The Adventures Of Robin Hood

Fancy a dollop of English folklore?

Okay, I haven't posted any box art from my own collection in a while. So, I figured a guy in tights, lurking in the woods, was the perfect way to end this bleak streak? Hang on, that didn't sound too good! Anyhow, The Adventures Of Robin Hood was released in 1991 by Millennium Software and is an RPG similar in appearance to certain 3D isometric God games.

The box is absolutely awesome and in good condition with all contents too. It's quite something to think this has been kept for 30 years and feels (almost) as good as it did back in the day. Anyhow, what I like is that it boasts this statement "the most original real-time adventure ever produced". Errol Flynn would approve or is that a load of nonsense?

Wanna see the back of the box and what's inside? Scroll down...

Sadly, the back of the box is ruined by screenshots from an Ameoba. Otherwise, I like it! ;p

Here's the disk to change your life. But whose idea was it to stamp green onto a blue disk?

Who remembers the TV show Robin of Sherwood?

Right then, it begins with a cool intro depicting life in Nottingham Castle. However, it's not long before the nasty Sheriff appears and kicks Robin Hood out onto the street where he suffers cold shoulders and verbal abuse. These peasants continue to go about their day (that aspect intrigues me) and there are many interesting folk.

The Sheriff is ruthless! The people need a hero who is willing to wear tights, find a band of Merry Men, and camp out in the woods. All perfectly normal, honest. Joking aside, I loved watching the intro so am eager to finally take up the challenge of this rather spiffy RPG - which has been sitting on my shelf for too many years!! :/

I only hope the user interface is intuitive with elegance to its design because games of this ilk can suffer from cumbersome controls or an over-complicated interface. The last thing we need is something fiddly which hampers the experience so I'm hoping for less Galdregon's Domain and more Shadowlands if I'm being honest.

The manual is great and very concise with helpful information. A good read indeed.

Ohhh this is interesting. It folds out like a poster but contains bucketloads of tips and extra help!

The CryptO'pinion? No, not yet!

Yes, I'm really looking forward to exploring Nottinghamshire to see what fun adventures await within the legendary Sherwood Forest. The graphics look so tiny but it works well with lavish colours and beautiful details to the surroundings. Just look at the buildings! Love 'em so I'm eager to see what else there is.

I think this is going to be an enjoyable romp of quirky sorts, which you don't find in many games? Have you guys played this? I would love to know what you think in the comments below. Until then, I'm going to make time to kill forest baddies, capture the castle, and defeat the Sheriff before King Richard returns home for tea.

Watch this space for a review later in the year but, until then, enjoy these screenshots... :-)

Once upon a time, in God's country, there was a lovely and peaceful place called Loxley.

The folk here had it good with dancing, beer and music. Life doesn't get any better than this!

Hang on, a new Sheriff has arrived and he's not a particularly nice guy...

Robin gets kicked out of his spanky castle and the townsfolk ain't exactly supportive!

Yep, bumping into anyone proves to be an eye-opener. Billy no mates!

Fascinatingly, the medieval world continues to spin... Life carries on!

What? Wait a minute! What is that?? A dragon?? RUN!!!!

Right, come on Robin it's time to put on those big boy pants and sort out this evil dude!!

Temple of Apshai Trilogy

Sigh, another old RPG?

Temple of Apshai Trilogy was released all the way back in 1986 by Epyx with the ST conversion handled by Westwood, of Command & Conquer fame. The package features the original plus two expansion packs "Upper Reaches Of Apshai" and "Curse Of Ra". However, Hellfire Warrior is oddly not included (does anyone know the story behind that?).

This is a turn-based RPG with few expected similarities to Rogue. Each of the three realms has four different levels of difficulty and, unlike Rogue, each dungeon has been designed rather than randomly generated. Curiously, there's an almost nonexistent storyline beyond the point of killing and treasure hunting. Understandably, this might disappoint some but, for me, I enjoyed the freedom to roam without bothersome tasks getting in my way.

Firstly, let's hit you with a couple of screenshots to get rid of those people who care about gorgeous visuals...

Yep, you're probably wondering about the graphics. Right?

Please don't do that. Graphics never make the game and this game is superb.

Monsters, weapons and freedom to roam?

First things first, we need to build ourselves a character using a combination of different attributes that will affect strength, dexterity, intelligence, and so on. Thankfully, you can save and reload your character at any time. Either keep it real and roll a die or fudge the numbers to get playing. Personally, I wouldn't restrict myself.

You can venture naked with only your pride as a weapon but it might be best to visit the Innkeeper and get yourself equipped. He has everything you need, even if you must haggle for the best price - if you can be bothered? Armour, weaponry, arrows and more all come with a financial and weight cost. So try and be wise!

Let's take a deeper look at some of the RPG'y details...

  
The InnKeeper seems to have everything you need to get started. Well, for a price...

  
He's not a generous man. I tried to explain that I couldn't pay, so his heavies broke my kneecaps!

Role-play like it's 1986!

Playing the Temple of Apshai is fantastic but I recommend starting on the first level of the temple rather than foolishly jumping in at the deep end. When you begin, your world is viewed from a top-down perspective with some helpful information listed on the right for health, ammo, information, etc. And yes, it's running under GEM :)

It's odd that there isn't any real point to these dungeons - other than killing the baddies and collecting loot. However, Upper Reaches does (umm) attempt to give your adventures some purpose. Well, it tries... For example:

Level one takes place behind the Innkeeper's Backyard which needs tidying up. Yep, we're on cleaning duties but at least he's warned us of a bandit in the area. Come on, this has to be the strangest tasks ever?

Level two, Merlis' Cottage is quite odd. We're in Merlis' home looking for cash because he failed to cough up after we painted his fence!

Level three is Olias' Cellar but nothing is mentioned in the manual so I assume we're back to killing and looting without reason? Fine by me!

Level four is set within Benedic's once peaceful Monastery which has been turned into an unholy Romero movie thanks to an evil vampire!

  
Start slow. Why not fire an arrow at your first opponent and don't forget to search everywhere...

  
I found a secret room inhabited by a swamp rat. I killed that and took the Magic Sword. Bonus!!

Stay Awhile and Listen

Whatever realm you're in, each room has a design that includes a written description detailing what you see and hear. There's no need to pick up the manual for the ST game just hit [return] to read about your environment. Also, the rooms are numbered so it's possible to map your adventure noting routes, traps, hidden doorways, etc.

Getting around the dungeons is done using a keyboard command system quite similar to something like Ultima. Predefined keys are used to walk, turn, fight, talk, search, and much more. You can use the mouse - but it's a bit of a mess - so stick to using the keyboard. This is perfect and also a lot better than you might first assume:

RETURN = Make sure you read each room's description.

0 = Use this to rest and recover from some of that nasty fatigue.
L/R = This is pretty obvious and makes turning around easy.
V = Swoosh, you've just made a complete 180°
1-9 Let's go for a little walk, under the moon... Erm, never mind!

A = Hit 'em hard when you're up-close!!
T = Thrust a lunging attack which might leave you vulnerable?
P = Defend yourself with a countermove, you wimp!!
F/M = Take 'em out from a safe distance, sniper-style.

E = Budding adventurers will look under every stone.
O = Doors won't just open themselves you know!
S = Don't rush through, search for those hidden thangs...
I = Inventory (there's a shock).
G = Grab any treasure you find.
D = Ugh, drop that heavy trash.

Q = Shushh, did you hear something?
! = Dr Dolittle, he talks to the animals!

H = Heal yourself before you croak it.
Y = Ohh, gimme some of that fancy Elixir healing.

An RPG needs characters, with character!

Yep, characters make any adventure fun and interesting so it comes as no surprise to find out that this Trilogy is stuffed with many exotic creatures. Many spooky delights are waiting around every corner with the first being a skeleton - a classic encounter! This guy is pretty tough so I wouldn't let him get too close if I were you.

Brilliantly, we have the option to listen out for distant sounds and even talk to some of the nasties. I doubt you'll get much sense from most but sometimes a creature might respond. They might just let us pass or reveal something interesting. Attempting a dialogue is something unexpected, mind-blowing and pretty funny too.

Each of the 3 realms has a myriad of ghoulish creatures and some unexpected ones. Battles are fought using few weapons but victory comes to those prepared. Press [A] to attack when up close and personal but you could use [T] to execute a ravaging thrust? This might plunge your sword into a beast's heart but at what cost? Those carrying a bow can use arrows to pick off their prey from afar. Just make sure you're facing them properly!

Come on, you must admit that this game is different and entertaining so let's view more screenshots...

  
There are some fantastic enemies within the dungeon. And ants and mosquitos too...

  
Upper Reaches is so different but can you find the bandit? Whereas Merlis' home has ... a cat!

  
The Antmen are incredibly tough blighters but oddly, the Ghoul was an easy victim of mine!

  
Bears and Giant Bats, whatever next? You'll be telling me there are Vampire Bats around the corner!

Mind As You Go

Playing any part of this trilogy is an amazing experience but it's a good idea to experiment with your newly-created character, just to see how clothing and weaponry feel to your own preferences. Experience is gained as you progress deeper into the dungeon and it's always good practice to take it slow at first. Remember to search/examine/listen no matter where you currently are. You never know what might be nearby - be it a treasure chest, a trap or something lurking in the dark waiting to pounce. It's never a bad idea to read the room's written description!

Always keep an eye on your fatigue level, which can take a hit whether you're exploring or battling something freaky. Walking isn't free and multiple movements will cost a little tiredness that adds to your fatigue. Hitting [0] now and then can be rewarding. As is purchasing a box of bandaids before heading out into the unknown...

Remember, we're not God and any deadly battle will result in severe wounds possibly leading to death. Thankfully, not all is lost - roaming these dungeons are three peculiar helpers who may help. Bendic is a lost priest who can revive your broken body and all he asks in return is a financial donation. However, others aren't as kind, watch out for a dwarf or wizard who yields greater sacrifices - so keep your hands in your pockets!

During those desperate moments when all has gone wrong, this is the message I prefer to see!

Graphics & Sounds

Visually, this is pretty lame by ST standards yet faithful to the barebone originals. The backdrops are rather basic but the sprites are detailed and can look pretty good. Personally, I prefer the visuals in other RPGs, of the time, but Apshai still has its own unique charms. Also, it's GEM-based, which I think is crude but it works great.

Audio features a nice chiptune on the title screen but only spot effects in-game. However, I do love the little clipping that plays when a monster appears - scary stuff! lol. Overall, more than good enough for an RPG, I say!

If ever there was a game that proved fancy visuals and sonix didn't matter, this is it. So, check this out...

Please remember what I said, graphics never make the game. Play this RPG!!

The CryptO'pinion

Temple of Apshai Trilogy is brilliant but possibly also a forgotten and much-underrated RPG for the Atari ST. That's a shame because the original game was a massive success and I think the Atari ST conversion captures the essence of that very well. And, dare I say it, improves upon it? Well, at least visually anyhow.

Whatever you chose to play first, each game is absolutely huge with hundreds of rooms to explore over four levels. Most of my time has been spent within the realms of the temple, which I'm still battling through to this day. I love how each room has been pre-designed yet still manages to feel fresh and interesting.

I've been making a map with notes of hidden doorways along with curious hints taken from a room's description. This took me back to the 80s when I was a geek. Of course, I'm no longer a geek. Honest. Anyhow, I feel that I've only scratched the surface, especially with Upper Reaches and Curse Of Ra. So I need to change that asap.

If you love being transported to another level filled with weird creatures and looting treasure then this old-timer is definitely for you. Ignore the graphics, don't use the mouse, read the descriptions, and remember to save regularly! A whole world awaits you so expect lots of late nights. One of the best olde styles of RPG and, guess what? It's incredible!!

Grab a copy of this brilliant RPG

for hard drive or floppy.

Van Eijk Collection

I love finding Atari ST/e demos which I've not seen in years (or had forgotten about) and here is one which I enjoyed many moons ago... but somehow forgotten about!! It's called Van Eijk Collection and was developed by Van Eijk back in 1994 - a time when most of us had powered off the ST to play the mighty Doom. Sigh...

Anyhow, this is a collection of screens featuring dots, colour cycling, and a familiar tune you will simply adore. I think much of the demo was developed in GFA Basic but I'm only going off the scroller text - so I might be wrong? Presentation is a little sluggish and a few screens are dated, but there is also many which I did enjoy - that morphing is superb. All text is in Polish so don't expect to read anything - unless you're Polish of course!

This and many other Atari ST videos are on my YouTube Channel.

Credits & download links can be found on Demozoo or AtariMania. Crank up the volume! 🎧

Sardonic

Another brand new game!

Sardonic is a brand new (well, for the Atari ST) vertically-scrolling shoot 'em up that was recently released by José Mário. Yep, it's already out on other (lesser) systems so it's fantastic to see it also getting a 16-bit Fuji conversion!! Now, I love getting my grubby mitts on anything new for the Atari ST so let's see what all the fuss is about.

This game is basically an old skool-styled shooter and the idea is to blast as many aliens as possible, use power-ups, kill the end-of-level boss and repeat. These aliens are constantly invading the screen in waves using various attack patterns - and from three sides of the screen. Our spaceship can only fire upwards but is freely able to move in all directions - rather than being limited to just left/right, ala Space Invaders. And it works brilliantly too I might add!

Righto, let's quick the reading for some screenshot viewing...

Each type of alien is unique and the power-ups will help to recover lost lives and much more!

 
Sardonic is an arcade-style shooter. So I love it already, check out that funky mothership!

Interestingly, our Atari ST conversion has a few enhancements = extra power-ups, different enemies and new attacking styles. This is pretty cool and even more so when you remember than this is Jose's first Atari release!! Hold onto your hat because he's also implemented support for both ST models making use of the Blitter and also the STe's hardware scrolling = ultra-smooth 50fps action!

Boy, is this a tough game? At first, I didn't very last long and it took a few more attempts before I even came close to reaching the first boss! The action feels familiar but it isn't some cheap clone of Space Invaders, Phoenix or even Galaga, but instead feels more like a game of dodgeball - in space! You can only fire a couple of shots at once and the enemy will come at you using some seriously wacky patterns so be prepared to battle hard.

Thankfully, blasting five of these blighters into smithereens will result in a random bonus for speed, armour, bombs and so on. This will help newcomers and thus I eventually got into the flow and reached the fourth guardian - which you can see in my video recording. Hint: if I was you, I'd save all those bombs for these bosses!

Wimps need not apply. Hey, come back!!! Here are some more screenshots...

 
They're attacking from all directions and then their boss shows up for some gun love!

 
I hate Stealth ships. They're so tough to destroy and then Mummy Stealth turns up!

16-Bit Aesthetics?

Well, no. There's not a whole lot to see beyond a black background populated with a few stars which is quite disappointing. The enemy sprites make up for that with nice colours and brisk movement and I'm talking 50fps which is gloriously smooth. Love it, I just wish the background had a little "more" to it other than a few stars.

Sadly, the audio failed to impress me after the title screen's funky chiptune. The in-game sound effects are rather insufficient, to say the least. Our YM chip has only three uses: firing, pickup and explosions. That is it. So I personally think more could have been done to dazzle? Especially on the Atari STe using DMA samples.

Yeah, umm, so it's hardly going to be another Xenon II in terms of aesthetics but that won't stop these screenshots...

 
Can you believe I made it to level four? Until fatigue beat me and then the boss ...sigh!


So cruel... LOL

The CryptO'pinion?

Sardonic is a good shooter alright. I love how those aliens attack in so many different formations and the frequency of power-ups is excellent. Okay, it's quite repetitive, but this is a fun arcade blaster and is very addictive. It's impressive to think that one guy was behind it all and he supported Atari STe graphical hardware too!

Quite the slick shooter and something new that I have really really enjoyed. So go and grab Sardonic right now!!

https://madaxe-pns.github.io/sardonic/

Atari Super Pack (the results)

Snippets from each game and even some Zynaps skills on show. Watch that and be jealous!!

Atari's Super Pack giveaway!

Well, I finally got around to finishing what took a lot longer than I originally thought. Yep, I completed the task of reliving Christmas 1988 by playing Atari's Super Pack - it all started with this article (click & read) :p

To be honest, I probably played the games a lot more this time around. Back in the 80s, I would have spent the most time on Buggy Boy, Beyond The Ice Palace and Xenon? I doubt I would have had the patience for Marble Madness nor the desire to spend hours on Quadralien. And even at 17 years old, I didn't have the reactions to cope with Return To Genesis.

Here is a list of all the games. BTW, each game is searchable if you look to the right > >

 The Atari Super Pack Games 

1. Arkanoid II - Pure old skool gaming and it is brilliant.
2. Beyond The Ice Palace - Blondes really do have more fun!
3. Black Lamp - Faster turning would have made this perfect.
4. Buggy Boy - Come on, who doesn't LOVE this arcade racer?
5. Chopper X - Turn down the volume... and it's still rubbish!
6. Eddie Edwards Super Ski - It's fun wearing milk-bottle lenses!
7. Ikari Warriors - A classic arcade conversion.
8. Marble Madness - Not my cuppa tea and a buggy lame port.
9. Quadralien - A great game to dig your heels into this!!
10. Ranarama - Gauntlet, for those who enjoy using their brain?
11. Return To Genesis - Swoosh, I'm dead! Whoosh, I'm dead!
12. Road Wars - There's always one...
13. Seconds Out - Then again, make that two!
14. Starquake - What a belting ZX Spectrum conversion.
15. Summer Olympiad - Good fun but needed a few more events.
16. Test Drive - Yeah, it's time for a road trip in my new Corvette.
17. Thrust - Come on, this is a beauty. Love it!!
18. Thundercats - A bit wooden and far too difficult. Whhhhhhy??
19. Wizball - A corker, if you master its massive learning curve!
20. Xenon - It's all about level one for me. A great game.
21. Zynaps - Thanks to Hewson we ended on a massive high!

So, which game won my heart?

Wow, that is a tough question alright especially when you look at the massive list above. But, IF I'm in the mood for something of a platformer then it's no contest: Beyond The Ice Palace wins hands down. A shooter? Zynaps! Arcade? Ikari Warriors, easy! Thrust and Buggy Boy are up there as is the amazing Rana Rama.

However, the Super Pack is diverse in content and quality. Although the list changes daily, I feel the need to push myself for a decision!! Cue "Whole Lotta Love" because my Top Of The Pops desert island floppy disks would probably be...

The CryptO'pinion?

Well, this has been enormous fun over the last few months and it certainly proves that Atari went that extra mile in the 80s. What a giveaway it was - 21 incredible games AND an Organiser too (Woo, fun times). Anyhow, my Super Pack mission is now over with so let's see what else is lurking within the Atari ST archives throughout 2020...

I hope you guys have enjoyed this run through the Super Pack? Let me know in the comments below :)

Zynaps

This game was FREE with my first Atari ST

Zynaps is a Nemesis-Esque shoot 'em up that spookily reminds me of another Hewson title, Slayer. We pilot the Scorpion Mk1 Fighter through the heavens in search of a secret alien base. Along the way, are hoards of alien scumbag - some in ships, or a variety of ground-based defences, and even motherships. I know what you're thinking - it's original, right?

Update: you know, to this day I have never played Slayer. How odd is that!

Hewson released Zynaps in 1988 and it was developed by Howard Ball of Microwish Software who was responsible for Ikari Warriors, Victory Road, Slayer and 5th Gear. I've always felt this was a game coded by someone that knew the Atari ST hardware very well but Howard only ever made this shooter and nothing more. At least it's quality!

Hey, why aren't you watching the video above? Ah well, perhaps just a couple of screenshots instead then...

The first level is cool but it's not long before a guardian appears!

That thing bounces around the screen like an old-school demo!

Shoot! Kill! Shoot some more!!

Our Scorpion spaceship is pretty snazzy and comes with different levels of propulsion along with various weapon upgrades. However, we do start off quite limited with sluggish movements and firing - so shoot that first wave of bad guys to collect their loot for speed-up. Then look to improve lasers or even bombs and missiles. It's simple - pimp your ship!

Activating these power-ups is a little strange. When a group of baddies snuffs it, they leave behind a pod. Collecting that changes the power-up being displayed in the status bar. So when something appears that you like the look of - hold down the fire button during the next pick-up to be granted permission to use it. To be fair, this is a bit weird and rather naff - especially during the heat of battle. Surely this could have been designed much better?

The enemies attack in predictable formations, which kinda reminded me of Wizball oddly enough. At first, firing accuracy is difficult so hitting the bad guys feels a lot harder than it should be. This learning curve I found to be massive - it took a great number of attempts before I started to destroy an entire wave and then begin collecting the pods!

Sigh, that's annoying, isn't it? Well, let's cheer ourselves up and see some more screenshots...

Woo! What's happened to the landscape backgrounds on the next level?

Getting past those asteroids is tough but now it's a boss fight and he's a bit weird...

Practice makes perfect!

Most levels take you through beautiful environments whereas others might take you into an asteroid field. No matter where you are, watch out because the slightest collision loses a life which is easily done too. This is made worse by ultra-cramped areas thanks to the bulk of that scenery (and the status bar). Fly like Buck Rogers... or die.

Eventually, you will reach an end-of-level boss and most are really tough so it's doubtful you will see many victories on your first go! The first boss hops around the screen like a sprite from an old skool-styled demo. Rarely did I see the end of the second level (without using a trainer) but, YMMV. Just don't give up, you wimp and keep playing!!

Wimps only ever see the first level so practice and you might see more! Screenshot time...

Things get freaking on level 3 but it's a good kind of freaky :-)

Well, except for the boss(es). Very lame!

Graphics

Zynaps is a gorgeous shoot 'em up, it really is. Sure, I know games like Xenon 2, Magic Boy, Gods, Deathbringer, and others blow it out of the water but, this old shooter (from 1988) holds its own thanks to the efforts of Pete Lyon!! The title screen is wonderful - pure art - and many of the levels feature a Menacing array of beautiful environments.

But that's not all, the sprites move fast and very smoothly following those incredibly difficult flight patterns. But what about the scrolling? Programmers without talent tell us the ST cannot scroll. Well, don't worry because it's nigh-on perfect and very smooth so feels just dandy during gameplay. Yep, this is another quality Hewson product.

For me, Hewson where a company that was always consistent without resorted to lame ports...

Things get a little Menacing for the fourth level - which looks stunning - if deadly. I never beat it...

Sounds

Zynaps theme tune is outstanding thanks to the talent of one of my favourite musicians, Dave Rogers: a man responsible for many of my ZX Spectrum memories, not to mention ST beauties like Ranarama and Cybernoid.

Okay, the sound effects might pale in comparison to the music but they're still excellent and offer an arcade-like style which I really admire. I love that sharp "zing-zing" when you shoot, the crunchy death effect, and how you are mocked when it's game over. Like the visuals, I think that a lot of love went into the audio which is brilliant.

Yep, the audio proves what the Atari ST can sound like. Wanna hear it...

The Crypto'pinion

Zynaps is one of those games which appears to have it all but, many give up after a few goes because of its learning curve. The action is relentless so you're always on the edge of your seat wondering what's coming next. The method of using power-ups might be flawed but these are essential to enhance the Scorpion with better firepower and manoeuvrability.

Hewson rarely disappoints and Zynaps is yet another corker from their incredible library. Sure, I've had a moan about a few things but nothing is perfect so I can forgive - because of the Can-I-have-one-more-go. Very addictive!! What an extraordinary shoot 'em up and it's a great feeling to end my Super Pack series on a massive high. You need to play this game.

Grab the floppies if you dare but I recommend these excellent HD versions by Klaz and PP.