshots...

Okay, I've got the key to the teleporter. Where is that?

Here it is. Okay, you first! No way!! (this is how my mind would work if I was there!)

The Magician finds three suspicious holes - will he choose the correct one or will he perish?

The CryptO'pinion?

Shadowlands is epic and I'm enjoying ransacking the dungeons. However, it has a few niggles. I failed to get the save game function to work no matter what I tried (not much of a problem today when using the emulator's snapshot feature or the hard drive version). Also, guiding our loyal subjects can sometimes be awkward as they struggle to walk around the graveyard and through the odd open doorway. Yes, they're a sandwich short of a picnic and often need a gentle push to help them out. Let's end this pickyness.

I've featured a few adventure/RPGs over the years and I thought nothing would live up to Dungeon Master! Shadowlands is more of a lite RPG without aspects like races/skillsets or levelling/progression. Regardless, this leaves you to concentrate on the terrifying environment, how to beat the puzzles and stay alive.

This is truly one of the most rewarding dungeon crawlers I have ever played.

Install to hard drive with the snapshot-save feature!!
Are you stuck? AtariMania has some game tips.

Of course, Shadowlands wins the accolade of an AtariCrypt SMASH award. Easily!!