Games published by Crystalware
Select a publisher to browse its games.
We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Beneath the Pyramids
Atari 8-bit fans were in for a treat in 1981 when the game Beneath the Pyramids was released. This classic first-person adventure game allowed players to explore the dangerous passages beneath the great Egyptian pyramids. With its unique maze-like labyrinths, challenging puzzles, and mysterious creatures, Beneath the Pyramids was an instant classic.
Players take on the role of an intrepid explorer who must traverse the dangerous tombs of ancient Egypt. The game is set up as a series of levels, each consisting of a maze-like labyrinth filled with traps, puzzles, and deadly creatures. Players must find the exit of each level while avoiding and defeating the creatures that lurk within.
The game was praised at the time for its detailed graphics and sound. The levels were filled with vibrant colors and intricate designs, giving the game a unique atmosphere. The sound effects added an extra layer of tension to the exploration and puzzle-solving.
The difficulty level of Beneath the Pyramids was also praised. There were multiple levels of difficulty, allowing players to adjust the challenge to their liking. The puzzles were not too hard, but they were challenging enough to keep players engaged.
Overall, Beneath the Pyramids was a fantastic game that gave players a sense of exploration and adventure. With its unique atmosphere, challenging puzzles, and multiple levels of difficulty, it was a welcome addition to the Atari 8-bit library. It's still a classic today and an essential game for any fan of the Atari 8-bit.
Clonus
Clonus is an Atari 8-bit game released in 1982 that has been since become a cult classic amongst gamers. Developed by Synapse Software, the game is an action-adventure title that takes players on an interstellar journey across the universe.
The game’s story centers around a robotic race known as the Clonus, who are on a mission to collect energy for their home planet. Players must control the robotic race and guide them across the galaxy, maneuvering through treacherous enemies, asteroids, and other obstacles. The game features a variety of levels each more challenging than the last, with players needing to use skill and tactics to progress.
Clonus was praised upon its release for its unique visual style. The game utilizes a simple but effective color palette, featuring vibrant hues that make the game’s expansive universe come alive. The soundtrack is also a standout, with its catchy tunes and synthesized sound effects helping to create a truly immersive experience.
While the game is now over 30 years old, it still remains popular amongst fans. With its engaging story, charming visuals, and challenging gameplay, Clonus is sure to provide players with hours of entertainment. Fans of classic Atari 8-bit titles will definitely want to give this one a try.
Clonus II
Clonus II, released by Atari in 1982, was a groundbreaking 8-bit game that pushed the boundaries of what was thought to be possible in the realm of video games. The game was a sequel to the popular Clonus, and was played using the Atari 400 and 800 computers. Players were tasked with navigating their way through mazes, collecting coins, and avoiding enemy robots.
The game featured advanced graphics and sound for the time, and the soundtrack was composed by one of the leading composers of the era, Rob Hubbard. The game was also highly innovative in terms of its gameplay. Players had to use their wits to maneuver their way through the mazes, as well as use the various power-ups and items that were scattered throughout the levels.
The story of the game revolved around a robot rebellion, and players had to guide their robot character through the various levels, while avoiding or destroying the enemy robots. The game also featured a wide array of weapons and items, such as bombs, magnets, and shields, which players could use to defeat the enemy robots.
Clonus II was immensely popular when it was released, and was one of the most successful Atari 8-bit games of its time. It was praised for its innovative gameplay and graphics, and is still fondly remembered today by fans of classic games. The game was a major hit in the early 1980s, and remains an iconic classic of the era.
Galactic Quest
Galactic Quest was an Atari 8-bit video game released in 1981. It was developed by Fox Video Games and published by Atari, Inc. The game offered a unique and exciting space exploration experience with over 20 different planets and encounters to explore.
The goal of Galactic Quest was to explore the various planets and collect resources in order to build a space station. Players could explore each planet in search of resources and encounter various alien species. The game also featured a variety of minigames, such as a space trading game, where players could buy and sell items, and a space shooting game, where players had to defend the space station from enemy ships.
The game also included a variety of additional features such as a password system, which allowed players to resume their progress after turning off their console. Additionally, the game had a two-player mode, enabling players to battle against each other on the same console.
Galactic Quest was a popular game at the time of its release, and it is still remembered fondly by fans of the Atari 8-bit system. The game's diverse range of content and its two-player mode made it a great multiplayer experience, and the game's visuals and sound effects were impressive for its time. The game was also praised for its innovative use of passwords and its varied minigames. Galactic Quest is still a beloved classic among Atari 8-bit fans, and it is a great example of early video game design.
Sands of Mars
For all the stalwart gamers out there, the Atari 8-bit game;Sands of Mars may bring back fond memories. Released in 1981 by Siera On-Line, the game was one of the first to take gamers through the science fiction genre.
This top-down shooter was a fast and skillful, instant classic! You are Captain Singer, intrepid explorer and soldier tasked with venturing to the distant planet, Mars. You must do battle with malicious aliens, and discover the secret of the mysterious civilization that once lived there.
The game graphics and level design stand as a testament to the forethought put into the game, as you explore caves, braving alien creatures made of sand. As you battle your way through the arid terrain, momentum and dexterity are key, as you need to switch back and forth between shooting enemies and collecting lost power ups.
Game play is straightforward and basic, and though the storyline is quite simple, the key to this game lies in its challenge. There are grounds full of trick flying aliens, teeming with sandworms and steel crabs, and your mission is to get past them all safely.
In addition, Sands of Mars contains a fantastic soundtrack, memorable sound effects, and a great atmosphere, making it a timeless classic and definite must-play for Atari 8-bit fans. Combines with its fantastic back-drop, challenging game play elements and hours of thrilling entertainment, Sands of Mars is sure to live on in gaming lore.
Sumer 4000 BC
The Atari 8-bit platform saw the release of a unique and exceptionally entertaining videogame in 1980. Sumer 4000 BC was an epic strategy title that invited players to explore the grandeur of Ancient Mesopotamia. For the time, the game provided a robust gaming experience that set the bar for historical strategy titles.
Atari's Sumer 4000 BC casts players as a ruler of the once mighty Sumerian city-states. Players must explore the world, competing with rival leaders for control of the rivers, mountains, cities, and resources of the Sumer region. In order to do so, there must be swift decision making and intense strategizing, as players develop and modify their city plans in order to build an effective empire.
The game itself thinks on a grand scale, spanning civilizations rising and falling over the course of hundreds of years. Players must adjust their strategies in order to remain on top, taking into account both the direct warring and espionage of rival cities, as well as the changing political and economic landscapes of the era. Of course, with each great victory comes great reward - in the form of upgrades and resources that make future decisions much easier to make.
What ultimately sets Sumer 4000 BC apart from other strategy games of the day is its attention to detail and the effort put forward to make the game world feel realistic. The rivers, mountains, and other geographic landmarks of the Sumer region are all accurately modeled, allowing the game to feel remarkably lifelike. The user interface is also top-notch, providing an intuitive approach for regular gamers and experienced strategists alike to access the game's many intricate features.
Sumer 4000 BC demonstrates the creativity, technical, and design achievements of an Atari 8-bit platform that had yet to reach its full potential. Even today, the game remains as an incredible example of what a historical strategy title should strive to be.
The Haunted Palace
The Haunted Palace, released in 1982 for the Atari 8-bit computer system, is an atmospheric and oppressive dungeon crawl through an eerie and foreboding castle. Players assume the role of a brave adventurer, tasked with exploring the depths of the castle and unravelling its secrets. As they descend further, they must face off against a variety of monsters and other obstacles, while collecting treasures and keys to progress.
The game's graphics are simple but effective, with a suitably gloomy atmosphere and a variety of spooky enemies to battle. The sound effects are none too shabby either, with an eerie soundtrack that helps to build tension as the player progresses. The controls are easy to learn and intuitive, allowing for a smooth playing experience.
Gameplay wise, The Haunted Palace is fairly standard for an old-school dungeon crawler. The player must explore the castle, fighting enemies and collecting keys and treasures along the way. However, the game does offer some interesting twists in the form of a variety of puzzles to solve, such as manipulating objects in order to progress. This adds a nice element of challenge to the game, which helps to keep it interesting.
Overall, The Haunted Palace is a worthy addition to the Atari 8-bit library, and is still worth a look for those interested in classic dungeon crawlers. Its atmosphere and puzzles help to make it stand out from the crowd, and it's a great way to spend a few hours exploring a creepy castle.
The House of Usher
The House of Usher, released in 1980, was an Atari 8-bit game that pushed the limits of the system’s graphical capabilities. Developed by Synapse Software, the game was a horror-themed adventure set in the eponymous House of Usher. Players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist, who is tasked with solving the mysteries of the house and ultimately escaping alive.
The game’s graphics are incredibly impressive for the time period. The rooms of the house are presented in a first-person view, with detailed backgrounds and objects to interact with. This allows the player to explore the house and find items that will help them progress. The overall atmosphere of the game is eerie and unsettling, with creepy music and sound effects that contribute to the dread.
Gameplay is relatively straightforward, with the player exploring the house and finding items to use in order to progress. The puzzles are mostly logical and intuitive, with only a few that require some outside-the-box thinking. The ultimate goal is to find the entrance to a secret passage beneath the house, which will allow the player to escape.
The House of Usher is an impressive game for its time, and is still an enjoyable experience today. Its detailed graphics and creepy atmosphere are a testament to the power of the Atari 8-bit system. While the puzzles may be a bit too easy for modern players, they are still fun to solve. The House of Usher is an excellent example of the horror genre, and is definitely worth playing for fans of classic adventure games.
