On Christmas Eve, totally out of the blue, came a brand new game for the Atari ST by Andy Noble. It's a conversion of a RetroSouls' Sega Megadrive game which takes place inside a massive tower filled with nasties, puzzles and many yellow dots that need collecting. Personally, I was instantly reminded of Nebulus and Yopaz IceStar.
Old Towers is actually a simple concept and one that works incredibly well. We are in control of a cute little guy(s) who runs around a vertical tower collecting yellow pills like our friend from that maze. He can run in all four directions but, once he begins to move, his momentum continues in that direction until coming into contact with a wall or object. Once all the yellow items are collected he can head towards the exit tile and onto the next level.
Sounds cool, right? Yep, so let's check out some screenshots of this funky little game...
Look at him move! So fast he leaves a blur of light that Superman would be proud of.
Starting level 6 introduces a new concept of solo/multi-control for the player!
Zip-Zap Crazy Fast!
As you play the first few levels, you will get a feeling for how the game thinks and the challenges it presents. The earlier levels break you into the style of control, how to solve puzzles and the thought processes you need to employ to beat it. The difficulty soon increases but I'm pleasantly surprised there is no timer as that would only pressurise the player into making mistakes. This lack of a timer is excellent and enhances the experience enormously.
It's a hazardous tower! Monsters roam, spikes are always going to hurt, and some rocks will spit out a dart in the style of Rick Dangerous. Thankfully, these aren't crowding the levels and only help to make the game challenging rather than impossible. However, I cannot speak for the later levels - blame my lacking skills for that!
Thankfully, there are helpful parts of the tower we can use to assist us: some blocks only appear after passing through their placeholder. Arrowed areas allow you to pass through, but only in the direction that they are pointing. Angled panels will throw you around the tower without any control. Useful but how will you stop?
Take a look at my video recording to see how well this game plays. Tell me it isn't fun zooming through the levels at a speed that puts Sonic to shame? Also, my video shows how I finally sussed out level 10 (slow brain!) but then I made a stupid blunder and died right before completing it... Enjoy!!
No screenshots can do the gameplay any justice but, just to be awkward, here are some anyways...
Notice the square placeholder on the right? Zip over that to turn it into a rock. Very handy!
Level 8 is when my old brain began to stress! How can I reach the yellow square to exit?
Input & Output
Directional controls are sharp and responsive for quick action when zapping around the screen like a crazy fool. Hitting the fire button flips over to the other character - if he's knocking around. It's great having a helper inside the tower. Also, if the joystick doesn't work for you then there is an option to redefine your own keys.
Hitting ESC not only gives the option to quit but can restart a level after you realise you have gotten yourself stuck in a corner! Hold down the fire-button activates the option to scroll the screen without you moving. This helps view what's ahead without accidentally bumping into something deadly.
Graphically, this is hot. It looks great with a cracking design and funky colour palette. The animations are nice with smooth scrolling that keeps up with the pace of the gameplay. In fact, Old Towers gave me an odd C64 feel, which I really liked, but with a ton more colour. I don't get that either but it's how I feel. I love the visuals!!
Sonix are neat with nice effects and YM tunes blurping away by Oleg Nitkitin. During the game, we have a rendition of the Popcorn tune which I've always found quite irritating but it grows on you I must admit. The title screen music is brilliant and plays whilst rotating through a number of the intro screens. This is beautiful chip music.
So it looks and sounds brilliant which means I'm gonna dump some more screenshots right here...
An arrow hits my head on the 9th level. It's a killer so don't rush!! Just listen to those sound effects...
It may have taken me a couple of attempts but here is proof I finally made it to level 10 :)
The CryptO'pinion?
What an amazing treat it is to play something new, especially as it was completely unexpected. Okay, I'm not the biggest fan of puzzle games, my skills in the video certainly prove this, but what the video doesn't show is just how much enjoyment I got from this game. Old Towers is polished and thoroughly entertaining whilst challenging the player to use their mind and reactions equally. I think I'll be playing this a lot over the holidays...
I would like to thank Andy for going to the effort of converting this game over to the often-forgotten Atari 520ST. Check out his website which includes a download link. Eat, drink, be merry and enjoy this fantastic puzzler.
I managed to reach the 8th stage on my first play. In fact, I would have done much better but for all the eating and drinking I needed to do. Ahem, honest... burrrrrp!! Merry Christmas everyone :)
Let me begin by thanking my ST buddies from all over the world who sent messages the last few months - and cheers to those who bought me a beer!! It's been rough but I'm glad to begin my journey back into the glorious lands of Atari ST. Actually, my computer is looking quite sad and in need of a good clean, the poor thing.
Okay, dragging me back - kicking and screaming for luscious ST pleasure - is something that I bought years ago. For months it's been on my ST shelf... looking at me... and whispering subliminal messages like, "Psst, check me out!", "Hey you, come over here and play", "Stevie, I'm here", "Boot me up, baby". Erm, anyhow...
Galdregon's Domain is the temptress and first appears something of a Dungeon Master, which is never a bad thing. It's the product of Pandora and coded by Steve Briggs, who I've not heard of so perhaps this was his one and only ST venture? The graphics are stunning. Gorgeous and scenic with beautifully-drawn monsters and characters by Robin Chapman, Martin Severn and Martin Godbeer. Mike Brown provided the samples for the sound effects - used for creeky doors to frightening screams emitting distant places. A lot of love went into this game.
Weirdly, the box art is rather - suspect - but I've covered this before and it's always worth a laugh at Pandora's take on Conan. Inside the box, are three disks, (why would I wanna use those when the Automation boys have a belting one-disk version!), a rather flimsy manual, and a few sheets of A4 paper.
Hang on, did I say A4 paper? Yep, to my fascination, the original owner has fully mapped the opening stages along with the forest areas. I absolutely love finding snippets of ST history like this!!! I wonder who he was? Did he stay up each night carefully crawling and drawing the dungeon with each and every step? Did he complete the game? Are you sitting there right now and thinking to yourself, "Hey, I did that". Please, get in touch!
Okay, I bet that you're all dying to see these maps...
So what's the plan?
I love getting enthralled in a new world where I can enjoy the exploration. There's nothing better than discovering places, solving quests and fighting hideous monsters with a giant sword. Heck, I might even make a few friends in the local tavern? Who knows, this little-known game by Pandora might actually be something special?
Yep, I'm going to take a stab at conquering Galdregon's Doman as and when I get the spare time. At first glance, it's got what I'm longing for; a good mix of RPG, adventure and action. This should quench my cravings for a decent return to the Atari ST? Yes, I know I could have simply booted up Dungeon Master, Shadowlands, The Temple of Apshai Trilogy, The Curse of Rabenstein, etc/etc but I craved something new (well, new to me).
Okay, let's take a gander through a few screenshots taken from my first play...
Okay, here's the starting screen and the King is asking for our help. His loyal subjects appear for a chinwag. I wonder what pearls of wisdom they possess? The user interface is good to use for interaction and easy movements. The only thing that's a little weird is the use of a scroller for chat and messages...
Anyhow, I went for a wander and came upon this little filly! I think she's hungry?
I've no time to eat so onwards I go and meet up with a guard. He seems nice!
I'm lost but it isn't long until two dolly birds help me out. I think they're twins!!
At last, the exit!! But the doorway is locked... how can I open it? Hmm...
Outside, I'm free to wander the lands. The weather is lovely and the king has a grand castle.
Oh great, the first place I find and it's haunted!! But wait, this ghost needs our help for a quest.
First impressions?
Galdregon's Domain looks very promising. Its world is incredibly diverse and ginormous plus the freedom to openly explore is both daunting and compelling. I've been attacked by soldiers, bitten by wolves, sent on a fruitless mission by a ghost, and chased out of a temple by a gang of cultists. Of course, I didn't last long, but it was only my first attempt. Perhaps I should look to clothe myself in armour and yield better weapons?
Exciting times are afoot and I'm going to enjoy slaying monsters and pillaging their rotting corpses. I'm wondering what other monsters and dark secrets are waiting to be discovered? Have you played it? What did you think? I'll be interested to hear your thoughts. Watch this space for the second part of this review coming "soon".
Merry Christmas everyone and all the best for 2022. STay Atari.
This is Xenomorph by Pandora, a 3D RPG that I'm going to be playing for eternity and thus will never get around to completing. But, I wanted to map it and share that with the world. Sadly, I don't think that will ever happen with life getting in the way. But it's a brilliant RPG and something that everyone should take a stab at because it's far more than simply "Dungeon Master in space". It's an exciting and unique adventure in its own right - plus the visuals are quite literally outstanding and probably the best of any similar 3D RPG available for the Atari ST.
Many moons ago, I found a map of this game on the internet which I hope you will find as helpful as I currently am (all credit for the mapping goes to Thiima). Anyhow, I've zipped it up along with the manual and some hints (again, ripped from the net). I just wanted to share what I had found, so get that downloaded and play this superb game.
Here are thumbnails taken from the PDF within the above download. Tempted to play now? I really hope so...
Yep, I've been enjoying another doodle on my Atari ST and if you wanna see more of my work then click here for a laugh. Okay, this time I've been experimenting with SPX, a technology created by Electronic Images in the early 90s. This magically stitches several Spectrum 512 pics into one ginormous image displayed in scrollable overscan.
I've always loved the idea of the SPX format and remember buying several PD disks back in the day. Of course, most of the pictures were titillating girls or something of a fantasy theme. The potential of huge Spectrum 512 images, in overscan, was quite mind-blowing at the time. (ignore my capture, the scrolling is silky smooth).
SuPer eXcellent Graphics Demo can be downloaded from my Dropbox. Be warned, it's pretty big. In fact, too big to fit onto a real floppy as I got carried away and made lots of SPX images, so installation is intended for a hard drive or Ultrasatan. However, I have made a huge ".ST" image that should work as a good alternative for those using Hatari. Within my download, I've included the Atari ST programs used to create each SPX picture.
Perhaps you feel inspired to make your own SPX images? If so, I'd love to see whatever you guys managed to create!! Righto, I hope you enjoy my humble graphics demo? Let me know in the comments below...
Go, create!
Now, reading these instructions might appear dull and longwinded? Possibly far too much hassle if you're as lazy as me but don't worry because it's actually very easy to make your own SPX images. Have a bash:
- Those without any artistic skills, ahem, should download imaged off the internet!! Look for something large, possibly with a clean background and try to select something that uses a portrait ratio.
- Crop that large image into 320x199 segments. (a pixel line is lost due to a limitation of Spectrum 512). This cropping can be done on the ST or a PC/Mac (I used the freebie 'Preview' on my Mac).
- Once you have your image split into several segments, it's best to convert them into GIFs. Again, this can be done on the ST but is probably much quicker on the Mac/PC if I'm honest. Yowzers!
- Now copy all your new GIF files over to the Atari ST.
- Each GIF will need converting into Spectrum 512 format (.SPC) and the best program for that is 'GIF to Atari Spectrum 512 Picture Converter' by Steve Belczyk. A brilliant program and very fast too!
- Finally, each SPC file can now easily be imported into SPX Creator for both previewing and, well, creating. All your SPX pictures can be displayed using the dedicated viewer, 'SPX_V18D.PRG'
An example...
Check out this portrait image of Jason Voorhees split up into three segments. As you can see, I carved it into the relevant sections, which are converted to GIFs and imported into SPX Creator. A standard ST might take a few minutes to save this fantastic image but it's well worth it (don't worry, it's already on the disk!).
SuPer eXcellent Graphics Demo
Idea and creation were all me - Steve, Crypt Keeper, Strider, AtariCrypt, whatever you call me, it's my fault!
The Credits
Spectrum 512 - Boris Tsikanovsky. SPX Creator/Viewer - Electronic Images (Gizmo + The Phantom). Original images - Everything was freely sourced off the internet with appropriate credit. AtariMania & Demozoo - two super Atari resources that I used for my dabble.
Programs Used
Preview - a freebie Mac program to resize and clip each image into 320x199 segments. GIF2SPC - a wonderful Atari ST program by Steve Belczyk. SPX Creator - the program that stitches together each of the GIF pictures into SPX images.
Links
SuPer eXcellent Graphics Demo is the latest AtariCrypt production. Yes, there's more here << O_o Electronic Images released a load of cool disks so check 'em out on Demozoo. There are many SPX Slideshows although I remember more? I should research and build a collection!
"High Energy" is something I lately lack, especially as I've just reached the big 5-0. Well, it's also the name of an Infogrames compilation, released in 1990 when I was still a spotty teenager. Included is Fire And Forget, Hostages, North And South, Teenage Queen and TinTin On The Moon. Quite a rich and varied collection with much potential.
I've never heard of this compilation before if I'm honest. So perhaps it was only released in France? Let me know in the comments below. Okay, I gotta say that I'm very eager to get cracking with this promising French release!
Before we do, let's see the Infogrames logo which I think is rather unique and very cool...
Fire & Forget
Here we have a racer by Titus that feels technically similar to other, old generation, ST racers, especially their own Crazy Cars. However, this time our car has received a weapons upgrade to blast everything into smithereens. Hmm, this makes me think of another oldie that I really enjoyed, RoadBlasters by US Gold.
Anyhow, why is the future never portrayed in a positive light for many 16-bit games? Well, once again, the world is in turmoil (ironic, eh?) as the big cities have been destroyed with millions of people slaughtered. Thankfully, some survived and luckily, you are one of them! Our mission is to operate a powerful weapon called Thunder Master, which happens to be a supped-up shiny red sports car that gets about 5 miles per gallon!
The mission takes us to various places around the globe with a simple objective - drive and shoot. The roads are crammed with zillions of bad guys in vehicles like tanks and planes with many obstacles to shoot. Two players are supported with the second taking charge of an aircraft instead of a car. Each player has unlimited lives and ammo but fuel consumption is drastic and doesn't last long without collecting the supplies lying in the road.
Talking about fuel, isn't it odd that this depletes at a staggering rate, regardless of speed? Anyhow, completing each track is pretty easy and an enjoyable romp destroying your foe by merely holding down the fire button. There are three levels of difficulty but the format remains pretty much constant as it gets harder.
Tips!
Sometimes I try to help you guys out with a few of my expert tips because I'm probably the best gamer you'll ever know. Yes, it's true. Absolute gaming legend. Anyhow, the only tip I can give you is to play Roadblasters instead. A similar game that is miles better than Fire & Forget. Okay, it's not perfect and feels really old compared to Crazy Cars 3, Vroom, Lotus 2, and others but it's great fun and that's what matters the most.
Aesthetics
The graphics and sounds are fine with decent artwork used in the menus. However, the game's framerate is shocking. Objects will appear and then, within an instant, are gone due to the incredibly low framerate that bursts eyeballs after 10 minutes of gameplay. Yes, I think we might have another Outrun on our hands?
The audio is actually not bad using crude samples but I appreciated the effort. However, the pessimist within cannot help but wonder how many cycles were wasted that could have gone into making the game visually better.
The CryptO'pinion?
Fire & Forget offers racing, guns, and missions dotted around the globe (although that's nothing more than a change in aesthetics for the most part). The actual driving feels totally unrealistic, even for an arcade-style racer and the roads are overly cluttered with baddies and nasty objects so expect many infuriating explosions!
Sadly, Titus has made the ST perform like a 2mhz computer with a framerate that destroys any chance of long-term enjoyment. There are many other, far better, racers available for the Atari ST. You have been warned!
Not the best of starts was it? Let's take a look at some screenshots from my first play...
Titus takes us to all the troubled hotspots throughout the world. Phew, it looks like Blighty is fine!
Ignore the colours and that ludicrously bad framerate because the car is awesome!
My first attempt at a one-handed two-player game (to get some screenshots) was a disaster!
My first game was terrible but I made it onto the high-score table!!
Hostages
Now we're talking. Hostages is something I cannot describe without using the word - "classic". When I say that, I really do mean it because this is as good now as it was back in the day. This game is all about strategy and covert operations as terrorists have taken over an Embassy and are holding lots of frightened hostages prisoner. Yes, a familiar tale and one that has been translated into a computer game quite brilliantly I think.
The rescue mission is Operation Jupiter and we have been commanded to enter the building, kill the terrorist scum and guide all the hostages to safety onto the top floor. You can forget to take the Arnie approach as that will only get you and your men killed. So, think more like Who Dares Wins and you get the idea.
Operation Jupiter is split into stages; the first is getting a small team of snipers in place, who will then eliminate any terrorists they see standing near a window. However, before they can get into position, they need to carefully make their way to specific key areas in the street. This means avoiding the enemy searchlights which is absolutely brilliant. I love nipping into the shadows to avoid being seen - and shot at! Be slow and methodical.
Once they're all in position, we can take a sweep of the embassy just to see if any terrorists are dumb enough to stand near a window. Scan the sides of the building and patiently wait to see who might be walking by. It's worth going slow and possibly making a second sweep of each side of the building. Voyeuristic and tense!
Now we can send in the second squad who burst through the windows like something from a Hollywood movie. Once inside, these guys will search each part of the building like a Doom marine using a crude but effective 3D perspective. The hostages are easily recognisable as they're the ones who have probably peed their pants. Guide them to safety one by one without being seen. It's a lot harder than it sounds so you should learn to use the map.
Don't expect a hero's welcome unless all successfully completed their mission.
Tips!
Use the practice mode before jumping straight in. The first level is harder than you might think, so slow down and watch the motion of those spotlights which are predictable. This is a game that takes patience so, whatever level you're at, don't rush or panic. Finally, learn to master the awkward controls when scouring the rooms for hostages and nasty terrorists. The map helps a bunch and shows you the direction you're facing.
Aesthetics
Graphically, this is fantastic and shows just how advanced the (then) new 16-bit computers were compared to their 8-bit counterparts. Each scene is dark and moody, yet compelling with a natural feel to the situation at hand. The artistry is stunning and seeing something as simple as a shadow behind a window is perfectly done.
Animations are quite funny compared to later games but I love what they did. A faint image of a soldier sneaking into the darkness or leaping over a wall is excellent. Equally impressive are the cutscenes which I really enjoyed between each stage. Cracking 80s-style TV and I loved it all so very much I gotta say.
The audio is mind-blowing from the intro which helps create the dramatic buildup using deep thumps as our team of kick-ass soldiers emerge. It doesn't end there as lots of samples are used throughout each of the stages for maximum effect. Guess what? Just like the visuals, I've nothing to moan about. Excellent stuff!!
The CryptO'pinion?
Playing Hostages is quite unique and something way ahead of its time in my humble opinion. The format of how the action takes place and the methods of different mini-games to complete the mission is excellent. It certainly paved the way for future tactical-based games in many respects. I think I'll have another game now, without getting Mike killed this time! (why is it always Mike who dies?). Anyhow, it's obvious isn't it? But I think Hostages is fantastic!!
We begin by getting the snipers in place to dodge searchlights and hide in the shadows.
Check the map to verify your positions are correct. I still say 'Mike' sounds rather odd...
Okay, let's take out some of the more stupid terrorists dumb enough to stand near a window!
The next three men abseil and burst through the windows to enter the Embassy.
Now the fun really begins but remember, don't shoot the hostages. Unless they're annoying!
North & South
This is an alternative reenactment of the barbarous American civil. There are lots of the silliest challenges to win a comical take on the Civil War. Like Hostages, this is quite unlike anything I'd previously seen at the time and is stuffed with gorgeous art and sound. Plus it features lots of humorous touches that I find hilarious.
Firstly, one or two players are supported which is great and probably better than battling against the computer. Whichever side you choose, you're playing as the Captain in charge of cavalry, infantry and artillery. It's now you should decide whether you want Indians, Mexicans, reinforcements and weather problems plaguing your troops. I say yes, the more stuff we have, the better. They each add their own brand of humour and effect.
A map of eastern America is displayed that shows the location of each country's troops and the current situation. Choose whether you wanna invade the South or protect your independence from the North before planning the strategy of your war through a series of questionable conflicts. Perhaps you might also prefer to rob a train and cash in to help fight against the enemy in greater numbers before jumping straight into the hell of war?
Using the map, we can move and advance our troops from State to State, waiting for the right time to do battle somewhere in this huge country. Depending on that location, wars are fought on a different style of the battlefield using small units of cavalry, soldiers and artillery. These battles are fantastic with head-on collisions I could enjoy all day long. They're simple and silly so hardly realistic (best without the computer's assistance?)
Watch out for reinforcements from Europe via the sea and it's always worthwhile not venturing too far west into Indian territory. However, the presentation of this retaliation is brilliantly executed with a random outcome. The Mexicans won't get involved too much, other than attacking Texas and you'll probably lose men in the process. Storms wander the landscape and make it impossible to do much until it's passed. Each adds a little extra fun.
The war is only won when the victors have successfully beaten their brethren down into the bloody mud...
Tips
Play arcade and enable all the extras for more fun: Red Indians, weather and so on. The computer is way too tough so I often play against myself. The battles are more fun and the entire game lasts a lot longer too. For a strategy game, my advice might appear quite contradictory, but, stop thinking and have fun with the 1860s.
Aesthetics
North & South has some of the most glamorous cartoon visuals. Throughout, there is a high level of humorous artistry which I find stunning thanks to how each scene is presented using bright colours and lovely animations. The overhead battles are my favourite, what's better than running down troops on horseback?
The audio is magnificent with a quirky intro tune that is unforgettable. It paves the way perfectly because it's nothing like I imagined for something that's based on the troubles of a young America. Sound effects are a big deal and massively entertaining with great quality and humour. So, the French actually have a sense of humour? Nice!
The CryptO'pinion?
I wouldn't describe North And South as a serious strategy war game. It was never meant to be that. There are elements but, it's quite a simple affair with battles, fort invasions, etc. These are more arcade than tactical. In fact, I could bang on all day about the battles, humour, funny sounds, etc but this isn't what makes North & South a great game. Of course, they are valid points, but I feel North & South is actually quite a simple concept. One that has been perfectly executed.
This is an extremely enjoyable yet completely unrealistic reenactment of the American Civil War but something to play time & time again. It's absolutely superb and will appeal to all equally. So boot up North & South and enjoy a masterpiece.
What a cool menu screen this is. Click around the screen to see what's what.
The map that oversees the war. Watch out for Red Indians, ships, dozy Mexicans, etc...
Let the battle commence with artillery, mounted soldiers and grunts all battling it out.
My first game went rather well, I thought. And then displayed this beautifully animated image.
Hmm, perhaps they're right? Watch out for him on the right-hand side of the screen...
Teenage Queen
For some odd reason, Teenage Queen gave me a Cuddly Demo vibe and I've no idea why! Anyhow, yes we get to play strip poker against a young girl, which sounds dodgy to me. Oddly, I'm unsure whether I've played any cards game on my Atari ST, let alone strip poker against a sexy young girl in some rather risky positions!
Let me be honest, I've no idea how to play poker so, the games I endured were hit-and-miss. However, I did land lucky a few times and made a little progress but that was purely by accident. Generally, she beat me each and every time so I wasn't able to get many screenshots, which was probably a good thing thinking about it...
Ignoring the adult aspect, this is a decent game and not too difficult, even for me! The user interface worked like a charm utilizing both mouse buttons to bet, raise, flip cards and so on. A good card game albeit pervy.
Tips
She has more chance of losing her nerve if you bet high. Why does this sound wrong? Play something else.
Aesthetics
I guess the graphics had to be good to attract the right kind of player? The artwork is stunning even though it was initially peculiar to see the girl drawn rather than digitised. Thanks to the talent of Jocelyn Valais, it actually works brilliantly and the curious amongst you can view more screenshots over on Demozoo.
The audio is made from French samples, obviously, for everything you hear including the girl's voice and her playful laughter. However, this sexy giggle is a little too much after a while and feels creepy and wrong.
The CryptO'pinion?
I doubt Teenage Queen is something I'll return to but that's possibly more to do with my lack of interest in cards and gambling? The artwork is stunning and the user interface works a treat so I'm sure the poker aspect will appeal to all interested? Don't get me wrong, it's a good card game but not really my cup of tea.
Right from the start, it looks great but the audio might creep you out!
She looks familiar...
I bluffed my way into winning as I had no idea what I was doing!
TinTin On The Moon
Who remembers those old Herge cartoons as a kid? Tbh, I never liked them but let's keep an open mind and jump straight in. Firstly, you must watch the intro! It's brilliant and I think they did a fantastic job to get both this and the game onto a floppy. The game begins with us having left Earth into the darkness of space avoiding asteroids. Weirdly, there are coloured balls that need to be collected before we can proceed to the next stage.
Once we have enough, the game flips into a platformer with TinTin's gang in need of rescuing, I think. Actually, I didn't know what was going on but eventually, I saw various friends tied up in need of rescuing. There are also bombs that need defusing, fires to put out and some baddies to try and avoid (or extinguish).
To rescue your fellow cartoon friends, walk over them. They'll jump up and suddenly jet off somewhere... to do something... The bombs can be defused using the same method but what about those fires blazing away? Use an extinguisher but watch your back for bad guys roaming the place who are very quick on the draw.
The controls are fine but using a fire extinguisher reveals how clumsy this game can be. Putting out a fire can be awkward, especially when near a ladder or simply standing too close to the flames. Bad guys are best eliminated by falling on them I found otherwise they tended to shoot me before I had a chance to act.
That's about as far as I dared venture with this confusing part of the game, sorry. It's quite boring really.
Tips
If you like the look of the 3D space shooter then play Galactic Conqueror instead. So cynical, right?
Aesthetics
Visually, I really liked the look and style which never fails to disappoint using great backgrounds and nice sprites. Animations are superb too and who doesn't love seeing little Snowy run, sit and bark at the baddies? However, Tintins's animations are fluffy: he walks with a shuffle and looks like he's about to fall over. Weird!
Audio is once again of a high standard with lots of samples for everything. They are excellent but I must admit that the rocket scenes were tiresome with that whaaaaaay-like sound effect. I didn't like that at all lol.
The CryptO'pinion?
Oddly, I feel this is the least impressive game in the entire compilation which is quite shocking when you consider that disaster by Titus. Perhaps I'm being harsh? But it all felt rather wishy-washy with little guidance so not always obvious what to do. I only managed to playtest for a short while because I was bored to be brutally honest.
We begin in space and there are coloured balls to collect...
Hey, I see Snowy the dog! But why does TinTin look like he's going to fall over all the time?
There are fires, captured friends and baddies lurking about the place. Where's my shotgun?
Yikes, I'm actually seeing stars. Quite a cool effect actually!
The CryptO'pinion?
As it turned out, this is quite an unusual bundle of ST joy. I found it to be a rich bundle of quality and alternative genres. Hostages and North & South are outstanding strategy games that will eat away your free hours - in a good way I mean! No slog, all enjoyment. However, High Energy isn't perfect with TinTin possibly only appealing to his fans? Fire & Forget is best (ahem) forgotten and Teenage Queen features great artwork but the audio will make your skin crawl.
I enjoyed High Energy but unsurprisingly, there are only two games worth playing. Thankfully, they are corkers that are still excellent today. Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below. Each game can be downloaded from websites like Atari Legend, AtariMania, with some adapted for hard drives by D-Bug and PP.
