1985, the year D Stunt Rider was released on Amstrad CPC. Made by DJL Software Ltd. and published by Amsoft, this racing / driving and sports game is available for free on this page.
You are a survivor of the Corillian planet after space pirates launched a devastating raid. Now you seek revenge on those responsible, to destroy them and their galactic tyranny. You seek them out in your super-powerful starship with computers and sensors to track down these murderous pirates.
You search the galaxy using a map. Once on a part of your map you can send out a sensor. The results will tell you if there are aliens or planets out there. Finish searching in that area, take out your map and search elsewhere. Moving elsewhere puts you in warp speed. You can check your battle computer, move energy to your shields and raise any damage you have.
D Time Trek is a 3D space game with a first-person perspective. You look out from your cockpit into the dark depths of space. If you encounter an alien, a crosshair appears allowing you to aim and shoot. In addition to looking out of your cockpit, you can also see your energy levels, shield levels and your status.
This simulation presents a standard pinball table, but with the original addition of a tilted view of the table, which gives an illusion of 3D. As with any table, the objective is to achieve a high score, and this is achieved by repeatedly hitting certain targets. There are bonus ramps, bumpers and lights to hit to increase the number of bonuses (which can be toggled with the left and right flipper keys). There is no 'pin' between flippers, nor an apparent tilt function, which means that luck plays a more important role than in most pinball games. The ball is always launched at a standard speed on each of your five lives.
3DC is an isometric action adventure in which the player is stranded at the bottom of the ocean and must locate and build submarine parts in order to escape.
The oxygen supply is limited and there are various objects scattered around the area, which are used to solve various puzzles. Eric, the eel, comes to the rescue and controls the divers to get into crevices too big for their size, but watch out for the octopus stealing the oxygen canisters.
Soccer Simulators is a soccer game that includes 4 separate sub-games:11-A-Side Soccer is a simulation of the default soccer rules. As the name suggests, there are eleven players per team.
Indoor soccer is played with five players per team. There are fewer rules than in outdoor soccer, such as no corner kick.
Street Soccer is played on the street, with very few rules.
Soccer Skills is a training game in which the player can practice penalties, sprints, corner kicks, goalkeeping skills, etc. . . . All games, except Soccer Skills, support up to four players (two per team) and can be played against the computer in three difficulty levels.
In addition to recreating off-road racing, this game has considerable ability to upgrade your vehicle. Four vehicle options are offered, each of which has its own weight/max speed/build strength, etc. and is therefore suited to different tracks. You can also buy upgrades and repairs, even carry some spare parts.
There are four completely different types of circuits, each of which takes place on a different surface: mud, ice, desert and mountains. Each of them is fraught with hazards, which can be avoided with effort or traversed (with the consequent risk of damage).
The mid-1980s saw the advent of the DOS gaming landscape with the introduction of 500 cc Grand Prix from the creative team at publisher Elite. Released in 1987, the game gave racing aficionados the chance to compete on surreal race tracks with computerised drivers. Players encountered a state-of-the-art display which featured a side-view of the action, allowing them to challenge the computer or each other.
The racetrack itself was curved around a circuit featuring various turns and obstacles. But this was just the beginning. As players earned victory points, they unlocked surprises and bonuses. This included additional courses, dialling up the difficulty to create an ever-increasing challenge. 500 cc Grand Prix also featured a split-screen mode which lets two players each tackle a single track, provided the same computer was used.
The game's sound is not aimed particularly at realism, but rather to simply support the visuals on the game’s colourful and vibrant display. The user-interface accompanied the races with a combination of light bleeps, cheerful hums, and upbeat synthesiser lines, all as a backdrop to the action. While the voices of participants and announcements of winners certainly provided a welcome injection of liveliness to the experience.
The graphics themselves proved superior to many of its peers. Employing multiple flat shades, the designers managed to achieve a variety of shapes and symbols to represent the cars and characters. As a result, regardless of technological limitations, the game provided a largely detailed experience.
In sum, the ambitious 500 cc Grand Prix proved to be a formidable offering. Its audio-visual prowess helped it standout in a market that was already filling up with newcomers. Not to mention, its innovative course selection and split-screen mode, solidified it as a must have game for racing enthusiast and 8-bit gaming fans alike.
Here's the video game 'Pak Vol. 2'! Released in 1987 on the Amstrad CPC, it is still available and playable with some tweaks. It's an action game, set in a compilation / shovelware theme.
In the pantheon of classic video games, 720º holds a unique position that captures the essence of skateboarding culture in the late 1980s. Released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, this title combined an innovative gameplay mechanic with a vibrant aesthetic, immersing players in the exhilarating world of skateboarding. Developed by Atari Games, 720º was one of the early titles to incorporate an open-world environment, granting players the freedom to explore various skate parks while perfecting tricks and stunts.
The gameplay of 720º revolved around a simple yet compelling concept: players had to skate around an expansive park, collecting tokens, and performing tricks to unlock new areas and equipment. The game’s non-linear structure encouraged exploration and experimentation, allowing players to choose their paths and challenge themselves to master difficult maneuvers. The controls, though initially daunting, became intuitive with practice, rewarding perseverance and skill development. The thrill of pulling off a well-timed ollie or a kickflip contributed to the game’s addictive nature, beckoning players to return for just one more trick.
Visually, 720º embraced a bright and colorful palette that perfectly encapsulated the exuberance of the skateboarding scene. The graphics stood out for their time, featuring articulated animations and engaging backgrounds that evoked a sense of dynamic movement. Each environment was a carefully crafted skate spot, from ramps to half-pipes, providing a rich playground for players to showcase their abilities. The sound design, punctuated by energetic tunes and satisfying sound effects, further enhanced the immersion, making every successful trick feel rewarding.
One of the notable features of 720º was its unique perspective on sports gaming. Unlike typical competitive sports titles, this game prioritized personal skill and stylistic expression over conventional winning or losing mechanics. Players were not inhibited by a rigid structure; the focus was on creativity and individual flair. This aspect paved the way for future games that embraced the idea of freedom in gameplay, influencing an entire generation of titles that followed.
Additionally, 720º made significant strides in multiplayer gaming. The option for competitive play added a layer of camaraderie as friends could take turns to see who could achieve the highest score or flawlessly execute a series of tricks. This emphasis on multiplayer engagement fostered a social dynamic that effectively echoed the real-life skateboarding community, further cementing the game's cultural relevance.
In retrospect, 720º remains a nostalgic gem within the gaming world. Its pioneering elements and distinctive charm continue to resonate with enthusiasts and new players alike. By embodying the spirit of skateboarding and combining it with engaging gameplay mechanics, 720º carved out an enduring legacy that not only entertained players but also left a significant mark on the evolution of sports video games.
