Clown-O-Mania sounds like the perfect title for today's crazy world. Instead, it's an Atari ST game developed by Matthias Krenzel and Carsten Mohr and released in 1990 by Starbyte. However, it's not a game I remember; my first impressions are of Spindizzy Worlds or Crystal Castles, which is not a bad thing.
So what's the story? Well, Beppo the Clown was strolling through the circus and found a mysterious map. Not just any map, but a mysterious map! This tells of a hidden place with valuable crystals. Beppo cannot ignore the temptation and quits the circus. Oddly, he remains in his clown gear and makeup! Anyhow, he finds the location and wants the crystals. Can we help him get rich? It's doubtful with me in charge of the joystick!
Let's look at the opening level, which is a great way to learn the basics...
Many levels are designed with multiple layers accessible via ladders and more. I've collected a few crystals, but what are those two green "things"?
Can you see those blue boxes? They look helpful.
Let's play
All levels are displayed as an isometric map using different square tiles. Each is a mini-labyrinth made of sections, so teleporters, ladders, and more are used to get around. The objective is dead simple - collect every crystal. Earlier maps are easy, and they help to gradually introduce different elements and enemies as you progress. That's about as complex as this game gets. Collect the pills like Pac-Man and move on to the next.
Of course, it's not always so straightforward, as later levels are large and littered with pitfalls and enemies. Thankfully, there are collectables to aid your quest, like "jumps" and "razors". Jumps are a teleport and great when things get too difficult. Razors can be used as projectile weapons to kill the nasties.
The tiles of each maze offer various benefits alongside some strange effects. Arrowed tiles allow you to move only in a particular direction. Coloured tiles provide bonuses when they're all the same. Blue tiles reminded me of Wipeout to provide extra speed. Jump tiles leap you into high places (rewards for landing on a baddie!). However, the most infuriating are the yellow-patterned tiles that twist the world on its head!
Additionally, funnels and transporters provide instantaneous access to other areas. Those are blue with a yellow dot and reminded me of a litter tray lol. Use the pyramids to block the path of roaming baddies - think along the lines of Highway Encounter. However, you should increase your energy levels to utilise them fully. Fortunately, clown masks are scattered throughout the levels, offering a much-needed extra life.
Movement is slick and responsive using the joystick, of course. Pushing up moves you diagonally up/right, whereas pulling down moves you down/left. It sounds awkward, but I grew up with isometric games from 1984 (thank you, Knight Lore), so I'm used to this concept. It's easy to learn and perfectly apt.
What, you think this is an overcomplicated isometric Pac-Man? Let's break with some screenshots...
One of the first collectables is a severed bald head. Or a 1-UP ;o)
Watch out, those yellow tiles will flip everything on its head!
Aesthetics
Visually, this game is both fantastic and disappointing. What, I hear you cry! Am I insane? Well, yes, but hear me out... The pixel art is (I think) by Orlando Petermann and Roman Bossart, and they did a wonderful job. Beppo's details are superb, albeit with a surreal Rolling Ronny vibe. I also love the baddies (great AI) and each level, whilst lacking the glam of other isometric games, looks clean and concise.
Sadly (here we go), the poor old AtariST might look good, but the programming behind the scenes fails by comparison. It feels like a weak Amiga port because there is no scrolling. That makes later levels far too difficult, as you cannot see what enemies are nearby. Not until it's too late (think Cannon Fodder).
The audio fares much better with a belting chiptune by Adrian Dalecki. It's subtle and suits the gameplay without overpowering your concentration. Sadly, this is the only tune constantly playing alongside the sound effects. There's nothing wrong per se, as the music (and effects) are good, but more tunes were needed.
It's not looking that great, isn't it? Well, let's take another pause for some screenshots...
Why not change the colour of those tiles like in Jumping Jack'son.
Level 9 appears far more complex than it is. Hey, if I can do it...
The CryptO'pinion
It's tough to give an opinion when I didn't get anywhere near completing this game. After about a quarter of the way through, I hit a brick wall as the lack of scrolling made it impossible for me to continue. I'm genuinely gutted because I was having a blast until then. The levels are great and require much concentration to figure out a safe route, whilst worrying about other elements such as traps and the map's many enemies.
This game had great potential, but ultimately, it didn't fully deliver. It's obvious why. I'm disappointed Starbyte rushed this game through without utilising the ST's capabilities. My rating is a disappointing 55%.
I hate lame ports, but I'm always interested in your thoughts. Let me know in the comments.
Evil Reptilons are hell-bent on destroying us humans and taking hold of Planet X. They've enslaved much of the population, forcing them to build a robot army for an invasion. Jake and Duke are two heroes with a simple plan: destroy as many robots as possible, trash the computers, rescue cute girls, and save the day.
Robot Monsters is played in a fashion similar to other 3D isometric games you might have seen, going back to the days of Knight Lore. Imagine a pinch of Buck Rogers with a dollop of Gauntlet, and you get the idea. The goal is to rescue the humans, without forgetting those held in stasis pods! Along the way are traps designed for us, soft fleshy humans: sharp spikes, rotating chunks of metal, and electric floor panels.
All this is going on whilst Planet X constantly spawns enemy robots. Yes, the alien horde is relentless, so you'd better be quick on the trigger, otherwise you will be overrun. It's insane, but it works. And it works better than other games that employ the same mechanic because it's manageable and playable.
This game is like living a B-Movie, so let's see some screenshots from the intro...
Grab a raygun and fight
We're not going to sit back and take this invasion lightly. Armed with a powerful weapon that is great for quick kills. However, refrain from overuse; otherwise, it is less effective. Thankfully, it can be charged by collecting the green blobs that a dead robot might leave behind after dying. There are also bombs - hit the shift key and they detonate. That kills anything nasty within your vicinity - even the captives, so be careful.
There are bonus stages along a canal route after a few levels, and they feature many extra bonuses. These aren't essential to your overall progress. Also, I wasn't too eager about them because I wanted to get playing the main game. The big Reptilon boss will first seem an impossible opponent, but there is a cunning way to avoid it by using a few bombs and a little joystick waggling!! Just ask me if you need any help.
A cynic might say, that's all there is to this game: Run around, kill monsters, rescue girls. Well, yes and no. Yes, that's the gist, AND IT'S BRILLIANT!! But no, you're a knob for even thinking that. Look, just play it.
I know, I know, you want more screenshots from the intro. Well, you're in luck...
Next-Gen aesthetics!
Back in the day, I remember being blown away by the comical artwork, which still looks great. In-game, I adore the isometric 3D viewpoint, which is perfect, and the entire environment has superb attention to detail. The Alien Hoard is varied and excellent - my favourite being the biscuit-looking guys lol. They're not biscuits, of course, but they are cute! That's this game to a tee; it's different and loves to be different. It works perfectly.
The audio is a blast, with zappy effects complementing the gorgeous background music. I like how it integrates during gameplay. Sure, I wish we had an extra channel, but the music beats away while you hear relevant sound effects. It works and sounds amazing. I loved the music, so click the arrow and listen for yourself.
Go on, I said, click this arrow just below and enjoy the YM Bliss...
Don't run away. Come back, there are girls to be rescued and robots to kill!
The CryptO'pinion?
I have really enjoyed playing this great game again after all these years. This is one of those shooters stuffed to the brim with originality and frantic metallic mayhem. Running around killing everything is totally demented and done with a comical personality, using great characters. This is a superb isometric shooter.
It's as much fun to play today as it was in 1990. Such an iconic 16-bit shooter, and I love it to bits!!
This is one of my all-time favourite 8-bit games from the brilliant mind of Costa Panayi, Vortex Software. It's an understatement to say I was flabbergasted when I read an old post on Atari-Forum concerning the unreleased ST game, developed in 1990 by the late Mark Haigh-Hutchinson. Sadly, Vortex was unable to find a publisher, so the game was left to gather dust for years. Which is terrible when you think about it!
I always had a soft spot for Vortex and fondly remember playing Android, Cyclone and Revolution, but Highway Encounter was my favourite. It takes place on a stretch of highway populated by aliens, tricky puzzles, and many other obstacles to get in your way. The aliens invaded, and our robot convoy has the task of merrily pushing a bomb down the highway to destroy their mothership (located at the other end of this road).
Funny tidbit, I remember making a basic map of this back in the day. Very crude but I was pleased with my progress. Well, until I saw a screen-captured version in one of the magazines. Anyhow, there's a link to the Atari ST map right at the bottom of the page for all interested.
Right then, let's stop this badly written review for the first screenshot...
Guide our little friends the best you can; they have dangerous cargo!
Road rage!
Our version of Highway Encounter has not been modified with pointless bloatware, so it remains much the same. The obvious improvements are with the graphics; gone are the monochrome visuals for a world of technicolour. The highway and your objective remain the same, with many wacky aliens roaming about, causing trouble. Our droid colleagues are still daft and will get stuck on objects just like the original. However, this can be good: leave them behind - in safety - so you're free to clear the highway ahead of the dreaded aliens.
The joystick controls are spot-on perfect. If you appreciate isometric games, you'll be at home - left and right rotate, forward to accelerate and pulling back slows/stops movement. As expected, the weaponry is the same and features an ultra-cool energy bolt. This can be improved upon - thanks to power-ups lying along your road trip. So, the ultimate question - can you make it to the end of this motorway and save the day?
Interestingly, there is an editor to create your own highway. This is something I've yet to play with but I'd love to know if any of you guys have used it. Let me know in the comments below!
Let's take another pause from the reading to see another lovely screenshot...
Some wobbly things are approaching! Let's kill 'em!!
Speccy aesthetics?
Visually, this is a joy with old-fashioned styles. In fact, I'm transported to 1985 by its authentic style that is updated yet preserved using a gorgeous palette that isn't over the top. In the 80s, isometric games were the in-thing, and this was one of the best examples of that genre. The sprites are as crazy as ever, making you appreciate the finer details of what was achieved. The ST has taken the original and bettered it.
As for the audio, in-game music would have spoiled the atmosphere and something I would have muted. Highway Encounter is all about careful planning and strategy, so it has to have sound effects. Thankfully, they are made from samples and perfectly futuristic for the zapping. It sounds great, and I love it!
I think we've got the room to squeeze in one final screenshot...
Those guys are almost too cute to kill. But let's kill 'em anyhow. Do you see a theme here?
The CryptO'pinion?
Let's take a moment to think about something. This is an Atari ST version of Costa Panayi's exceptional 8-bit game. Additionally, the original has been bettered with marvellous aesthetics whilst remaining faithful. What more could we desire? Unlike many, this is how all 16-bit remakes should have been produced.
Well done, Mark, I say. You respected the original and honoured us with a polished conversion. Highway Encounter will always be a Crash Smash, and the Atari ST has gained an exquisite remake.
Originally unreleased, yet shockingly one of the best games for the Atari ST!! 10/10.
Last year, I spent several fantastic weeks enjoying Where Time Stood Still, but was later left deflated because I also wanted to play The Great Escape. This was one of my favourite ZX Spectrum and a truly outstanding release. Alas, the Atari ST game was never meant to be (unless I used an emulator lol), but wipe away those snowflake tears because there might be light at the end of this 16-bit tunnel? Well, I hope so!
Here we have Mastertronic's very own The Last Trooper, which appears to be more than a tad inspired by the 8-bit classic! However, the historical storyline and adventure elements are completely gone in favour of four levels of brutal arcade-style killing. So grab your big boy pants because this is going to be tough!
Wanna see screenshots of this isometric Commando shooter? Yeah, of course, you do...
Escape the POW Camp in true A-Team style using whatever you can find...
Now it's time to attack your foes, but watch out for those GEM-Green mines!
Good but tough!
So, the game begins a little weird. We're a muscle-bound Schwarzenegger trapped inside an isometric POW camp, and we already have a machine gun! The objective is to find a way to escape - before attacking the enemy and destroying their entire base. The enemy will come after you constantly, but they're not the most intelligent and run around like headless chickens - a little annoyingly. Other soldiers will hide in trenches or operate gun turrets, and you should also look out for other traps, like camouflaged mines.
The controls are simple and very responsive, but I initially found it frustrating learning how to line up a shot to kill the frantic headless chickens - aka the enemy!! Your crusade won't last very long unless you eat the food that's been carelessly left lying about. Don't forget to top up your weapon with fresh ammo.
There are items you will need to source that will help you out later in the mission. These are essential items that might not be obvious at first: ropes are always handy to have, and there's a supply of wire cutters left inside the POW camp. Hmm, that's two interesting pointers you should remember. How helpful am I?
Well, enough reading! Let's check out some more screenshots...
Things got a little tiresome by the third level, which was more of the same but a lot harder!
But the fourth level is explosive and much better. Although it's a shame about the poor ending...
The CryptO'pinion?
I've quite enjoyed playing The Last Trooper - but only after activating a trainer for infinite lives. Without that, I failed to beat the second level due to the ridiculous difficulty, primarily thanks to the headless chickens running about. They blindly shoot everything with extreme efficiency. Who play-tested this game?
An above-average shooter that's quite flawed with its difficulty, but it's still a bundle of fun for an hour or two. However, if I'm being brutally honest, I'll stick with Fernandez Must Die and Elite's Commando.
Sorry, I meant to say, here we have Gauntlet 3 developed by Software Creations for US Gold. Yet another sequel to the incredible arcade game we love. Only this time, somebody thought that the winning formula of speed and frantic action wasn't good enough for the 1990s. Here we go. Yup, somebody decided that a modernized version with a new isometric design was needed to replace the classic overhead view.
Please note that I tried to keep an open mind throughout. Rather than being a grumpy old man wondering why his favourite game had been drastically changed. It's not all bad surely? Of course not, but why change a winning formula? Nevermind, let's crack on with the review...
Yes, it looks different, but in a good way, actually. I liked how we begin the opening levels in a spooky forest; this stage looks the part. All the familiar Gauntlet elements are lurking in these woods: ghosts, generators, treasure, and food. The idea remains much the same as ever - we hack and slash through to a medieval church, killing everything in our wake. Not only that, but the levels appear huge; this is a big game.
Let's view a cheap & tacky screenshot that I took with my phone off my Atari ST...
The ruins of an old church deep in the woods. That tree looks scary, so let's get inside quick!
Let's kill monsters!
First things first, who do we want to be - Warrior, Wizard, Rockman, Lizard Man, Elf, and more. That's right, there are many more characters! One or two players can team up (definitely better with two), and the classic gameplay mechanics remain much the same. We're still throwing axes, arrows, magic, and more directly into the faces of ghosts, goblins, and other hideous creatures that emerge from their generators.
The levels are vast and divided into several smaller sections, which you can revisit whenever you like. Monsters constantly spawn, so blast the generators! Remember your usual strategy: collect treasure and eat food. Shooting a potion clears the screen of enemies, or you can collect them for later use. Escaping to the next realm is only possible after completing simple tasks like collecting keys and that sorta stuff.
Essentially, they wanted this to be Gauntlet but with an isometric perspective. Unfortunately, I doubt that’s feasible. The original’s timeless appeal stemmed from the ability to start blasting monsters instantly, whether solo or with others. The action was fast-paced, but this isn’t the case with Gauntlet 3. Not even close.
I've progressed into the weirdly designed church for this next screenshot...
Inside the church are many ghosts and awkward objects to try to walk around...
Fighting in slo-mo?
The gameplay is a lot slower, so gone is that instant enjoyment of mass killing we love. The thrill has been replaced with a more sedate exploration that happens to include killing. That's how it feels to me; the frenzied action has gone. That's made worse thanks to the level design and terrible control mechanics.
Even walking is an issue, as the levels are littered with objects that need to be walked around. That might not sound like a big deal, but it is. I was sick & tired of getting stuck on the scenery. This applies to your weapons, which are often blocked when trying to hit a target. Heck, even the ghosts suffer from this problem!
The controls are lethargic and verrrrrry sluggish, making walking incredibly tiring. Furthermore, the attack speed is far too slow. This means we can’t destroy generators unless we walk and fight through hordes of ghosts, losing energy in the process. A faster firing rate would have instantly fixed this problem.
Surely, it's not all bad? No, but let's view one final screenshot before my judgment...
Looks like we've just walked straight into an ambush. Shoot the generators, if you can!
The CryptO'pinion?
Gauntlet 3 was programmed by Bill Barna of Software Creations, and I wonder if his job was to rush through a nasty Amiga port. It certainly feels that way. This is very disappointing given the company’s history of producing classics like Bubble Bobble, Ghouls & Ghosts, and Bionic Commando. What went wrong?
Ignoring that it's supposed to be the third in the series, this is actually enjoyable in its own right. I liked exploring the various lands and killing everything in sight. While the controls are somewhat problematic, it’s still a decent game. However, it falls short as a "Gauntlet" game and only redeems itself in co-op with a friend.
Update: I have contacted Peter Putnik (8BitChip) to ask about a hard drive version that supports faster Atari computers. Once again he worked his magic and I've been enjoying Gauntlet 3 on my 16MHz Atari STe and yes, I said the word with enjoy in it!!
Sure, it still isn't perfect but, if you have a faster computer, then this update will help to eliminate some problems, especially with the unresponsive controls.
And that's big news!! Gauntlet III is playable, at last.
Of all the games in this wonderful Super Pack collection, it is (ironically) Atari's own Marble Madness which I was looking forward to the least. I've never played the arcade original, but I did have a number of clones back in my Sinclair ZX Spectrum days - and I hated every one of them!! So, we're off to a good start lol.
Shockingly, the ST conversion was programmed by Will Harvey. After all, this is the guy who made the excellent Zany Golf and The Immortal, so my expectations were already high... Ahem...
To be honest, I find the whole Marble Madness concept pointless and frustrating. I've simply no patience to spend any amount of time on something that was obviously designed to torture people like me. However, I must keep an open mind and attack this game just as I would any other... Maybe I've been wrong all these years?
Not exactly off to a great start, so let's take a break for a couple of screenshots...
The first level looks good, but is a cheap imitation with missing decals
Level two introduces us to the enemy - a black ball that loves to play chase... Weird!
So what's it about?
The aim of Marble Madness is to navigate a ball through six isometric mazes that feature tricks like moving platforms, vents and even "monsters" that zap you for valuable time loss. Yes, there's a timer, so the quicker you complete each screen, the more time you accumulate for the next. This idea is pretty cool and forces you to master each level the best you can. Or you could play coop head-to-head, which works well.
The controls are awkward, so you will probably miss that trackerball. Sure, I've no trackball myself, but I found the ST's mouse to be nothing less than useless as I wildly zipped about in every direction except the one I wanted. The joystick proved to be a better choice for diagonal movements, and holding down fire delivers a burst of speed. This is good for climbing slopes or avoiding baddies - just try not to fall over the edge!
Sadly, the controls aren't without their quirks, and sometimes it felt like my blue ball had a mind of its own: many times, I'd move one way only to see it go another! Plus, there are bugs, lots of bugs: level two features an invisible wall that your ball can ignore and drop down into oblivion. Level three crashed on me twice!
Not going well, is it? Well, let's take another break for some more screenshots...
I've dodged two wibbly things, but there's another black ball about to chase!!
Those green blobs are slow and easy to beat. Hang on, what's that vent used for...?
Aesthetics
Graphically, I expected better from the ST. Just look at its title screen if you don't believe me - what were they thinking? The game resembles the arcade levels but feels rushed with many missing decals, bland colours, and weak shadows. It's rubbish compared to other isometric games I've enjoyed on my Atari ST.
The audio is quite poor. The sound effects barely resemble the original, and the music is irritating at best.
Yikes, I really am not enjoying this part of the Super Pack!! Screenshot time...
Level four has some of the most infuriating moments...
...the kind that has you screaming at the poor ST!!!!
The CryptO'pinion?
Okay, I know I have never liked Marble Madness - but - I have kept an open mind. Honestly, I've tried my best, but time has not healed my wounds, and it failed to deliver the slightest hint of enjoyment. Also, the ST appears to have received an incredibly lame conversion that feels rushed and riddled with silly bugs.
Marble Madness is the weakest game in the Super Pack; it's worse than Chopper X, so I think I'll be fine not booting it up again. It feels rushed and without the dedication the ST deserved. I hate it with a passion!!
ImageWorks' 1988 hit Bombuzal is one of those games that I remember seeing in the magazines of the day. Those pixels - I couldn't believe the cartoon-like quality of the main character within a colourful isometric world. We play the part of an odd potato-shaped dude who performs a funny expression as the bombs are exploding!! There are some big names associated with this game, but is it any good to play?
This is quite a simple puzzler at heart. It requires us to detonate clusters of red bombs. Each level contains squares used to help calculate our best route. There are traps to look out for - crumbling tiles that can be walked on only once before they disappear forever. Others might be too slippery, some transport us, and slotted tiles can move bombs to different locations (usually to avoid being caught in an explosive chain reaction).
This is a fun game that looks great while it taxes the brain cells. It's bomb-blastingly excellent!!
HeroQuest is one of those games I've seen mentioned many times, yet never bothered with it. That's probably because it's a board game and I'm not exactly a fan of those (except Monopoly!). The ST adaptation is modelled on that turn-based board game and retains a similar look using an isometric perspective. So, having never experienced Hero Quest, I attacked it with a fresh pair of eyes, not knowing what to expect.
Our adventure takes place in Morcar's castle. He's an evil wizard with an army of monsters: Orcs, Zombies, Mummies, Goblins, etc. Four valiant warriors have signed up for 13 torturous quests to defeat him. That means plunging the castle's depths to do battle, avoid hidden traps, and grab loot or anything else that might aid the journey. Let's be honest, whatever the story, I'm in. Now, where did I put my sword?
Before beginning, we need to see a couple of screenshots. What glorious isometric graphics...
An Elf enters the room, much to the delight of the Wizard, who punches the air with joy.
This is when being a midget helps: sneak up on your prey, and club him!
Choose your warrior
We begin by picking a preferred warrior(s) from four different races - Barbarian, Dwarf, Elf, and Wizard. Before rushing off on the first quest, you should consider who you want to be and why, because they each have their own different types of strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. Even dice rolls, but more on that later.
The Barbarian is built for strength and is a trooper during the bloodiest of melee battles. Stumpy the dwarf is quite strong and also the crafty one of the bunch who uses handy skills to compensate his shortcomings. Elves and Wizards are physically weaker but the clever lads of the group. They use their brains to cast an array of magical spells without running the risk of having to get up close and personal.
Whether you're solo or not, there is an option to choose other characters instead of heading out as the Lone Ranger. It's optional, but there are benefits to having friends accompany you on the journey into the castle's terrors. It's here that you can also name your plucky hero and spend cash in the shop to buy weapons, armour, etc. Finally, there is the possibility of nursing a tired adventurer back to full health, but at what cost?
I suggest playing with two characters: the Barbarian is rock solid and the Elf is an all-rounder who offers the chance to experiment with magic. Umm, the Dwarf is a good option with traps or if something is blocking the way. The Wizard? Well, superb with spells but too squishy for my liking!
Let's take a look at a couple more screenshots of some rather spine-chilling monsters...
Excellent!! His back is turned, and he's unaware I'm here, so let's kill him. Wait, I see a chair!
Oh no, the door slams shut behind you on this quest, and the room appears not too friendly!!
Go on a crusade!
Now decide which of the 13 quests to attempt - they're all different and listed in order of (more or less) their difficulty. Actually, there are 14 quests; the first is a trainer that offers a chance to learn the fundamentals of exploration and combat: the objective is simply to escape, and the quickest adventurer is rewarded with loot, which can be used in the shop for the next mission. Use this to master the mechanics of HeroQuest.
Whatever quest you decide on, the gameplay is incredibly similar to the board game. Each player takes a turn by throwing dice to determine the number of action points - used to walk, perform searches, and fight the ghouls (for the Atari ST game, we spin coins, but it's the same difference). There are limitations to this method; searching for treasure (or hidden doors) can only be performed once during a player's turn. Lastly, the monsters are then moved by the evil Morcar for his turn, which is automatically controlled by your Atari ST.
Well, it's that time again when I break up the boring text with some screenshots. Enjoy these...
Haha, you can see me, but you can't reach me! Hmm, perhaps it's time for a little magic?
The map is an extremely useful tool and even identifies the monsters. Ugh! A Chaos Warrior?
Come on, a board game... Really?
Yes, and all quests take place in a different part of the castle - they feature many rooms and corridors laid out in a grid formation. Exploration is performed using the direction arrows (or clicking on the desired tile), and the map is a helpful tool that displays the parts of the castle you have visited, along with monsters and objects. It's also great when something doesn't feel quite right, perhaps there's a secret room? Don't forget to search for loot, but remember that this castle is riddled with traps and scary monsters, so tread carefully.
Expect the usual creatures prowling: Orcs, Skeletons, Zombies, Mummys, Fimirs, etc. All are controlled by the evil wizard hiding inside your 68000, and their actions are executed after the heroes have completed theirs. The computer isn't always offensive, and this can present an alternative strategy option. Also, if walking away from a battle is an option, then take it because it's not always necessary to fight each and every monster.
This is a cool board game and something I need to check out. But first, some more screenshots...
We're all playing a game, and the first one to blink gets zapped by a fireball!!
I knew it was too good to be true. Sometimes this game is very cruel O_o
Gimme icons!
The user interface is excellent and helps you to explore and interact (comparatively) with your surroundings. The current player has his image displayed top/left along with their attributes for action points, health, mental ability, and cash. The icons at the bottom of the screen might look confusing, but they're easy to learn:
1) The shield with an arrow allows you to end your turn.
2) The shield with a sword begins a fight against a chosen monster.
3) Bunch of keys - use these to unlock doors if you want!
4) The door with a question mark performs a search for what might be lurking nearby, like traps and hidden doorways. Works well with the map when things appear a little 'off'.
5) The opened bag is used to perform a search for treasure (kept by that particular player).
6) Satchel - this is the inventory and features the extra equipment a character can use.
7) Map - I'm sure this one is pretty obvious but is something you should use!
8) Directional arrows - use these to explore the castle (or click the tiles instead).
This is a fantastic quest and is quite the rush getting Sir Ragnar back home safely.
Oh, no, this is Ulag, the Orc Warlord, and yes, he did kill me...
Clash Of The Titans
Nobody enters Morcar's castle without expecting a fight with something unholy, and it's a bonus leaving any room unhurt, albeit in blood-splattered clothing! He has many gruesome creatures walking the corridors, so it's not long until something comes looking for you - all are controlled by Morcar. Ie, your Atari ST.
A skirmish in HeroQuest isn't what I expected. Firstly, a battle can only happen against a foe on an adjacent tile, and that fight is presented on a separate screen. However, there isn't anything to do as the computer rolls special dice for attacking/defending characters - skulls (for attack) and shields (for defence). So, if the monster has more skulls than you have shields, then that difference is deducted from your health. Likewise, if you are attacking and happen to have more skulls than the monster has shields, you win.
This system might work for the board game, but it is odd. Especially as each player has a different number of dice: Wizard = 1, Dwarf and Elf = 2, and Barbarian = 3. What is peculiar is when neither side rolls successfully, so they both stand idle, doing nothing more than staring at each other! Actually, that is quite annoying - it's a missed opportunity, which could leave you somewhat vulnerable before the next turn.
Zombies never fail to impress, and they're also in Hero Quest if you scroll down a little...
An unsuspecting Zombie victim, but I've not got enough action points left...
No problem because his attack was fairly weak, so I came back stronger and killed him!
Clash Of The Mages!
Elves and Wizards have a different style to their combat, thanks to range attacks and magical spells. All magic can be used against any enemy currently within the same location, so you don't need to be close to attack an opponent. The ability to 'team/work' should now start to prove its worth to all players?
Magic comes in a huge variety to attack or hinder the enemy in some way. You can even help or hinder one of your party if you so desire. Each type of spell is grouped into four categories: air, wind, fire, and earth, providing a separate style of magical ability. There is no in-game help, so it's best to experiment.
Along with spells to replenish health and harden defences/strength, there are many nifty alternatives:
1) Tempest blows a torrent of wind around your foe thus confusing them so they lose a turn. Perhaps this is something you might wish to use on a fellow team 'mate'? :-)
2) The Genie spell is actually quite incredible and can pack a humongous punch.
3) Ball Of Flame and Fire Of Wrath are two spells that provide powerful attack options. Both could potentially turn an Orc into a pile of dust very easily.
4) But what if you happen to wander into a room that's full of monsters? A good spell might be Courage which will help give you that much-needed adrenalin boost!
5) Pass Through Rock is incredible and an unmistakenly selfish, albeit cunning ability!
That's more like it!! Unfortunately, I'm in a room with a Chaos Warrior...
Sometimes, magical spells fall short of the mark, so run to the nearest Barbarian for help!
Help, I'm confused!
You shouldn't be. To succeed in HeroQuest you should take it slow - be a careful explorer who wants to survive and reap all the rewards. Remember to search a room thoroughly for anything that may help. Especially the hidden loot, which is spent on upgrading weapons and other stuff for the later quests.
The quests are all different, but the ultimate goal is to follow the instructions and complete what's required before safely escaping. Personally, I prefer to be the Barbarian as I'm more of a melee kinda guy. I do require the assistance of another teammate to increase my chances (they're collateral damage!)
Hero Quest isn't a difficult game to master and is a lot of fun, especially with family.
Spend your plundered booty on something useful for the next quest.
Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into! Try, try again...
Pix'appeal?
I love the isometric style as each room looks superb using a strong palette, which is nothing you would expect a wizard's lair to look like. But it works. The characters look amazing with incredible detail, and the Mummies are the best - but I also love the Skeletons with their scythes! Sadly, animations are fine, but they should have been better, especially for walking. Oh, the battles are nothing more than a sword slap in the face!
Bangin' Beats?
Well, the sound effects are basic: a fuzzy shuffle for walking plus a few chinks & clangs during a battle. It's a shame sampled sound effects aren't used throughout, seeing as the ST is mostly idle. Music can be played in-game and is absolutely awesome, I gotta say. However, there's not enough, so it can become quite repetitive after a while, so I'm glad of the option to hit F10 to disable that in favour of just the sound effects.
From the very start, Hero Quest impresses with its aesthetics. Just watch this intro...
I love this intro, which tells the story of how Morcar became the evil wizard.
The CryptO'pinion?
Don't be mistaken and assume that this is an RPG; it isn't. Sure, there are elements for a lukewarm role-playing experience, but this is a turn-based board game. Each hero has strengths and weaknesses, but there is little character building beyond the equipment and collecting stuff. They are also separate from one another - there isn't an actual requirement to work as a team, so you cannot progressively group-attack a particular monster because each battle is a new and separate act. Remember, it's a board game.
It's a brilliant board game conversion, and better with everyone huddled around the Atari ST like they did back in the day. Even solo, this is a fine adventure, especially if you play with a couple of characters. I suggest a few practice games to see which you prefer, but grouping them is certainly a recipe for success.
Considering I'm not a fan of board games, I am enjoying HeroQuest a bunch. A wonderful game!!
The floppies can be nabbed at Atari Legend. (and perfectly fine on either type of Atari ST/e)
