Uninvited ...not a walkthrough!

Helping Hands

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There are many walkthroughs all over the internet, but blindly following one makes playing any game rather pointless. Used as a reference, they're helpful to get you past those sticky bits that have you stumped - BUT NOTHING MORE. And I know all about that feeling all too well for this bloodthirsty adventure!

Anyhow, did you read our review of Uninvited? Go on, check that out :)

Uninvited is tough, and it's an understatement to say that some obscure puzzles are impossible to figure out because they make no sense whatsoever! Also, there are many areas used exclusively as a red herring - lots of dead ends with even more dreaded deaths (Ugh, remember that giant spider under the church?).

I figured I'd try to map what I can and provide some helpful tips that might help you out...

Generous Big Tips

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* After escaping the car, look around before entering the scary mansion.

* Once inside, you'll notice an unlit fire and comfy chairs. Rest a while.

* Inside the library, there is an interesting book to read.

* Anything readable is often helpful for information, words to speak and numerical combinations.

* The hallway on the first floor has access to bottles for critters and phantoms.

* Hey, there's a spirit in the hallway on the ground floor, that's handy!

* Any books left lying about need to be examined and read.

* Flowers can be a sign of respect, especially when placed at the graveside.

* I always carry a box of matches with me because you never know...

* Aren't knives great for cutting stuff up? Vandals use them to slash things like chairs.

* Did you find a box in the Master's bedroom? If you're stuck, highlight the 'hidden' text below with your mouse: "pick up the box from inside the locked cabinet. This needs to be burnt in the fire"

* Gems make great keys for (erm) aptly shapely keyholes.

* The greenhouse is another enigma. Highlight this text if you're stuck: "use the watering can on the empty plant pot which is on the table on the left. Pick up the plant pot afterwards"

* Those dogs aren't that bad, they just need to hear a friendly voice. Reading is always helpful, right?

* If you don't go to church then you should - but the chapel is so vague and if you need help then highlight this text: "light the candlesticks and pick up the Cross. Don't forget to speak to the head..."

* The maze is its own entity of annoyance. Explore if you must but this is the part of the game where I "cheated" to find my way through. I know, I know but at least I'm honest! So, if you're fed up wandering around the maze like a fool, then highlight this text for directions: "north, west, west, north, north, west, west, north, north, east, east, north, north, east, east".

* It's here that you stumble upon a zombie! This is an easy kill but only if you were listening and paying attention right from the start? After the car explodes, you needed something. Can you go back? Ha!

* The maze still isn't over with and after killing the zombie, these are the directions to continue on: "East, east, south, south and you better have brought those flowers!". Hint? "only birds go inside a bird cage"

* Now we can leave the maze. Can you remember the way out? Okay, here you go: "north, north, west, west, west, west, south, south, west, west, south, south, east, east, south, south, east, east, south, south".

* Ice caves need melting. If you need help, highlight this text: "that brass pentagram which you thought was pointless is actually the way to melt ice. I know, I know... what a rubbish puzzle".

* Remember that little red demon that flies by every so often? Highlight time: "he loves cookies and can be found in the Recreational room on the ground floor".

* Dead body? Police might assume the worst so why not try dumping it?

* Drowning in the bathroom? Look up and keep trying.

* One final tip for the last task? John 14:6 ... Yep, you need a †

I hope my hints helped you out in some of those stickier moments. But please don't ruin this game by mindlessly following a walkthrough. Trust me, this adventure has its annoyances, but it's worth playing properly. Except for the maze, which is a stupid part of the entire quest - cheat all you like inside that place!

Okay, I'm being harsh because it's actually doable -but- only if you map it. This will take several attempts because of three things: 1) deadly creatures lurking in the maze. 2) dead ends. 3) Well, I won't spoil this one!! So, the best thing to do is draw a map and keep saving. This way, you can keep nudging your progress forward with each go. Yeah, it will take a while, so wouldn't it be nice if someone had already mapped it?

The Map!

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Yeah, I've managed to map all of the rooms, paths and locations (that was fun!). It's complete, so download it. This took me several weeks to finish, so let me know what you think in the comments...

Yes, this image is merely a partial thumbnail. The download link is above, so grab it now!

Puzzling Puzzles

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As I said in my review (go on, you know you wanna click it), there are many puzzles, but some are plain stupid. Success is always about being a good adventurer and leaving no stone unturned, so make notes and don't rush. Yep, slow down, grab that pen and paper, and you will do just fine (he says).

Before we see the absurd puzzles, let's take a look at some of the better ones I enjoyed...

Why would I need a paralysed spider? Well, isn't everyone scared of spiders? Everyone!

This is a game of experimenting, so look everywhere and why not see if... something... works...

Yeah, you sussed it out! But now a peculiar haunting dude shows up. Scare him away!

Interesting information is everywhere, so leave no stone unturned. Or chair.

What would you say to a gypsy? Well, I know, but let's be nice! (hint: read everything)

Absurd Puzzles

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See how painless those puzzles are thanks to a little common sense? Plus, it always pays to read documents and books, as the information gathered will help. However, there are a few puzzles that are vague, so they stump even the most hardened adventurer. Heck, I don't think Spock could suss out some of these killers.

Melting ice, the church, and the greenhouse sections made no sense, and you know how I feel about the maze. There are some infuriating dead ends that are a pain in the bum, especially when you're worried about the "impending darkness". These aren't difficult puzzles, more like impossible, which is illogical to me.

Okay, you've waited long enough, let's take a look...

Stone faces talk, really? Candles scare away ghosts - in the daylight - that was weird!

One wrong move in the maze, and you've guessed it. Death! Did you save the game?

Another dead end that results in your gruesome death. So glad I save regularly!!

I cannot stress just how impossibly irritating this puzzle was. Cool ghost drawing though!

Perhaps the most annoying death of all - I had no chance without referencing a walkthrough :(

Funny Faces!

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Let's end on a high note with some silly pixel art. Uninvited is stuffed with great artwork, but several screens are downright ridiculous, like the bathroom with its ugly miniature dolls hanging on the wall. Also, there are a few dodgy-looking monsters that certainly don't suit the "horror" theme (David Marsh, what were you thinking?). Quite odd compared to the other drawings, which are fantastic by comparison.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy this last batch of incredibly silly screenshots...

Attack of the killer tomatoes? Oh, and this was another ridiculous puzzle!!

Green fingers make this monster happy. Apparently...

One final demon to contend with, but only if you steal from the chapel! Whaaaat?

The weather brightens, and everyone is happy. Another day saved. Be happy.

lol yeah, that's me alright. And no, I don't have a printer!

What? Do you want even more?

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Well, how about access to a hidden room? It's called the Art Gallery and is of no use whatsoever to your progress, but it is fun to visit. There is zero chance of stumbling upon it by accident due to the obscure way it's unlocked. Only by sheer luck, I spotted it on The Cutting Room Floor (works on Mac and Atari ST).

What I liked about this secret is that it's actually twofold: not only can you unlock and access the room, but you can also alter the girl in the painting. Give a guy half the chance... Yep, I'm talking boobs!

Again, thanks for stopping by, and remember to comment or share this article with the ST world...

As secrets go, this was nice to uncover, but... It's meaningless to your adventure.

Bring along the correct brush and hey presto, boobs!!!

Uninvited

Thy Flesh Consumed

I enjoy adventures, but MacVentures are something I have yet to experience. I believe there are four, and this caught my eye because of its horror theme. Seeing as I had a bucket load of fun with Ooze and Curse of Rabenstein, I booted it up to see what it was all about. It appeared very good, albeit with many agonising deaths! But, as that is the norm for my gaming ventures, I carried on and had fun nonetheless.

Hold your horses, what's a MacVenture? That's the name given to the engine powering the point-and-click adventure by Icom Simulations. This is just one game from a series of adventures, all of which have been ported to the Atari ST Shadowgate, Déjà Vu, and Déjà Vu II - Lost in Las Vegas. We call them AtariVentures.

The story starts with my brother and me experiencing firsthand what a nasty car crash looks like. I wake to find he's missing and the car is about to explode! This is the first puzzle - figuring out a way to open the car's door and scarper before it's too late. Afterwards, you find yourself outside a creepy old house, and there is a sinister storm approaching. Thunder is booming, and we have our brother to find.

Dare we risk entering the scary-looking house to search for him? Let's see some screenshots...

Update: I've posted a new article for Uninvited. It's (not) a walkthrough! ;)

Of course, we were gonna crash because somebody put the steering wheel on the wrong side...

Oh, looks like the crash happened right outside an intimidating haunted house. Let's go inside!

User Interface

The Uninvited uses GEM, albeit with minor changes to its look and feel. Windows are resizable and used to display commands: what we're carrying, descriptions, and also the current room as we view it. All commands are limited to eight options: examine, open, close, speak, operate, go, hit, and consume.

For example, to inspect an object, you would click it and then choose the examine button. The game employs this simple method of instruction throughout, but more "complex" actions like walking through a closed door require multiple commands: ie first opening it before attempting to walk through a closed door.

Items you find can be easily carried (and sorted) in your inventory by drag & drop. The other window is for Exits - all of the possible ways to leave the current location. Being GEM'ish means we easily begin playing thanks to a functional and intuitive design, but that comes at a price, ie I'm glad my ST has a Blitter!

Additionally, you can double-click most items to select the default option. Like the closed doors: double-click once to open it and again to walk through. The same goes for the window exits.

The more observant may have noticed the "Self" button? Well, that's rarely used if I'm honest, but it may involve something that you need to do, such as drink a potion. This is another way the game shows its good sense of humour: try using the axe on yourself (save first). I love this freedom and the potential to be daft!!

Wanting to escape the oncoming storm, we head for shelter. Oh, and two more screenshots...

The first room is a little weird, especially with that giant pentagram on the floor!

This is the room just off to the right (see previous image). Not much to see... Ahem, right?

Let's play!

Uninvited is all about exploration, study, investigation, and lots of trial and error. Well, with Uninvited, the trial-and-error parts are paramount, with the earlier stages presenting a steep learning curve. This game takes no prisoners. Yes, I'm talking about you, Scarlet O'Hara, and that vicious temper of yours!

She is the lady lurking in the hallway, and no matter what you do, she will eat your face!! Over and over, I died. Too many times! The only way to safely pass her is via the stairwell to the first floor - but you need to come back downstairs at some point. Perhaps there is something up there we can use against her?

More or less everything that you see can be examined (it's now that I'm starting to realise there are a gazillion possible objects to inspect). Take a look upstairs; have a poke about and inspect each room for anything that might kill this Scarlet monster. It really is an obvious puzzle that you have probably overlooked.

Killing Scarlet is a big deal and completely opens up the game. I feel quite victorious, but there is much work to do with many more rooms to plunder for anything that might help me find my brother. Oh, there are walkthroughs on the net that I won't link to, as they'll only spoil the fun (though the maze section contradicts that entirely). Just play the game and enjoy everything that's on offer for the avid explorer.

Here are two more screenshots of the hallways that (embarrassingly) took me aeons to suss out...

Scarlet seems to be guarding each of the four doors. So why don't we sneak upstairs?

It's much safer upstairs, and you can freely explore each room... for an item to combat Scarlet!

I love big tips!

• Go slow and don't rush as you will only miss what is obvious.
• Learn the user interface properly, it's dead easy but can be finicky.
• Just escaped the impending death of a car wreck? Snoop before entering the house...
• Inspect absolutely everything, even the smallest thing can get you out of trouble.
• Read the object descriptions carefully, subtle hints are usually given.
• Don't be a vandal, not until the time is right later...
• 90% of the items are useless so remember their locations rather than carrying everything.
• Make a map. I know, I know, but this is the time for pen and paper!!
• Install to hard drive - the experience is miles better with audio on cue.
• This next one is obvious but never more so for a game like this - save regularly!

Every so often, a little critter whisks across the screen! He's a little cookie, he is!

A spider freely walks by, and then a winged eyeball appears. What is going on?!!

Aesthetics

The artwork is good, with each room well-detailed to represent its scene. It's not exactly The Pawn, but I admire what they were trying to do, and I thought it worked very well much of the time. The horror aspect is feeble, but Scarlet is a babe, and Romero would love to cast her, I'm sure of it. The severed head guy is superbly drawn, but what's even better is the glimpse we're given. That timing works well for maximum effect.

You'll soon realise just how many monsters there are. Not to mention the different ways to die! Some of these are really cool. I especially liked the zombies in the maze. However, some are rather lame - like the one that looks like a giant tomato. Yeah, the results are mixed but generally favourable with a comical twist.

I know some will disagree, but GEM works well for our version of AtariVenture. I think it's made great use of the windows, especially with the ease of issuing commands and the use of Exits and Inventory. But this means it is slower than other similar games, but a Blitter helps a bunch.

Thankfully, there is no music, as it would have ruined the atmosphere. The sound effects are superb, made with crunchy samples, and include everything from creaking doors to horrific screams. Honestly, they are amazing effects and, if I were playing this back in 1987, it would have blown my little socks off!!

Death comes thick and fast throughout your entire adventure. I hate Scarlet so much!

I'm heading back downstairs!!! (probably the scariest moment in this 'horror' game)

The CryptO'pinion?

I found the Uninvited to be a challenging and intense adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially considering this is my first frolic into the world of MacVentures, erm, AtariVentures. As with any of its ilk, you have to take your time and study all aspects of a location. That's the only way you're going to get anywhere.

Sadly, it's not perfect, with certain puzzles not making any sense whatsoever and therefore impossible to figure out without sneaking a glance at a walkthrough. Not only that, but I've never known any adventure with so many red herrings - either the pointless items or dead ends (that often lead to your brutal demise!). That might sound silly in some respects, but it's not when you're restricted to a finite number of actions.

However, please believe me when I say that this is an excellent game. Whilst certain parts of it made no sense, the Uninvited offers a richly rewarding experience and, if you fancy a different kind of adventure, then this is definitely it. Demanding, interesting, infuriating, and blummin' good fun for anyone up for a challenge.

> You can download the floppies, but Uninvited is a dream running off a hard drive/UltraSatan!

I love Uninvited. So I looked on eBay, and there it was, going cheap as chips too. Excellent!!

Frankenstein

Wait, Master, it might be dangerous. . . You go first!

That is one of my favourite lines from the cult classic movie, and also fitting for Zeppelin's Frankenstein, a "horror-themed" platformer that had us searching for gruesome body parts for an ungrateful (and mad) scientist. Of course, there's nothing much original about this, but its structure, challenge, scary graphics, and perfect joystick controls help make this one of my favourite Atari ST games. It's the bee's knees; you can read about it by clicking here. (go on, click it!!)

So, why am I telling you again about this old platformer? You've guessed it - it's now fully mapped for your viewing pleasure! Now, before the negative nelly's love to tell me, I do know there are maps already out there (based on another computer's version of the game). Regardless, I wanted to make an official Atari ST map - without a watermark :-)

Hey, do you want more Atari ST game maps? Of course, you do so click here for my new section! (WIP)

The map is horizontally enormous, so it's pointless to include a thumbnail of the entire thing, as you wouldn't be able to see anything. So here are a few snippets from different parts, and you can download the hi-res map by clicking here. I hope you enjoy the map so much that you are persuaded to play the game. Let me know in the comments below...

Yes, the following images are snippets and NOT the full map. That's linked juuuuust above...

The morgue area pushes that time limit, so it might be worthwhile shifting a few items a little closer.

The crematorium area was one of my favourites because it's superbly designed with hidden touches.

This is the first area that most found challenging because of the stupid hidden platforms... not a good idea!!

Ghosts, creepy hands, bats, dead people... what more could you ever want from a horror game!

Rotor

Another one for my collection

In the not-too-distant future, everything will be impossibly expensive. Jobs will become very scarce with no decent opportunities for the majority of us (yikes, what a surreal prediction). Hmm, perhaps we should move on quickly? Anyhow, there is the prospect of joining the Roto-Raiders who pilot huge tanks through dangerous caverns for a lucrative reward. Only the brave need apply because the missions are deadly.

Dare you sign up? You said yes? Really? Yeah... Of course, we do, so count me in!

Gravitar-Esque games are popular for the Atari ST. We have killers that are extraordinarily awesome - Oids and Thrust instantly come to mind. That means Arcana had to bring something new to the table in order to stand out from the crowd. Plus, I naturally had high expectations considering the strong competition!

Before we crack on, I bought Rotor off eBay, so let's look at all the goodies...

It's hardly in perfect condition, but it's pretty good, and I like the design too.

  
Mind-blowing content? It's minimalistic, but it's a piece of hiSTory.

Get to it, I wanna blow stuff up!

Rotor is like Thrust, with tasks split into separate missions. We begin with a training simulator to learn the controls, how to collect items, and kill the many different types of enemies. This is a great way to understand the basics and to learn (or rather grasp) the technical user interface. Oh, and the training needs to be fully completed before moving on to the real missions. That sounds like a con, but it is a good thing.

You can attempt each mission in different environments - earlier levels are tame compared to the torturous ones later. Every cavern has antagonists (as the manual loves to say) who are enemies like Cannons, Laser Guns and Gravity Generators. Some can be destroyed, whereas others can be temporarily disabled.

Our spaceship is a large circular craft with adequate manoeuvrability. Physics plays a part, so there is gravity to consider, and you can only accelerate in the current facing direction. The caverns are vast yet claustrophobic, owing to the ship's size and its lacklustre abilities (which feel leaden compared to Thrust or Oids).

All missions require completing requirements, such as shooting Container Pods to retrieve their contents. Destroying them and killing the enemies rewards extra points. All this is within the time constraints of limited fuel and armour. Once you're finished, exit coordinates detail where to go to escape.

Simple stuff, so let's take a peep at a couple of early screenshots...

The training missions are a fantastic way to learn the ropes.

In this simulator, we only need to shoot (and then collect) what's in that box. Easy!

Power-ups & other stuff

Rotor could have been a simple game of shooting/collecting stuff. But it's not. Arcana obviously thought this would be far too boring, so jazzed it up with pointless clutter. Let's begin with its user interface...

• On the left-side is a map showing your position, and the dots above it represent your remaining lives. The coordinates of the zeros will change once the mission is complete to indicate the rendezvous exit location (the other coordinates are your current location). The three icons between these are 1) the time before a bomb explodes. 2) The time until a disabled laser resumes. 3) The required number of crystals for exit coordinates.
• At the bottom of the screen is the radar, which shows helpful information such as the state of your armour, cargo, and remaining fuel. However, it also displays potential enhancements that can be gained by collecting pearls. For example, the second icon is for the ship's rotational speed. The third icon improves upon its lethargic thrust.

Hang on, what was that about Container Pods and Pearls? Container pods offer a variety of goodies, such as fuel, upgrades, explosives (potential traps), and sun crystals (to exit). Pearls significantly affect performance: collect two, and the ship rotates faster. Pick up a third, and you can upgrade the thrusters.

I cannot help but wonder why they needed to be earned rather than come as standard? It feels unnecessary to upgrade the ship during a mission instead of concentrating on the task. Too convoluted.

Let's take another look at some more screenshots from my victorious venture...

Blast those gun turrets before attempting to sneak by.

Things are getting hectic in Lego land, which is very difficult to manoeuvre through.

Tips and level codes!

• Don't even think about skipping the training missions. Trust me!
• Bombs automatically activate after first shooting the pod. You have two options, leave the screen safely and survive or collect the extra cargo and take it home.
• Beware of how much cargo you're carrying. Extra weight means a slower ship using more fuel.
• Watch the walls, take your time and let the scrolling catch up with you.
• If something is able to shoot at you then it's best to shoot that first and clear the way.
• I hate to say this, but don't worry about ship upgrades as this wastes time (and fuel).
• I said don't skip the training but, if you really can't wait, here are the level codes:

Level 1 = GAG,

Level 2 = LIP,

Level 3 = SLY,

Level 4 = MEW,

Level 5 = AWE,

Level 6 = TNT.

 

As tough as it is, it's groovy-looking. Must admit, I do love the weird palette!

Argh, this level looks so passive but is insane! I died straight after taking this screenshot.

Input & Output

Controls are as familiar: fire button to (erm) fire, upwards to thrust, and left/right rotates your craft. I doubt there would be any reason to change this asteroid-ripping formula, as it's tried and tested. However, my problem is the craft's manoeuvrability, which is too sluggish by default, and that's a bit rubbish.

Graphically, Rotor is lovely, with a futuristic/Tron-like feel for the training simulator. Later levels look funky with colour and a design that feels 8-bit in some respects. The screen scrolls in four directions smoothly, but it will struggle to keep up with your ship if you go too fast. At least that forces you to be more careful!

The sounds are acceptable, albeit not the best you've heard. There are effects for the engine, shooting, enemies, etc. They hold back the deafening silence of space and make Rotor pretty much what you expect.

I think it's time for the final run of sexy screenshots...

Later levels are far too hard (for me) because there's too much going on for your sluggish ship.

Another later level, which has far too much going on for my reactions to cope with!

The CryptO'pinion?

I've enjoyed Rotor but not as much as I should have. Don't get me wrong, Rotor has good points like the training missions and groovy graphics. However, it complicates what should be a fun time for no decent reason. The most frustrating aspect is the need to upgrade ships during the game rather than after each stage.

There's a lot to moan about, I guess? I have enjoyed Rotor, it's good to play and something new. But let's not kid ourselves, it's bordering on mediocre compared to Thrust and Oids. Close but no cigar!

• PP has adapted Rotor to run from a hard drive, making it the best option.
• Atari Legend has a cool floppy disk.

Prehistorik

I've missed clubbing animals!

Incredibly, it was 7 years ago that I first featured a game by Titus called Prehistorik (go on, click that link). Unlike most games programmed in STOS, I found this cute, playable, and instantly very addictive. So I figured I should map this beautiful platformer right away and there are many more web pages of mapped Atari ST games here. Check 'em out!

Okay, it's been superb playing this game again and I still appreciate its simplicity; each level is pretty much the same albeit with different graphics and a few extra baddies. That's no bad thing, I hate it when developers attempt to bulk up a game with extra stages that often end up overbearingly bloated and unnecessary. So, it's great to see Titus sticking to their guns with lots of mindless animal bashing and yes, I have not changed my opinion of Prehistorik whatsoever.

I've tried to map everything correctly with all the items shown properly. This includes each of the caves and the secret rooms - I've added directional arrows to help navigate properly. Prehistorik has been an absolute blast and I hope you enjoy these maps as much as I've enjoyed making them? Let me know in the comments below if anyone's here?

Here are a few sneaky thumbnails of what to expect and you can download the hi-res images by clicking here.

Level one is very easy to play and features lots of caves with a few hidden screens.

Perhaps it's now I should warn of spoilers? Nah, download the maps and enjoy it for yourself!

Things are getting tough with new monsters (I really like those crafty snowmen throwing snowballs)

Actually, the snowmen are very tricky and this level has some formidable screens. The boss is rubbish...

We're in the woods for the penultimate level and guess what? It's a brilliant level!!

Well, except for those squirrels who throw their nuts with such annoying accuracy. Ooer!

The final level is a belter, and really enjoyable with great gameplay. I genuinely loved it!!

After all your hard work you return home to the family. Hey, check out my wife!