Gaming News — platformer

We’re always out for an adventure, especially the old-school kind. We love a good story. We enjoy a bit of action, and now and then, we like to be challenged by a few puzzles. In that department, nothing beats the classic feeling you get from the 80s' and 90s', and luckily we got a couple of games that fit the bill to a T, so let’s check ’em out.

TOWER OF DAMNATION

Checking back into the MSXDev competition, we got the news in a downloadable version of Tower of Damnation, A challenging Platformer by Marcelo “BigFive” Correia. The game has you exploring several levels as you rescue hostages and kick some criminal. Sounds like my idea of a fun weekend. It’s a pretty straightforward game, downloadable and playable on the MSX1.

That being said, BigFive added a bit of a twist to the game’s mechanics. In this platformer, enemies can disappear for good, like forever. However, these pesky enemies are powered by AI and can provide quite a challenge. Long story short, they won’t go down so easy. Tower of Damnation offers a lot of excitement, giving players the chance to run and jump around, fight some bad guys, and eventually save the day. All for the sake of fun. And if this sounds good to you, then the tower, you must go.

BUBBLE QUEST

Now if you’re in the market for a pretty looking good feeling game for the Amstrad Plus and GX4000, then you might wanna check out Praline Software’s upcoming title of Bubble Quest. It’s a game feast for the eyes and the gamer’s brain. It plays simply enough. Having you guide as a bubble around a maze as you avoid getting popped by just about everything. Make no mistake, though, as this game is picturesque.

From the full-length animated intro to the skillfully crafted maps, getting distracted will be easy. Lucky for us, the game is nearing its completion, and we will all be able to enjoy this beauty. Praline Software is gunning for a physical edition that’ll fit into a cartridge but with much greater capacity. Besides that, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for more. If all goes well, they’re looking at a 2023 release. Sounds good. And hey, it looks even better.

HAUNTED LANDS: BURIAL GROUNDS

We’re moving into more action territory with Alevgor’s Action Platformer, Haunted Lands: Burial Grounds. At first glance, it may seem like a simple PC homage to classic action-packed DOS games, but you’ll soon realize how it cranks up the action and gore just a teensy bit more.

The mission is clear. Survive the night as demons and ghouls try to rip off your face. Thankfully, you won’t be alone. You have the most trustworthy partner around. A powerful shotgun haunted grounds hit the ground running as you blast into the night. Currently, the game features 2 difficulty modes, 4 playable characters, and multiple levels swarming with supernatural horrors, all lining up perfectly with your iron sights.

All this, coupled with a kick-ass soundtrack created that sets the tone throughout the game, and you’ll have the time of your life as you fight for your life. From all the horror and action fans out there, lock and load because this might be your life's longest, most action-packed night.

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We’re just about to wrap up the month of February, and time is just passing by in a flash. Thankfully, in game releases, things slow down just a bit for us to catch some exciting titles. Always got something for everyone in the retro sphere, that’s for sure.

Paying tribute to the classics is one of the best ways for budding game devs to show their appreciation, showcase their skills, and exercise their imagination. We got a few love letters to retro gaming this week worth checking out.

STRAY THE SCOUT 

First, we’re looking at a very familiar-looking game that’ll get the good old dog workin’. Scout the Stray for the Commodore 64 is a maze bass game that, as players take on the told-off, you guessed it, a stray dog who’s out to collect bones while avoiding being caught by some evil-doers.

LC-Games has been hard at work with its title, and it now includes in-game music, along with a few updates and fixes to make playing far more enjoyable. Finding bones on the run is no easy task, so it's good that we won't have any trouble helping out good old Scout. In terms of the game, each stage is a randomly generated maze with all the necessary bones scattered around.

Each level ends once you find all the bones, and in total, the game has 32 increasingly difficult levels, with the speed of the chasers increasing more. So it's intense! Definitely a dog-eat-dog world out there. So make sure Scouts stay safe if you decide to pick this game up.

BEEP'S ESCAPE 

It's time to hop into the indie side of retro gaming, especially for those who swear by the PC master race. If you're on steam right now, you can check out Little Martian Games and their later release, Beep's Escape. It just oozes old school and according to the creator, it's a not too subtle nod to the ZX spectrum games of the 1980s and particularly the Dizzy Franchise of Action Adventure Games. Yes, indeed. You get them feels just by looking at the aesthetic.

You take control of Beep, a brave robot on a mission to escape from the strange Tech facility with just your wits and the items around you. If you’re the kind of gamer who enjoys old-school platforming, puzzles, and helpful NPCs, you might be up for the challenge. When it comes to both retro looks and feels beeps, escape definitely checks those boxes and checks them well. So check it out!

IT RETURNED TO THE DESERT 

Now we look at a tribute to an all-time classic, which released an old-school console in the eighties, but now finds its home on PC. Thanks to TimRachor, a fun re-imagining of It Came from the Desert just dropped on Steam, and it has a nice touch to its title. It Returned to the Desert. Oh, it absolutely did, and it’s just unnerving as it was back then.

The tactical combat and story-driven adventure game take you to the desert town of Glint Rock, where a meteor crash is causing a stir that might involve some giant mutated ants later on, spoiler warning, for anyone who hasn’t seen the eighties movie. Like any tactical game, you’ll recruit a party, prepare for combat, and use your time well just to survive what could be a literal ANT-pocalypse? Freaky stuff I tell ya.

If you’re curious, the game features retro pixel art, an atmospheric soundtrack, free saving, and multiple difficulties. It’s a very modern take on an almost 40-year-old game. So if you’re here for all the Monster Madness, check it out on Steam.

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It’s about time we returned to some retro titles, as the list keeps getting longer, especially for February. Well, it’s not the most jam-packed time of the year for releases. We’re still looking at some major releases for our AAA siblings, so it’s safe to say we’re looking at the same for retro.

This week we’re looking at a remake in a couple of brand-new games that are guaranteed to tickle your fancy, and no, it’s not all intense action. There’s a bit of something for everyone. Let’s go.

AMBERMOON ADVANCED

When it comes to old-school gaming, Ambermoon is a name that usually pops into the conversation. It’s had a fair share of rereleases, from the updated Amiga version to the open-source PC remake. It’s pure 90s’ satisfaction that many players miss and long for even today. Now, if you’re a longtime fan of the game, you are lucky because Ambermoon Advanced by Pyrdacor might scratch that couple of decades-long.

Both episodes, one and two, have come to the PC and Amiga, which looks great. Ambermoon Advanced is in your usual remake. Aside from enhancing the original game, you’ll get some added features, like a new companion, new doors to open, new monsters, new items, and some new places to explore.

It’s retro gaming action at its core and is out right now! So if you enjoy Dangerous Dungeons and a good story split into two episodes, then you might want to check out Ambermoon Advanced.

VRADARK'S REVENGE

Now we’re moving on to RPG territory, a massive franchise of different games that’s been alive and kicking since the beginning. Whether it’s tabletop or video games, you can’t deny how influential RPGs have been to gamers everywhere. That’s why a brand new game, Vradark’s Revenge, is a welcome addition to the PC and ZX spectrum next. Sanchez Crew’s latest release has players exploring dark ancient tombs to find and hopefully defeat Vradark face-to-face.

There’s a lot of magic and mystery involved here, so if you’re into that, brace yourself. In terms of mechanics, you’re treated to a fantasy action RPPG genre with lots of demon-slaying action. As a wizard, it’s your goal to explore each level, find the boss demon, and destroy all the magic you can find while boosting your abilities.

A PIG QUEST

Lastly, we got an excellent action-packed side-scrolling platformer for the Commodore 64 and 128. A Pig Quest by Antonio Savona, Mauricet, Aldo Chiummo, and Gaetano Chiummo, is finally here, and it’s looking pretty good. Thank medieval fantasy action, but with a bit more pork in your diet. Yes, I know it sounded weird, but right now, A Pig Quests showcases a lot of action platform mechanics in its gameplay.

It features 200 screens across 5 worlds filled with gorgeous C64 details and dynamic weather effects. Something we all can appreciate. It not only looks good but sounds great too. We get a brilliant 36 situational SID soundtrack, collectible items, and countless dangerous enemies. You’ll explore secret areas, and detailed backdrops and enjoy cinematic cut scenes fit for your sweet old Commodore.

So if you want to pick out the action, this might be for you. Just make sure not to hog the controller.

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As Christmas draws near, alongside the New Year, the hype train for retro gaming won’t be slowing down anytime soon. From Christmas-themed games to gamer gear, we’ve been giving you a list and of course, we’ve been checking it twice.

This time, we got a couple of games specifically tailored for the yuletide season, and one that could be a very nice stocking stuffer—if you can get your hands on it. Stick around, and I’ll give you the lowdown.

Santa Claus Xmas Season 2022

Christmas comes just about a week early, thanks to Amiten Games, and their season-appropriate title,  'Santa Claus Xmas Season 2022'.

Amiga owners can rejoice again—especially if you’re a proud supporter of Amiten Games, as this may be a limited release. While the artwork gives a very wholesome, festive feeling, the game itself is more akin to the TRUE Christmas movie—Die Hard.

Santa, atop a high structure, getting rid of baddies trying to climb up. It’s textbook, McClane! While a relatively small game, it’s chock full of colorful graphics and Christmas music, with quite a bit of unexpected action. It’s the perfect formula.

In terms of requirements, you’ll need an Amiga 500 to run it. Sounds good? Well, that is, if you can get your hands on it. In any case, Santa Claus Xmas Season 2022 just might be the next big holiday thing.

Arcadia Xmas Quest

From Amiga to Atari, we have another holiday-themed title. 'Arcadia Xmas Quest' by Amarok is a brand new game based on the 1983 title 'Arcadia', and it’s an adventure set in a much more festive winter world.

And festive it is, complete with the snowy motif, bright holiday colors, and slight shift in tone from your usual Arcadia. Still, it plays just as smoothly as you’d think.

Amarok has a bit to say about the game: "In Arcadia, the Christmas Mission will find 9 new levels and a new crazy bonus round. You will also be able to hear 9 famous Christmas songs: "Carol of the Bells", "Deck the Halls", "Jingle Bells", "Jingle Bell Rock", "Let It Snow!", "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree "," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer "," Santa Claus Is Comin 'to Town "and" Sleigh Ride".

Now, just like the original Arcadia v1.2, the game has regular joystick support, so there’s no need to worry, about whichever model you have. So, if you’re looking to have a more Arcadia Christmas, look no further.

Lilly's Saga

Lastly, not exactly a holiday-themed title, but more of a potential preorder present if you you’re ever so keen.

The MSX 2 game 'Lilly's Saga' by Fabulous 8bit is a game that didn't just become a community favorite but also became an absolute champ in Gameplay, Graphics, and Sound in this year’s MSXdev competition.

Now, you’re probably thinking, what’s the big surprise here? Well, the game already has its digital download version, which is nice. But for the more hardcore aficionados, it’s also getting a BIG BOX EDITION—which, is now available for preorder.

For those unfamiliar, the game isn't just a take on the classic platformer genre, but it’s a fresh new take on the game itself. Complete with fresh new ideas, and a twist on game elements, it’s worth considering a standalone title. A nice reboot, if you will.

So yes, if you want to own a nice, physical version of one of the best MSX2 games of 2022, you can reserve a copy at the Côté Gamers website, and check the fine print while you’re at it. The Lilly’s Saga big box edition is currently priced at 45 euros or 47 USD plus shipping. They’re set to come out in 2023, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a nice holiday treat.

Just extend your holiday, and you’re good!

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