Games developed by Apex Computer Productions
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Creatures
Creatures, released in 1990 for the Commodore 64, emerged as a captivating title that combined elements of adventure and platforming in a unique and engaging manner. Developed by the British company Apex Computer Productions, the game was distinguished by its vibrant graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics. Players were thrust into a whimsical world filled with quirky creatures and challenging puzzles, engaging them from the very first moment they picked up the joystick.
The premise of Creatures centered around a charming little character known as a creature who had to navigate various perilous environments. Players guided this protagonist through a series of levels teeming with hazards, including hostile enemies and intricate traps. What set Creatures apart was the ability to collect "energy" from defeated foes, which players could use to gain power-ups and familial assistance from other creatures met along the way. This unique feature not only added layers to the gameplay but also encouraged exploration and fostered a sense of camaraderie among characters.
One of the standout features of Creatures was its impressive graphics and sound design that resonated with the capabilities of the Commodore 64. The vibrant sprites and beautifully crafted backgrounds created an immersive atmosphere, captivating players as they delved deeper into the game world. Furthermore, the delightful soundtrack complemented the visual experience, enhancing the overall appeal and creating an enchanting ambiance that kept players glued to their screens. The attention to detail in both sound and visuals was an excellent representation of game development during that era.
Navigating through the challenging levels presented a range of obstacles, such as enemy creatures and convoluted puzzles that required careful thought and strategy. The game’s difficulty was well-balanced, providing a rewarding experience for both casual gamers and seasoned veterans. Players often found themselves facing dilemmas that demanded not just quick reflexes but also contemplative problem-solving skills, making advancement feel genuinely earned and enjoyable.
Creatures enjoyed a commendable reception, earning praise from both critics and gamers for its originality and captivating gameplay. Although it may not have achieved the legendary status of some other titles from the era, it certainly carved out a niche for itself within the gaming community. Its charming aesthetic, coupled with engaging mechanics, left a lasting impression, cementing Creatures as a memorable entry in the platforming genre for the Commodore 64.
Creatures serves as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity present in the gaming landscape of the early 1990s. It showcases how even in a burgeoning industry, titles could push the boundaries of design and engagement, leaving a profound impact on players. For those who had the pleasure of experiencing Creatures firsthand, the memories of exploring its imaginative levels and overcoming its challenges remain a cherished part of gaming history.
Creatures 2: Torture Trouble
Creatures 2: Torture Trouble continues the events of the original Creatures. Clyde Radcliff, after eliminating demons and saving his fellow Fuzzy Wuzzies in the previous game, has settled down with 'Fuzzette' Bonnie and together they have had 9 children. Unfortunately, some demons have escaped and have taken revenge on Clyde by kidnapping his children and everyone in his town. Clyde must rescue them all and put an end to the demons.
The game abandons the scrolling levels of the original, although it retains the torture chambers in which Clyde must manipulate objects in the single-screen level to save one or more of his family and friends.
The various attack modes Clyde has are now enhanced by collecting potions in the torture chamber levels, rather than obtaining them from the witch as in the original. In addition, bonus coins can be collected in most levels, and collecting 5 of them earns you an extra life.
The game consists of three islands. Each torture chamber level is followed by an interlude in which the Fuzzy Wuzzies are dropped from a high ledge. Here, Clyde and the Fuzzy he last rescued bounce the other Fuzzies to safety on another ledge, while avoiding bouncing a Fuzzy into the clutches of a flying demon. During these interludes, the player must bounce a certain number of Fuzzies to safety within the time limit.
After another level of the torture chamber and the accompanying interlude, Clyde is captured by a family of 3 demons. He must destroy them in turn by kicking bugs so that they are sucked into the ACME vacuum machines and fired at the demons. While doing this, the player must avoid the objects the demons throw at him. The demons are faced in order of increasing size and power.
The last level of all but the third island consists of Clyde transporting the Fuzzies from that island to the next. Clyde has scuba gear, so he can dive, but must carry the other Fuzzies above water while avoiding various demons that might attack the Fuzzies or Clyde. There are islands in the center that act as drop-off points.
Mayhem in Monsterland
Mayhem is an unhappy dinosaur, as Monsterland is an unhappy place, due to an apprentice magical dinosaur who decided to practice some of his master's spells, after drinking too much cactus juice. Mayhem decides to change it back, with the help of Theo Saurus, the apprentice responsible for making Monsterland the gloomy place it is now.
The game is a side-scrolling platformer, in which you play as Mayhem. You can kill enemies by jumping on them.
There are five levels in the game. Each one starts in unhappy mode, where Mayhem must collect enough bags of magic dust, from the enemies he faces, and then find his way to Theo's hidden cave. Theo then uses the dust to make the level happy again. This change is reflected in the jazzier music, the colorful scenery, and even the monsters, which seem more friendly and cheerful.
However, some of the magic is bundled into magic stars that Mayhem must collect, in the happy version of the level, to keep them from falling into the wrong hands. There is a quota of stars that Mayhem must collect, before crossing the finish line.
In the happy version of the level there are more bonuses that can be collected, such as score multipliers, extra lives, extra time, and so on. The most important is probably the charge ability, which allows Mayhem to run very fast, killing enemies in his way. In addition, he stops with a skid, and extra points are awarded for a long skid over the finish line.
Retrograde
You are from the planet Choom, in the Thwok solar system, which is threatened by a group of seven crazed dictators and their intergalactic war. Can you fight them all in this fusion of side-scrolling shooting and top-down combat?
First you fly around the planet's surface and atmosphere, using a jetpack, shooting enemies as they fly around you and avoiding contact with them. You'll have to find planet hunters to access bunkers containing nerve centers.
Unfortunately, they're useless until they're loaded into one of the game's many stores, which is where the strategy element comes in. Shot enemies release credits, which can be spent on 12 powerful upgradeable weapons if you have any to spare. These weapons can be sold to raise funds to upgrade weapons and load them.
Inside the bunker you will have to make do without these weapons, fighting your way to the nerve centers. Fortunately, your Powerfist can be upgraded at the aforementioned stores. Before you reach the next planet, you must kill a boss within a time limit. This takes place in a 3rd person view, fortunately with a full complement of weapons.
