Komoda & Amiga plus #02 [ENGLISH edition] by Komoda and Amiga plus

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

On 15.08.2015 our friend Mariusz ”Ramos” Rozwadowski has passed away. He was a person with many pastimes and the retro scene was his real, true love. He was giving his best into everything he wanted to achieve – all his efforts and his entire positive energy were put into projects he was dedicated to. He loved to talk with people and share his passion and enormous knowledge. He left a trail after himself – two books from ”Bajty Polskie” series and a huge amount of articles published in the press and on the internet, as well as his own creative works on C64.

Farewell Ramos

We began the first issue of K&A Plus magazine (Ramos was one of its’ cofounders) with words: ”The end is a beginning”. We did not know back then, how true these words are and how difficult it will be to complete the second issue without Mariusz. On the next pages we share our editorial staff memories and I think that he would smile, knowing how fond memories of him we have...

Someone wrote somewhere that, with passing of

I don’t know if I ever meet a person so devoted

every year, it will be less and less retro fans. This is

to his passion. Mariusz lived with the computer

unfortunately true. This time it is Mariusz’s turn. He

history, he emanated with the love for the retro

was well-known in the retro milieu. The reaction in

scene, he sacrificed his best years of life for this

the Internet caused by his death is a testament

passion. But above all, he was our friend, compa-

to that. He didn’t create his own family but he de-

nion, joyful, happy person. During our meetings

finitely had another family – retro scene. Ramos

he always had a lot of interesting anecdotes, he

participated in a lot of projects and was because

mentioned old occurrences, he told great stories,

of that seen sometimes as a person for whom the

sometimes probably thinking them up. We always

quantity is better than quality. I think that he tried

laughed out loud. He loved people and people

to make his own endeavors and help in other pro-

loved him for his personality. We will miss him very,

jects as good as he could. In Samar he encoura-

very much..

ged me a lot of times to work and he always had new ideas. Above all, he was a good friend, who had always something interesting to say, a very open person. It is a very strange feeling when you just talked to someone, partied a couple of days ago and he disappears from our lives . Mariusz managed to destroy us in Microprose Soccer, get a high score in Swiv, give us Czech Medovin to drink, to say a couple of anecdotes about the past: about the cars of cleaners on the roof of disassembled office building- former building of DOKP, about the swindles of Arab employer, spatial graphics of an artist whose pseudonym I forgot. During this evening we watched also Bib 3 demo – in memoriam of Toush. Ramos deserves the same remembrance. uka

tomxx

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

to share his knowledge with other people. It also created an opportunity to create some new, interesting contacts. Even though I was struck by his death, now I begin to become aware that we lost him. The gap, that he left, cannot be filled by anyone. He was one of the more dedicated retro hardware fans. We will never write an article together and we will not go to visit any places. Rest in peace, my friend.. Mr. Mat

I met Mariusz in 2010 thanks to Internet website of ”C&A Fan”. I logged I met Mariusz a decade ago com-

In his short life he achieved so much

into it to present a first, very ama-

pletely coincidentally. I worked back

that it would be enough for a couple

teurish issue of my e-zin ”Komoda”.

then with Vansen on the scanning of

of persons. He was not only a leader

His reaction was instantaneous.

computer press for the RetroReaders

of Samar, the longest working group

I received from him a couple of en-

project. When we chatted on the

on the Polish scene, which has the

couraging comments and a handful

internet, it turned out that he knows

most releases, but also found time

of useful criticism. After a couple of

someone who lives in the same city

to participate in a plethora of other

days we exchanged our cellphone

where I worked and has similar intere-

projects such as HVSC or ATMA.

numbers and we agreed to meet

sts.I received quickly Ramos’ s phone

He was also a an editor-in-chief of

up in Katowice. It was remarkable:

number and we agreed to meet in

C&A Fan and Games. He was able

I met a guy who was equally inte-

the city centre. From the very first

to reach people who are very often

rested in Commodore, just as me.

moment you could feel his open-

forgotten and who back in the day

His enormous knowledge about the

ness for others and resulting from this

had an influence on the milieu of C64

history of computers caused that

communicativeness. I remember this

users in Poland or worldwide. The

I enjoyed listening to him and share

meeting even today. It was raining

interviews, that he conducted, were

with him my opinions. After some time

and sad but I was coming back

always very interesting and contribu-

we decided that it is worth to write

home satisfied because I met an

ted to our knowledge about these

together an article and publish it in

interesting person. From this day our

times. He had an enormous talent,

”C&A Fan”. It came out good so

mutual adventure began, not only in

the gift of the gab and perseveran-

we decided to write together more.

the field of retro computers. It turned

ce in reaching the correct people.

We shared a lot of great moments

out that, just as I, he likes to hike in

Besides the aforementioned projects

and adventures, as members of SMZI

the mountains, visit old castles, pala-

he found time to write (together with

association (Stowarzyszenie Miłośni-

ces and museums – especially these

Bartek Kluska) a book about Polish

ków Zabytków Informatyki ). During

devoted to World War II, with which

games during nineties and a series

our free time we played games, we

he was immensely interested. He was

of articles to other magazines. He

met up with our mutual friends and

social; very often we discussed about

left an unfinished book about the

we hang out in the city. I could recall

the variety of subjects, not necessari-

Amstrad users in Poland and a history

and recall…. But I know one thing

ly connected with computers. I have

of a joystick. He always had time for

for sure: I had a great friend and

to admit that he had broad horizons

everyone!

I will miss him. He was a good, caring

and a variety of pastimes.

person. He loved working in a museum. Guiding visitors gave him an opportunity

Komek

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

You cannot postpone everything for

so many contacts, he was participa-

and his devotion to the retro scene.

the future. I had only a virtual con-

ting at the same time in a variety of

Even though we have seen each

tact with Ramos. Regularly post-

projects… The whole topic of retro

other only a couple of times, Mariusz

poned meeting was permanently

computers was not only a pastime

one time called me on skype and it

postponed to the list of impossible

or a hobby for him. It was almost his

was 40 minutes of a very interesting

things. Too bad that I will not be able

whole world, he was in it the enti-

discussion. The information about

to drink a beer together with Mariusz,

re time and he was able to talk for

his death reached me on Saturday

because a couple of topics that we

hours about the forgotten stories and

and really moved me – I saw him on

talked about in the internet, could

seemingly unimportant details. I met

Wednesday and we had a lot fun

be definitely expanded into longer

him in 2011, when I wrote an email

playing C64 games….. And then such

discussions. I will certainly lack the

and said that I would like to coopera-

a horrible news. I was thinking that it

constant encouragement from him,

te with C&A Fan/Games. Soon after

is unreal, I hoped it would be a lie…..

for us and our magazine, to progress.

we met for the first time in person.

Unfortunately, this was not the case.

You left too quickly, too young, it will

Even during the first meeting when he

Even though I am an atheist I hope

be hard to replace you..

introduced me to the editorial staff

that Mariusz is in a better place and

and passed his opinion about my

that he is there happy. I hope that he

texts, he was very open and friendly,

will look at our work from this place

he seemed to be a person that you

and at my translations and that he

had known for a long time. You could

will smile that we continue the work,

Bobikowoz

feel that he is full of passion and de-

that he loved so much. I know that

I met Mariusz one year ago, however

votion for the things he participates

I will not forget him…

I heard about the results of his work

in. Positively stubborn person which

long time ago. From the museum,

had a lot of energy to create. What

which is close to me, but I didn’t visit

happened is even harder for me to

it yet, I don’t really know why… Other

accept. Without him our current edi-

things were always more important.

torial staff of K&A Plus and our maga-

I knew his book ”Bajty polskie”, I ma-

zine will never be the same, there will

I was in Bialystok – time of holidays

naged to get an exemplar with a de-

always be a gap which cannot be

and I had a opportunity to meet

dication. What can I say? I admire

filled. This is also a huge loss for the

some of my family (I live in Kolo-

people with a passion. Because of

whole retro milieu. I read somewhe-

brzeg). When I was getting ready

them our world is not so monotonous

re that Mariusz could be practically

to go to sleep, Arek called me. He

and allows other people to develop.

called a leader of the 8-bit milieu in

was really moved. I got the messa-

Another small step to monotony…

Poland and I completely agree with

ge. When I came from the holidays,

this assessment. I really regret this

I wrote on the facebook group Slavia

loss…

which is a place where our team

C00k

Slayerpl

exchanges information: ”He is a really Noctropolis

significant person not only for the Polish scene but also world C64 scene.

During the Saturday’s afternoon

We should remember him!”

Arek called me, I was sure that he wants to tell me the latest update

I met Mariusz only a couple of ti-

I was supposed to come one day to

about our magazine. Perhaps about

mes…. Because I spend most of the

Katowice to finally meet the whole

some interesting article coming up

year in Belgium I did not have a lot

editorial staff, get to know everyone.

or about any kind of problem we’re

of opportunities to meet up with

Unfortunately, I will not meet every-

facing.After hearing this sad news,

him. However I liked him from the

one..

I was completely shocked. Even now

very beginning. Mariusz was a very

when couple of days have passed,

open person for other people, really

I still feel like it’s unreal and hard

nice rson; I really wanted to get to

to believe... Even harder because

know him better and I regret that

In 2008 I got coincidentally one of

Ramos appeared to be a person

I won’t be able to do this. I always

the early Commodore & Amiga Fan

who lived his life to the fullest. He was

was under the impression of his huge

magazine. The first impression was:

engaged in so many activities, had

knowledge about retro computers

”I do not believe it, this magazine is

Minimoog

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

not issued since 1995”. While looking

of Fan and Games were questiona-

too many issues relating to music,

through my boxes with old Amiga

ble and the magazine ceased to

C64, Atari, ”his” computer museum,

magazines, I found the unlucky issue

exist. I received a mail from Mariusz

magazines and publications, demo

where it was mentioned that the

that to save the magazine, we need

scene ... all sorts of issues. Mariusz

magazine ceases to exist. I read

to unite with Komoda. I was not hap-

was a living encyclopedia. He was

quickly all the issues of Fan. And

py ”K&A Plus? What will happen with

the teacher who was always giving

I was thinking: ”Maybe I should write

C&A fan and Games?” Pretty disap-

a wise advice. A true pal you never

as a journalist for this magazine?” In

pointed and dejected I was busy with

got bored with. He was always willing

one of the issues I found Mariusz’s

a plethora of work – family related

and polite. I sent him a ”DigiMax”

contacts. I wrote to him a long email,

issues. I decided to resign. Mariusz

sound device that I made for my C64

in which I described my adventure

took it calmly. He was not angry at

as a gift, asking or better ”pushing”

with Amiga and C64. I wrote also that

me. He said to me that when I will be

him for more software support. He

I was not ever a part of the scene

able to work in K&A Plus, the doors

sent me back a ton of DVDs con-

and I have no experience it. None-

are always open for me. It was the

taining a pile of both released and

theless, I would like to try to write

second half of 2014.

unreleased products, loads of music

from time to time an article. I didn’t

and scanned Polish IT magazines.

ask to become a member of FanCa

I think that he would not like me to

editorial staff. Mariusz wrote shortly: ”

change my mind once again, leave

He wrote me lately, that he felt tired

Welcome in our team!”. Shock! I be-

the editorial staff and stop writing.

and depressed. He characteristically

came an editor of C&A Fan.

Mariusz, you can be sure that this

told me: ”Lately, I deal with too many

time around I’m not going anywhere.

people and too many projects...

We could make arrangements about

Lot of people are constantly asking Don Rafito

everything with Mariusz. All the pro-

something from me and I have no

posals and suggestions were taken

time to rest. I know that my interview

by him into considerations and he

is delayed but please have a little

usually agreed with them. There wa-

more patience”. I was patient of

sn’t a thing that couldn’t be agreed

I’m a huge fan of ”Samar Produc-

course. Last month he wrote that he

upon. Then Games was started and

tions”. I am following this group very

had almost finished and was about

the internet website administered by

closely. From old demos like ”Dream

to send me his interview and a spe-

Toudidel, the heyday of C&A. Mariusz

Travel 100%” to 2SID and 3SIDs! At the

cial –editorial- article for ”Samar Pro-

enjoyed this, he was happy that we

beginning of this year, I sent a pm to

ductions” to publish it. At the same

are ”on fire”, he participated in eve-

Gaetano Chiummo (Samar’s musi-

time he asked me to join the ”KAPlus”

rything he could: magazine, museum,

cian), asking him for some informa-

team and I gladly accepted. He told

book, scene. Even though we could

tion about his 2SID compositions. He

me that he was planning to come

feel that he has a lot on his plate, not

introduced me to their coder, Bartosz

sometime, probably this summer, in

only as the managing editor. But he

(Don Kichote). We exchanged some

Greece for holidays... Unfortunately

managed to do it all. Always positive-

pms as well and I asked him to grant

death stopped him.

ly and optimistically thinking person

me an interview for ”Samar Produc-

about everything.

tions” in order to publish it online to

My dear friend… I will always remem-

www.iamretro.gr. He politely replied

ber you, as one of my best friends,

I felt inspired. During the spring of

that I should probably contact the

even if never happened to know

2015 I contacted Mariusz because

founder of the group, Ramos. I sent

each other in real life...I really wish

I wanted to come back to the edi-

him a pm and he responded imme-

God rest your untainted soul. Your

torial staff. He sent me to a current

diately.

friend, George

managing director, Arek. I could see, judging by the mail, that he was

That was it! The beginning of a very

happy that I’m back. After some time

beautiful – online-friendship, that was

people began to resign, less and less

meant to end abruptly and in a bru-

articles appeared and the problems

tally way by his sudden death.

GeoAnas

with the regularity of new issues of the magazine. He was worried about

We communicated each other al-

this. Then came the fiasco. The future

most every 2-3 days, chatting about

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

CONTENTS C64 SPIS TREŚCI

GameDev Story: Ultima 4

Interview: Baron Ashler

GameDev Story: Lord British 14

Castle Wolfenstein

GameDev Story: MagerValp 16

Sleepwalker x2

Dungeon Crawl

Snatch McBlagger

SEUCK Compo 2015

Quo Vadis 52

Zombi Terror 36

Wizard of Wor

Puzznic 27

Nuclear Chess

Help Hannah’s Horse

Ressurection: Alien Breed

Tutorial: Copying Floppy

VIC20

Get The Cat

AMIGA VARIA Farewell Ramos

Events 7

Disks to IDE64

Fresh News 8

Industry’s second maturity

Talking Heads : Remastering

TOD Generator

Johnny presents

of old releases

COVERDISK

Komoda & Amiga Plus Commodore computers’user’s magazine Editor-in-chief: Komek Editors: Ramos, Uka, Noctropolis, Bobikowoz, Tomxx, Minimoog, Mr. Mat, c00k, JargoV, GeoAnas

Design and DTP: Neurocide, Tomxx, Mr. Mat Drawings: Johnny Cover design and concept art: Ruben Messeguer Proofreading: Atreus, Noctropolis, Bobikowoz, Tomxx, Mr. Mat, Komek Translations: Slayerpl, Bobikowoz, Tomxx, Karo Cooperation: MA, Paweł Król, Karo

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

64bites.com

MEGA65.org

Crack like a Pro!

6502 Tetris

Michał Taszycki has just

Australian Paul Gardner-Ste-

Mr. NOP completed and

Wiebo de Wit (in C64 scene

launched a new C64 pro-

phen attempted to repro-

published his handbook

known as WdW) decided

gramming course. Once

duce the Commodore 65

related to C64 games

to re-write in 6502 assembly

a week on the http://64bi-

computer prototype using

cracking and training. The

his own Tetris clone created

tes.com website he’s going

the advantages of modern

PDF papermag is available

back in 1992 (Gameboy Te-

to release brand new short

hardware. His solution is

in English at http://csdb.

tris available at http://csdb.

films devoted to the BA-

based on Nexys4DDR with

dk/release/?id=139238. On

dk/release/?id=134040)

SIC language, 6502/6510

Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, and

80 pages author presents

using some modern pieces

assemblies and the overall

supports C65’s original ROM

some methods of capturing

of software: KickAssembler,

architecture of C64. The

with BASIC 10.0 interpre-

the memory and saving it

Sublime Text editor and

premise of the course is to

ter. This solution runs 50x

to the file for further modi-

CharPad. The project utilizes

provide knowledge in the

faster than a C64 while

fications. Tutorial is written

graphics and sounds from

most absorbable form, so

being highly compatible.

in an accessible and very

’92 app, but the main idea

that students keep getting

Additionally, it fully sup-

friendly language, exam-

is to re-program the game

a step closer to ultimate

ports HD output, SD cards,

ples are transparent, code

itself using text-based ap-

goal of the project: to write

Ethernet, dual SID and two

snippets are well styled, and

proach for the graphics, so

their own game or demo on

8-bit DACs. In addition, the

everything is accompanied

that blocks can be printed

a Commodore. The course

device offers the opportu-

with solid amount of scre-

and moved around using

looks similar to the existing

nity to work in the classic

enshots. Another positive

pure characters. It’s worth

projects related to modern

C64 mode, which is an

comes from the diversity of

taking a look on these blog

languages programming

additional advantage of

presented solutions: author

notes (available at de-

(eg. Ruby Tapas), which

this project. In the future the

shows multiple methods

vdef.blogspot.com) mostly

should free you up from dig-

author intends to release

of changing values in C64

because of their educatio-

ging through piles of books

the computer in its original-

programs, and all of them

nal values: WdW presents

and docs, as the author

-based case, but anyone

are based on different

new episodes in the form

has already done this work

could actually test this

games’ source codes. It’s

of a guide. Although this is

for you. Just assign a few

solution today at home, as

a solid learning source and

definitely not a tutorial for

minutes to watch a short

both the hardware designs

it’s just a pity that such gu-

beginners, the subsequent

clip and invest some time

and software solutions are

ides didn’t exist years ago

notes are carefully prepa-

into additional reading of

open source (LGPL). You

when we all tried to get into

red and the code structure

the lesson notes, examples

only need to obtain the

assembly.

is nicely described and

and a transcription of the

required FPGA platform

explained. The set of code

episode. The course is paid,

and follow official tutorials

is obviously available on Gi-

but I think it’s totally worth

published on www.mega65.

thub at https://github.com/

looking at this project as the

org website.

wiebow/tetris.c64.

episodes are carefully and precisely prepared and it seems to currently be the easiest way to learn assembler for C64.

edited by: tomxx and JargoV

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Fresh News C64

GIGABLAST

all the elements of terrain (gro-

is a super platform game,

2015, Alf Yngve

und, grass, trees, bushes, rocks

which you really enjoy playing.

etc.) look really nice but the

Colorful lands, a variety of

”hostile” fleet is really pixela-

creatures, diamonds to collect

ted even on C64 (deliberate

are the things which will not

modification which enhances

get bored to the aficionados

the size of the sprites).

of this sort of games. I’m really

■noctro-

polis

impressed, it’s nice that there are still people, who make

Plus/4

A made by Alf Yngve Seuck

MAJESTY OF SPRITES

shooter hides under this cat-

2015, Bauknecht (BKN)

good games for Plus/4.■ Komek C64

chy and guaranteeing a nice

ABYSSONAUT

carnage title, this game is also

2015, Anthony Stiller

the first participant of this year SEUCK COMPO 2015. Titular ”Gigablast” is a name of new, lethal weaponry (plasma bombs) which we are supposed to test out, while con-

trolling our jet fighter with an

I know that majority of you

attached drone (interesting

likes Giana Sisters’ adventures

solution) over the special, test

very much and plays every

Underwater scooter? Hmmm…

polygon. The plot is probably

release based on this idea. It

a nice gadget. Would you like

not the strongest side of this

is not strange, because ”The

to drive such a thing? If your

release, but you will admit

Great Giana Sisters” is witho-

answer is yes, I invite you to

that it would be pleasanter

ut a doubt a great hit from

play ”Abbyssonaut”. There is

to annihilate the enemies

the turn of 80ties and 90ties.

only one thing, because the

with a feeling of saving world

Nowadays, we can enjoy

game is not concerned with

for the thousandth time than

a really good PC conversion

a crazy fun, pirouettes and is

simply destroy test robots.

titled ”Twisted Dreams”, which

about fulfilling a dangerous

Luckily, in this sort of games

was made some time ago.

mission. As a ”Secret Agent”

the gameplay is not on the

German group ”Bauknecht”

you need to find out what

first place, and here it is really

followed it up, issuing a game,

bad happened in the rese-

good because the destruction

based on ”The Great Giana

arch facility ”Crouch End”,

in this game is a lot of fun. As

Sisters”. It does not surprise

with which all contact was

far as graphics is concerned,

us that ”Majesty of Sprites”

lost, you have to find out if

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

the reports about a disease

which has an atmosphere of

among the crew and the

the aforementioned game.

creatures kept in captivity are

The first could be played on,

true. ”Abbyssonaut” is a win-

for an example, a classic Ami-

ner of the first place in the

ga. Traditionally full 3D, vector

Seuck Game Compo 2015.It

graphics, a highway and our

has a really nice graphics and

vehicle. Before the start of the

a moderate level of difficulty.

game we are asked about

Dive into the abyss and play!

the settings, for example,

■Komek

Amiga m68k

TOOLS MENU 2015, Kim Fastrup Larsen

the choice of a level, and after finishing it, we can see a replay of our ride. The game

C64

BREAK 64

was previously released also

2015, Wanax

for Windows and Linux. Now

There came out a lot of small

it was introduced, because

programmes such as Com-

of Matei Petrescu, to Aros.

modity for WB. Some of them

Anyways, we will be looking at

more useful, other less useful.

this game later.

”Tools menu” is one of the

■Don RafitoAros,

more useful proposals. It adds

AOS 4.x

in the right menu of Workbench, in the bookmark Tools,

Aros, AOS 4.x

Some of the people didn’t

BOMBERMAN LAN

additional list to the previously

2015, Clément CORDE

mentioned in the preferences

come down from the excite-

application programme. The

ment served by ”Brick Busters”

programmes can be manually

by Ron and Wanax introduces

typed it with an appropriate

to us a really good clone of Ar-

path or you can simply place

kanoid – ”Break 64”. I think that

the icon in the preferences

we do not have to go into de-

window. Easy, simple and use-

tails because everyone, even

ful.

■Don Rafito

a less advanced player knows what this sort of game is about.

Who does not remember this

According to me, a successful

fella who wanders in the maze

CAN-MAP

release with nice graphics and

and places bombs, being the

2015, e5frog

cool music.

opposite of Minesweeper?

■Komek

C64

And he does it to blow up his AROS

opponents, to survive and ad-

SKUNKS

vance further. The well-known,

2015, Matei Petrescu

mainly to me from NES, most of players surely know it, logical-board-arcade game has a network multiplayer version for Aros or Amiga OS 4.x, among others.When we begin

Minigame from C64 1K Game

fun, we can decide if we join

series, that imitates the cult

someone’s game or if we

Pac-Man. I will admit since-

are creating our own game.

rely, that playing this was

What has this small, stinky ani-

We can play against max 4

pretty nice. The only and huge

mal in common with the game

online players, simultaneously

shortcoming is the fact that

”4DSportsdriving”? Oh, a lot.

together with us. A great fun.

our ”Pac-Man” moves very

”Skunks”, yes, you are seeing

I recommend it.

clumsily. Devouring the stars

that good, is an Aros car port

■Don Rafito

makes this drawback a little

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

bit smaller, causing that the

line. The graphics is pleasant,

hostile ghosts are immobilized

the music is slightly annoying

CARRERA F1

for a couple of seconds. What

(which is admitted by the

2015, Technische Maschinenfabrik

else can we say? Just launch

author in the titular screen).

this minute programme and

Surely, it is a game, in which

you’re going to see that it will

you need to spend some time

make you interested at least

to find yourself in the imagined

for several minutes.

world, but if someone likes the-

■Komek

C64

se logical-arcade challenges, C16/116/Plus 4

why not?

■noctropolis

MR ANGRY DUDE 2015, Mika ”Misfit” Keränen

During the first look ”Carrera C64

F1” looks like run of the mill F1

BIG MECH ALPHA

racing simulator shown from

2015, Reset Magazine Staff

the bird’s view, however when we look closer at this game we see that it is only a simulator of a race toy. You probably remember this toy from your childhood years, when you together with your buddy

Mr Angry Dude is unexpec-

controlled two vehicles riding

tedly quite a nice name for This is an another, Seuck

ering was limited basically to

the protagonist of the game is

shoot’em up made by Alf

an appropriate control of the

an angry, funny creature that

Yngve, which is placed on the

acceleration in such a way

with its’ pissed off appearance

”Mixdisk” of the seventh issue

to keep the balance betwe-

causes a player to laugh. We

of the magazine”Reset”. ”Big

en the ability to overtake the

should hope that the facial

Mech Alpha” is an unthinkable

opponent and the safety of

expression of this creature is

amount of iron in the shape of

the ride and an ability to keep

not a sign that the task ahead

robots and machines equip-

your vehicle inside the circuit.

of the player in this release is

ped with a variety of missiles.

Here the rules are identical

too difficult and causes that

Big sprites and nicely made,

(move your joystick up and

the player has the same angry

simple graphics are the im-

you accelerate), and the

grin.:) There is no developed

portant features of the game.

only difference is the situation

plot behind the game and

I associate this game with the

when you speed up too much

the objective is really simple.

good, old ”Sidearms”, which

and the toy begins to spin

You have to advance through

also makes the game more

instead of completely falling

seven levels, getting on every

attractive. I know that the ma-

out of the circuit. I really like

one of them the keys and then

jority of Seuck games gets lost

the graphics of this release – it

going to the hidden exit. To

in the crowd and we do not

is like it was taken from 1983.

get all the keys, as you pro-

pay a lot of attention to them,

A simple game, but also very

bably know, you have to think

but this game, fortunately, is

neat and attractive. We add

a lot. Titular protagonist has an

above the average games.

to this a nice sound of the

ability to create and remove

■Komek

engine, an ability to compe-

additional blocks, which help

te against a second player

you to arrive in a given place

or CPU on the eight different

and also something, which

circuits, a handful of useful

causes additional chaos at

settings and the optional use

the beginning , to move for

of a leg pedal.

some distances whole rows of already existing blocks and appearing with them in one

through the circuits. The ste-

a game. Especially, because

■noctropolis

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

C64

have a certain amount of per-

GHOSTS’N GOBLINS ARCADE

PIXEL PIX

sistence. When we play, we

2015, Nostalgia

2015, Reset Magazine Staff

have a very nice music with a nice sound. I will say however that the music is more appropriate for a platform game or an adventure game, even though it is a detail. Generally speaking, the game really makes you play more and more and more and lets us leave

When I found out that ”No-

The best logical games are

only when we complete all of

stalgia” wants to resurrect my

these that are based on the

the 20 patterns – I recommend

beloved game, that I played

simple and understandable ru-

this game!

as a kid in amusement ar-

les of playing and at the same

cades and later on C64, my

time they can attract and

heart trembled. And it has

interest a player – this is so-

SQRXZ 3

happened!

mething that PixelPix has. The

2015, Retroguru

■noctropolis

Amiga OCS

authors prepared 20 jigsaws, in New, renewed ”Ghosts’n

each of them you are suppo-

Goblins” version for C64 is in

sed to make a given pattern

the world wide web for some

on a 9x9 table by choosing

time. Did they make a lot of

proper fields. The hints are the

changes? IMO Yes. For in-

numbers by a particular row

stance, a missing introduction

or column, which inform about

was added to the game (the

the amount of signs in each

abduction of the princess)

of them. So, for example,

Fans of classic Amiga platform

and the map which shows

number 4 means, that in a gi-

games will be happy that the

where we are, on which level

ven row/column there will be

history of the friendly rabbit

and in which part. The main

a sequence of 4 signs, on the

known from ”Sqrz”, finally has

protagonist is better drawn

other hand a sequence 2 3 1

a third part for the classic

and animated, the same with

informs us that the sequences

computers. Children, as well

the opponents. Generally, the

of signs with this lengths will

as the adults, can wander

graphics were improved. The

be divided by the breaks. The

through a variety of levels,

soundtrack is also better. On

whole game and the search

gather things and fight the

every one of the levels we can

for the hidden patterns is ba-

hostile creatures; they can do

hear a different track. The

sed on the appropriate inter-

it on every Amiga. This title

biggest surprise is the fact that

pretation of the dependency

had its’ premiere during the

they added two levels that

between the columns and the

sixth, this year’s ”Retroboer-

were missing and the fight

rows – simple and nice. A sort

se” meeting. This took place

with the main Boss. What can

of problem is the fact that we

in German town Rosenheim.

I say more? Maybe only that

have limited time to comple-

The conversion of the game

I’m very thankful to Nostalgia

te the jigsaw. However it is

for the classics was made by

group for the remake of this

not so bad, when we fail, we

Frank Willie with the help of

awesome game.

can start the jigsaw from the

a graphic Virgile Metier and

beginning unlimited amount of

a musician Alexander Wiklund.

times. There are other surprises

We could buy the game in the

– smaller amount of time to

box version during the afore-

start, filling the level with other

mentioned event. This release

patterns, question marks by

is available online as the ADF

some lines. It’s still possible to

file on the website of the pro-

complete the jigsaw when we

ject.

■Komek

■Don Rafito

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

GameDev Story: Ultima 4 (1985)

Ultima 4

a definition of RPG genre Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar is considered to be the classic of the multimedia entertainment industry. This is one of the first such advanced RPGs, the game that has shaped the genre for years and set the trends for multitudes of its followers. When the remastered version was published on CSDB in early 2015 the community reaction was super positive. Ratings 10/10, songs of praise, bows and opinions, that this might actually be the best crack on a C64 scene ever...

So we decided to take a clo-

Plot: In contrast to all Ultima

ser look at the phenomenon

predecessors, as well as other

of this game. We wonder what

games of this genre, U4 is not

really makes it so unique; what

a typical hack and slash, and

causes the fact that simul-

its story is not limited to wipe

taneously to the premiere of

out some abstract power of

Witcher 3 – a perfect RPG by

evil. The aim of the game is to

all means – the retro com-

acquire the eight virtues that

munity keeps getting back to

will make our hero the spiritual

Ultima from 1985? What drives

leader of the world. It sounds

the enthusiasts to still devo-

unique, builds an intriguing

te their time to improve the

setting and puts the player in

game code, and players to

front of a previously unknown

once again roam the Britannia

adventure. Show me another

in a never-ending mission to

game with such a bold and

become a spiritual leader or

unique plot in its time.

Avatar? We analyzed 10 distinguishing characteristics of Ulti-

World: Oceans parted, lands

ma 4 in search of some unique

pierced the earth, and the

features, although we all know

continent of Britannia has

that the success and timeles-

grown considerably. A certa-

sness of this game lies mainly

in geographical order of the

in its innovation. Because the

world has been established

original ideas of U4 were fresh,

and the continent deserves

inventive and, most importan-

to be printed out on a cloth

tly, they survived till nowadays

map attached to the game-

and found multiple imitators in

’s box. U4’s geography has

almost every subsequent role-

been used in all the upcoming

-playing game.

games without any major revisions.

ULTIMA 4 C64 COVER The image above presents the original scan of C64 U4 cover released in 1985.

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Exploration: U4 is considered

ty system was a breakthrough.

sters, etc.

such an obvious and domi-

Dialogues: We also received

Dungeons: Getting down there

nant exploration factor. The

a substitute of a real conversa-

was like a completely sepa-

freedom of choosing a path,

tion. A little clumsy, very basic,

rate game. Dungeons were

the availability of directions

but nevertheless it was a real

pseudo-three-dimensional,

spanning the entire continent,

attempt to create a dialogue.

mysterious, difficult and chal-

multiple cities and villages

Communication with NPCs

lenging. They offered valuable

embedded in the wilds, moun-

using basic phrases as HEAL,

prizes, equipment and gold.

tains and lakes, the ability to

HELP, GOLD, MONEY, BYE was

Today we can’t even imagine

travel by boat or balloon - it

pleasant and most importan-

a RPG without dungeons, and

all built up a sense of atmo-

tly, has opened a number of

back in 1985 players had to

sphere and setting that totally

possibilities for the future.

use maps to beat some of the

to be the first video game with

made up our minds about its

hardest locations.

vast size. Other games of the

Bonuses: The box of U4 pro-

80s still offered a single-axis

vided us with some addi-

Finally, game’s importance

movement limiting players’

tional items that perfectly

and its brand is widely reco-

choice to specific imposed

complement the storyline of

gnized as it’s the flagship work

path to walk upon.

the game. In addition to the

of Richard Gariott. Similarly to

aforementioned map, players

Will Wright and SimCity, Sid

Freedom of choice: The supe-

received physical copies of

Meyer and Civilization, Hiro-

rior goal of a game was there,

the Manual and the Spellbook.

nobu Sakaguchi and Final

but the ways of achieving it

And it was not just art for art’s

Fantasy series, Ultima is the

highly depended on a player.

sake - to beat the game you

most beloved child of Lord

You could choose the path of

really needed their knowled-

British. And U4 in particular

nobility, or not, it was possible

ge. Sometime later Origin also

plays a special role in Garriot-

to observe the law, or blatan-

published the Clue Book with

t’s heart, and is considered by

tly break it. U4 offered fre-

some additional story info, as

himself as a ”most important

edom of choice: you could at-

well as characteristics and

game”.

tack units in the cities, plunder

maps of various locations.

scrubs, cheat on merchants,

Images around the text are

Many modern western RPGs

steal and cause trouble. It

just taken out of these books.

are inspired by the ideas of U4

was easy to become powerful

back from 1985. Only some,

right from the beginning of the

The combat system: The U4

though, took a risk and went

game, but this in turn made

combat system includes quite

a step further, and just a few

the game a much longer and

advanced tactical play, even

games per decade are uni-

more difficult to complete.

though the game doesn’t real-

que enough to be remembe-

ly offer a wide variety of equ-

red. And that’s why Ultima 4 is

The morality: Starting from the

ipment, weapons or monsters.

eternally alive: in players’ me-

character creation process,

Larger skirmishes were based

mory, the magazines’ charts

with its multiple questions of

on the strategy and allowed

of all time games, and among

moral choice, it was obvious

to perform some advanced

developers.

how important morality is go-

solutions, like enemy flanking,

ing to be in the game. Deci-

using the variety of terrain,

sions taken in U4 have their

setting traps, summoning mon-

tomxx

far-reaching consequences, and our choices have a direct impact on the game world. Compared to other RPGs, in which our behavior usually does not have any serious consequences, such a morali-

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

GameDev Story: Ultima 4 (1985)

Lord British

Richard Garriott – designer, creator and programmer of the famous Ultima series – in the exclusive interview for K&A Plus he gets back in time to talk about the early days of his game development career, his inspirations, unfulfilled potential and true love to Apple II computers. Richard also discloses some stories from the old days of Origin Systems and describes his current approach for perfect development studio.

Tomxx: Hi Richard, how closely

favorites. IV for its originality

do you follow gaming retro

and the Virtues. Ultima VII for

scene news?

its reality sim, and UO for its yet

Not at all. I had grave doubts

unmatched (till Shroud of the

about most all of my works…

Avatar) sandbox simulation.

old the best works were usually

Lord British: I would like to say a lot, but in reality, not so

playing games of all time?

the ones my family and friends

much… If I did a better job of

In 1985 Computer Gaming

as well as myself had the most

it, I bet I could find some Ap-

World called U4 ”an incredible

doubts in. When I went the

ple ][ 13 Sector drive controller

game” and anticipated its gre-

most ”out on a limb” creative-

cards… Anyone?

at success with words ”What

ly. I have been very lucky. That

are you waiting for? This will

was true for U4, U7 and UO,

The C64 version of Ultima IV

be a classic... go get it!!”. 11

my favorites!

was again remastered and has

years later the same maga-

received favorable reviews

zine placed U4 #2 on its Best

U4 was your first ”advan-

from retro communities. How

Games of All Time list on the

ced” approach on RPGs. You

do you feel knowing that fans

PC. Which gameplay features

moved away from traditional

continue to work on your

made it so innovative and

hack & slash towards an am-

game after 30 years?

unique, in your opinion?

bitious concept of exploring character morality, judgment

It feels fantastic! I am regularly

The fact that the game had

and personal decisions that

reminded that if Electronic Arts

a ”soul” combined with play-

later on inspired tons of game

would only give me access to

ing ”:big brother” to observe

designers. But what was your

the IP, what a fun time, and

and comment on your beha-

inspiration back in the eigh-

good modern game, I could

viors was and remains ahead

ties? Literature, movies, tra-

make from the mid Ultima’s!

of its time. In many ways, no

ditional roleplaying tabletop

one has still yet gone beyond

games?

In 2006 interview you named

it.

Quest for the Avatar (beside When working on U4 you

users. When I noticed through

from the entire Ultima series.

were still relatively young and

”fan mail” that players were

What aspects of U4 do you

inexperienced in the field of

NOT behaving heroically, in-

value most and why?

game design. Back then did

stead min-maxing the path to

you ever think that you would

the top, including killing all the

create one of the best role-

NPC’s and Lord British… I knew

Ultima IV, VII and UO are my

My inspiration came from the

Ultima VII) your favorite game

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

I could write a better story if

computer of all times? Do you

I both allowed that behavior,

still own it? Is there any great

yet showed why it’s not the

game you recall from the 80’s

way to min-max real life.

that you keep coming back to?

Have any of your other games had similar potential of beco-

Unquestionably the Apple ][!

ming a classic but never made

I still have ALL my early Apple ]

it to the top? If so, what were

[‘s that I made all my early Ulti-

the reasons?

ma’s on! They still run, and I still play Akalabeth and Ultima

Ultima VIII could have been

I on them! But did I mention…

GREAT! It should have been

I could use a couple of Apple

both and Ultima and Diablo

][ 13 sector drive controllers…

before Diablo… but I screwed

anyone know where I can get

up. I listened to my new bosses

some?

and shipped it far too soon. Had we properly finished it, we

Thanks, and good luck with

would have done VERY well,

Shroud of the Avatar!

I feel. You keep designing games, but game development looked completely different decades ago. Do you miss the old days of incredible passion, creative ideas and great friendships? HA, well, every era has its charm and advantages. I think the Portalarium plan, of <30 staff and <3 years to develop a game feels about right… for me… now. Any cool Ultima development story you can share with our readers?

Bonuses

The U4 box provided When we were young, wi-

us with physical copies

thout families, we used to

of the Manual and the

literally live and work at the

Spellbook. Both books

office. I was well known for

offered lots of fantasy

making midnight BBQ for the

drawings that nicely

team, and after hours we

complemented with

stayed up late into the night

the plot of the game.

recording Origin Wrap songs and such. (Still have those!) Ah, those were the days! What’s your favorite personal

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

GameDev Story: Ultima 4 Remastered (2015)

MagerValp

Per Olofsson – scener, member of Genesis Project group, creator of remastered Ultima 4 – MagerValp calls up his passion towards RPG genre, speaks about the process and problems encountered during U4 remastering works, the new cartridge version and beautifully crafted graphics created by Mermaid.

Tomxx: Hey MagerValp, could

game experience like nothing

after a bit of digging I realized

you introduce yourself to our

else with an immersive world

that the game’s Achilles heel

readers?

and a real sense of discovery

on the C64, the slow loader,

and adventure. It shaped my

could be replaced without

MagerValp: Hi, I’m Per Olofs-

idea of what an RPG should

any major changes to the

son, I’m from Gothenburg on

be like and none of the other

game itself. It set me off on

the west coast of Sweden,

series at the time could me-

a journey to learn drive coding

and I work as a sysadmin ma-

asure up to it, at least not until

since none of the available

naging Macs for the local uni-

Fallout came out a decade or

loaders were a good fit, and

versity. I’ve been active in the

so later. I played lots of other

I also wanted to support larger

Commodore scene for almost

games of course, but not

drives like 1581s and CMD dri-

20 years under the handle Ma-

other RPGs since I found them

ves. It’s impossible to say how

gerValp and in 2009 I joined

either lacking in the setting

much time I spent on it, since

the newly revived Genesis

(like the Gold Box games,

I also worked on a dozen or

Project. I dabble a bit with

I’ve never been a D&D fan)

so other projects at the time.

hardware but my main passion

or mechanics (like the Bard’s

It was an on-again off-again

in life is software development.

Tale and Wasteland with their

project for four years, during

I’m an avid biker too which

horrible combat system). Inste-

what were my most produc-

helps counter the effects of

ad I spent a lot of time playing

tive years in the Commodore

work and hobbies keeping me

and re-playing U4-U6 thro-

scene.

plunked in a chair.

ughout the late 80s and early 90s - I didn’t have a PC at the

Ultima IV Remastered is easier,

The results of your Ultima 4

time so unfortunately I could-

since I kept everything I did in

remastering works are admira-

n’t play the later Ultimas until

a git repository. My first com-

ble! Why exactly did you focus

much later on.

mit is after midnight on Febru-

on Ultima?

ary the 4th and the release When did you start your work

was at Gubbdata on March

Thank you! My history with Ul-

and how many hours did you

28 - all in all about 2 months of

tima goes back to 1988 when

invest into this project?

my spare time.

buy a disk drive, and Ultima IV

I don’t remember why any-

I noticed some newer releases

was the first game I bought.

more, but in 2002 I started to

where you managed to patch

Before that I’d played games

disassemble Ultima IV’s code.

up errors reported by C64

like Master of Magic and Ga-

It was fascinating to learn

communities. Is v2.2.1 final or

teway to Apshai, but this was

how the game worked, and

there is still something to get

I saved up enough money to

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

done?

couldn’t get all the hints, and there are some broken dialo-

I’m so grateful for the feed-

gues, but nothing that makes

back I’ve received, it really is

the game unsolvable. Most of

impossible to find all the bugs

the bugs are just weird corner

by yourself. My to-do list is

cases triggered by the player

empty now though, so unless

doing silly things like entering

other people find more bugs

townes while flying a balloon,

I won’t be releasing any more

boarding frigates while stan-

updates.

ding on a dungeon ladder, or attacking Ankhs.

You managed to find and fix some original bugs after

Mostly the benefit of hindsight,

disassembling the game and

better tools, and lack of time

learning the ”under the hood”

pressure meant that it was

stuff. Can you share some ma-

easy to discover areas where

jor problems you hit when wor-

the game could be improved.

Graphics

king with the original code?

In particular ports, like the C64

Graphics comparison between Ultima games from 1985 (left) and 2015 (right). The final results of Mermaid’s (Vanja Utne) works are stunning.

version, were made with a liI think what’s remarkable is

mited budget, and it suffered

that a game of this ambition,

a bit as they didn’t have a fa-

more or less written by a single

stloader and had to make do

developer using tools that

with the rather primitive Apple

would make modern develo-

II graphics. They added lovely

pers rage quit, was released

SID renditions of the music at

with no major bugs at all. The

least, which I think was a great

shrine bug meant that players

move since it’s one the most

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

appreciated details and it sets

thing, which is a bit of a chore.

the C64 version apart.

and it made wonders for testing during development.

Which of the U4 improvements Players really enjoy the new

are you most happy with?

tileset and color tables back-

Lastly I’m happy with my work on the dungeon renderer.

ported back from Ultima V.

First and foremost Vanja’s gra-

I kept putting it off since the

Was it easy to implement them

phics, it’s a pleasure to work

disassembled code was a bit

with extremely gruelling me-

with her and the results are

of a black box with dozens of

mory constraints?

incredible.

unnamed variables and no obvious angle of approach,

It wasn’t particularly hard

I decided kind of late to make

but it was one of the areas

to add the tiles and code,

a cartridge version, but it was

where the C64 port suffered

but doing so meant moving

easily the best decision I made

so I buckled up and spent an

around and breaking a lot of

and I regret not doing it ear-

evening reverse engineering it.

other things. This was actually

lier. The game went from be-

Due to differences in how bit-

one of the times when mo-

ing one of the slowest loading

map mode works the C64 port

dern development tools was

game on the C64 to one with

lost all color in the dungeons,

a godsend as I could create

nearly no loading time at all,

making it a pretty dull expe-

a feature branch in git and not worry about being able to revert any changes. The code came out in better shape than before though, since I had to refactor a lot of my patches as part of making them fit better in memory. Most of the work was just retesting every-

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

rience. I couldn’t add back

Why do think retro folks keep

regards to retro gaming I think

colored walls, but it turned out

getting back to Ultima IV no-

that the Ultima legacy has

to be pretty easy to add color

wadays? In your opinion, what

been handled quite well. Le-

to magic fields, monsters,

features make it one of the

gal copies are easy to come

chests, and other items. I also

best RPG ever released?

by or even available for free,

removed the renderer’s limit of

and fan projects such as xu4

stopping at the first item, and

I think it stands out, even

and Exult are allowed without

made it draw partially obscu-

today, in setting a mood and

interference. However, produ-

red items behind, which I think

telling a compelling, cohesive

cing and distributing physical

is a feature not many people

story. The virtues provide a fo-

copies would just force EA’s

noticed.

undation that the entire game

legal department into acting.

rests on, and it elegantly shaThe new intro graphics give an

pes Britannia into something

Do you have any plans on

incredible visual boost to your

more than just a backdrop.

releasing more remastered

version. Was it easy to convin-

The game *has* aged though,

classics?

ce Mermaid to join forces and

and I think it would be a chal-

redraw the rather dull original

lenge for modern players to

Not at the moment. Having

images?

get past its primitive veneer. If

a family means I don’t have

you only look at game me-

much time for personal pro-

Vanja is always busy with a lot

chanics I think that Ultima V is

jects, and I can’t really have

of projects, so I was thrilled to

actually a much better game.

more than one at a time. My

hear that she’s also an Ultima

current project, if you can

fan and was willing to make

Are there any plans on rema-

call it that, is playing through

time for it - six full images is

stering other 6502 platforms’

Dragon Age which I skipped

a pretty major undertaking.

U4s?

back when it came out. I also

She has really mastered the

have my own RPG game en-

art pixeling within the C64’s

No, I don’t have the needed

gine that I occasionally work

limit of three colors per cell,

experience with Apple or Atari

on, largely as a fun sandbox

all while exploiting PAL color

hardware to do it, but my

for testing different ideas and

blending to create additional

hope is that by releasing the

algorithms.

hues, something that I don’t

source it can serve as a star-

think anyone else does without

ting point for people in other

resorting to software tricks like

communities.

Thanks for the interview!

FLI. Since she’s also a coder herself she also understands

Are you also involved in pro-

how to work with strange

ducing remastered editions on

restrictions such as those for

floppies and cartridges?

the virtue cards, where expla-

Virtue cards

ining them to someone who

I had some fun replicating and

The aim of the

isn’t a coder would have been

modifying the original labels

game is to acqu-

challenging.

and handed out stickers for di-

ire the eight virtu-

sks and cartridges at Gubbda-

es that will make

ta, but not beyond that. With

our hero the spiritual leader of the world. The 8 cards presented here were crafted from scratch for the Remastered version by Mermaid.

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

DUNGEON CRAWL

Some people claim that the small things are the most beutiful. Could it be true?

have spent some time with

stronger with each level and

”Dungeon Crawl”, but after

looking out for keys to unlock

that I can not agree with the

some of the doors. It is a well

beforementioned statement. It

known classic approach to

is not a bad game, but there

a simple RPG. There has been

are a lot of things that keeps it

many more games of this kind,

far from perfection. The biggest

some better and some not

flaw is the micro size of this

worth mentioning. Why would

production. The three built-in

I bother to write anything abo-

stages are not enough to enjoy

ut ”Dungeon Crawl” if it does

the game for an hour. I hope

not even have a random dun-

that the author is working on

geon generator? The answer to

a extended edition or at least

this question is secret. Literally,

there will be a level editor.

there are some well hidden

After over a dozen minutes

secrets inside these undergro-

spent iwith this game I really

und corridors. Every single map

need more!

has a switch, some ilusory walls and beyond these you can find

What good could be found in

some waponry, a shield or just

a game that does not last for

a pack of enemies awaiting to

too long? To be honest – no-

be slain allowing you to earn

thing great and nothing new.

some more experience points.

Simple, clean graphics makes an impression that this is not

I believe that after release of

a big production, but only an

a level editor to ”Dungeon

excercise fo r a programmer.

Crawl” someone would create

The gameplay itself shows a dif-

a truly epic adventure. The

ferent side of this game. There

current version of the game

are small things showing that

offers a lot of space to build up

it is a deliberate creation and

some more interesting dunge-

these details have kept me

on levels. I hope, there will be

with a grin on my face in front

a bigger release founded upon

of my monitor. The gameplay

this little game. Small RPGs also

is exactly what the title states

have a fan base. Fellow scene

– a not-so-easy walk through

members – do not forget about

a dungeon. With each step we

us!

discover static maps, battle ferocoius monsters getting

Bobikowoz

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

agree with opinion written

to admit that the graphical

by Bobikowoz, but there

part of the previews made an

are something worth turning

huge impression on me. This is

a blind eye to. I believe that

a place where I would like to

the author did not planned to

explain that TWW is a coder,

create a program of high value

not a graphic artist like Merma-

close to ”perfection”. I beli-

id. If he would, the ”Dungeon

ve it was meant to be just an

Crawl” would definitely look

ordinary, simple game. If I am

much better.

right, that would mean the the goal has been reached. Well,

All in all, although it is a small

I would also like to see some

game, it shouldn’t be totally

deeper levels. Do not lose

ignored. It reminded me of the

hope, that these will appear in

first half of the eighties, which

some exended version of this

is really good,for sentimental

little game.

players like me. I will be awaiting for another release cre-

The man behind ”Dungeon

ated by TWW. I wonder what is

Crawl” is a coder known as

he working on right now? The

TWW – a founder and a mem-

time will tell.

ber od a demo-goup ”Creators”. In august of 2009 he has

Komek

showed a preview of Shoot’em Up game called ”Armageddon

translated by Bobikowoz

Preview V2”. It was a sequel to ”Armageddon Preview” released back in 2003 by Mermaid (code, graphics, music) who is an ex-member of ”Creators”. Mermaid currently works with ”Genesis Project” and ”Vision”. To be honest, both of these productions are unplayable, because there is only a spaceship shown on a background with some additional sprites in ”V2”. The project is still in developement, but I have

Dungeon Crawl Graphics: Sound: Playability:

TWW, 2015

VIC20

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

GET THE CAT

Oh, those kittens! They climb the trees as high as they can and next they either can’t

Get The Cat Graphics: Sound: Playability:

get down or aretoo afraid to do so. However, sometimes they just like to sit among

Peter v. Woude, 2014

the branches and look at the world (their territory) from above. It’s best to wait and give them some time for themselves.

wonder if the author of GET THE CAT game

as it can finish terribly. Moreover, you are able

had or still has a cat that needs to get from

to jump over a brick on the ground but with the

the top of a tree? Or maybe it is just a coinci-

bigger number of those it becomes impossible.

dence that he created such a game? But surely

Luckily, there is a bonus brick that you can use to

the most important is the fact that this simple and

get yourself a level higher should a need to do

humble arcade game doesn’t let you put your

so occur, you just need to press ”fire”. You must

joystick or keyboard aside.

just remember that there is strictly one bonus brick per level. It is reassuring to know that when

GET THE CAT was released last year in June and

you lose your life you don’t lose your bonus brick.

it was created by a Dutch programmer Peter

Even if you use it during a stage and shortly

van der Woude. The execution is really simple as

afterwards you die, the brick will be returned to

it is a retro and old school production, similar to

you. The second bonus is an additional life which

that of early 80s productions. Due to this fact the

you get after finishing the 5th, 10th and 15th level,

game got a lot of positive comments on DENIAL

but again you can get only one bonus life and

– The Commodore Vic 20 Forum. ”A nice, small

no more. The difficulty level rises as the plant

game” are the words that can be seen most

you need to climb gets higher and higher.

often and I must admit that I agree with them

Additionally there is a red wall in the middle of

100%.

a stage which gets higher with each new level.

As I have mentioned before the main goal of

Although GET THE CAT is a really simple game it

the game is to get to a cat which is staying on

can attract a player for more than a few minutes.

the top ofsome plant. It doesn’t sound really

It is a kind of game that you would come back

interesting, does it? So, let’s add falling bricks. It

to every time you have a free moment... and to

can’t be a nice thing to get hit by one of those

think that I chose it before some more complex and better produced games.. Komek, translated by MA

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

SEUCK Compo 2015

ach of us has surely

SEUCK Compo is an event that

Twelve games were proposed

played at least one

doesn’t have to be introduced:

this year. A Polish group called

game created in SEUCK.

it’s an international, world-wide

Slavia, which I am the head

Shoot’em Up Construction Kit –

competition for games created

of, has sent two games for the

because that’s how this acro-

in SEUCK. A thing very impor-

competition, so my country

nym is expanded – came into

tant indeed for the Commodo-

also took part in SEUCK Com-

existence in 1987. Its gleam has

re world. ”SEUCK Compo has

po, to brag a bit. ;) The deadli-

not diminished until today be-

become a success” – that’s

ne for submitting projects – 1st

cause this user-friendly, intuitive

what the organiser of the com-

of January – was postponed

and easy to use program, ena-

petition, Richard Bayliss, writes

twice and was finally set for 7th

bles one to create interesting,

on his website. Each year a va-

of May. After a month of inter-

diverse and handy games. To

riety of new, interesting games,

net voting (I also took part in

have your very own game, you

appears – this time, it was no

it), the winner was announced

don’t even have to know any

different.

– Anthony Stiller and his ”Abys-

programming language.

sonaut”. I let myself describe each of the submitted games, ranged by the place they got after the voting.

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

SEUCK Compo 2015 Place 1 - 171 points

Place 2 - 158 points

Place 3 - 157 points

ABYSSONAUT

GIGABLAST

T-UFO

Anthony Stiller

Alf Yngwe

Errazking

Judging by the number of

A surprising concept – even

When I played this game

downloads from csbd.dk, it’s

though it’s quite an everyday

for the first time, I thought it

a really successful game. It

shoot’em up, it has exceptio-

should win. The idea seems

was favoured from the very

nal sprites: our ship and other

cliché – fighting with an UFO.

beginning of the competi-

objects are really huge! Eve-

But who would fight the aliens

tion. But as far as it’s victory is

rything looks very interesting,

with a truck…? ”T-UFO” gives

concerned, I can’t say I agree

yet the gameplay is almost

us such a possibility. It’s not an

with the voters: I would not

non-existent. This makes me

easy game, but it’s very well

award it the first prize. For it

wonder why the game re-

made. I play it over and over

has one crucial drawback

ached the second prize. As

again, because I really took

– a limited gameplay. Never-

I mentioned, it’s a painfully

a liking to it.

theless, the graphics must be

typical shoot’em up. We have

appreciated – it was made

to steer a flying vehicle and try

very neatly, it’s smooth and

to destroy as many emenies as

top-notch. In ”Abyssonaut”

possible.

you have to travel though the sea abyss and fight creatures that dwell there.

SCREENSHOTS All screens were downloaded from the official Compo website: http:// tnd64.unikat.sk/Seuck_Compo_2015.html.

ANTHONY STILLER Abyssonaut is not the first game developed by this author. In 2014 his ”Sopwiths and Pterradons” was part of Reset’s coverdisk.

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

SEUCK Compo 2015 Place 4 - 156 points

Place 6 - 134 points

Place 7 - 130 points

SNATCH MCBLAGGER

SHAMAI: THE RETURN OF THE

META14

Alf Yngwe

MYTHS

Errazking

Slavia

In this game we play as a fun-

This game it not typical, be-

ny, moustached villain. We

It’s one of the games made

cause there is no shooting in

have to help him escape from

by my own group. It is inspi-

it. It’s a cycling game – we

a prison but to achieve that,

red by a best-selling novel by

play as a competitor in a bike

we have to overcome many

Graham Masterton, called

race, obliged to follow the

difficulties thanks to our agility,

”Manitou”. Old Indian mon-

rules of fair play. Unfortnately,

patience and… sausages.

sters come back from the

the game can be problema-

A very funny game indeed,

nether world and possess an

tic, it’s easy to lose the way

and very well made too. I can

abandoned hospital. We play

and even easier to acciden-

easily say it was my favourite

as a Native American shaman,

tally collide with another biker.

in the competition, a shame it

the only person able to fight

And that results in your death.

didn’t make it higher.

the evil spirits. It may also be

Playing ”META14” really made

played by two people. ”Sha-

me want to shoot’em all up…

S-F-S

mai” reached a fairly high

I think can say that the 7th

Wile Coyote

position for a debut game. It’s

place in the ranking is truly

not our last word! ;)

well-earned.

Place 5 - 141 points

Place 8 - 116 points

SHOOT OR DIE SEUCK

We have to fight the enemies as a special forces ranger.

Tommy Nine

Shoot’em Up Construction Kit was first released in 1987. It was developed by Sensible Software and published by Palace Software.

Graphics are not bad but as a matter of fact, a bit indistinct. I don’t know if it’s because of my color-blind-

Typical, space shoot’em up.

ness but for me, some objects

The game is not standing out

blend into the surroundings. In

but it surely has really nice

spite of that, it’s quite nice to

graphics.

play it.

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

SEUCK Compo 2015 Place 9 - 113 points

Place 10 - 99 points

Place 11 - 87 points

THE OCEAN NINJA

SCOFF

NAAIT RAIDER

Slavia

PieVSPie

Fritske

Another game made by my

It may seem that everything

It’s a common racing game.

group. It is inspired by the se-

has already been invented

To be honest, I am not sur-

cond generation games, that

and you cannot think of any-

prised by its position in the

is those when Atari 2600 was

thing original. This statement is

ranking. Even though the

on the top. Initially, I wanted

debunked by ”Scoff” – in this

graphics are somewhat funny,

to call the game ”The First

game we play a funny little

they are – as seems to me –

Ninja”, to refer to the style and

creature called Chomp. Our

not top quality. Apart from

title of the cult ”The Last Ninja”

task is to eat all the sweets

that, the creator didn’t even

but in the end, the ocean

that appear on screen. And

make the effort to change

scenery won. In the game

it can be played forever, until

sound effects. Steering is also

we play as a ninja and fight

we are bored of it because it

not the best (on the other

evil – obviously. Not easy but,

has no end. Unfortunately the

hand, you cannot demand

I hope, quite pleasant.

game has one fundamental

much from SEUCK here) and

mistake – each new level so-

enemy vehicles move around

mehow starts twice. But apart

on totally unrealistic paths,

from that the game is full of

not to mention that there is

positive energy and I don’t

no crash when they hit our

agree with its low position in

vehicle.

the contest.

The game ”Payback Time” (author: Canzha Lahgher) was disqualified because it didn’t meet the competition terms (probably plagiarism), therefore I will restrain myself from evaluating it. I congratulate the creators of the winning games, even though I don’t agree with all the judges’ choices but after all, I am not in the jury. Anyway, the Commodore 64 world can be happy to have been enriched by a group of games competing in SEUCK Compo 2015. Richard already announced Sideways SEUCK Compo, that is going to begin in September, this year. Minimoog Translated by Karo

AMIGA & C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Game opponents often use

What difficult can there be in

the argument that games

moving some blocks around

don’t help you develop, that

according to rules of physics

they do not bring anything

and matching them together

new to your life. In case of

into pairs? The rules of the

”Puzznic” this argument is

game can be summarized in

completely invalid. After play-

one sentence and don’t seem

ing this logical-arcade game,

complicated. Blocks matched

it is hard not to feel the power

into pairs or threes disappear

of your mind growing.

and when all of them do, the level is cleared.

First, a couple of technical and historical matters to settle.

Let us not be fooled by what

The game was created in

is on the surface. Our fun-

1989. At first, it was meant only

damental enemies here are

for users of Nintendo consoles

time and hasty decisions.

but its versions for different

The less time there is left, the

platforms (such as Amstrad

less points we will get. The

CPC, ZX Spectrum, Game Boy

higher the level, the less time

and C64) were quickly deve-

we have. And the number of

loped. It achieved unquestio-

blocks doesn’t decrease with

nable success, the proof of

each level... it grows! The pro-

which is its 34th position in the

blems start already from the

”Amiga Power” ranking of the

third level. Moving segments,

best games of all time.

complicated arrangement of the blocks – it’s easy to make

Puzznic Platforms: C64, Amiga Graphics:

Unaware of its position in

a mistake, therefore to be

the world of entertainment,

successful, you have to think

I launched ”Puzznic” from one

hard! Even though I have said

of the floppy discs from my

only a little about the game,

collection which had a label

everything will become clear

telling it was supposed to

as you start playing it. Some-

contain a completely different

times, to say enough doesn’t

game. I quickly fell in love

necessarily means to say a lot

with the game and I have

and no words can replace the

been playing it over and over

fun a game can give and de-

again since then. It would be

scribe how fast the time flows

iPhone Puzznic

a shame if I didn’t write a co-

when you enjoy ”Puzznic”.

In 2009 there was an

uple of paragraphs about it.

Worth it!

iPhone remake cre-

Playability: Taito/Ocean, 1990

ated and released

At first, the game seems easy, especially at initial levels.

Sound:

Minimoog

as ”Gem Panic”.

AMIGA

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

HELP HANNAH’S

HORSE W

e can write a lot of

”PS Spolem” logo in a milk bar

The game is not so recent

stories about old,

is a memory that will not be re-

because it was released for

used ideas in com-

placed by kebabs, pizzas and

Linux in 2006, but the Aros and

puter games. A lot of them

hamburgers. The same thing

Amiga users can play it since

were actually written. What

happens with the computer

not so long.

we do in our editorial staff, is

games. There are people in

using those old ideas. Why

this business that use those

these ideas are still fashiona-

old, good ideas with a good

The main protagonist of this

ble, when nowadays when

effect, regardless of the fact

game is Hanna, who asks

the generation which grew up

if it is a cooking receipt or an

us – the players for help for

during 80ties and 90ties and

idea for a game. Unfortunate-

her pony Jasmine ( I think it is

began to get old, still remem-

ly, they are the minority. Con-

a mare)…. We are interrup-

bers with the sentimentalism

temporary rat race and the

ted by the spirits of the dead

these old ideas?

lack of basic values, shittiness

jockeys (they died during the

and helter skelter causes that,

races…I think so at least, poor

in most cases, old ideas are

jockeys, I laughed really hard,

not that good…

if this was the intention of the

That’s why our Polish cutlet with potatoes and cabbage

author that was really good).

served on a white platter with

And it begins. We control Staying in the area of

Hanna, just like in Pac Man,

old, used ideas and

we gather what we can, small

the games for our

balls, colorful pills, and when

children, I would like

we can we eat the souls of

to show you a game

poor, deceased jockeys and

that isn’t complete-

we go further, closer and

ly for young players

closer to our beloved horse…..

even though the plot

I mean mare, called Jasmine.

is associated with Pony fairytales. I saw a lot of old ideas: chess, tetris,

Aros and AOS4.x administra-

but the renewed Pac

tors were not unanimous in

Man in country style

declaring the purpose of the

not yet.

game. The former considered ”Help Hanna’s Horse” as a boardgame for children, and the

AMIGA

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Pac-Man’s Story

latter as an arcade game.

AmigaOS4.x tried to play it

I think that both are right.

and classified it as an arcade game just like I do (and not children game just like these

This game, from the point

from Aros). And our children

of graphics as it is usual for

will deal with it, when they will

children game, is done very

be older, but then they will use

good. The graphics is colorful

Facebook and other things

and neat. The characters and

and will not want to play with

the levels are drawn nicely.

their dad on the old compu-

Either way, we can see that it

ter. ”Carpe diem”, when you

is a game for young players.

have young children, because then it will be too late.

The ears of the player are caressed by a nice set of sounds. The samples, effects and the Don Rafito

main module which is probably taken from ”Bonanza”.

Translated by Slayerpl

Either way, Wild West…

When I see the faces of some of our children trying to play ”HHH”, I think about a set of words uttered by my child during playing. And the regret: ”What did you give to me, dad????!!!!” I thought that I will destroy my keyboard.

Help Hannah’s Horse Platform: Aros, AOS4.x Graphics: Sound: Playability:

”Pac-Man” has its’ roots in Japan. It was created in 1980 by Namco and it was made originally for arcade machines. Then it was converted to other platforms, also the video game consoles and personal computers (Atari 2600, C64, Sega, Nes, Gameboy etc). The original name of this arcade game was ”Pakku-man” which inspired by the phrase that can be translated as ”eating while rattling with the mouth”. The evolution of the title stopped on the expression ”Puck Man”. Unfortunately, because of the association with a vulgar expression ”fuck” this name was not accepted in English speaking countries and the name became ”Pac-Man”. Nowadays ”Pac-Man” is not only a game but a brand on basis of which different conversions, clones, remakes, movies and fairy tales appear. And the newest varieties of this game are closer to 3D platform games than the classic board-strategic version.

”Help Hanna’s Horse” resembles at first look a game for

yottskry, 2006-2013

the children, but people from

AMIGA

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

NUCLEAR CHESS There are three kinds of truths:

Truth – Chess. It is, as they say,

ones issued by the huge com-

for Linux and Android, are

panies and ones written by

sooner or later converted to

the amateur programmers.

other unix systems, including

the queen of board, strate-

the mentioned above Amigas

gic and logical games. It was

The whole truth – AmigaOS

and the classic AmigaOS. But

also, as one of the first, intro-

from the classic line, as we all

this is good news. Thanks to

duced to the world of prede-

know, is a part of a big unix

the authors of the conversions,

cessors of current IT: vacuum

family. This involves all the issu-

who spend their free time

tubes - to put it simple, it was

es of Linux, as well as Android.

and compile the software for

introduced to the first compu-

Contemporary amiga systems

the average user. Moreover,

ters which were so huge that

such as Aros, AOS 4x and Mor-

in most cases it is a freeware

they needed several rooms of

phOS are also unix operating

software, GLP or opensour-

an average house to contain

systems.

ce issued for the proverbial

them. There appeared literally thousands of types of chess

What I wanted to say…

for all the platforms, commer-

I noticed a regularity: a lot of

The third truth, I won’t call it,

cial and non-commercial:

software, mainly the games

and who makes these stupid

Man vs Computer First ever computer application used to play chess vs human was released in 1956. Coauthor of this program was Stanislaw Ulam. A basic algorithmic device, the function of a value of position was introduced by the father of IT – Claude Shannon. Gradually, chess computer apps began to get smarter than an average human player, but eventually, in 1996, Garri Kasparov has defeated IBM computer Deep Blue. However, one year later, the computer defeated the world famous chess player in a rematch, showing in this way the superiority of technology over the human in the board-logical-strategic games.

THANK YOU.

AMIGA

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

sayings…. When I launched

if we let something play in

forget about everyday life.

”Nuclear Chess” first time

the background, for example

And when we increase dif-

– I thought to myself ”Mine-

mp3. On the other hand…. It

ficulty level to NUCLEAR we

sweeper”. But it is not the

can be an advantage that

will see that we forget about

Minesweeper, known from

the game is ”silent”. Chess

our important tasks and ... just

Windows system but chess.

aficionados will not be disco-

play.

What is peculiar about this

uraged by it because nothing

game? Nuclear level of diffi-

brings the level of concentra-

The only option that the afo-

culty and it has no connection

tion higher than…. silence.

rementioned title lacks is an

with atomic physics. When we

ability to play with another

begin playing Nuclear Chess,

As far as entertaining ability is

living (human) player. But...

during first 5 times we play,

concerned, I will say that you

maybe it will be better to play

we are defeated in 3-5 moves

either like chess or not. The-

chess with a living opponent

by the computer. Just like in

refore I will take into conside-

traditional way and not on the

Minesweeper revealing the

ration people that like chess.

screen of a computer?

field without mines will show us

The game uses more or less

a half of the level, in Nuclear Chess removing our pawn will also cause a removal of all the neighboring pawns. The gameplay is not one of the easiest and often we have to think really hard over our next move, because when we make a wrong move, all the adjacent chessman are in danger. What if the neighboring piece is the king? Mate, even without the chess. This small programme, before it will discourage us and show us how poor we can play chess, proposes a couple of settings, for instance level of

interesting and original solu-

difficulty, or if we want to be-

tions in case of gameplay and

gin with the other color, and

the way of defeating your

an interesting option –mixing

opponent. It requires a lot of

the chess pieces.

concentration and thinking

Don Rafito Translated by Slayerpl

when making moves. We Graphically, Nuclear Chess,

have 9 fields to defend and

as a boardgame, looks really

not only one. Even though

good. The graphics is really

I am not a great chess player

neat and nice looking. The

and I associate the game with

colors of the game refer to

my grandfather and wooden

the classic solutions known

chess pieces from the childho-

from the boardgames such as

od, thanks to contemporary

chess.

technical innovations, used also in amiga systems, the

As far as sound is concerned,

game provides a distraction

I won’t talk about this even

for our thoughts and lets us

Nuclear Chess Plat: mk68, Aros, MOS, AOS4.x Graphics: Sound:

None

Playability: Harald Bartel, 2013

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

As old Chinese adage says, a student without a rifle is like a soldier without an E, or something like this……..Either way I can’t imagine Amiga without this saga, because it is hard to call it the series, so I do not see Amiga without an ”Alien Breed” saga. And I think that 90 percent of the present, active or former Amiga users know it. The fact that Team 17 went

the stores of the Biedron-

and I will not change it for

to the other side, does not

ka chain) But it has to be

a long time), they will also

surprise anyone. Sorry, the

a commercial port with all

have a version for PC. And

situation is different. Too

the games on the disc, and

they will connect the game

bad that they did not try to

how it is nowadays that the

to the port and say: ”okay,

talk to Aros, AmigaOS 4. or

contemporary Amiga user

this is how the game works,

MorphOS developers and

has to buy a full version (not

but I finished it 3 times al-

launch a commercial port to

for Amiga), and then buy the

ready on the PC” and they

these systems (I’m not talking

port……

will launch Lotus/Super Frog/ Cannon Fodder (for exam-

about a game written from the beginning for PPC and

I made a lot of stories. You

ple on WinUAE, greetings to

PowerUP, he he, I laughed

have to answer this question

Tony). And why? Because

at this). We have to take

yourself. Even though I think

the contemporary games,

into account the fact that

that such port will one day

however processor cores

the game code one day will

emerge and the majority of

they have and the newest

be revealed or/there will be

Amiga users, which becau-

graphics card they require,

one affluent person from the

se of world standards have

normally, they do not have

amiga scene that will buy

PC in their homes with WIN

the atmosphere of the old

it. The port will be created

7-8.x (I have XP, I admit it

games. The atmosphere of

(even commercial one, on the DVD disk with the complete game), for AOS 4.x/ Aros/MorpOS. But OK, even if… how much contemporary Amiga user would be able to pay for the game, which in the store version, for PC’s or video game consoles (Xbox, PS3), costs ranging from above hundred zl to 60-100 zl ?(I encounter sometimes the cheapest price when I visit

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

the generation growing up in

tric projection.

the 80ties and 90ties.

If the Team 17, instead of the

OK, but what is all the com-

described rele-

motion about in this article?

ase, released

It is about a contemporary

full blown FPS

remake of the famous series

as the sequel

mentioned during the intro-

of ”Alien Breed

duction - ”Alien Breed” (did

3D 2: TKG”, we

I write series?).

could worry about the fu-

The aforementioned Team

ture of ”Aliens:

17 wanted to continue its’

Colonial Mari-

success from the past and

nes”, issued by SEGA in 2013.

supposed to show what will happen to us.

release a refreshed version of its’ cult series, inspired by the

Let’s come back to our origi-

movies with Mrs. Lieutentant

nal game.

Generally, we are supposed to escape the ship, survi-

Ripley as the main character. But does their intention suc-

We are a scientific engineer

ve and blow it up together

ceeded and brought great

named Conrad, who travels

with all the hordes of aliens.

income? I doubt it.

on a spaceship Leopold. The

But the crashing spaceship

ship crashes, the aliens begin

leaves a lot of surprises for

OK, it is time to go into the

to appear on the deck, and

the player. Damaged and

details.

our mission is supported by

burning passages, gassed

only one person, not even

chambers, not working con-

”Alien Breed Trilogy” includes

a human, but friendly andro-

trol systems, locked doors, in

three titles issued between

id woman (we remember the

one word complete chaos.

2009 and 2010. In the be-

movie Cyborg 2 Glass Sha-

And be smart and do so-

ginning the first part was

dow with Angelina Jolie as

mething about it (another

available for the XBOX 360

main actress). Our protago-

day in the office). We have

Live. In the end the release

nist does not resemble a typi-

to find something, switch

appeared on the store’s

cal student from a university

something, open or close

shelves with a version for PC

unless after the lectures he

something. We are helped in

users, PS3 and aforementio-

went to the gym and student

these actions by the radar,

ned XBOX in a trilogy which

shooting range, the effect of

which not only shows us the

includes three parts of the

that is an enormous muscle-

movement of the aliens in

game, and every one of

head with a huge weapon

the closest neighborhood, it

them was a continuation of

in his hand, who is not afraid

also shows where we have to

the former. So in set there

of a biggest infestation that

go, the objective of a given

are: ”Evolution”( which after

happens on

converting to PC received

the ship which

title ”Impact”), ”Assault” and

is crashing.

”Descent”.

The plot of the game is deve-

The whole series was develo-

loping during

ped on an engine of ”Unreal

the gameplay,

Tournament 3”. The type

just like in the

of gameplay was changed

classic version,

from the above view to some

through comics

kind of hybrid: the combina-

cut scenes with

tion of TPP and the moving

short dialogu-

view in the 360 in the isome-

es, which are

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

part of a level. We can also

pression with their appearan-

times going through dark,

see a complete map of the

ce, we lack something in

claustrophobic halls, only

whole area to see where the

comparison with the original.

with our flashlight, can cause

heck we are. Of course, our

They have a lot in common

us to tremble. Interesting is

radar warns us about all the

with the movie ”Arachno-

the fact that some of the

dangers through the well-

phobia”, resembling over-

areas, where the game takes

-known squeaking from the

grown spiders. And there are

place, are located outsi-

movies.

a couple of types of them,

de the ship. Special effects

beginning with the type that

transport the player into the

Traditionally, just like In the

goes at us with their limbs

crashing ship full of aliens.

predecessor, there is an

and chelicerae to devour us

But as I mentioned above…

option of the terminal, where

and ending with these that

I think that FPS would be way

we can buy equipment,

attack from the distance and

better.

weapons or save the game,

blow fire or other weapon

which is a novelty in compa-

built in their body. From time

Even though the soundtrack

rison to the original game.

to time we meet on the end

is not a mix of fine-tuned

But maaan… get there... In

of a level a boss and then

samples and modules, it is a,

the meantime we can frisk

things get interesting. And

as it is the case with contem-

through the cupboards, po-

the closest to original mon-

porary games, a gathering of

ckets of the killed crew mem-

sters are the young ones, as

realistically sounding audio

bers. Either way, you can find

far as the appearance or the

effects and music. And this

something. And it is worth to

way of attacking victims or

music and audio effects,

look for something. From the

their genesis is concerned.

together with the graphics,

small weapons to the huge

Worth mentioning is also way

animation and the plot, ne-

guns, ending on the flame-

of appearing of the enemies,

eds to complement the other

throwers and the armors.

which, just like in the classic

elements. I think that even

I would have forgotten… first

saga, come from the wo-

though the combination of

aid kits, money, keys etc.

odworks.

these elements in this game is really good and it works

If we begin to fight aga-

Isometric projection and

really well together with the

inst our opponents, we will

TPP, joined with the ”Unre-

action, increasing the feeling

quickly see that something is

al Tournament 3”engine,

of excitement, the game

wrong. If there appeared Xe-

as I mentioned above, is

did not make such a huge

nomorphs in this saga familiar

a pretty interesting solution.

impression on me.

from the movies with Ripley,

As far as the graphics is

in the presented series they

concerned the game is done

Amiga’s ”Alien Breed” does

do not appear. Even tho-

pretty good. Good looking

not have equals in its’ gen-

ugh the opponents are very

corridors, precise graphics

re. The plot, the graphics,

clever and they make an im-

arts and animations. Some-

the sound... From time to time I return to these games. I played remake once….. I think that’s enough for now. Someone can say that I’m picky, that the game is great and in comparison to the predecessor is awesome. Yeah, it’s awesome. But when I evaluate a game, I look at it according to the current standards. And when I look at this game in such a way I will say that ”Alien

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Breed Trilogy” is worth playing because it is a good, even though average release. Thank you for the attention.

Don Rafito Translated by Slayerpl

ALIEN BREED TRILOGY Graphics: Sound: Playability: Team17, 2009-2010

Isometric projection Isometric projection used in games is not such a new invention. An attempt to show the 3D on a surface is one of the types of parallel projection. It is characterized by the fact that the angle between all the projected axes is the same which causes that every axis is equally shortened as far as perspective is concerned. Isometric projection was used and still is used in many computer games to create an impression that the level is three-dimensional. Sometimes the level is rotated around its’ own axis in relation to the player, in such a situation we can say that the isometric projection is 360°. One of the first games, where this was used, were: Last Ninja”, ”Spindizzy”, ”Nightshade”, ”Fairlight”, ”Heimdall”, ”Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun”.

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

or a couple of years zombie tales gets more and more popular. The success behind this attraction has been created mainly by ”The Walking Dead” franchise. Robert Kirkman couldn’t suspect that the comic book series he created a few years back will be successful as it currently is. His creation not only resurrected the zombie genre but also has been adapted as a TV series, a novelization and a couple of video games. One step at a time, without any rush the undead has come to the retro-zone as well.

Short Zombie Survival Guide 1) Zombies appear much less frequently on paths and in military controlled areas 2) When you collect lesser weapon you automatically drop the better piece 3) Think about your skills with helicopter navigation

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Hardworking director

my opinion advice disap-

to know how to use anything

pointment. Implementation

but their fists and they always

Baron Ashler also known as

of a simple code to transfer

attack only once a round.

Kabuto Factory created

health or a at least weaponry

Acquiring the best weapon

a multiplatform production

would be a great solution.

can give sense of serenity,

called ”Zombi Terror”. List of hardware on which the game

but before that - you need Zombi eatz yur brain

has been released is quite a long one:

to get the the correct place. Keep in mind that there are

The game is described by the

a few boss-zombies. It’s no

author as an adventure type,

secret that they are hiding in

Spectrum, C64, MSX, ZX81, PC

but I can not agree with that

the most important places on

Windows and Sega Mega-

statement. In both episodes

map, and that they know how

drive. There is a free version

we have to find out how to

to efficiently drain our health.

of the software for each of

get away from the un-dead.

these platforms and for some

To achieve this goal we need

of these there is also a chan-

to explore the territory and use

ce to buy a physical copy

items found during the travel.

for a small fee. (link: http://

It sounds like an adventure

kabutofactory.altervista.

game, but most of the items

org/index.php/juegos/10-

are weapons, and right after

los-buenos/20-zombi-terror-

picking up the only non-lethal

todas-las-versiones). I find

item information shows up on

it interesting, that Ashler

screen telling us where to use

doesn’t mention any of the

it. In my opinion ”Zombi Terror”

new cultural creations among

fits much better to the survival

his inspirations. List of movies

horror genre. During the first

that directly influenced his

couple playthroughs when

latest game consists of ”Zom-

the land is a unknown it is

bi” directed by Lucio Fulci in

really hard to achieve any-

1979 as well as ”Dawn of the

thing. Zombie shows up almost

dead” - one year older film

everywhere, and before we

from George Romero. There

find the quite safe path, a lot

is only one good word for this

of times the ”You are dead”

set: ”Classic”, obviously with

screen will show up.

a capital ‚C’. Each time when the undead Maybe it’s because of the

crosses our path, the game

hardware limitations or it could

asks whether we want to run

be just the current trend - the

away or engage in an uneven

reason is not clear, but the

fight. Choosing the first option

game has been divided into

means that automatically

two parts. Each one of these

we lose some life points. The

consists of one hundred loca-

amount of received wounds

tions. Many of them are repet-

is pre-defined in this case.

itive but not to the point it gets

If we stand to battle almost

boring. A friendly advice: it’s

everything is random. The only

necessary to know the ending

thing we can control is the

of the first episode to succeed

amount of strikes we can do

in the latter. This kind of con-

during each round. Number of

nection without any possibility

hits is tied to the weapon we

to import my character from

are using. The zombie horde is

one part the the other is in

fortunately not smart enough

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

No mercy Limited amount of first aid kits combined with a permanent life threat creates a genuine atmosphere of danger, hopelessness and fear. As mentioned before the unknown land can lead to a situation in which all of our life points can be depleted in a few careless steps. Unfortunately there are two sides to every coin. The fights are played is

Survival map

a really slow motion. Waiting

the test during the subsequent

for a screen update takes so

trials to escape the infected

much time that it can take

zone. I have got engaged

the fun out of this game. After

with ”Zombie Terror” so much

a few unsuccessful excursions

that I have created a detailed

it is really irritating that these

map of both areas. The game

screens cannot be accelera-

should be too hard with it, but

ted. The only solution I have

if it would, read my advice

The review you have just read

found is to warp the speed of

below and do not get bitten

is about the original version of

the emulator.

too hard.

the game (http://csdb.dk/re-

The exploration of dangerous locations hooked me up so much, that I decided to check up every single peace of the terrain and prepare a good to go map.

lease/?id=136318). On our coDespite of the randomness

Bobikowoz

ver disk you will find an exclusi-

the game lacks in replayability

ve version, created especially

after first successful escape. In

for you. We have updated the

both episodes the road to vic-

graphics and added a sound-

tory is tough, but I recommend

track, but that is not all. We

to give it a try. Take your survi-

have added some in-game

val instinct and strong will to

improvements like auto-map, statistics and a possibility to import your progress from part one to the second. If you think you know the game really well, you can still play again and search for couple of new locations, a new devastating weapon available at the mall and something special for… armageddon fans? You have to check it out!

Zombi Terror Graphics: Sound: None Playability: Kabuto Factory, 2015

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Zombi Terror (2014)

Baron Ashler Manuel Gomez – a musician, developer and founder of Kabuto Factory group, better known as Baron Ashler. His game development skills are progressing with every single project he releases. He’s not afraid of challenges and his games are simultaneusly developed for multiple gaming platforms.

Bobikowoz: Hello. When I heard

to code for my next game, and

a few items to use. Is that a part

about your latest game ”Zom-

that was the idea of doing an

of the ”light and easy” plan?

bi Terror” I was stunned by the

adventure game of this kind...

number of platforms it has been

and I spent another 4 months

Oh! When I said ”light” and

released for. What is the idea

in development of such ”light”

”easy”, I meant just for me,

behind this retro multi-platform

game! LOL

not for the player (LOL)... Well,

production?

coding an adventure game The other remembrance

like this (let’s say a kind of ”text”

Baron Ashler: Hello Łukasz,

concerns the thematic of the

adventure) is easier to make

thanks to you and to Komoda &

game. I’ve always been a fan

rather than an action or puzzle

Amiga guys for bringing me the

of horror and sci-fi movies (I love

game, cause there aren’t any

opportunity to talk about my

cinema in general), specially of

moving elements on the screen,

games and give them to know

those ”exploitations” films that

so you save to program ene-

to the public.

came from Italy and I though:

mies’ courses, IA, collisions and

”Well, Ocean released big

all this stuff. If you look ”Zombi

The origin of Zombi Terror is the

licenses like Batman or Robo-

Terror” carefully, its mechanic

confluence of two remembran-

cop, why don’t get into the

is extremely simple and there’s

ces from my childhood. The first

”dark side” with those trash

no a really big map or many

one concerns the genre of the

films LOL”... seriously... today,

actions to do, so I thought it

game itself, which is a sort of

many people have got ”linked”

would be nice to cover its lacks

update of those ”Choose your

hobbies (videogames, cinema,

introducing a kind of ”fighting

own adventure” books that

comic books...) and I though

system” similar to the board-

were very popular here in Spain

it would be funny to see how

-RPG games, by rolling dices,

on the 80s... I’ll really love them

many people catch the joke.

which makes the game more

cause they were very simple to

difficult to complete due to his

play but terribly addictive due

randomness. It may even have

to their narrative and their very

certain ”real-life” logic, cause in

accurate background. When

I believe that the names of

a zombie attack, the best thing

I finished ”Knights & Demons

bosses are easily recognizable

you can do to survive is to avoid

DX” on summer 2013 (I’d been

for people interested in classic

any confrontation, so in the

working together with Einar

gore films. I find your game

game, the best option in most

Saukas for about 4 months in

as a survival horror, not as an

of cases is to escape.

the making), I needed some-

adventure game. There are a lot

thing more ”light” and ”easy”

of opportunities to die and just

And about the classic gore refe-

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

rences, not only the names of

the player state in part one and

bosses... the background story,

recovering for the second part.

the locations (that are very

In the Mega Drive version, both

I did some homework and have

common in this type of movies),

parts was included in the same

checked the other Kabuto Fac-

the graphics (that were drawn

source, so there was no pro-

tory games for Commodore 64.

as ”cinemascope” shots), the

blem to maintain these values

It seems like you do not have

soundtrack (that remembers the

from one part to the other...

a favourite genre, as the is an

work of musicians who compo-

I was so busy learning and trying

Arkanoid clone, some pinball

sed for these films, like Goblin or

to make a full working version

tables and a logical game. It

Fabio Frizzi)... the whole game

that I didn’t realize about this

makes me wonder, what kind of

is an homage to these movies

advantage ^_^

games do you prefer to play?

and, even, it can be ”meta played” by fans of these films

As player, I like shoot’em up

trying to guess what or who is referred on the game.

and old-school racing games The game is available for a free

about all, but I haven’t a favo-

download but there are also

urite kind of game. It’s true I use

a few special editions. The pho-

to play these kinds of games

tos from your fans on facebook

cause they’re fast to play and

In my opinion escape is good

and twitter show a really pretty

don’t take so much of my free

only until you get a chainsaw.

product expanding the before

time (that I mostly use for deve-

And that particular weapon co-

mentioned ”exploitations” hor-

lopment), but I love RPG and

mes with an uncomfortable qu-

ror experience. Could you tell

adventure games too... when

estion: why there is no possibility

us something about the physical

a game is well done, with heart,

to transfer the character and

editions?

and It’s fun to play, the genre

the collected equipment from part one to the second? (This

The idea of a ”VHS style” for the

issue have been resolved in the

physical version of the game

extended edition available on

was in mind from its conception

As developer, I haven’t a fa-

our cover disk - editors note)

itself. I thought that the best

vourite kind of game for the

get it when you start to play.

appearance for a game that

moment cause I’m still a newbie

Good question ;) The main re-

pays tribute to the video shop

as game programmer. I use to

ason why you cannot save your

era is to make it look like an old

change of genre in every game

weapon and health state from

school video release. First phy-

because I learn a lot of new

first part to the second one is re-

sical versions for Spectrum, PC

things (and their implementa-

lated to the conception of the

and Mega CD weren’t made in

tions for different systems) and

game itself, cause I use to start

this way, but the (unexpected)

this helps me to try different

coding in one system and then,

possibility to release a print in

kind of genres, but it’s true that

when almost finished, port it to

cartridge for Mega Drive makes

I recently feel more comfortable

other platforms. Usually, when

me turn back to this idea. All

with puzzle games and adven-

I create a new game, my first

Kabuto Factory’s games are

tures :)

version is always for Spectrum.

free for download, now and

Its Basic is like a native langu-

ever, so I have always in mind

age for me when I have to or-

that physical editions should

ganise and write code. I use this

not be expensive for those who

I completely understand the

as a source to be translated to

want to have a copy of our

love to good RPG games and

other machines. But Speccy is li-

games in their libraries... cheap

the fact that the can take a lot

mited in memory and this game

but making the packaging and

of time. Did you have a chan-

had to be cut in two parts (ma-

presentation as beautiful and

ce to check any of games

inly due to grahpic screens), to

well finished as possible :)

from the Witcher series? These

be loaded independently, so it’s

are considered as one of the

complicated (at least for me)

best games created in Poland.

to code the possibility of saving

doesn’t matter at last... you for-

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

I didn’t know that the creators of Witcher series were polish, but it doesn’t surprise me: Po-

Hand notes

land is home of great coders

Baron Ashler shared his per-

and have strong groups in the

sonal hand notes that were

demoscene. I think there’s no-

created and used during

wadays a kind of creative crisis

the development process.

in the mainstream videogame industry, and majors seems to have an eye in the indie scene, looking for fresh ideas and new talents... maybe, it’s possible we are getting back to the times of small developing groups where games were created with talent rather than big budgets... who knows :P Thank you for your time. Bobikowoz

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN S

ome time ago one of the

we still have hope. He gives

uniform and we avoid every-

well-known computer

us the loaded pistol, which he

thing that moves.

magazines, in a review

obtained in a suspect circum-

of Bloodrayne, wrote that

stances and we are forced to

Everything that moves is indi-

you cannot fall in love with

end conversation with him. Of

cated by the symbols which

a sexy vampire girl who also

course, it cannot be too easy

do not bring good associa-

kills Nazis. Just like in the Castle

and we get to know that there

tions. Our enemies (which is

of Wolfenstein, but there is no

are very important plans con-

a new thing in the games) do

vampire girl ;). Nonetheless,

cerning operation Rheingold

not move only from point A to

this doesn’t show the peculiari-

somewhere in the castle which

point B and back. When they

ty of the game. I think that this

we have to get before leaving

see or hear us they move in

game was a pioneer. Maybe

the castle.

our direction to apprehend us

not in the sense of the gra-

Gameplay

phics, but in the times when

while screaming in German. We can escape them or kill them, they can also surrender

the disk space was limited, you couldn’t have everything.

We move in the system

when they see weapons. In

This game was a precursor to

one screen= one room. The

the last two circumstances

all the shooter games, which

interesting fact is that the

it is an interesting solution

era began 20 years later. I wo-

arrangement of rooms in

because we can take every-

n’t mention the whole series

the castle of Wolfenstein is

thing that they have, mainly

of Captain Blaskowicz adven-

generated randomly. Every

munitions or keys. We can

tures.

room has one exit. Someti-

also deceive them. When we

mes there are also stairs to

find the uniform, the guards

the floor below. There are

will not react at our presen-

5 floors. In the beginning

ce. Of course, to make things

we are dressed in a prison

more difficult, there are some

What is it about? We arrive at the castle of Wolfenstein. The man, with whom we are together in a cell, says that this place is used to interrogate Allied soldiers and when they get the information they remove

Trophy

the interrogated. Only in one

Game was awarded in 1983 by Electronic Games Magazine.

way. Our companion doesn’t have a lot of time because he was interrogated and soon they will come for him, but

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

difficult opponents wandering

drink it we receive a message

used that will cause that after

through the castle who are

at the bottom of the screen

finishing game one time, we

indicated by two sig runes.

that says HIC!. In one of the

want to do it again. The first

These guys are difficult to kill

chests we can find the thing

and will not fall on the uniform

that we are looking for – the

Geology

we escape with the plans, we

trick and they are chasing us

plans. We can escape without the plans, but we will not rece-

are killed or blocked. The only

ive a promotion.

In Bayern, Germany, there is actually a rock formation called Wolfenstein.

will receive a promotion and

through the rooms before they upside is that we can take their bulletproof vest. This way

Graphics

we receive symbol worn by

thing is a promotion system. If

the next time the game will be more difficult. There are 7 seven degrees, from a private to a general. There are also treasures to find and different

them but this doesn’t help us

As I wrote earlier, you can-

reactions, so no one stops

in anything. There are chests in

not have everything. The

playing after one time ;)

some of the rooms. When we

graphics is a weakest point

open them, a counter appe-

of the game. The walls are

ars which informs us how much

visible from the top, and the

time is needed to perform

characters are placed on it

this operation. Sometimes it

and to move you would have

takes so long that we can go

to crawl. When I was a child,

do something else. We can

I drew like this. The game was

use also a pistol, but I do not

developed in the times when

advise to shoot at the chests

the entertaining ability was

in which something explosive

the most important and this

such as munitions, grenades

game is really playable even

or completely useless cannon-

though the gameplay is a little

ball is placed. The medals are

illogical.

c00k Translated by Slayerpl

also useless but at least they do not blow up. Sauerkraut

I won’t write if the game is

or a breadroll with a sausage

difficult or not, because it is

don’t influence the game too

C64 so it is obvious that it is

much, but when we eat it we

difficult. The innovative game-

receive information at the

play causes that you can get

bottom of the screen. There

pleasure from playing. After

two possibilities – it is tasty or it

some time, we would proba-

is not. We can also find liquor,

bly get bored with the game,

vodka or a plonk, after we

but a couple of tricks were

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

SLEEPWALKER x2

When the silver shining moon casts a spell upon my soul, I’ll stand up from the bed obediently in the pitch-black night I will go.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SLEEPWALKING?

hat is a somnambulism and what are the symptoms knows everyone, but who has experienced this? I, personally, didn’t. I remember one situation which took place long time ago, when I was a young boy. During one night, my little bit older sister rose from the bed and she left the room while dragging the bed cover. Now, when I write about this, I have a smile on my face but back then I was simply scared. However a situation like this happened to me a couple of times when I was 100 percent sure that I woke up. Everything was so real when suddenly…. I finally woke up. That is really interesting what happens to our organism when we sleep but it is a real long topic…. I think we would

not have enough place in our magazine to properly explain this.

THERE ARE TWO OF THEM! I mentioned sleepwalking not without a reason because in the next part of the text I will describe to you two games in which there are sleepwalkers completely away from the reality. Both releases have the same title that is Sleepwalker which causes that you can mistake one for another. If that is not enough, we have the same rules in both games, we are supposed to remove the obstacles, which the oblivious somnambulist can encounter on its’ way. Caring for the sleeping wanderer is the only objective of the player which however is not so easy to fulfill. The first of the ”sleepwalkers” appeared in

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1991, issued by the British company Zeppelin Games, which is currently operating under the name Eutechnyx. The second game was issued because of actions of Ocean Software LTD. Even thought the games are so similar, they are different as far as construction is concerned.Morevoer the graphics of Neill Hislop (Zeppelin Games) is made in an another style than the one made by Mark Healey (for Ocean), which provides a different atmosphere for both games. From the similar information I will add that the Sleepwalker made

by Zeppelin Games is one file game and we do not have to wait for something to load during the play. The situation is different with another Sleepwalker (Ocean), which requires a lot more KB, because it is done differently.

UNCLE SILAS Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look closely at the first and second release. I will start with Sleepwalker from Zeppelin Games. You arrive at the place of your uncle Silas. Unfortunately your uncle is really untidy. On the floors of this huge

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building there are many different objects and devices. Some of them may be a danger to your health, or even life. That is unfortunate that your uncle suffers from somnambulism (sleepwalking). Every day he wanders around his huge residence and is endangered by all the objects that lay on the ground. We are supposed to protect the uncle from all the obstacles and lead him back to bed. Do not think that it is a task for one night, it is a task for an every night of the week. It is a whole night duty beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday. When it comes to removing the obstacles, you can only touch them. You should see what happens with our protagonist when we step on the dynamite, cassette recorder, a watch, a di-

sconnected cord from the plug, or the scattered around nails. It looks funny and while playing the game I had a lot of fun. Less funny is when, for example, your uncle Silas encounters the obstacles, and then we hear his scream quite loudly. If this happens more than five times, then the uncle is emotionally disturbed and the game is over. You should also remember that you should not approach him from behind, because it is the same as he would encounter an obstacle. If you want to protect him, you should approach him from the front. During the gameplay you will definitely find a room with a huge chandelier which makes a lot of noise and moves back and forth. If you are under it, you should be aware, because

after a couple of seconds it can fall on your uncleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or yours head. To sum it all up, I will add that to bring uncle Silas to bed you have limited time so you have to act fast and nicely.

MR LEE Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s analyse the second Sleepwalker now, issued by Ocean Software LTD. The main protagonists of the game are Mr Lee and his dog Ralph. One day Lee goes to sleep and finally falls asleep. It takes not a long time when he, still sleeping, stands up from the bed. He falls down on the sleeping on the ground dog Ralph and because of that he falls through the open window. The dog reacts immediately and goes right after him. Fortunately, just under the window, the-

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re is a roof of an adjacent building, so the jump was not so dangerous. This way Ralph and his sleepwalking master are outside the home in the middle of the night. What should they do now? They have to go through six levels which happen in different sceneries to lead the sleepwalker to the home. The game premise is similar to the Zeppelin version, but as I mentioned, these are completely different games.

the only possibility to omit the obstacles and go to the higher levels is to kick him in the ”ass”. A good way to survive for a dog instead of a dry fodder in place of a tasty beef. We should remember that the game is an another example (just like First Samurai) for the fact, how small is the difference between the version form 8-bit and 16bit platform.

Here we also remove some obstacles and we also punch in the head all the opponents on our way. Small details with a huge dose of humor is an another denominator of the two versions. The great element during the gameplay is the ability to kick Mr Lee’s ass. The thing is that

We can say a lot of things about the similarities between the two Sleepwalkers. I think however that it makes no sense, because the most important related elements were described. The objective of this text is encouraging the reader to play both games, without thinking which game is

better. The most important that they give a lot of fun, even for a couple of hours. It will take a lot of time before I go to sleep. Komek Translated by Slayerpl

YOU WON’T FALL ASLEEP

SLEEPWALKER x2 Platform: C64 Zeppelin Games, 1991 Platform: C64, Amiga Ocean Software Ltd. 1992

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Snatch McBlagger

Not that scary SEUCK

shady reputation – a regular

The plot of the aforementio-

of games lets us imper-

burglar. We have to noti-

ned game takes place not

sonate lawful protago-

ce that this burglar, even

in Denmark but in Scotland.

nists and heroes that save

though he commits deeds

It happens in 1962 and we

the world (or only fighting

which can be doubtful in

meet the eponymous bur-

against the evil on a smaller

the moral sense, is in its’ own

glar, Snatch McBlagger

scale, on their own turf), it

way bringing sympathy from

when he goes to prison for

is nice to play from time to

the players and the game

his crimes. As most of the

time a game which allows us

has a pretty comedic feel

notorious criminals, there

to find ourselves in a com-

to it. We all remember the

comes a bad luck after a se-

pletely different situation.

Danish series of films called

rious of successful crimes, as

This is the case with the

”The gang of Olsen” in which

a result of that he ends up

made by Alf Yngve Seuck

protagonists, even though

in prison instead of living his

production (taking part in

they did infamous things,

life on a tropical island. If

this years’ SEUCK Compo

caused also undoubtedly

the story ended this way, the

2015), in this game the main

a lot of laughter and sympa-

player would not have a lot

protagonist is a person of

thy.

to do. Because of that, one

ven though a majority

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

lucky day, when the warders

jumping on a terrace.

went for a tea, an occasion

way – avoiding contact at all costs. From the point of

The main problem of Snatch

view of a game it is a good

are definitely the prison

solution because it is hard to

The game has a nice ”new-

guards patrolling the corri-

imagine that for example we

spaper-like” intro, which

dors. They are problematic,

could make an impression

brings us thoughts about the

because it is not enough

on a prison officer, equipped

introduction to Paperboy,

to avoid them, but we also

with baton, by throwing sau-

even though the theme of

have to watch out not to en-

sages in his direction;)))))

these two games is com-

ter their field of sight (shown

pletely different. A moment

as a moving question mark).

Even though escaping is the

later we appear before our

We won’t be helped in our

main objective, it appears

cell, where one of our cor-

escape by other inmates,

that we can make a lot

rectional officers raises an

because they will try to

of money even inside the

alarm and we, when esca-

catch us with hands through

prison. Here and there (in

ping, move to the left side

the bars. That is the case

different cells, on the shells,

of the screen through prison

because apparently Snatch

behind the walls) miscella-

corridors, where on the way

didn’t pay some debts in

neous precious objects are

to exit we will have to show

the prison. Our (anti?)hero is

hidden for example money

a lot of guile and agility, try-

equipped with an interesting

or gold. It is useful to gather

ing to not get apprehended.

and an unorthodox thrown

them because not only our

The game is done in the style

weapon which are..... sau-

point indicator rises, we will

of ‘pseudoplatform game”-

sages with a tranquilizer in

also receive an additional

it offers not only the simple

them. These sausages work

life, which is really necessa-

way ahead of us in one di-

only on the rabid dogs at-

ry, after we exceed 10 000

mension. We will change the

tacking us(these gray ones

points. There also many va-

levels often by way of stairs

are the worst!), with other

rieties added to the game-

or ladders, or going to an

dangers we have to deal

play. One time we have to

upper floor of the hallway, or

in a typical for a burglar

destroy the power generator

to break out appears...

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which brings an electricity

we can. We will try to rob

to the prison bars of the cell,

museums, stores, and our

another time we have to

loot will not only be afore-

duck to avoid the bullets,

mentioned goods but also

sometimes we have to omit

the paintings (â&#x20AC;?The screamâ&#x20AC;?

the rays of the searchlights

by Munch is greatly done:)))

or hide in a dark gateway or

or safes waiting for us which

in the bushes by the prison

are on the walls.

(indications what to do are shown on the screen).

Of course, the environment will not help us and the

The title, for Seuck standards,

guards and the dogs will be

is really long and what is

joined by the somnambu-

important, this length of the

lists (who will make a lot of

game is connected with

noise when they wake up)

a big amount of action.

and such nice animals as

Whoever thinks that after

bats and snakes. And the

leaving the prison walls our

longer our adventure takes

adventure automatically

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the better headlines in the

ends, will be pleasantly sur-

newspapers will show our

prised. The appearing after

thief successes. In the end

the successful prison breako-

we will get a chance to rob

ut newspaper headline does

a huge bank (once again

not meant that the game

great solution with hiding by

ends, but it only announces

the pillars) where the precio-

another stage of the game.

us and glittering gold bars

This time we will be going

await us. How will this story

around the city and trying

end? You have to play and

to gather as much loot as

see for yourselves.

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Generally speaking, Snatch

When I am writing these

McBlagger is a really nice

words, the aforementioned

game. Not only unortho-

SEUCK Compo 2015 has 4

SEUCK COMPO

dox in case of a plot and

admitted productions and

a convention, but it is also

I do not know with what we

done nicely and neatly.

will be surprised by other

Beside many other good

future participators of this

remarks, we have to look at

event. I think that we can

the graphics and the gre-

say that Snatch McBlagger

atly drawn and animated

will be one of the favorites to

sprites of the protagonist

win the main prize.

”Snatch McBlagger”was one of the participant of the SEUCK Compo 2015 event. It was submitted as on of the first game and the article you just read was crafted months ago, when the submission was fresh. The game finally ended up as 4th, which is a pretty good result, and no wonder, as the idea, craft and high playability made it pretty solid game.

and his opponents (really remarkable). Sound effects are also above average. Blaring sirens, buzzing power

noctropolis

generator, weapon shots or barking dogs eating the afo-

Translated by Slayerpl

rementioned sausage sound really nice. One thing that I could criticize is a varied

Snatch McBlagger

level of difficulty. There are moments when the game is really easy but there also moments when the game is difficult and it is hard to finish a level even when we use saves. The level of difficulty

Graphics: Sound: Playability: Alf Yngve, 2015

doesn’t change linearly but it is mixed.

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Quo Vadis – Where are you going? – To

to find an object which is

the cinema. – And what do

the goal of the whole quest

they play? – Quo vadis. – And

–a scepter in the shape of

what does it mean? – Whe-

a skull called the Scepter of

re are you going…. – To the

Hope. Getting it and returning

cinema…

back with it to the top was supposed to give a hope to

Every time I encounter the

the knight to save the human

famous title Quo Vadis, I al-

kind. You think that is sounds

ways see the aforementioned

simple and the success is one

Polish joke, which comes from

step ahead? Nothing more

the popular Silesian book

misleading, you should know

with jokes ”Klub Masztalskie-

this…

go” (maybe someone still remembers it), which I read

The game, from the very be-

very often during my childho-

ginning, seems to be, as we

od. Even though the game

would today call it, a little bit

is about something else than

low budget (even for these

the story told by our school

times). The graphics does not

obligatory reading and its’

impress. The whole game is in

filming, I couldn’t use another

the uniform, red-yellow color

introduction.

and the surrounding elements are quite simple and repe-

This release is about a knight,

atable. What is even worse,

who has a chance to save

don’t expect a lot of variety

the world from the actions

to the very end of the game.

of the Dark Lord, who put his

All these encountered while

shadow over the bigger part

going forward candlesticks

of the earth. The aforementio-

or torches on the walls have

ned Dark Lord who feels really

some kind of charm, we have

mighty and is sure that nothing

to admit this. The music is also

can threaten him, decided to

a simple, two-tone melody,

deal with a brave knight. To

which sounds pretty good.

achieve this, he proposed to

Quite strange can be the fact

the knight that he travels to

that the music has a jolly so-

the dark abyss which is a ne-

undtrack which is in a contrast

ver-ending labyrinth of under-

with a dark and mysterious

ground caves and chambers

atmosphere of the game.

– the kingdom of the bad Dark

Lord. There, after defeating

The steering is also pretty cum-

the hordes of infernal creatu-

bersome. The main character

res and when he reaches the

behaves and moves quite

bottom, he was supposed

unnaturally, which is not the

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worst part of the game but

dragonflies or birds and the

completely bad is the lack of

dragons, ghosts, demons and

controlling the knight to the

other infernal creatures, which

sides during the free fall. We

I will not classify.

can say that from the physical standpoint it is justified, but in

Any contact with them causes

the games (especially in this)

that we lose energy, and for

it can really make you angry.

example, at the beginning,

For example, we can ina-

our hero when he loses energy

dvertently jump off the rope

is getting purple to finally be-

while going up, to fall down

come green, which is a state

very slowly next to the rope

very close to death. We can

through three screens down,

regain energy when we find

without the ability to move. It

hidden here and there chests,

is identical with the situation

but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t appear very

when jumping from one plat-

often.

form to another; by bad luck we do not reach the target platform.

And if the problems caused by different cave creatures

Quite a strange solution is the

were not enough, I would like

fact that the character con-

to inform you that after we

trolled by us throws the projec-

fall to the hot lava you die

tiles not by use of FIRE button,

immediately (and we have

butâ&#x20AC;Ś the whole time when we

only one life), and when we

are moving, (FIRE+ direction

choose a way wrongly we can

causes that we can do this

find ourselves in a situation

while being in one place). It

without a solution. Nowadays

was explained quite nicely

a game which offers this type

because we have a magic

of solutions would be conside-

sword that constantly emits

red unplayable and unfriendly

a strange type of energy.

to the player, back then it

Maybe it is good, because the

was considered to be a sort of

hordes of Dark Lord which are

a challenge to a player. Ano-

attacking us are pretty big.

ther evidence to the evolution

Ranging from normal bats,

of the electronic entertain-

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

ment throughout the years,

can also look at the whole

without taking into account all

aforementioned map of the

the audiovisual details.

world: http://vgmaps.com/ Atlas/C64/QuoVadis-Map.png.

In this release, especially im-

portant is the size of the map

What is interesting is the fact

where we can move because

that the game appeared

they are really enormous. It

originally in 1984 when its’

appears that the world of

publisher (The Edge) made

Quo Vadis is comprised of

a contest among the players.

1012 (22x46) screens which

For this contest the award

are next to each other (the

was supposed to be a real,

game is scrolled). This number

made from the gold and silver,

can really make an impres-

scepter, worth 35 thousand

sion even today (and imagine

pounds. To get this prize,

back then), and we combine

you had to ”only ”find the 6

this with the uniformity of the

hidden word riddles on the

graphics and high level of

different levels of the mysterio-

difficulty, it may be really diffi-

us abyss, decipher them and

cult. Really, when I think that

make one sentence out of

someone was able to finish

them. This case is a source of

the game from the beginning

controversy to this day. Many

to the end on an original har-

persons say it was a big scam

dware without cheating these

and when you found a solutio-

brave players exist!!!) I don’t

n(after many tries and often

really know what to say. You

asking friends and family) and

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Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

you send it to the publisher,

Someone can say: why should

you could receive a short

we describe the titles which

reply that the answer is… bad

are placed two levels be-

even though that they are to

low all the never forgettable

this day sure that the answer

hits? Because of the reason

was right ( sharing years after

that the whole history of the

this the details of finding the

games on C64 is not filled

right answer on the internet

only with the hits but also all

forums). The other persons

the different sorts of strange

still try to find another possible

games, just like ”Quo Vadis”.

solution, still wanting to be the

Sometimes this type of games

first to find a true solution…

qre a folklore behind which is a never solved mystery… :-P

The author of Quo Vadis is Steven T. Chapman – 19 year

noctropolis

Englishman, who decided to drop out of studies to create games professionally (which was quite often during these times). Nowadays this game can be recommended only to the avid labyrinth platform

Quo Vadis

games fans with a quite big

Platform: C64

amount of patience and the

The Edge, 1984

”explorers” who like to play the old games not taking into consideration its’ shortcomings and who can see the peculiar atmosphere of these games.

C64

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Wizard of Wor Long, long time ago the ultimate goal of gaming was a high score record. The games has no achievable end. Earning an awesome amount of points usually meant also draining the pockets. The machines were chewing every single penny without any hesitation just to let the poor gamer get another chance to fight the overwhelming amount of enemies. The only advantage the player had, was the skill and the fact that the monsters wasn’t too smart.

n the land of Wor every creature, the good ones and the evil, had a ”wor” in their name. People from Midway must have had some fun with the creation of these names like Worluk, Burwor and Thorwor.

CHASING THE WIZARD Actually, I cannot say

INSPIRATION The game has inspired artists and couple of songs were based on this game: Dissonant - Wizard of Wor Welle: Erdball - Wizard Of Wor

what evil has the wizard done, but the hunt is on. According to the naming convention Worrior is given to our control, and if we are good enough, after a few stages out hero is promoted to worlord. Brave awotars under our command walks into a multi-level dungeon to fight

weird monsters, growing in number with each descending step. Long range laser weapon can make us feel secure in the early stages, but the comfort zone is quite short. The further we go, the monsters gets tougher and their quantity is rising. Some of these creatures can get invisible, but a skilled player knows how to use a radar, which reveals every single movement. Bosses could make some trouble, as they have power of teleportation, but a single well aimed shot can solve very problem. If a bullet misses the monster it can cause some trouble. If there are two people hunting down the Wizard of Wor, both of them needs to be extra cautious. The game has been created in an era when friendly fire was a standard. I would call this feature as a multi-edged sword. One side is known as danger – when goal set by two players is getting as low as possible, a single mistake can take a precious life bringing the whole hunt for glory to ruin.

The second edge is called competition. The best way to build some drama is to add some rivalry to the game. After some time it can get a little boring to fight the same monster roster over and over again. The game can get a second life when the players decide to fight each other. Without respect for any rules I’ll add a third edge to the friendly-fire-sword. Some of us needs to feed their ambition. In games the best way to do it is by getting the highest of the high scores. In this game killing a Worrior is worth more points than any of the basic creatures. Only the Wizard of Wor himself gives the player more points than a fellow companion. An experienced pair of players could make an agreement to raise their score to a new level with this knowledge.

Never-ending Story In an arcade game it is a standard that there is an infinite number of levels. Developers of Wizard of

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Wor designed 25 different maps, divided into three tiers: easy, hard and special. Probably they did not assume that the players could often ascend below sixteenth floor of the dungeon. First seven stages are drawn from a set of 15 easy pre-defined maps, but for all that is below there are only 8 more difficult labyrinths. It not that hard to count the number od special levels, which is as low as two. ”The Arena” is a place where the Warrior can become a Worlord and earn an extra life. The second special map is called ”The Pit” – if you would like to know more about it, you will have to get there.

can give a lot of fun. It is quite nice to play in the single player mode, but the game shines a lot more when there are two gamers in front of the monitor. Up to this day I like to go back to the dungeon to look for a Wizard called as Wor.

bobikowoz

It is not an easy task to describe technical aspect of a game created more than 30 yers ago, so I will keep it brief. How the graphics looks like, you can see on screens around this text. I would say it is simple, almost figurative, but very clear. Music and sound effect are worth checking out. Gloomy, doleful sounds creates a nice atmosphere. At the time of release the soundtrack could give a player goosebumps. Great addition to a nice game play.

LONG STORY SHORT I LIKE IT! At first sight ”Wizard of Wor” is a simple game from the beginning of 80. When we look into the gears that keeps the game going it shows that the simplicity

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

TALKING HEADS Remastering of old releases Bobikowoz: High definition, remaster edition,

mers programmed the release. Because of

Game of the Year package – the game produ-

that we can correct the existing errors, adapt

cers more often take the acclaimed series and

it to the new devices, e.g. additional memo-

titles, issuing them once again in the refreshed

ry, Easyflash etc. Currently the knowledge of

version. In case of future generations of video

the programmers is better, old computers are

game consoles and regularly changing opera-

better known form the programming angle, and

ting systems for PC these refreshed versions are

when we do not know something, we can ask

understandable. Regardless of the fact whether

somebody else. There appeared also a lot of

they were done in a professional way or only as

new, better application programs which make

an attempt to earn money easily, usually reedi-

the work of the coder or the graphic designer

tions appear on the newer hardware than the

easier. PC environment makes the program-

original game appeared, allowing to play these

ming a lot of easier. Besides that, we can also

games on the hardware which during a given

shorten the code of the game, remove unne-

moment is the most popular. Mentioned fad to

cessary add-ons, and in the end, significantly

refresh old releases appeared also in our world

shorten the volume of the program. For me

of 8bit hardware. People, what do you think

this sort of correction is very useful, because,

about the refreshed versions of the games ap-

thanks to that, the game receives the so called

pearing on the same platform? Is it a necessary

second life.

evil or maybe it is an opportunity to rediscoKomek: Personally I like to go back

ver the forgotten pearls?

to things from the past, so the so Ramos: On the newer hardware it is done mainly for the money. For the company, which has the source codes, it is very simple. A couple of hours of work and the new version is ready. It is a different case

called use of old ideas speaks

When talking about new platforms – the only motivation is the profit. In case of classic platforms though, the situation is completely different - developers’ motivation is triggered by true passion and pure hobby.

to me. Well, there are some

- Noctropolis

led ”bugs”, which appear

with 8bit computers. Here it is more complicated and

a stupid and overused idea, but I don’t agree with them. One of the reasons is the fact that because of reedition we can correct the so cal-

time-consuming. We have to cut the whole code of the program and reconvert it to the appropriate assembler editor. Then we have to decipher how programmer/program-

people, who say that it is

sometimes in the original release. We can also enhance the graphics and sound effects or add some other elements which will make a given program more attractive. We

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

editions very positively, however with one small

I’m quite sure I will not change my opinion no

condition. Appreciating all these new additions,

matter what.

I still use more often the classic version. Why?

CC BY-SA 3.0 - author: Ubcule source: http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_16#/media/File:Commodore_16_002a.png

add to this also the element of nostalgia and

Youth memories… noctropolis: I agree with opinion Minimoog: It is worth noting that

of Ramos, that when talking about new platforms – the only motivation is profit. It is obvious, that the making of such a release takes way less time than making a brand new game (using old source code in a bigger or smaller

there exist, besides the reeditions

It is worth noting that there exist, besides the reeditions of old games, releases which only interpret them – remakes. It is according to me, even more interesting. The creators take the base idea from the original and the rest depends on their creativity.

of old games, releases which only interpret them – remakes. It is according to me, even more interesting. The creators take the base idea from the original and the rest depends on their

extent) and that the old, already known gameplay is very often a safer marketing option than trying to introduce new. Even though a lot of players calls these type of releases

creativity. As an example

- Minimoog

I will give the game released not on C64, but on PC – Electro Body. The game working under DOS, a very interesting one.

Her remake, of course according to the

”old, overused ideas”, I wouldn’t criticize them

indie rules, was created – Electro Man. Its’ cre-

completely – it is obvious that not everyone

ator used authentic graphics, sounds and levels

had an opportunity to play the original game

– remastered. And he added, as a remake, an

on the original platform. And if they can do it

ability to play on the completely different levels

for the first time in a better quality – why not?

and a possibility to create your own levels. A very interesting feature.

In case of classic platforms (e.g. remastering of the hit known from C64 on the same hardwa-

Komek: I agree with Noctropolis. It is great, that

re after the years have passed), the situation

there are people in this world, who create from

is completely different. The first reason is the

their heart. Besides, resurrecting these programs

fact that it is motivated in most cases by pure

causes that we move, in our thoughts, to the

hobby and passion, and the will not to obtain

times, when we were younger…. And who does

profit, which has to be admired. The second

not miss their childhood or youth times? Thanks

reason is the fact is that in such type of rele-

to such releases, we have an opportunity to think

ases the bugs and errors are removed. And

about the old, good times.

the third argument- the release has very often a new addition which makes it unique – it may

c00k: When we are talking about a game which

be new options, new levels or new graphics

because of some reasons cannot be launched

or sound setting. I look at these remastered

on a new hardware and was very good and we

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

make version for nostalgic players… I under-

Atreus: Using of old ideas in the world of contem-

stand this situation… but all the enhanced

porary game platforms does not instill a lot of opti-

version which are supposed to use full ability

mism in me. Of course, thanks to this producers’

of the computer and the author changes the

move we can see a game that maybe in the past

scenery, e.g. Far Cry 4, it is done to achieve

we have omitted or did not have time for it. But it

one objective.

is done mainly by the producers to obtain as high as possible profit.

I’m interested how will it end with new Franko… Generally, the game was so so. Graphically… I won’t even mention that, but it was interesting, because you walked through a real

As far the refreshing is concerned,

Very often the fans do better remasters or ports, just because of sheer willingness to show/ remind of a game to the players.

remaking and correcting releases for the game platforms from ”another era”, I’m all for it. As mentioned by other participants in this discussion, in this

city, bodies and the blood didn’t disappear, you could beat

case it is done mainly becau-

When the remade version is done diligently, as it should be, I’m all for it!!

up the dead body, but since this game, all

se of hobby or passion to the old-school hardware. I would really like to see the remade/

- JargoV

corrected titles, for example

these ideas were already

in Protovision, Psytronik, RGCD

used and it will be difficult to interest new users, because of course the youth will say that the graphics is mediocre. I don’t know, maybe some classics shouldn’t be remaste-

store in the package stylized for the original, with the users’ manual and other gadgets. However I assume that it is not feasible and we will not ever see such a situation.

red? Bobikowoz: Moving games from the stronger noctropolis: Yeah, remakes and sequels are

hardware to the weaker ones is also an interesting

a separate thing from the aforementioned,

trend. Recently I encountered an information that

even though it is in some cases similar. The

”Super 48k Box” appeared on Spectrum, this re-

difference is that in the sequels you have

lease introduces to Spectrum world ”Super Bread

a lot more room for interpretation. I consider

Box”, which was a conversion to C64 of the game

these type of releases as a good thing, even

”Super Crate Box”. Oh, such a long way. I admit

though I notice that in the situation of the

that I sometimes like to look at what are the pe-

highly popular games, these that are consi-

ople capable of as far as getting the most power

dered to be the real classics, the amount of

from their old computers. As far as some conver-

remakes is starting to bore me.

sions are concerned, we have to praise the skills of its’ authors, even when the gameplay is different

I also hope that authors of Franko 2 will make

than in the original predecessor. As an example

a good game and I’m very interested how

I will mention great looking technically Mood,

the game will in the end look. The first part

which is a variation on the famous game Doom,

achieved a cult status and the atmosphere

this game even though they tried to get the most

of the game was 90% of its’ worth. That’s why

from Commodore cannot reach the level of the

I would not worry about the reception of new

original. Another category are productions such

players, because I think that the authors’ in-

as Prince of Persia, which are not much different

tention was that the continuation is directed

than their predecessors.

to the people that already know and love this game. To this extent that even nowadays

noctropolis: I agree, the things you mentioned are

they use expression ”spadaj pierdoło” (go

really interesting. The aforementioned Prince of

away sucker).

Persia is tour de force of code. Mood also made a good impression on me, however I considered him more of a playable demonstration than full-

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

-blown game. Generally speaking, it is nice

will to earn quickly and easily on

to see the effects of this, we will call it ”back

the remake which did not involve

remaster”, where the newer idea (remake of

a lot of work. This was the situation

a new game) is put into the older hardware.

with the refreshed PC classic – ”Half

It was done really good with pretty famous

– Life”, they announced the return of

recently Canabalt. Personally I regret the fact

a legend with a new quality, and after

that Mortal Kombat on C64 stopped on the

the premiere there was only the disappo-

stage of technical preview because it would

intment of the fans – it turned out that the

be for me a complete classic (and I think it

remake is only an actual moving of the game

can be done). As an anecdote I will add that,

in 1 to 1 scale to the new engine, without using

because of the retro fad (of course not main-

any of its’ abilities.

stream fad, but only in a smaller extent), there are some films put on Youtube which show

However when the remade version is done diligen-

how one of the newest AAA games would

tly, as it should be, I’m all for it!!!! Very often the

look, issued on C64. Of course, it has nothing

fans do better remasters or ports, just because of

to do with a real game, because it is more of

sheer willingness to show/remind of a game to the

a humoristic-artistic creation but it is always

players, the great example of a refreshed version

nice to see how in someone’s imagination on

is a recently published ”Ultima IV Remastered”,

C64 GTA V would look. However the audiovi-

which gathers great reviews.

sual setting of these games looks more like NES than C64 (even though it is described as C64),

So I will sum it up with one sentence: If you want

but it is still 8bit.

to refresh a classic, do it properly and do not give any reason for the disappointment to the old fans.

tomxx: I noticed that global retro fashion (in games or any other entertainment business)

noctropolis: The discussion showed that the topic

indeed goes towards NES-style. It features

of remasters and related issues, is a pretty complex

similar graphics themes, music tends to be

situation. It involves the versions of classics, refre-

identical to what NES was able to produce,

shed and with new additions; complete, made

and I believe this is all due to the fact, that

from the start remakes of the old hits as well as

Nintendo pretty much owned the US console

something that we could call a conversion/ back

market in mid 80s and USA is the place where

remaster. Generally speaking, this phenomenon is

global trends are to be established. Pixels

definitely positive – it is always nice to see some-

do look identical everywhere though, so we

thing good and known (and usually these type

can assume, that another Flash web game

of games are remastered) in a new, even better

we’re playing at lunch breaks indeed gets

and corrected edition. We need also to see that

back to our C64 roots. And now back to the

the newer games that are being remastered, are

main topic: I don’t complain about the fact

more likely to get an opinion of the players as ”an

that new commercial remasterings are being

old, repetitive idea” and the product made solely

constantly released. It’s still yet another game

for money. The opposite situation is in the case

that you can play. To me personally, the well-

of refreshing and correcting the classic titles, e.g.

-known chip music sounds like a poetry, and

8 bit, where this type of initiative is considerably

first-class grephics rendering - becomes a soul

praised. The element of sincerity of intentions is

feast. On top of that, let’s be honest, every

admired here and that the main reason for the

single product that refreshes our retro world

release is the hobby and passion for old hardware.

helps keeping the entire scene alive.

Just as was mentioned here, the best remasters are done by the fans – on their work almost in 100

JargoV: Remaster – it is pretty important for the

percent the group of people centered around

computer market even though it is sometimes

classic hardware and software is based.

a real evil, detrimental thing… Unfortunately, the producers very often, when they refresh an

Translated by Slayerpl

older release, destroy the brand made by the predecessor, in this case the driving force is the

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Tutorial: Dumping the content of floppy disks to IDEDOS hard drive

f you are a lucky owner

Reasons why doing it makes

devices (numbered from 10 to

of the IDE64 device, there

sense are likely to differ for eve-

13) directly to your C-64. Add

might come a point in time

ryone. For me personally it was

a USB connection to the pictu-

when transferring the content

a wish to free up some space

re (numbered as 13 or 14), sin-

of all your floppy disks over to

occupied otherwise by ten

ce the program might have as

an IDEDOS compatible device

large boxes of 5,25” disks. Of

well been loaded directly from

(whether it is a hard disk drive

course a backup copy of your

your PC’s hard drive, and you

or a flash memory mass stora-

old floppies does not seem like

get the idea, why too much

ge) becomes your next goal.

a bad reason either.

guessing could have ended up

If you are unsure, how would Fig. 1:

you go about it, keep on reading.

This step by step tutorial will carefully guide you through the

So let us shortly discuss a few

process of copying a complete

most probable scenarios. If you

disk archive (well, technically it

loaded the program from the

describes the process of trans-

only 1541 disk drive connected

ferring a single disk, but you

to your C-64, it will be implicitly

get the idea) to a centralized

assumed that device number 8

storage provided by the IDE64

is your source device, however

hardware. The first thing you

you will still be asked to specify

have got to get equipped with

target device number, which

is the right tool. Every piece

will later become an ultimate

of hardware is worth as much

destination for writing created

as the available software that

disk images (Fig. 1).

makes using it worthwhile. Fig. 2:

There are plenty of programs dedicated for an exclusive use with the IDE64 device, but the one we will be looking for right now is called D64 Disk Dumper, and it is available for download from the CSDb: http://csdb.dk/ release/?id=139419 The first thing you are going to see upon program startup depends on how did you execute it, or (to be more precise)

Fig. 3:

from which exact device was it loaded from. You might be asked to specify source and/or target device numbers (do not worry about making the wrong choices at this point, you will be able to modify these settings later on). The number of possible configurations are large, as normally you might connect up to 4 serial devices (numbered from 8 to 11) plus 4 IDEDOS

quite badly.

If you started the program directly from an IDEDOS device identified by device number 12, you will only be asked to specify source device number, which is expected to be the number identifying a 1541 disk drive connected to your C-64. (Fig. 2). In any other case both source and target devices need to be manually specified, therefore you will see both screens as illustrated above upon startup. Upon confirmation of your choice with a RETURN key and a successful detection of a selected device, you will be taken straight to the main menu. This is the place where you setup configuration of a disk copy process as well as eventually commence the operation (Fig. 3).

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Navigation through the menu is pretty straight-forward. Cursor

copied disks. (Fig. 4).

keys move current selection up

Navigation comes as very in-

and down, RETURN key triggers

tuitive. Cursor up and down

a specific action associated

move current selection up and

with a currently highlighted

down. Pressing RETURN key on

item. So, let us go through all of

a ”dir” entry lets you change

these options and see what the

current directory and list the

program has to offer.

new content in a navigator

I promised that you will be able to change preselected source and target device numbers at any later time. This is what Select Source Device and Select Target Device options are meant for. If you enter one of these options you will see the same device number selec-

window. Cursor left and right serve the purpose of page down and page up keys from a PC keyboard, and might become handy for long listings with a lot of items, where molist would otherwise have been annoyingly slow. This is however not everything

familiar with. Currently selec-

you can do in a navigator

ted device numbers are also

window. There are some addi-

displayed to the right on the

tional keys enabling you to ma-

main menu screen just for your

nipulate directory content to

convenience.

a certain degree. If you want

lets you specify a target directory for storing created disk image files. Unlike setting

Fig. 5:

ving over to the last item in the

tion screens you are already

Select Target Location option

Fig. 4:

to create a new directory, you may simply press F7 key, enter chosen name, and press RE-

Fig. 6:

TURN (Fig. 5).

a target file name, it is not

Pressing F6 brings up the same

mandatory to define it in order

input prompt prefilled with

to be able to commence disk

a name of currently highlighted

copy process. Unless specified

directory name. Upon pressing

the program will dump created

RETURN key the name change

disk image files into the current

will become effective.

working directory of your IDEDOS disk, whatever it might be.

Pressing F8 lets you remove

This may however not neces-

empty directories after an ad-

sarily be a desired outcome,

ditional confirmation (Fig. 6).

so it is highly recommended to specify a destination directory explicitly. Upon entering target location selection you will see a directory navigator window, which provides you with a basic functionality to navigate down the directory structure, create new, rename existing and delete empty directories, and eventually select a destination for your

Each one of these operations

Fig. 7:

may be canceled at any time by simply pressing an ESC key. The most important action that eventually needs to be undertaken is a selection of an actual destination directory. It is achievable in two ways. Either by pressing a SPACE or an ESC key. Pressing SPACE will select currently highlighted directory

C64 Fig. 8:

Fig. 9:

Fig. 10:

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

item. An important side-effect

ted a list of settings, where indi-

of this action is a directory

vidual user preferences may be

change: program will actually

adjusted according to every-

change current working direc-

one’s personal taste. Currently

tory to a selected item. Ano-

there is only one option possi-

ther important point to note

ble to modify, which is turning

is that this kind of selection is

key repeat on and off. Enabling

effective only for ”dir” items

key repeat option was the most

(which means pressing SPACE

pressing improvement reported

on any other item type will

during the test phase, and that

be silently ignored). Directory

is how it was introduced in the

selection by pressing ESC is ba-

initial release of the disk dum-

sically an equivalent of saying

per tool (Fig. 10).

that currently browsed directory is the one, where target disk images should be written to.

Commence Disk Copy option

Once the target directory is

gin the copy process, and in

selected, we will define a D64

a few moments a D64 disk ima-

file name. In the main menu

ge file will appear in a selected

select Set Target File Name

target directory under a name

option. You should be familiar

you chose mirroring the con-

with an input prompt by now.

tent of a floppy disk in your

Enter a name you wish the

1541 disk drive. Let us shortly

target file to be written to and

have a look what can be seen

confirm your choice by pressing

on a screen during the copy

a RETURN key (Fig. 7).

process (Fig. 11).

Program will check the name

We can see an overview of all

you entered against all files

configured options, i.e. source

existing in the current working

and target device numbers as

directory, and if it finds another

well as a target file name. Cur-

file with the same name, it will

rent progress is visualized using

report an error, asking you to

an advancing progress bar.

choose different name (Fig. 8).

Once it reaches its right end,

You may display disk directory of a currently selected source device at any time by selecting Display Disk Directory option Fig. 11:

from the main menu. The following two keys are active during directory printout enabling a minimal user interaction: SPACE temporarily pauses and resumes the process should you want to inspect disk content more closely, RUN/STOP aborts the printout and returns to main menu immediately (Fig. 9). By entering Adjust Preferences menu option you are presen-

Finally, we are ready to select from the main menu. It will be-

the copy process will be done. An entire operation is performed by reading successive tracks from a floppy disk and then writing them to a target image file (current status and currently loaded track and sector numbers are displayed as well). Should any read data errors occur during copying, their number will be reported as CRC errors (this might happen if your 5,25” disk is for example damaged). As soon as all 35 tracks of data are copied, a success message will be displayed. Pressing SPA-

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

CE key will bring you back to

though, the tool will not let you

the main menu, which virtually

begin the copy process in that

concludes this tutorial (Fig. 12).

case.

You are now ready to continue

All disks copied, so what’s

disk shuffling, and probably ne-

next? We did not yet answer

eding to do it for the very last

the question, how to work with

time in your life. The only thing

D64 files on IDE64. Stay tuned,

to keep in mind is to change

the answer is coming soon,

target file name every time

however it is a topic for a com-

before dumping the next disk.

pletely separate chapter. You

Remember that you cannot

will read about it in more deta-

overwrite an existing file, that is

ils in the upcoming issue #3 of

why you will always have to set

K&A Plus magazine.

a new target image name. No

Paweł Król

need to worries if you forget it

Fig. 12:

Industry’s second maturity

or some good years alre-

don’t even know what a joystick

whether remastering is desirable.

ady we’ve witnessed the

is, how to handle it and why it is

I personally feel it’s a bit like the

maturity stage of the com-

being used at all.

Cinemaware case – IP already

puter entertainment industry. Sin-

belongs to someone else, there

ce the mid-80s, when most of us

Video games, just like movies,

is a clear lack of new solutions,

touched microcomputers for the

music and literature years

there is a high pressure towards

first time; since the times when

ago, became derivative. New

the income, but these are still

we used to plug Sinclair, Atari

products change form, but

the same gaming titles we all

and Commodore home com-

concepts, ideas, features and

used to play in the past! It’s still

puters into family TVs at homes,

solutions in most cases remain

the same Great War I mood

since arcade visits – since the

the same. The large budgets of

of Wings, it’s still the wonder-

very early electronic happiness

most impressive projects don’t

fully crafted medieval world of

that has fully captured our minds

support high risk; hence proven

Defender of the Crown. So why

– 30 years have passed. Lots of

ideas tend to be refreshed on

should we complain if our eyes

things happened just in front of

tens of different ways by ma-

can enjoy childhood-driven pixel

our eyes: powerful development

stering imitation and repetition

themes and ears can rejoice

studios were created, industry

to perfection. Games we play

tunes of the most beautiful chip

growth to a size of $70 billion,

nowadays are beautiful and

music? It’s all that it now runs on

and the scope of today’s AAA

remarkably refined, but the solu-

the pocket-size mobile devices

projects is similar to the budgets

tions used in all these strategies,

and not on the huge CRT TV

of some solid movie productions.

adventures and other role-

sets. Well, these days, you have

The gaming industry entered its

-playing games have been well

to move forward.

adulthood, reached a sophi-

known for years. There are more

sticated level of consistency

and more AAA products that

Remastering is a process that

and took a confident place in

are released on various addi-

cannot be stopped. We just

today’s world of entertainment.

tional platforms, and everything

have to adapt and take every-

The second generation of play-

creative tends to happen a little

thing best from it. We believe it’s

ers, often our own descendants,

on the side: in the flats of inde-

an important part of our retro-

are just starting their own video

pendent developers and mobile

-scene nowadays and we’re

game adventures and only

platforms studios. And when all

heavily focusing on it in #2 of our

us, a group of 8-bit nostalgia-

ideas are finally burned, then

magazine.

-powered retro-maniacs, feel

people move towards products’

a bit weird as the kids nowadays

remastering. I do not judge

tomxx

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

TOD Generator The circuit presented by me, is not made by me. To make it, you do not need a lot of elements and you can make it by connecting all the elements without the use of printed circuit boards. When we replace the original C64 feeder with PC feeder, we encounter the problem of clocking the Time of Day clock (TOD). It is a problem, because C64 works without a working TOD clock, and the number of programs that require it, is unknown. Not taking into consideration minor problems, it is better to provide our computer with a so called TOD generator. Plugging the PC feeder is not a huge problem for a person who knows how to use he soldering iron. We can find a lot of schemes in the Internet. I used one found on ftp.elysium and http://ilkerf.tripod.com/c64tower/. The disadvantage of this type of power supply is the fact that the ON switch has to be placed in the OFF position. We cannot forget and turn the C64 by using the standard ON switch in the casing. If we forget, well..... We will be very sad and we will have to look for new parts.

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

C64

If someone doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the colours of the cables, here is a short description. The red wire is +5V, the yellow one +12V, the black one ground. The used wire was an extension cord to supply power to for example CD-ROM and Floppy 5.25â&#x20AC;?. The place next to modulator is, in my case, perfect for TOD generator. I made it on the universal board using the scheme from: http://www.neef-online.de/

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

To build this, you can use NE555 or UC3843. I had surplus of NE555, so I build the circuit based on it.

C64

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Soldering points next to the modulator were used by me to connect +12V and ground. The wire that goes from the circuit to CIA5626A is a clocking signal of the TOD clock. The circuit works at my place for many years and doesn’t interrupt the normal work ;) Atreus Translated by Slayerpl

Artisan

Komoda & Amiga Plus #2

Translation: Client: Are you drinking at work? Artisan: Mister, it only contains 40% of ABV. The rest is pure water.

JOHNNY PRESENTS: ARTISAN The comic strip presented below is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Krzysztof, who told me that story some time ago. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make this scene up; I just drew everything I heard from this extremely pleasant and friendly man. He was well known of great sense of humor. Rest in peace. Amen. Jan Lorek