One of the few computer games recreating cricket, the traditional summer pastime in many English-speaking countries. The game had different licenses with well-known cricketers in different countries. It was Audiogenic's second cricket game, 8 years after Graham Gooch's Test Match.
All international teams are present, with the possibility to change player data and choose the team yourself. Test Match and Limited Overs matches are available, with 1 or 2 innings per team, and Leg-before-wicket dismissal can be disabled, making the game easier to understand.
There are 3 skill levels: amateur, professional and world class. The bowling game consists of positioning a cursor to place the bowling pin, and then controlling the speed.
Allan Border's Cricket, released in 1993, was a revolutionary DOS game that captured the hearts and minds of cricket fans around the world. Developed by Audiogenic Software, this game took the virtual cricket experience to a whole new level with its impressive graphics, realistic gameplay, and extensive features.
The game was named after the legendary Australian cricketer, Allan Border, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was known for his leadership skills, tactical prowess, and exceptional batting abilities, and the game perfectly captured his essence. Players could choose to play as Border himself or as any of the other major international teams, making it a highly competitive and engaging experience.
One of the most impressive features of Allan Border's Cricket was its graphics. For a DOS game in the early 90s, the graphics were considered top-notch. The players were animated realistically, and the stadiums were designed to look like the real ones. The attention to detail was remarkable, from the player's kits to the movement of the ball, making it a visually pleasing experience.
The game also offered a wide range of gameplay options, including One Day Internationals, Test Matches, and World Series Tournaments. Players could also customize their teams, including their lineups, strategies, and fielding positions. The in-game commentary added to the overall immersive experience, making it feel like a real cricket match.
One of the unique aspects of this game was the ability to save and load games, which was not a common feature in DOS games at the time. This allowed players to continue their matches later or revisit their favorite games, adding to the replay value of the game. It also had a multiplayer option, allowing friends to compete against each other, making it a popular choice for game nights.
The gameplay itself was challenging and required skill and strategy to succeed. The batting and bowling mechanics were realistic, and players had to time their shots perfectly to score runs, while the bowling had to be precise to take wickets. The difficulty level could also be adjusted, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players.
Allan Border's Cricket became an instant hit among cricket fans and gamers alike and was widely regarded as one of the best cricket games of its time. It had a solid following and was played by people all over the world, making it a global phenomenon. Even today, many cricket enthusiasts still speak highly of the game and revisit it for a trip down memory lane.
1995, the year Battle for the Ashes was released on DOS, as well as on Amiga. Made by Audiogenic Software Ltd. and published by Audiogenic Software Ltd., this action sports game is available for free on this page.
BBC Bonanza is a classic micro game that was released in 1987, and it quickly became a fan favorite among BBC Micro users. Developed by Icon Design Ltd., this game offers players an enticing mix of strategy, puzzle solving, and action in an Old West setting.
The premise of BBC Bonanza is simple yet engaging. The player takes on the role of a prospector searching for gold in the American frontier. The game is set in the mid-19th century, during the California Gold Rush. As the player ventures through the rough terrain and wild west towns, they must carefully manage their resources and make smart decisions to strike it rich.
One of the most unique aspects of BBC Bonanza is its blend of genres. It seamlessly combines elements of adventure, strategy, and puzzle solving to keep players on their toes. Each level presents a new challenge, as players must navigate through different environments and make strategic moves to find the most gold. With limited resources and unpredictable events, every decision counts and adds to the excitement of the game.
The graphics of BBC Bonanza are simplistic yet charming. The game features 8-bit graphics that perfectly capture the feel of the Old West. The players can see the landscapes with their varying terrains and the bustling towns with their saloons and general stores. Despite the limitations of the BBC Micro, the graphics are well-designed and add to the overall appeal of the game.
Another standout feature of BBC Bonanza is its user-friendly controls. The game can be easily played with a combination of keyboard and joystick controls, making it accessible for all players. The keyboard allows for smooth navigation and quick decision making, while the joystick adds a level of immersion to the gameplay.
In addition to its engaging gameplay and user-friendly controls, BBC Bonanza also offers a challenging but rewarding experience for players. As the player progresses through the levels, they encounter tougher obstacles and higher stakes, making the victory all the more satisfying. The game also offers multiple endings, adding to the replay value and making each playthrough unique.
Blast!, released in 1989 as a BBC Micro game, offers a unique and exciting gaming experience that still holds up today. Developed by renowned game company Acornsoft, this space-themed game puts players in control of intergalactic ships as they navigate through challenging levels full of excitement and danger.
One of the most striking aspects of Blast! is its impressive graphics and sound design. The game utilizes the full capabilities of the BBC Micro, showcasing detailed and vibrant visuals that were cutting-edge for its time. From the colorful backgrounds to the detailed sprites of enemy ships, Blast! is a treat for the eyes. The accompanying soundtrack also adds to the immersive experience, with a dynamic score that changes depending on the player's actions.
But Blast! is more than just its impressive technical aspects. The game offers engaging gameplay that keeps players on the edge of their seats. The objective is simple – navigate through increasingly difficult levels, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemy ships. But as players progress through the game, they encounter challenging boss battles and must strategize to outsmart their opponents. With a variety of weapons and power-ups at their disposal, players must use their wits and reflexes to emerge victorious.
Blast! also stands out for its unique approach to difficulty levels. The game allows players to tailor the level of challenge to their liking, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. Beginners can start with easy levels and gradually work their way up to the more difficult ones, while experienced players can jump straight into the action and test their skills.
The game also boasts a diverse and expansive universe to explore. With over 50 levels and a variety of enemy ships to encounter, Blast! offers plenty of replay value. Each level presents its own set of challenges, and players must adapt their strategies to overcome them. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and ensures that players are always engaged and on their toes.
Moreover, Blast! is a testament to the BBC Micro's versatility as a gaming platform. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and engaging storyline, the game showcases the potential of the BBC Micro for creating immersive gaming experiences.
In 1988, the world of gaming was forever changed with the release of a groundbreaking game known as "Breakthrough" for the Electron computer. Developed by Acornsoft, this game quickly became a sensation among gamers, setting a new standard for future titles to come. Its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and challenging levels captured the hearts of players and solidified its place in gaming history.
The concept of Breakthrough was simple yet engaging – players control a spaceship and must navigate through a series of obstacles and enemies to reach the end goal. This may sound like a familiar premise in today's gaming world, but at the time, Breakthrough was at the forefront of its genre. The game's difficulty gradually increases with each level, keeping players on their toes and craving for more.
One of the standout features of Breakthrough was its impressive graphics. Despite being released in 1988, the game boasted high-quality visuals that were ahead of its time. The smooth animations and vibrant colors added to the immersive experience, making players feel like they were truly in control of their spaceship. The attention to detail in the game's design was impressive, leaving players in awe of the graphics and atmosphere.
But it wasn't just the graphics that made Breakthrough a fan favorite. The game's soundtrack was equally exceptional, with its energetic and futuristic tunes. The music perfectly complemented the fast-paced gameplay, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience for players. And with the limited technology available at the time, the music was a true testament to the skills of the game's developers.
Breakthrough also stood out for its unique power-up system. Instead of traditional power-ups scattered throughout the game, players had the ability to choose their own power-ups based on their playstyle. These could range from increased speed to stronger weapons and shields, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience. This added layer of strategy made Breakthrough stand out from other similar titles at the time.
Apart from its gameplay, graphics, and music, Breakthrough also featured a multiplayer mode – a rarity in early computer games. Players could compete against their friends in intense 1v1 battles, adding a whole new level of excitement to the game. This multiplayer feature only further solidified Breakthrough's status as a cult classic in the gaming world.
Contraptions are a staple in the world of gaming - complicated and intricate puzzles, requiring a sharp mind and quick reflexes. Among the many games in this genre, one that stands out is Contraption, released in 1986 for the popular Amstrad CPC gaming system.
Developed and published by Novagen Software, Contraption gained a solid following for its unique gameplay and challenging levels. The game's premise is simple: players are tasked with navigating a ball through a complex series of obstacles to reach the goal. However, what sets Contraption apart is its clever use of various game mechanics and its difficulty curve.
Upon starting the game, players are thrust into a world full of gears, levers, and other mechanical contraptions, each with its own specific function. The levels gradually increase in difficulty, requiring players to utilize both their problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, as players progress through the game, new elements and obstacles are introduced, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
One of the standout features of Contraption is its level editor, which allowed players to create and share their own custom levels. This feature added endless replay value to the game, as players could constantly challenge themselves with new and unique puzzles.
In terms of graphics, Contraption may not have been visually advanced for its time, but it made up for it with its distinct and charming pixel art. The in-game textures and animations were simple yet effective in conveying the game's mechanical theme.
The game's soundtrack also deserves a mention, with catchy and upbeat tunes that perfectly fit the game's fast-paced and challenging gameplay. It added an extra layer of excitement to the overall experience, making it difficult to put the controller down.
Contraption may have been released over three decades ago, but it still stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of early gaming developers. Its challenging gameplay, unique mechanics, and customizable levels were ahead of its time and laid the foundation for future puzzle games.
Despatch Rider, a BBC Micro game released in 1987, was a highly anticipated addition to the world of gaming at the time. Developed by Alligata Software, this action-packed game invited players to take on the role of a motorcycle courier racing through the streets of London in the midst of a chaotic and dangerous traffic.
The game's concept was relatively straightforward - players had to navigate through the busy streets while following a map to deliver important letters to various destinations within a specific time limit. However, the game's execution was what truly set it apart. With its unique blend of fast-paced action, sharp graphics, and challenging gameplay, Despatch Rider quickly became a cult classic among BBC Micro enthusiasts.
One of the most impressive aspects of Despatch Rider was its fluid and responsive controls. The player could easily accelerate, brake, and swerve through traffic with precision, adding a sense of realism and intensity to the gameplay. Additionally, the game's difficulty increased as players progressed to different levels, ensuring that the excitement and challenge never waned.
Another standout feature of the game was its attention to detail. From the bustling streets of London to the realistic sound effects of the motorcycle engine, Despatch Rider captured the essence of being a courier in an urban setting. The vibrant and colorful graphics added to the immersive experience, making players feel like they were truly part of the game.
In terms of gameplay, Despatch Rider also offered a variety of obstacles and challenges to keep players on their toes. From navigating through busy intersections to avoiding collisions with cars and other hazards, every level presented a different set of challenges to overcome. The game also featured a wide range of difficulty levels, ensuring that both beginners and experienced players could enjoy the game at their own pace.
Aside from its impressive gameplay and graphics, Despatch Rider also had a memorable soundtrack that added to the overall nostalgia of the game. The upbeat and energetic tunes perfectly complemented the fast-paced action, making the game even more engaging and enjoyable.
Despite being released over three decades ago, Despatch Rider continues to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers. Its unique concept, challenging gameplay, and impressive attention to detail have cemented its place as a beloved and timeless classic among BBC Micro enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of racing games or simply looking for a fun and challenging retro experience, Despatch Rider is a must-try.
1990, the year Emlyn Hughes Arcade Quiz was released on Commodore 64, as well as Amiga, Amstrad CPC and Atari ST. Published by Audiogenic Software Ltd, this simulation game is available for free on this page.
Emlyn Hughes International Soccer, released in 1988 for the Commodore 64, holds a special place in the hearts of many gaming enthusiasts. Developed by the esteemed company, Audiogenic, this title was named after the legendary English footballer Emlyn Hughes, who had made his mark both on the pitch and in the realm of sports entertainment. The game stands out for its unique blend of accessible gameplay mechanics and a sense of authenticity that resonated well with fans of the sport during the golden era of football video games.
One of the most notable aspects of Emlyn Hughes International Soccer is its gameplay structure. Players can engage in various modes, including friendly matches, cup competitions, and league formats. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, allowing newcomers to quickly understand the basics while still offering enough depth for seasoned players to hone their skills. The simplicity of passing, shooting, and tackling mechanics ensures that gamers can enjoy thrilling moments on the field without becoming overwhelmed by complexity, striking a captivating balance that appealed to a wide audience.
Graphically, the game was quite impressive for its time. With vibrant colors and well-designed sprites, Emlyn Hughes International Soccer successfully captured the essence of a football match. The character animations, although limited by the technology of the era, conveyed a sense of movement and energy that made each match feel dynamic. The playfields were adorned with recognizable branding and stadium features, transporting players to the electrifying atmosphere of live football. This attention to detail helped to enhance the overall gaming experience, immersing players in the virtual world of soccer.
The sound design of Emlyn Hughes International Soccer also contributed significantly to its charm. The game featured an upbeat soundtrack that accompanied the action, alongside engaging sound effects that punctuated key moments during gameplay. The cheers from virtual crowds created an ambiance that mimicked the thrill of attending a live match, allowing players to feel more connected to their virtual teams. In an era where many games struggled with audio quality, the attention given to soundscapes made this title stand out in a positive light.
Emlyn Hughes International Soccer not only captured the essence of football but also created a sense of community. As the game was played by many, it birthed a competitive spirit among players who shared tips, played against one another, and eagerly awaited high scores. The shared experiences of intense matches and epic victories fostered friendships among aficionados, turning the game into a cultural phenomenon among the 8-bit gaming generation. This enduring legacy of camaraderie and competition ensures that Emlyn Hughes International Soccer remains a cherished part of video game history long after its initial release.
