Doppleganger

Doppleganger is a video game in the action genre and published by Alligata Software Ltd. originally released in 1985. It is currently playable on Amstrad CPC.

The year was 1985, when the world was first introduced to a thrilling and unique game known as Doppleganger. Developed and released by Amstrad CPC, Doppleganger took the gaming industry by storm with its innovative gameplay and captivating storyline. This side-scrolling platform game was created by the talented duo, Chris and Tim Stamper, who were also the founders of legendary game developers, Rare Ltd. Let's delve deeper into the world of Doppleganger and discover what made it such a beloved classic.

The game's premise followed an intriguing plot where the player assumes the role of Conan, a soldier who must rescue his wife from the clutches of an evil sorcerer named Dhan. What sets Doppleganger apart from other platform games of its time is the use of split-screen technology. The game was presented in a dynamic split-screen perspective, where the top half showed Conan's journey on the outside, while the bottom half displayed Dhan's castle. This unique feature allowed players to keep track of their progress on both sides and added an element of challenge and strategy.

In terms of gameplay, Doppleganger offered a perfect balance of combat and puzzle-solving. As Conan, the player had to navigate through treacherous terrains, defeat enemies and collect keys to progress towards Dhan's castle. The split-screen also played a crucial part during combat, as players had to time their attacks to correspond with Dhan's attacks from the bottom screen. Moreover, Conan also had the ability to transform into a werewolf, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.

Doppleganger garnered positive reviews and acclaim for its outstanding graphics and sound quality. The game's detailed backgrounds and character design, accompanied by a haunting soundtrack, created an immersive experience for players. The game also employed advanced techniques such as parallax scrolling, giving it a 3D effect, which was a rare feat to achieve in those days. Despite the limited capabilities of Amstrad CPC, Doppleganger managed to surpass expectations and set a new standard for platform games.

With its compelling gameplay and technical achievements, Doppleganger became an instant hit among gamers and critics alike. It was praised for its engaging storyline, unique visuals, and challenging gameplay. Although the game’s popularity was limited to the Amstrad CPC platform, it remains a cult classic and is fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts. Doppleganger also received a sequel in 1987 titled "Slightly Magic," which was equally well-received, further cementing the legacy of the original game.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.