Games published by Phoenix Software Ltd.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Attack on Windscale
Attack on Windscale is a classic video game for the Commodore 64, released in 1983. It was developed and published by legendary gaming company, Commodore International. The game is based on a fictional event of nuclear disaster at the Windscale nuclear plant, located in the United Kingdom. Players take on the role of a heroic firefighter, tasked with extinguishing the raging fires and preventing a full-blown meltdown.
Upon its release, Attack on Windscale was praised for its unique gameplay and impressive graphics. The game features a top-down view, with the player navigating through various rooms of the nuclear plant, each with their own set of challenges. The goal is to clear each level by putting out fires and collecting scattered radioactive materials, all while being mindful of dwindling time and air supply. The gameplay is fast-paced and requires quick thinking and strategic planning to successfully complete each level.
One of the most standout features of Attack on Windscale is its attention to detail. The developers went to great lengths to accurately represent the hazardous working environment of a nuclear plant. The music and sound effects add to the immersive experience, creating a sense of urgency and danger throughout the game. The visuals are also impressive, with detailed sprites and animations that bring the game to life. The level design is also clever, with each new level increasing in difficulty, keeping players engaged and challenged.
Attack on Windscale received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game for its unique concept and challenging gameplay, while others criticized its lack of variety and repetitive nature. However, over time, the game has gained a cult following for its nostalgic appeal and pioneering gameplay. It is still considered a classic and a must-play for any Commodore 64 enthusiast.
The game also had a sequel, titled 'Attack on Windscale II: The Escape,' released in 1984. The sequel expanded on the original game, introducing new levels, enemies, and features. It also received favorable reviews and further solidified the game's place in gaming history.
Four Gates to Freedom
Four Gates to Freedom consists of two parts: an action game and an adventure game. The action game must be played first and, after completing it, the player receives a code needed to start the adventure game.
The game tells the story of a star cruiser that while exploring a distant planet is captured by a race of warrior ants. The crew and the twenty scientists on board are drugged to be used as food for the ants. The player's task is to destroy the four gates of the title and enter the catacombs where the captives are held.
The action game is a fixed-screen shoot'em up in which the player controls a spaceship at the bottom of the screen. Above it is a red wall and a blue wall protecting the four doors at the top of the screen. There are four levels and in each of them you have to destroy one or more of the doors, but first you have to make a hole in the walls. At the same time there are several enemies that you can shoot (except one that you have to avoid). To complicate matters, the enemies you shoot at throw debris in multiple directions that can also kill the player.
The second game is a text adventure. The player enters directions (north, south, etc. ) to move around, while interaction with the scenarios is done by entering verbs such as go, take, use, etc. Hints for the adventure game are given for each level completed in the action game.
Quest for the Garden of Eden
Released in 1983, Quest for the Garden of Eden was a groundbreaking video game for the Commodore 64. Developed by a relatively unknown company called DataSoft, this game challenged players to embark on a perilous journey to find the legendary Garden of Eden.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game follows the story of a lone survivor who receives a mysterious message from an ancient civilization. The message leads them to believe that the Garden of Eden still exists, and that it holds the key to restoring the world to its former glory. With this motivation, players must navigate through a series of treacherous landscapes in search of the fabled utopia.
The game itself was a masterful blend of adventure, puzzle-solving, and action. Players had to use their skills in platforming, combat, and problem-solving to progress through the game. The levels were intricately designed, offering a mix of challenges and rewards. From underground catacombs to dense forests, each stage offered a unique and immersive experience.
One of the most impressive features of Quest for the Garden of Eden was its graphics. For a game released in the early 80s, the visuals were surprisingly well-developed and detailed. The color palette was vibrant, and the character designs were well-crafted, adding to the overall immersive experience. The game's soundtrack was also noteworthy, featuring a mix of atmospheric tunes and catchy melodies.
Another noteworthy aspect of this game was its difficulty level. Unlike many modern games that hold your hand every step of the way, Quest for the Garden of Eden was not afraid to challenge players. The puzzles were complex, and the enemies were fierce, making it a truly engaging experience for players who were up for a challenge.
In addition to its engaging gameplay and impressive technical features, Quest for the Garden of Eden also had a fascinating backstory. The game drew inspiration from a mix of science fiction and biblical themes, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative. This added depth to the overall gaming experience and made it stand out among its contemporaries.
Unfortunately, despite its success, Quest for the Garden of Eden did not gain the recognition it deserved. DataSoft went bankrupt soon after its release, and the game never achieved the commercial success that it should have. However, for those lucky enough to experience this gem of a game, it remains a cherished memory and a testament to the innovation and creativity of the gaming industry in the 1980s.
The 'O' Level Caper
In 1983, the VIC-20 game "The 'O' Level Caper" was released, captivating players with its unique storyline and gameplay. Developed by Dave and Stuart Lester, this game was one of the first to introduce the concept of hacking and computer security, making it a pioneer in the world of gaming.
The game takes place in a fictional city where the player assumes the role of a computer hacker. The objective is to steal sensitive information from top-secret government and corporate databases, all while evading the authorities. The gameplay involves navigating through a virtual world of interconnected systems, solving puzzles, and using stealth tactics to avoid detection.
One of the most innovative aspects of "The 'O' Level Caper" was its use of realistic hacking techniques. Players had to use authentic commands and methods to access and manipulate data, making the game both challenging and educational. The theme of computer security was also very relevant, as the fear of cybercrime was on the rise during the early 1980s.
The graphics and sound effects in this game may seem outdated by today's standards, but at the time, they were groundbreaking. The 8-bit graphics and simple sound effects were enough to immerse players in the world of the game. The attention to detail in the visuals and the cleverly designed level structure made the gameplay experience even more compelling.
Another noteworthy aspect of "The 'O' Level Caper" was its open-ended nature. There was no single correct way to complete the game, and players could take various paths to achieve their goals. This added an element of replayability, as each playthrough could be different from the last, keeping players engaged for hours on end.
The game's success led to several ports and conversions for other computer systems, such as the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum. It also received favorable reviews from gaming magazines, praising its innovative gameplay and engaging storyline. The game's popularity sparked a surge of similar computer hacking games in the following years, solidifying its place in gaming history.
