Proposal for New Game Review for Summer 2011...

[Nate Brazil]

Been following the newsgroup and glad to hear that many of our Amiga
friends are okay! This of course includes 'the other Nate'. :-D
Between earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand, and tornados and floods
here in the 'Southern' states, it's been a very crazy time as of late.

Perhaps it's time to suggest a few new games to review? I too got
bogged down in KGB - and, in real life, work in general. Perhaps
something (or a few 'somethings') 'light-hearted' and entertaining
without too much of a time commitment would be ideal right now.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'll dig into my collection and see what
I can find.

I've never played Elite - is it pretty fun? I'm almost embarrased to
say I'm an Amiga fan that has never played Elite... I've been saving
the exploration of this game for a special time, but I'm not getting
any younger! :-)

Nate Brazil

[Angus]

In article <c219228e-661c-487f-a012-
***@x1g2000yqb.googlegroups.com>, ***@comcast.net
says...

Post by Nate Brazil
Been following the newsgroup and glad to hear that many of our Amiga
friends are okay! This of course includes 'the other Nate'. :-D
Between earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand, and tornados and floods
here in the 'Southern' states, it's been a very crazy time as of late.

I didn't know where you were in the States, Nate - where are you, if I
may inquire? :)

Post by Nate Brazil
Perhaps it's time to suggest a few new games to review? I too got
bogged down in KGB - and, in real life, work in general. Perhaps
something (or a few 'somethings') 'light-hearted' and entertaining
without too much of a time commitment would be ideal right now.

Sounds good.

Post by Nate Brazil
Anyone have any suggestions? I'll dig into my collection and see what
I can find.

Actually, I think Seppo had a similar idea, about something fairly
light..... Seppers? ;)

Post by Nate Brazil
I've never played Elite - is it pretty fun? I'm almost embarrased to
say I'm an Amiga fan that has never played Elite... I've been saving
the exploration of this game for a special time, but I'm not getting
any younger! :-)

Elite huh? :)

Well, you can play it as a 3D shoot-em-up I suppose, just jumping to a
nearby feuadal/anarchy system in the poorly equipped ship you start
with, and see if you can make it to the safety of the station.

Maybe an accompanying less deep game?

[Hidehiko Ogata]

Post by Angus
Elite huh? :)
Well, you can play it as a 3D shoot-em-up I suppose, just jumping to a
nearby feuadal/anarchy system in the poorly equipped ship you start
with, and see if you can make it to the safety of the station.

Somehow I don't think the two terms "Elite" and "light-hearted" don't
mix all that well... ;)

Weren't there two ports of (the first, not Frontier) Elite, BTW? I
think I have what I think would be the earlier port, which IIRC left much
to be desired, from technical POV.

Post by Angus
Maybe an accompanying less deep game?

Maybe some SEU? How about yak's lesser-known gem, Photon Storm?

[Angus]

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Angus
Elite huh? :)
Well, you can play it as a 3D shoot-em-up I suppose, just jumping to a
nearby feuadal/anarchy system in the poorly equipped ship you start
with, and see if you can make it to the safety of the station.

Somehow I don't think the two terms "Elite" and "light-hearted" don't
mix all that well... ;)
Weren't there two ports of (the first, not Frontier) Elite, BTW? I
think I have what I think would be the earlier port, which IIRC left much
to be desired, from technical POV.

I think you are right, there was a slightly expanded port that was
basically the same with a few small extras - an encyclopedia for one
thing. Extra missions maybe?

No real difference in the overall feel as far as I recall.

But I think its quite a good choice for us, given that you have the
option to play it as a 3D space shoot-em-up or altenatively adopt it as
your religion. :)

[Seppo]

Post by Angus

Post by Nate Brazil
Perhaps it's time to suggest a few new games to review? I too got
bogged down in KGB - and, in real life, work in general. Perhaps
something (or a few 'somethings') 'light-hearted' and entertaining
without too much of a time commitment would be ideal right now.

Sounds good.

Post by Nate Brazil
Anyone have any suggestions? I'll dig into my collection and see what
I can find.

Actually, I think Seppo had a similar idea, about something fairly
light..... Seppers? ;)

Sounds like a good idea - may I propose a slightly controversial
platformer called "Stormlord" developed by Raffaele Cecco and
published by Hewson? When released back in 1989 it received
mixed reviews and also some additional publicity for featuring
well drawn graphics containing partial nudity (in some
background statues and also in some the female characters)

More information about the game can be found here:

http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=1005

Should be quite light-hearted mission to fight your way
through the Fairyland and rescue some scandily clad
nymphettes from the bubble prisons created by the
evil Queen.

Stormlord is freely available here:

http://www.back2roots.org/Games/Files/Stormlord%2C1/

Post by Angus

Post by Nate Brazil
I've never played Elite - is it pretty fun? I'm almost embarrased to
say I'm an Amiga fan that has never played Elite... I've been saving
the exploration of this game for a special time, but I'm not getting
any younger! :-)

Elite huh? :)
Well, you can play it as a 3D shoot-em-up I suppose, just jumping to a
nearby feuadal/anarchy system in the poorly equipped ship you start
with, and see if you can make it to the safety of the station.
Maybe an accompanying less deep game?

I think Elite would be perfect alternative to Stormlord :)

Bye,

Seppo

[Nate Brazil]

Post by Seppo

Post by Angus

Perhaps it's time to suggest a few new games to review?  I too got
bogged down in KGB - and, in real life, work in general.  Perhaps
something (or a few 'somethings') 'light-hearted' and entertaining
without too much of a time commitment would be ideal right now.

Sounds good.

Anyone have any suggestions?  I'll dig into my collection and see what
I can find.

Actually, I think Seppo had a similar idea, about something fairly
light..... Seppers?  ;)

Sounds like a good idea - may I propose a slightly controversial
platformer called "Stormlord" developed by Raffaele Cecco and
published by Hewson? When released back in 1989 it received
mixed reviews and also some additional publicity for featuring
well drawn graphics containing partial nudity (in some
background statues and also in some the female characters)  
http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=1005
Should be quite light-hearted mission to fight your way
through the Fairyland and rescue some scandily clad
nymphettes from the bubble prisons created by the
evil Queen.
Stormlord is freely available here:  
http://www.back2roots.org/Games/Files/Stormlord%2C1/

Post by Angus

I've never played Elite - is it pretty fun?  I'm almost embarrased to
say I'm an Amiga fan that has never played Elite...  I've been saving
the exploration of this game for a special time, but I'm not getting
any younger!  :-)

Elite huh?  :)
Well, you can play it as a 3D shoot-em-up I suppose, just jumping to a
nearby feuadal/anarchy system in the poorly equipped ship you start
with, and see if you can make it to the safety of the station.
Maybe an accompanying less deep game?

I think Elite would be perfect alternative to Stormlord  :)
   Bye,
    Seppo

I think I'll give StormLord a go... I'll post back my experiences.

Nate

[Seppo]

Post by Seppo
Sounds like a good idea - may I propose a slightly controversial
platformer called "Stormlord" developed by Raffaele Cecco and
published by Hewson? When released back in 1989 it received
mixed reviews and also some additional publicity for featuring
well drawn graphics containing partial nudity (in some
background statues and also in some the female characters)  
http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=1005
Should be quite light-hearted mission to fight your way
through the Fairyland and rescue some scandily clad
nymphettes from the bubble prisons created by the
evil Queen.
Stormlord is freely available here:  
http://www.back2roots.org/Games/Files/Stormlord%2C1/

Anyone else tried this game yet?

I finally managed to try it out on my trusty old
A1200 and was pleasantly surprised. It it imho
best described as "Ghost'n'Goblins with puzzles and
boobies" as you guide the main character through the
level saving the half-naked fairies.

I have managed to complete the first level - which
offered some nice challenges. First, there are number
of nymphettes you need to rescue to complete the level.
This is not an easy task as you need to perform the
rescue operation by solving some rather interesting
puzzles as well as fighting against the evil characters.

To make things more interesting you need
to find out the correct order to rescue the fairies.
The level design is very strict about this. It is possible
to end up in a situation that you cannot save the last fairy
if you have chosen the wrong order. Finally there is a time
limit on a level which means you have to act quickly.

The playability is on a acceptable level - the main character
reacts to joystick instantly, collision detection is almost
perfect and puzzles and combat are challenging in a
right way.

The "icing of the cake" is the game graphics - they are
really well drawn and animated (excluding the rather
"stiff" animation of the main character). There are plenty
of nice details you'll notice when progressing through the
level.

Bye,

Seppo

[Angus]

Post by Seppo
Anyone else tried this game yet?

Yup, just had a session with the nymphettes.

Post by Seppo
I finally managed to try it out on my trusty old
A1200 and was pleasantly surprised. It it imho
best described as "Ghost'n'Goblins with puzzles and
boobies" as you guide the main character through the
level saving the half-naked fairies.

I was happier with the nymphettes!

(This maybe an English slang language subtlety) :)

Post by Seppo
To make things more interesting you need
to find out the correct order to rescue the fairies.
The level design is very strict about this. It is possible
to end up in a situation that you cannot save the last fairy
if you have chosen the wrong order. Finally there is a time
limit on a level which means you have to act quickly.

I'm not sure what it was that was causing a Game Over, probably the
sequence - I didn't see a timer, but got 4 of them.

Hands up who waited around after releasing a nymphette hoping for a
reward? :)

Post by Seppo
The "icing of the cake" is the game graphics - they are
really well drawn and animated (excluding the rather
"stiff" animation of the main character). There are plenty
of nice details you'll notice when progressing through the
level.

Yeah, I like the "nice details" too, Seppo.

I'm a bit rubbish at these games and usually find my patience
disappears, but I stayed wuith it for a while, and will try again.

[Seppo]

Post by Angus

Post by Seppo
Anyone else tried this game yet?

Yup, just had a session with the nymphettes.

Hmmm... ;)

Post by Angus

Post by Seppo
I finally managed to try it out on my trusty old
A1200 and was pleasantly surprised. It it imho
best described as "Ghost'n'Goblins with puzzles and
boobies" as you guide the main character through the
level saving the half-naked fairies.

I was happier with the nymphettes!
(This maybe an English slang language subtlety) :)

I agree "nymphettes" sounds better :)

Post by Angus

Post by Seppo
To make things more interesting you need
to find out the correct order to rescue the fairies.
The level design is very strict about this. It is possible
to end up in a situation that you cannot save the last fairy
if you have chosen the wrong order. Finally there is a time
limit on a level which means you have to act quickly.

I'm not sure what it was that was causing a Game Over, probably the
sequence - I didn't see a timer, but got 4 of them.

The second icon in the panel shows a sun which slowly
turns to moon - if you have not rescued all the nymphettes
when the moon is fully visible it is game over.

Post by Angus
Hands up who waited around after releasing a nymphette hoping for a
reward? :)

Guilty as charged :)

After completing the first level you get to see lots of
them flying around and you can then shoot them with
hearts. If you hit a nymphette she drops a tear which
you can collect - nice way to restore some of the lifes
you might have lost in the actual level.

Post by Angus

Post by Seppo
The "icing of the cake" is the game graphics - they are
really well drawn and animated (excluding the rather
"stiff" animation of the main character). There are plenty
of nice details you'll notice when progressing through the
level.

Yeah, I like the "nice details" too, Seppo.

:)

Post by Angus
I'm a bit rubbish at these games and usually find my patience
disappears, but I stayed wuith it for a while, and will try again.

The game does pose certain addictiviness - propably because
of the puzzle element (that or a possibility to see even more
nymphettes) :)

Almost completed the second level today - things get a
bit more hectic as there are more foes to eliminate.
The level also seems slightly bigger. Would be great
to have a possibility to start from level two if you
lose all your lifes instead of starting all over again,

Bye,

Seppo

[Hidehiko Ogata]

Post by Angus
Yup, just had a session with the nymphettes.

Woohoo! Half-naked nymphettes, here I come!

*ahem*

...well, other than *that*, I have to say the game is kinda meh.
But it's not so bad in the historical context - let's see, back in '89
Psygnosis was throwing Baal at us, and there was Probe's ohhhHHHHGGGG
SAVAGE!!! (sorry couldn't resist), but it reminds me of Thalamus'
Hawkeye (C64 version) more than anything else.

Speaking of which, the main riff sounded somewhat familiar, and sure
enough, the C64 version has Maniacs of Noise in the credits. But
I have to say the mighty SID version won out this time round. What is it
that's lost in the adaptation to the "improved" 32bit platform?

Haven't been able to clear the first level yet - those pesky fly-traps!
It could use the defender-style radar display too.

[Seppo]

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Angus
Yup, just had a session with the nymphettes.

Woohoo! Half-naked nymphettes, here I come!
*ahem*
...well, other than *that*, I have to say the game is kinda meh.
But it's not so bad in the historical context - let's see, back in '89
Psygnosis was throwing Baal at us, and there was Probe's ohhhHHHHGGGG
SAVAGE!!! (sorry couldn't resist),

We also got some excellent (New Zealand Story) and some
above average (Strider, Ghouls' n' Ghosts) arcade conversions
and also some rather good original titles (Rick Dangerous) during
that year.

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
but it reminds me of Thalamus'
Hawkeye (C64 version) more than anything else.

Did that game have half-naked nymphettes? :)

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
Speaking of which, the main riff sounded somewhat familiar, and sure
enough, the C64 version has Maniacs of Noise in the credits. But
I have to say the mighty SID version won out this time round.

My understanding is that music of Amiga version of this
game was not done by MoN.

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
What is it that's lost in the adaptation to the "improved" 32bit platform?

I just checked some screenshots of the C64 version - is it my
imagination or are the C64 nymphettes even more nude? :o

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
Haven't been able to clear the first level yet - those pesky fly-traps!
It could use the defender-style radar display too.

Flytraps are easy to avoid - just be ready to jump when the platform
above them crumbles.

Where do you need radar - for the flying dragons? :)

Bye,

Seppo

[Hidehiko Ogata]

Post by Seppo
We also got some excellent (New Zealand Story) and some
above average (Strider, Ghouls' n' Ghosts) arcade conversions
and also some rather good original titles (Rick Dangerous) during
that year.

Good catch. I'd say it was a transitional year when we had started to
get some *really* spectacular stuff (Battle Squadron, Rainbow Islands
etc.), so the range in quality was kinda wonky.

Post by Seppo

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
but it reminds me of Thalamus'
Hawkeye (C64 version) more than anything else.

Did that game have half-naked nymphettes? :)

Nah, just some half-cybernated guy running around. How boring :)

Post by Seppo

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
Speaking of which, the main riff sounded somewhat familiar, and sure
enough, the C64 version has Maniacs of Noise in the credits. But
I have to say the mighty SID version won out this time round.

My understanding is that music of Amiga version of this
game was not done by MoN.

On closer inspection, the Amiga version too credits MoN for the music.
I guess they hadn't "figured out" Paula yet.

Post by Seppo
I just checked some screenshots of the C64 version - is it my
imagination or are the C64 nymphettes even more nude? :o

Blasphemy, you are right! So that's why the right arm of the statue is
in such an awkward position. DAMN YOU HEWSON, DAMN YOU ALL TO H*LL! %)

Post by Seppo
Flytraps are easy to avoid - just be ready to jump when the platform
above them crumbles.

My bad - I meant that volcano-like creature which spits out peas upward.
It became dead-easy when I realized you are supposed to walk *under* it,
instead of jumping over it.

Post by Seppo
Where do you need radar - for the flying dragons? :)

I guess I just like fly-by-radar games - Defender, Bosconian, Rally-X
etc., IYKWIM.

Cleared the first level now. The game is not so bad after you've figured
out some quirks - nothing spectacular, just mild fun.

[Seppo]

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Seppo
We also got some excellent (New Zealand Story) and some
above average (Strider, Ghouls' n' Ghosts) arcade conversions
and also some rather good original titles (Rick Dangerous) during
that year.

Good catch. I'd say it was a transitional year when we had started to
get some *really* spectacular stuff (Battle Squadron, Rainbow Islands
etc.), so the range in quality was kinda wonky.

IIRC the developers were still doing lots of conversions
from various sources (arcades, C64, Atari ST) during
that time. Amiga originals were still a bit of rarity back then.

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Seppo

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
but it reminds me of Thalamus'
Hawkeye (C64 version) more than anything else.

Did that game have half-naked nymphettes? :)

Nah, just some half-cybernated guy running around. How boring :)

Indeed ;)

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Seppo

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
Speaking of which, the main riff sounded somewhat familiar, and sure
enough, the C64 version has Maniacs of Noise in the credits. But
I have to say the mighty SID version won out this time round.

My understanding is that music of Amiga version of this
game was not done by MoN.

On closer inspection, the Amiga version too credits MoN for the music.
I guess they hadn't "figured out" Paula yet.

My mistake then :)

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Seppo
I just checked some screenshots of the C64 version - is it my
imagination or are the C64 nymphettes even more nude? :o

Blasphemy, you are right! So that's why the right arm of the statue is
in such an awkward position. DAMN YOU HEWSON, DAMN YOU ALL TO H*LL! %)

At least we were luckier than those Sega Genesis owners - their
version was completely censored - no boobies for the console
gamers! :o

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Seppo
Flytraps are easy to avoid - just be ready to jump when the platform
above them crumbles.

My bad - I meant that volcano-like creature which spits out peas upward.
It became dead-easy when I realized you are supposed to walk *under* it,
instead of jumping over it.

Ah, those. Fine example of the pixel-perfect collision
detection in the game. You can sneak really close to those
volcanoes and then slip past them (easily, like you said).

Post by Hidehiko Ogata

Post by Seppo
Where do you need radar - for the flying dragons? :)

I guess I just like fly-by-radar games - Defender, Bosconian, Rally-X
etc., IYKWIM.

I can understand a radar in a shoot'em up like Defender but
do no see them as useful in a platformer like Stormlord.
Would you like to elaborate a bit?

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
Cleared the first level now. The game is not so bad after you've figured
out some quirks - nothing spectacular, just mild fun.

I think it is simple innocent fun - real old-skool stuff imho :)

Bye,

Seppo

[Seppo]

Post by Hidehiko Ogata
Cleared the first level now. The game is not so bad after you've figured
out some quirks - nothing spectacular, just mild fun.

I finally managed to complete the second level - and was
surprised the third level was again using the graphics
from the first level (with different level design of course).
Kinda put me off playing it more. Seems the game really
is quite straight port from 8-bits (where this kind of
graphics re-usage would have been more acceptable).

Just wondering if we should try the sequel (Deliverance) too?
It is available at Back2Roots site.

Seppo

[Angus]

Post by Seppo
Sounds like a good idea - may I propose a slightly controversial
platformer called "Stormlord" developed by Raffaele Cecco and
published by Hewson? When released back in 1989 it received
mixed reviews and also some additional publicity for featuring
well drawn graphics containing partial nudity (in some
background statues and also in some the female characters)
http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=1005
Should be quite light-hearted mission to fight your way
through the Fairyland and rescue some scandily clad
nymphettes from the bubble prisons created by the
evil Queen.

Scantily clad nymphettes? I have no particular objection.

Proposal firmly accepted here.

Its also a WHDLoad game which is also helpful.

Post by Seppo
I think Elite would be perfect alternative to Stormlord :)

Right, I will start a sepearte Elite thread, one of the version I had
came in a box with Elite plus written on it, so I'll call it that.

[Angus]

In article <c219228e-661c-487f-a012-
***@x1g2000yqb.googlegroups.com>, ***@comcast.net
says...

Post by Nate Brazil
I've never played Elite - is it pretty fun? I'm almost embarrased to
say I'm an Amiga fan that has never played Elite... I've been saving
the exploration of this game for a special time, but I'm not getting
any younger! :-)

If the Elite idea is of interest, I expect to have something to spice it
up shortly - stay tuned.

[Daniel Mandic]

Post by Nate Brazil
I've never played Elite - is it pretty fun? I'm almost embarrased to
say I'm an Amiga fan that has never played Elite... I've been saving
the exploration of this game for a special time, but I'm not getting
any younger! :-)

You can play it on ATARI ST too.
You'd need at least a 020/28MHz to play the sequel 'Frontier', Elite II

I'd suggest you play Elite III (First Encounters, FFE). Assembler coded
Masterpiece.... intel Pentium I 133MHz recommended.
I play it on my P3-S/1400MHz, under MS-DOS or any other 16bit DOS
Variant.
My P3-S PC (DOS/XP) plays anything from 1974 up to now (except
Battlefield and such monstrous 3D Games.... off course, it's just a
Matrox Parhelia which can do amazing fast DOS VGA and SVGA GfX, like
its predecessors Mystique and Millenium, and a little bit DirectX7 and
8... 3D under XP).
But it's starting any software since PC... and having air to start more
modern software too!


AMIGA is having the best soundchip ever!