Magic Pockets

Fancy a game of pocket pool?

I finally rebought Magic Pockets by the awesome Bitmap Bros! Those guys sure knew how to program - never once settled for a lame Amiga port. So I'm proud to own what is nothing less than a belting piece of hiSTory by the Bitmaps!!

So the story? Ah, yes... Okay, the Bitmap Kid (BK to his burger friends) has been given a brand new pair of magical trousers from an old man he met in the park one evening. No, not really lol!! Anyhow, he loves these trousers but, finds out that his toys have somehow disappeared into a fantasy world: PocketLand. Of course, this cool Kid is determined to get his toys back. So, he enters via a black hole he conjured!! Boy, if there was ever a whackier storyline than this!

Anyhow, let's take a gander at a lovely bluey screenshot of the kid in his weird new world...

There are many crazy monsters to kill but... hang on... what's that TV doing there?

Short arms, deep pockets

PocketLand is split over four enormous levels - and they are HUGE. BK is armed with different powers depending on the world he's currently in. There are strange enemies and bonuses - heck, he even has extra abilities like the whirlwind to jump higher. Sometimes the route through can feel like a wild goose chase, but often you're led onto secret areas - that contain lots of goodies. I admire the design because most levels don't feel linear, even though they are.

Joystick controls are spritely with responsive action and movement. I have always liked the mechanics because - it feels less like a computer platformer and more like something a console would knock out. Of course, neither is better than the other. It's just how Magic Pockets feels (to me). So I like this game today as much as I did back in the 1990s.

Well, it's time for yet another screenshot. Wow, gripping stuff...

The first level nicely introduces various aspects of the game with its trippy mechanics.

Aesthetics

Visually, this has a Godly appearance that the Bitmaps sure enjoyed using. Lovely colours are splashed throughout every level and the scrolling is fast and fluent - so always manages to keep up the pace. However, it's the sprites that are something else; so many incredibly cute critters all of which are nicely animated too. Why can't all games look this beautiful?

The sound effects are fantastic but I would have preferred an option for a background tune. Famously, the title music is by Betty Boo but, I'm kinda meh about that. I guess it's nice to have and the quality is pretty good.

Get on your bike and get ready for another screenshot of crazy gameplay...

Hey, I've found a bike? Weeee, come on, there aren't many games like this!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Well, I'm new (again) to Magic Pockets so haven't gotten very far, if I'm honest. But, what a gem this platformer is and it's wonderful to play it again after all these years. I feel it hasn't aged badly whatsoever. In fact, it's still just as much fun and as entertaining as it ever was. You could say that I'm feeling like a big kid on Christmas Day here!!

Magic Pockets is an outstanding platformer and very easy to get into. This article might be a preview but, anything from the Bitmap Brothers is top-notch. So I know I'll be enjoying this for many moons to come. Highly recommended.

Downloaded for floppy and hard disk.

Things Not To Do

Electronic Images released one of the most hilarious Atari ST demos I have ever seen. I did try and record a video but my emulator missed some graphics and the sine scroller (which is beautiful) was jerking like it had a nervous twitch. So I burned the image to a floppy disk - because nothing beats the real hardware - and was able to enjoy it properly.

Download this utterly stupid demo from AtariMania then turn up the volume and enjoy the show.

Credits

4mat - Music

Count Zero - Music

Griff - Code, Text

J.C.B - Graphics (Animation)

Master - Graphics

Menace [upgraded]

When something isn't quite right...

Menace is one of the few Psygnosis games that I actually enjoy. I think it's a good shooter. Okay, it should have been much better with a little effort but, that's an Amiga company for you. Anyhow, it's still a decent shooter and I enjoy it a lot. But what's with the YELLOW ship compared to the other version? For years, I've hated that bland colour and wondered what they were thinking and if it was possible to change it to something better? Couldn't be difficult, right?

So I contacted Atari ST wizard Peter Putnik about it and he came back with a solution that works well. As you can see in both the video and screenshots, our spaceship now has a new paint job!! The caveat is a change to the (badly placed) status pane due to the 16-colour palette. Of course, the game remains the same but we now enjoy a white ship!

You know folks, this is what makes the Atari ST scene a marvellous place. Think about it, I wasn't happy with a commercial game from 30+ years ago so, I asked a guy who I've never met in another country for his thoughts. What does he do? He fixes it without hesitation for me. Incredible. What an amazing community we have.

My sincere thanks to Peter for being gracious with my request - this version of Menace is the only one I will now play on the Atari ST. Here's the download to the newly designed AtariCrypt White Star release of Menace (geddit?).

Please watch the video trailer above and also take a gander at these lovely screenshots...

Reanimators #6

Reanimators #6 features a few simple effects with a superb chiptune (hmm, it sounds familiar). You know me, I love sine scrollers and this one is a belter and displayed using the full range of lovely rainbow colours. On the disk is Thunderstrike, an incredible 3D shoot 'em up with outstanding graphics - it feels like an early Cybermorph ;-)

Credits

https://demozoo.org/productions/92358/

wave upon wave

There are many amazing artists out there and I've always had a soft spot for the guys that make up the incredible YM Rockerz. So here is the wonderful compilation called "wave upon wave" which they released 17 years ago! It features several tracks by their awesome musicians: 505, D-Force, Dma-Sc, Tao, Lotek Style and Milhouse.

It's impossible to pick a favourite, but I do love Shifter by Tao which you can listen to by clicking on the GEM green arrow. Check out the YM Rockerz website ... I think that I'm going to listen to "Seven" again tonight :-)

Wave Upon Wave by YM Rockerz [demozoo download]

Credits:

505 - Music

D-Force - Music

Dma-Sc - Music, Text

Exocet - Graphics

MC Laser - Graphics (ASCII), Music, Text

Milhouse - Music, Text

Tao - Code, Music

Midnight Sun

Today I fancied some ST GLAM!!

I've just been going through the latest uploads on Demozoo and there have been many incredible releases of demos, artwork and music from both the Outline and Sommarhack parties. I'm constantly blown away by what the DHS boys can produce: the video above is of Midnight Sun for the Atari STe which runs in complete overscan!!

Credits for Midnight Sun by Dead Hackers Society

Crazy Q - Music

Evil - Code

Excellence In Art - Other (Sample sequence)

Proteque - Graphics

https://demozoo.org/productions/174400/

Now check out these screenshots for an idea of what the Atari ST #demoscne is cable of knocking out. Remember, YouTube is good, but nothing beats the experience of using a real Atari ST/e computer. #JustSaying :p

P-47 Thunderbolt

P-47 was released in 1988 by Firebird and is based on the popular Jaleco arcade game. There are several levels through a wide variety of landscapes so put on your Biggles outfit because you're about to reach for the skies.

Any shoot 'em up needs decent scrolling, awesome controls and lots of enemies to kill which P-47 has by the bucket load. It's immediately obvious the teamwork that went into development has certainly paid off with a quality product: choose either a 50/60Hz display with smooth parallax scrolling, great graphics throughout and fast sprites that honour the original. Funky chipmusic plays alongside the pizazz sound effects, both of which are great.

The action is hectic as the planes whizz into view and tanks blasting artillery - they're just asking for a MOAB!! Other levels have us flying through sunset clouds, pyramids, and over the seas - I love the missiles which emerge from underwater. Strangely, the bosses are easy to defeat by simply positioning yourself in a safe place and repeatedly dropping a payload of bombs. Each level varies but the concept remains the same: fly, avoid, panic, and kill everything.

Where P-47 fails is the frustratingly high difficulty because your screen will always be cluttered with many baddies and a collision is inevitable. Stick with it; collect the power-ups, learn the enemy's attack pattern and keep on firing - practice makes perfect!! Sure, this is imperfect but it's also one I really enjoy and a darn challenging shoot 'em up.

Stonish has the game on floppy disk and I recommend New Order #20 Menu CD.

Hard drive installable versions are available by both 8BitChip and D-Bug.

Enter "ZEBEDEE" into the high score:

Press F1 for a level skip

press F2 for infinite lives. Have fun!!

Bold / Wiliness III

 

 

BeST laid plans...

I recently came upon an unreleased shoot 'em up called Bold, by Laurent Kermel which I instantly liked. But I then did something most guys don't normally do - I read the documentation!! This listed his website - which still works - and that linked through to an Atari ST section that detailed lots of unfinished ST games. Just look at these pictures of Slug, Dragoon Twins, Tenesis, and Empire. Impressive STuff I'm sure you will agree? O_o

I contacted Laurent to thank him for Bold and another game I download - a Dungeon Master clone called Wiliness 3. I've only just started to play that, but boy is it a cracker. Laurent is a really nice guy who I enjoyed talking with - I urgently suggest fans of either shooters or RPGs, should play Bold and Wiliness 3.

Here's the link to the Atari ST section of his current website along with his superb YouTube video.

- B O L D -

Lazy programmers say the ST can't scroll

Bold is fantastic, albeit unfinished, shoot 'em up for the Atari ST/e and is influenced by a number of other games. I personally feel it's a cross between Zynaps or R-Type with fast and frantic gameplay as every enemy zooms onto the screen like they're on steroids. Quick reactions are the order of the day.

I love the graphics but it's a shame there's a large part of the screen unused - probably meant for a status panel? Bold isn't controlled using a joystick but instead the mouse and, I admit that the thought of this failed to impress me, at first. I changed my mind after the first play because it's perfect for sharp manoeuvrability.

Any model of ST is compatible but Bold plays better (and smoother) if you have a Blitter chip. Of course, all Atari STe computers are fine but others may need to shop with exxos to fill that empty socket inside their STFM. Sadly, those really old pre-1987 STs might not even have an empty socket so I imagine an extra cost?

Although unfinished, Bold is furiously great with precise mouse control I loved. A thrilling shooter!!

The Bold web page has the download and a nifty walkthrough of each level.

I made a video but I hate YouTube so advise you don't watch and instead PLAY the game :-)

A cheat code is mentioned in the interview with Laurent within Alive Magazine #09.

Chris Swinson, aka Exxos, sells Blitter chips but I've now exhausted my hardware knowledge...

- W I L I N E S S  III -

Grab a flask and sword, we're going in!!

Laurent developed a Dungeon Master clone called Wiliness 3 which is shockingly professional and certainly on par with the FTL classic and another favourite of mine, Walls Of Illusion. The RPG experience is amazing with a familiar user interface as we crawl through another creepy dungeon. Of course, it's unfinished but 6 levels are playable plus I liked the control system and those eerie sound effects. Wiliness had the potential to be a winner. It really did...

This is something I need to spend a weekend on sometime very soon. Brilliant dungeon crawler!

The Wiliness web page has the download and a BUCKET load of help and information!!

Finally, check out Walls Of Illusion and the newly updated Dungeon Master games for the Atari STe.

 

Bootblock

First impressions

There are so many different boot sector programs that add cool fx onto a floppy. This helps to prevent virus infections but we all love the dazzling effects and some are technically amazing! Bootblock by The Fingerbobs is one of my favourites programs that writes a number of boot sectors and the one above is Bladerunners. Which is ace!!

Credits: Bootblock was coded by Oberje of Fingerbobs with music by Jochen Hippel.

There are lots of great boot sectors to choose from and I love finding awesome programs like this. There are more lurking out there somewhere in ST Land. Let me know in the comments below what programs you've found...

Flappy Bird

The world's gone mad!

I always said I wouldn't do it... but... here we are!! Yes, the most annoying game has arrived on the Atari ST and I've played it. Well, tried to as I managed about 30 minutes before I felt like throwing the joystick out my bedroom window. The animation, above, is just a slice of the hell I went through. I hope y'all have a giggle at my pain - it wasn't fun whatsoever lol

Well, I will say one thing about this maddening game, it looks great as it torments you. The graphics are bright and colourful plus it's running in 1VBL which means the scrolling is ultra-smooth. However, I just don't get it so I'm left wondering why the entire world appears to be in love with this flappy little flyer? What are they seeing that I'm not? Or is it me? :o

I never reached a point where I started to appreciate or enjoy this game. I simply hate Flappy Bird so much!!!!

Those who feel brave (or IMHO foolish) can grab the download from the AtariMania website.

The Seven Gates Of Jambala

THALION!!

The Seven Gates Of Jambala was released in 1989 by Grandslam thanks to many talented sceners at Thalion. I bought this a few years ago and paid handsomely too. Not only because it's by Thalion, but it came sealed and in pristine condition: opening it was immense, especially when I got close and breathed in that trapped 1980s air... Mmm!!

There are some big names associated with this platformer, which I'm sure many will recognise from the ST's demo scene. These talented scenes knew how to get the most from the ST and prove what this computer is capable of - when programmed by people who didn't make excuses. Sadly, as with Enchanted Land, this is another that looks and sounds better than it plays. Don't get me wrong, the basic mechanics are good but there's something "off". I don't like how he shoots plus the momentum/slippy floors are weird. Especially when at the edge of a tight platform!

Am I being harsh? Perhaps I'll return to this for a proper playtest and review? Let me know in the comments!

Downloads are available by Klaz (for floppy and hard drive - plus a trainer). You will need that trainer...

- SCREENSHOTS -

We begin in a village but beware the threat of drowning in tiny purple puddles!



Where could these doors possibly take us? Let's knock and find out...

Woo!! It's really creepy down here and there are monsters too. Watch out!



The tunnels reminded me of No Buddies Land! You can find THAT on this website too :o)

Mudpies

Time for a Food Fight!

Mud Pies is one of the oldest Atari ST games there is - please - don't go off graphics. This game stars a kid called Arnold who loves the circus. Until it came to his town, so he threw a pie at one of the clowns. Unfortunately, these clowns aren't known for having a sense of humour and chased after him! There's only one thing left to do... No, we aren't running off to tell Mum - we're gonna throw more pies!!

Each screen represents a tent from the circus with an invading army of clowns - they're like jelly monsters dressed up as Ronald McDonald! They wander, waving their arms and chucking juggling pins. This invasion lasts forever but the pies won't! Look for an open door to another tent full of mud pies - and more clowns.

Throwing a mud pie at a clown will see them flying off the screen (even more will score extra points). However, try not to get yourself trapped in a corner otherwise, you might receive a juggling pin knockout blow!

I can imagine this is starting to sound insane? Well, check out the 1985 graphics and try not to laugh...

Just imagine the look on today's kids if you show 'em this 1985 game. Will they "get it"?

Simple, yet brilliant!

Challenge rooms are a bit different from the standard tents because they have no mud pies but instead, lots of clowns to avoid whilst grabbing the prizes - for 1000 points. Every 20,000 points, a secret door will appear for the chance to enter into a Mudslinging Round where you have 30secs to throw pies at wandering clowns!!

Don't clown about too much! Getting hit isn't good for your health and dying shows your body being carried away on a stretcher to the first aid tent. That can happen only three times before it's game over. Talented pie chuckers will be delighted that freebie lives are awarded every 10,000 points, which is a nice bonus.

Keep an eye on the health meter displayed top/left - this is split into three segments with the middle one enabling you to run very fast. However, this speed is reduced if you become too hungry or if you've over-faced on burgers and fries. The trick is to keep your health a nice happy medium throughout for maximum agility.

Come on, let's pause this reading and take a look at another quality screenshot...

Always frantic, always fun and so addictive. This game is eternal!!

Aesthetics

Graphically, this isn't stressing the Atari ST in the slightest. But remember that it was developed and released in 1985 before programmers knew how to push our computer. Having said that, it's got a certain Charley Chuck charm to it and, as a gamer since the early 1980s, I love its retro feel. No, I absolutely love it :)

Spot-sound effects are fine, but it is best to leave the music on. Again, this isn't anything near the quality we are used to hearing but it's still surprisingly enjoyable. No complaints, it's an old game remember!

Come on guys, how a game looks and sounds never really matters. Mudpies certainly proves this...

Oh, just take a look at the high-score table!! Can ya' beat me??? ;-)

The CryptO'pinion?

It's impressive that MichTron (Philip McKenzie and Jeffrey Sorenson) knocked this out for a computer that was practically unknown back in 1985. I can't imagine how exciting that was - and daunting too. But when Mudpies came along it must have been a breath of fresh air to all those rich people that could afford an ST!

Think what you will, but Mudpies is a terribly entertaining take on Food Fight with silly gameplay that transports us back to our youth. Abusing clowns is never boring - I can't imagine a better way to spend an afternoon than slinging mud pies at them. This is so much FUN and that's what matters most. Play this.

Grab a piece of this old skool action for either floppy or hard drive. Enjoy!!

Flying Shark

Flying sharks?

I remember the first time I booted up this game thanks to a cover disk, by ST/Amiga Format. I was still at college and seeing stunning graphics, without colour clash, was still new to me. This is actually a rather faithful representation of the coin-op with superb controls and accompanied by the most memorable chip music. The play area might not slide from side to side (as in the arcades) but that isn't required thanks to our wider resolution ratio when you think about it.

Firebird released a classic shoot 'em up with Flying Shark. It's got everything you require for a thrilling experience.

- SCREENSHOTS & LINKS -

Klaz's Hideaway has the HDD and floppy version w/trainer!

Atarilegend has Flying Shark on Zuul #37 floppy disk.

ST/Amiga Format cover disk #7 can be downloaded from ST Format.

The game is beginning. Hold onto your hat and get ready!!

Take that you tank scum!!

Blasting the boats, I notice enemy planes coming from the east.

They are no match for me and my lightning reactions. Ahem...

Zone Warrior

Wanna be a Timecop?

I love platform shooters; this was developed in 1991 by Imagitec Design for Electronic Arts. The story is simple, pesky aliens are causing grief for us Earthlings. They have pinched a time machine and are using it to alter history and wreak havoc by taking hostages from different periods. This is an attempt to halt their influence... The invention of the wheel. England's King Arthur united the Britons. Japan's technical wizardry!

Yep, we cannot allow it and the fight is on! So, brace yourself because we are travelling into these time zones to rescue everybody. Thus saving the timeline and protecting our future. Whilst there, we may as well kill each and every bad dude that gets in our way. Yup, it's time to save the day again so let's lock and load!!

Before we begin, check out this screenshot and tell me what other run & gunner it reminds you of...

Pick-ups are pretty cool but something like the Map parts is essential for this huge platformer!!

Are you ready for a challenge?

Zone Warrior is a MASSIVE horizontally scrolling platformer that reminded me of Psygnosis' Baal in looks with (more than) a hint of Turrican-style action. Each zone is a labyrinth of rooms interconnected by a series of complicated doorways. A total of five time zones need to be saved from the dreaded aliens...

• Prehistoric - I really enjoyed this zone because it introduces you nicely into the gameplay style plus there are lots of power-ups and strong map designs compared to most other levels. I also thought the graphics were the best here with great use of the palette.

• Egyptian - This is is little disappointing for me because it's basically more of the same design but with a different graphics. However, I found it to be a lot harder and rather frustrating instead of anything close to an enjoyable challenge...

• Medieval - Saving the medieval Britons from their alien fate is a brilliant level and definitely on par with the Prehistoric Zone. I must admit, the music here is so gorgeous!

• Japanese - I would rate this as the best level of all because it is really challenging, with some great mechanics. Unlike the finicky Egyptian Zone, I found it tough but without the frustration. And the chipmusic is out of this world!!

• Holocaust - Sadly I didn't care for this zone... Very frustrating and ultimately annoying!

Travelling most zones is a neat experience with constant action to keep your trigger finger happy. During the onslaught, look for hostages and a key for the final battle (before you can progress to the next zone).

Each of these periods has its own nasties to contend with and some cannot be killed, so avoid the Venus flytraps and sharp spikes. However, most have legs or teeth, so have your trusty Turrican-inspired weapon ready. This is a rapid-firing gun that performs well and can even be upgraded with a wider spread. Also, the spacebar cycles through extra weapons you may have picked up like bombs and mines. Experiment but use wisely.

Okay, let's check out another screenshot of Tur...Erm, no, I meant Zone Warrior...

I really enjoyed the prehistoric levels with dinos and cool methods used to avoid them!

Aesthetics?

The visuals are a mixed bag; on the one hand, they look amazing with lush colours and nice details. The sprites are well-drawn and meticulous, especially the stripy dinos from the Prehistoric Zone. The scrolling is great and responsive to our hero's fast/leaping movements, essential to a running-gunner-shooter like this. However, the variety of the backdrops could have been better, especially as things get samey after a while.

Overall, the Medieval and Japanese zones looked the best, I thought. Sexy visuals!

The audio is a blast with great effects throughout. However, it's the music I really loved because everything is composed by Barry Leitch who created a wealth of fantastic chiptunes. Show-stompingly brilliant audio!!

Variety is the spice of life <sarcasm incoming> so if you like yellows, you will love this screenshot...

The graphics and music may change but the gameplay is pretty darn familiar for each level...

The CryptO'pinion?

The trouble with Zone Warrior is that it's too easy to lose your bearings. The levels are huge and wandering from "room to room" can be overwhelming. This is also due to the indistinct visuals so each area begins to feel repetitive. Thankfully, our zone warrior can collect pieces of a map to help prevent him from getting lost but I thought it was poorly implemented. Yes, I lost my bearings... a lot... and that spoilt my fun.

With a little more variation in the graphics, to help distinguish between the locations, this would have knocked the spots of other platform shooters. This is a great game with interesting mechanics and incredibly responsive joystick controls. It might whiff of Turrican but I have really enjoyed being a Zone Warrior!!

Yep, Zone Warrior is a fantastic shooter and comes highly recommended by yours truly. Play this!!

 Update: we now have a hard drive installable game thanks to Peter @8BitChip.

 Stonish has the floppy disk download thanks to the Fuzion #80 disk :-)

  

Criminals In Disguise #22

I love anything with swirling dots especially sine scrollers so this intro by Criminals In Disguise is right up my street. The fx are very nice with beautiful hum-tastic chipmusic that I can leave playing all day. My video recording is fine but (you know what I'm going to say) it's best experienced using a real Atari computer for visual perfection and much better sound. Especially on the Atari STe, so connect it up to your speakers and crank up the volume!!

This disk contains Jetpac, which is an awesome conversion of the Speccy original.

Sinister Developments

Cheap & nasty shareware

Sinister Developments was one of the best shareware groups and released five fantastic arcade games. Each was their own take on the original and it was obvious that a lot of love went into their creations. Fantastic graphics, audio and ultra-smooth gameplay which felt authentic yet somehow regenerated and fresh.

Only recently I stumbled upon the Sinister Developments website. I was surprised they still had their old Atari ST software featured with download links. Seeing such Fuji wonders listed on a website was both a shock and a pleasure - a website that also looked like it hadn't been updated in many generations!! Sadly, the download links didn't work. So, I decided to send them an email and kept my fingers crossed for a response. After all, I did not expect to receive any kind of reply from such an ancient website...

Surprisingly, I got a reply straight away from Gordon Gibson! He fixed the broken links and kindly supplied full (registered) versions of each title. Yep, all for free without any strings attached (is it my birthday?). For reference, the incredible Atarimania now has each game featured within its archives.

You've probably watched the brilliant Space Invaders video (above)? Well, check out Galaxians...

The Sinister Archive!

• Centipede - Gordon said they wanted a mix between Centipede and Millipede which worked out well. I found a few bugs but nothing to stop the fun as this is a frantically zany and frenzied version of the classic. A superb conversion. (To bypass the shareware message just press "ESC" key on the language screen).

• Painter - I personally thought this was the weakest of the bunch but it's still enjoyable and very difficult with killer AI (literally). There is also funky stereo music on the Atari STe - yeah!!

• Asteroids - This begins with a familiar intro supporting stereo playback for the Atari STe. Inintially, I found it difficult but, after a few tips from the man himself, I got to grips with it. I still suck at it, but at least I'm "better"!! (To bypass the shareware message just press "F10" key on the language screen).

• Space Invaders - This is my favourite of the bunch. It's a beauty and feels perfectly authentic it screams brilliance. Yet again, the Atari STe features DMA music with stereo sound effects too. (To bypass the shareware message just type in "PEPSI MAX" on the language screen).

• Galaxians - I've always been rubbish at this gamr but it's such a great conversion. I think that Sinister have created one of pure gold and it had me feeling that I'm back in the 1980s. (To bypass the shareware message just press "INSERT" key on the language screen).

The CryptO'pinion?

Sinister Developments' history proves their talent as each game is a brilliant arcade conversion. Just as impressive is the use of various Atari STe enhancements, which is always cool. Oh, did I mention that all these games are now free? :) Come on, that is incredibly generous. Do you feel the Atari love in the air?

Five outstanding arcade games which I know every Atari ST/e player is gonna love. Which is your favourite??

Please note - to safeguard this precious archive of Atari ST gaming history, I have stored them in my Dropbox. So, what are you waiting for? Get these Atari ST/e games downloaded right now? I'm sure you're gonna love 'em all!!

Archer Maclean Pool

Fancy a game of pool & a few beers?

Jimmy White's Whirlwind Snooker is terrific and technically superb but, it wasn't long before I was falling asleep. Sorry, but that's snooker for you... but shortly afterwards I realised I had never played Archer Maclean's Pool.

Pool is different. It's an exciting, fast-paced pub game and nothing like the dullness of snoozeville snooker. American and English variations of this game are playable with the added option to play through tournaments or to set up trick shots. If you've played Whirlwind then you'll instantly take to this but I doubt any newcomers will struggle with the interface, which is instinctive and easy to grasp. In fact, some might say this is the same snooker game and a rip-off?

Wanna see a screenshot? Well, you can't!! So how about an animation instead? Good, here ya' go...

What a whiz I am at this game! Go on, watch me clear up lol

Pool is illegal without beer! #fact

Well, ignore them and play this using the mouse to alter your viewing angle but don't forget to chalk the cue before setting up the shot with the right amount of power, spin and direction. There is a wide range of computer opponents from the amateur to the godlike, so it's best to practice before taking on the pros. They. Are. Tough!

Graphics are... well... it's a table with balls on it, so there isn't much to drool over, but the framerates are very smooth and prove just what 8MHz can deliver. The 3D engine works well with fantastic first-person-like views when lining up a shot. Let's not forget the game's comical side with taunting balls, evil-eyed fans or the flies on the table!! Sound effects are nice and rather varied with clinks, plops and oddly humorous cue-chalking moments.

What I love about this game is the superb design which feels natural and realistic. After your first shot, you realise how incredibly superior the hidden mathematical calculations are that make the physics appear so believable. There are near-limitless possibilities for each shot you make, which is quite incredible.

Pool might be a serious game but that hasn't stopped the balls from taking the Micky out of you...

You know from the very start this is gonna be good. Then the balls get very rude... Ahem!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Sure, this is a game best experienced with friends in a pub with heavy double-vision but, let's be honest, we're all getting old plus the wife won't be best pleased. So, let's stick to this virtual take on the game which comes in as a close second.

I cannot imagine anyone having anything to complain about because this is superb and one of the best Atari ST games out there. It's fast, entertaining and completely faultless. Absolutely love this virtual pub game so much!!

So, to sum up this beast of a "sports game" I would say this: It's blummin' brilliant and you will love it a bunch!

Waste no more time and get this downloaded for floppy disk from Stonish.
Those with a hard drive device should consider this version by 8BitChip!!

Phobia

Busy box art!

ImageWorks released Phobia back in 1989 with a gorgeous retro-themed cover. The artwork is stunning with lots of colour, action and a cruel glare from evil eyes. I think this box perfectly reflects the gameplay! Phobia has all the hallmarks of a potentially outstanding shooter but it's impossible to get very far without a trainer because of its choppy framerate. Probably a poor port and it pales in comparison to shooters like R-Type, Alien World, or Menace.

Well, I bought Phobia for only 99 pence and it was sealed too. The box and contents are in superb condition but I wonder why nobody ever bought it? <yes, sarcasm!>. Maybe I'll be brave and record a video? Maybe... Yeah, right!

 - ST Format #1 reviews Phobia but wasn't too impressed with the difficulty - lol wimps!!

 - D-Bug has a download with a trainer and hard drive support.

 - Stonish has floppy disks and I liked Timelords #29 Menu CD (1MB).

 - Here is a fantastic video recording by Stefan Lindberg.
 - My tweet after playing Phobia for a few minutes... ARGGHHHHHH!!!

I should have known this was going to be hard with such a hideous screen.

Annnd this next screenshot is of me and my ship being blown up! Again.

Automation #496

Press 1 for...

Nope, there's none of that with Automation #496 because this intro is based on Rick Dangerous. Well, there's no actual interaction and little to do other than walk and climb ladders. But it's a cool alternative compared to the usual menus we would have seen. Just control Ricky D. with the joystick, and enter a doorway to select a game to play!!

Credits

E.G.B. - Code

Count Zero - Music

https://demozoo.org/productions/65222/