Games published by Salamander Software
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Dan Diamond in Fishy Business
Released in 1983, Dan Diamond in Fishy Business is a classic video game for the Dragon 32/64 gaming system. Developed by Microdeal and designed by Steve Bak, this game combines elements of adventure, strategy, and puzzle-solving to create an exhilarating experience for players of all ages.
The game follows the story of Dan Diamond, a young fisherman who is determined to save his village from the evil fish king's tyrannical rule. As Dan, players must navigate through treacherous waters and overcome various obstacles to collect valuable gems scattered throughout the sea. These gems are the only hope for Dan to defeat the fish king and restore peace to his village.
What sets Dan Diamond in Fishy Business apart from other games of its time is its unique gameplay. The game features a non-linear storyline, allowing players to explore the vast underwater world freely. It also includes various puzzles and challenges that require players to think strategically and use their problem-solving skills. Additionally, the game features different levels of difficulty, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
The graphics of Dan Diamond in Fishy Business are also worth mentioning. Despite being released in the early 1980s, the game's visuals are surprisingly detailed and colorful. The underwater environment is beautifully depicted, and the creatures players encounter are intricately designed. The game's soundtrack also adds to the immersive experience, with its catchy tunes and sound effects.
One of the game's most exciting aspects is its innovative use of the Dragon 32/64 gaming system's capabilities. The game allows players to use the unique joystick with its four-directional control, as well as the keyboard, to navigate through the game. Moreover, the game also features the Dragon's "extended color BASIC" programming language, which was a revolutionary feature at the time.
Dan Diamond in Fishy Business received positive reviews from both players and critics upon its release. Many praised its engaging gameplay, unique storyline, and impressive visuals. The game was also commended for its replay value, with some players replaying it multiple times to try and collect all the gems. It remains a fan-favorite among Dragon 32/64 users to this day.
Dan Diamond is Lost in Space
In the early 1980s, the BBC Micro computer was all the rage in the world of gaming. With its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, it provided endless hours of entertainment to gamers all over the world. One of the most popular games to come out for the BBC Micro was "Dan Diamond is Lost in Space," released in 1983. This game, developed by Acornsoft, took players on an intergalactic adventure like never before.
The premise of "Dan Diamond is Lost in Space" is simple yet engaging. Players take on the role of Dan Diamond, an astronaut who has crash-landed on an unknown planet. With limited resources and no way to contact his spaceship, Dan must navigate through the treacherous terrain and find a way back to his crew. However, this is no easy task as the planet is filled with dangerous creatures and obstacles at every turn.
One of the standout features of this game is its stunning graphics. For a game released in 1983, the BBC Micro's capabilities were pushed to the limits to create a visually impressive experience. From the detailed landscapes to the dynamic animations of the creatures, every aspect of the game was carefully crafted to immerse players in the sci-fi world of "Dan Diamond is Lost in Space."
But it's not just the graphics that make this game a classic. The gameplay itself is what kept players hooked for hours on end. With a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, "Dan Diamond is Lost in Space" kept players on their toes as they tried to survive in this unknown world. The controls were also simple and intuitive, allowing players to quickly pick up and play without any hassle.
Adding to the overall experience was the game's captivating soundtrack. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, composed by Rob Hubbard, perfectly captured the mysterious and alien atmosphere of the game. It enhanced the gameplay and added another layer of immersion for players.
Despite being released over 30 years ago, "Dan Diamond is Lost in Space" remains a beloved classic among retro gamers. Its challenging gameplay, stunning graphics, and captivating soundtrack all come together to create an unforgettable experience. It truly set the benchmark for future sci-fi games and remains a testament to the advanced capabilities of the BBC Micro computer.
Dragon Rider
Dragon Rider is a BBC Micro game that graced the screens of players in 1983. Developed by Superior Software and designed by Mervyn J. Estcourt, this game was one of the most popular titles for the BBC Micro system. It is a single-player, side-scrolling adventure game that takes players on an epic quest through a magical land filled with dragons, warriors, and mystical creatures.
The game follows the story of a brave dragon rider, who must navigate through treacherous terrain to rescue a damsel in distress and defeat the evil dragon lord. The graphics of Dragon Rider may seem simple by today's standards, but back in 1983, they were groundbreaking. The game featured full-color graphics and smooth animation, making it a visual treat for players.
One of the most unique aspects of Dragon Rider was its use of the BBC Micro's speech synthesis feature. This allowed the game to have spoken dialogue, adding an extra layer of immersion for players. The game also had a mesmerizing soundtrack that set the tone for each level, making the gameplay experience even more dynamic.
The gameplay of Dragon Rider was challenging yet addictive. Players had to use their wits and quick reflexes to navigate through obstacles, defeat enemies, and collect power-ups. The game also featured a time limit, adding a sense of urgency to each level. With each level, the difficulty increased, keeping players on the edge of their seats as they tried to reach the end.
Dragon Rider was praised for its engaging storyline, satisfying gameplay, and impressive visuals. It received positive reviews from both players and critics, cementing its place as a cult classic in the world of gaming. It also received various accolades and awards, including being named Game of the Year by the British national newspaper, The Guardian.
Even today, Dragon Rider remains a beloved game among retro gamers. Its seamless integration of graphics, sound, and gameplay makes it a timeless classic. It has been remade and remastered for various platforms, allowing new generations to experience the thrill of being a dragon rider. If you are a fan of classic adventure games, Dragon Rider is a must-play title that will take you on an unforgettable journey through a fantastical world.
Everest
Everest, released in 1983, is a thrilling and challenging game developed for the Dragon 32/64 computer system. This epic adventure game was designed and published by Tim Tyler for Microdeal, a British video game company. The game takes its name from the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, and is set in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. It offers players a unique and immersive experience as they embark on a dangerous and treacherous journey to reach the summit of Everest.
The game starts with the player choosing their character, each with different abilities and skill sets, adding a strategic element to the gameplay. The goal is to successfully ascend Everest and return back to base camp before time runs out. The game is divided into different stages, each representing a day on the mountain. The player must overcome various obstacles such as strong winds, avalanches, and treacherous crevasses to progress to the next stage. Along the way, the player must also manage their oxygen levels and make strategic decisions like setting up camp for rest and acclimatization.
One of the most challenging aspects of the game is managing the player's health and energy levels. As the player moves higher on the mountain, the oxygen levels decrease, making it more difficult to climb. They must also keep an eye on their temperature as falling too low can result in hypothermia. The player must carefully plan their route and make use of various items such as ropes and ice axes to make their way up. The game also offers a mode for experienced players, where the player faces more difficult challenges and shorter time limits, adding to the replay value.
One of the most impressive aspects of Everest is its graphics and sound. Considering the limitations of the Dragon computer system, the game boasts impressive visuals, with detailed terrain and realistic weather effects. The sound effects, including howling winds and falling rocks, add to the immersive experience of being on the mountain. The game also offers a multiplayer mode, where two players can compete in a race to reach the summit, adding a competitive aspect to the game.
Despite being released in 1983, Everest remains a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. It received positive reviews for its challenging gameplay and impressive graphics, and many consider it to be one of the best adventure games of that era. The game was also notable for being one of the first to incorporate real-world survival elements into a video game, paving the way for future titles in the genre. It was later released for other popular computer systems of that time, including the Commodore 64 and Atari ST.
Franklin in Wonderland
Franklin in Wonderland was a beloved game released for the Dragon 32/64 home computer in 1984. Developed by British software company Microdeal, this game was a unique adaptation of the classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland novel by Lewis Carroll. It was a significant success for the Dragon 32/64 platform and remains a fan favorite to this day.
The game follows the adventures of a young boy named Franklin, who falls into a rabbit hole and finds himself in a magical and bizarre world. Players take on the role of Franklin as he navigates through various levels filled with puzzles, creatures, and characters from the original novel. The game's graphics and sound effects were considered exceptional at the time, and players were immediately drawn into the fantastical world of Wonderland.
One of the most notable features of Franklin in Wonderland was its unique gameplay mechanics. Unlike other platformer games, this one incorporated elements of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving. Players had to think strategically to overcome obstacles while solving riddles and puzzles to progress through the game. This combination of genres made for a challenging but engaging gameplay experience.
The game's levels were cleverly designed with hidden passages and traps, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the overall gameplay. The variety of enemies and boss battles also kept players on their toes, requiring them to master different strategies and techniques to defeat them. To make things even more interesting, there were multiple endings to the game, depending on the players' choices and actions throughout the game.
Franklin in Wonderland's success can also be attributed to its captivating storyline. The game stayed true to the original novel, but the developers added their own twist to the plot, making it a unique and enjoyable experience for players. The characters from the novel were faithfully recreated, adding a nostalgic feel to the game for fans of the book.
Moreover, the game's controls were intuitive and responsive, allowing players to navigate through the complex levels with ease. The game was also praised for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both novice and experienced gamers. Players could use a joystick or the keyboard to control Franklin, providing options for personalized gameplay.
Franklin's Tomb
One of the most iconic and beloved games from the 1980s for the BBC Micro was Franklin's Tomb, which was released in 1983. Developed by Creative Sparks, this puzzle adventure game captured the hearts and minds of gamers with its challenging gameplay, stunning graphics, and captivating storyline.
The premise of Franklin's Tomb starts with a thrilling opening scene, where we see our protagonist, Indiana Jones-esque explorer Franklin, exploring an ancient tomb in search of a mysterious artifact. The game takes place on a scrollable two-dimensional maze, with each screen presenting a unique puzzle that Franklin must solve to progress further into the tomb.
With a limited set of commands and objects at his disposal, Franklin must use his quick thinking and wits to navigate through traps and dangers during his perilous journey. Players must carefully plan their moves, as any wrong decision could result in a game over.
One of the most impressive aspects of Franklin's Tomb was its graphics, which were stunning for its time. The game featured detailed, colorful illustrations that truly brought the ancient tomb and its treasures to life. The use of shading and texture also added depth to the game's visuals, making it even more immersive and engrossing.
But it wasn't just the graphics that made Franklin's Tomb a standout game of its time. The game's soundtrack, composed by David Whittaker, was a combination of eerie tunes and intense melodies that perfectly complemented the game's adventurous atmosphere. It added an extra layer of excitement and tension to the gameplay, making it even more captivating.
Despite its challenging gameplay, Franklin's Tomb became an instant hit among BBC Micro users. The game's clever puzzles, coupled with its engaging storyline and impressive graphics, made it a must-have for any gamer's collection. Its popularity also led to its release on other platforms, including the Acorn Electron, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Over the years, Franklin's Tomb has become a cult classic, with many fans still enjoying the game's retro charm. It has also been recognized as one of the best games for the BBC Micro, cementing its place in gaming history.
Games Compendium
In the early 1980s, home computers were becoming increasingly popular and the BBC Micro was at the forefront of this technological revolution. Released in 1982, the BBC Micro game Games Compendium quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing the capabilities of this innovative computer. Developed by Acornsoft, Games Compendium was a compilation of five classic board games: Chess, Draughts, Reversi, Bridge and Backgammon.
One of the standout features of Games Compendium was its impressive graphics and sound effects. In a time when most computer games were limited to simple text and basic pixelated images, Games Compendium offered players a visually appealing and immersive experience. Each game had its own unique graphics and sound effects, making it feel like playing the actual physical version of the game.
Furthermore, Games Compendium offered players a challenging AI opponent. The computer's intelligence was programmed to simulate humanlike moves and strategies, providing players with a realistic and competitive gaming experience. This added another layer of excitement and difficulty to the game, making it suitable for players of all levels.
One of the most beloved games in the compilation was Chess. With its advanced AI opponent and visually appealing graphics, it quickly became a hit among chess enthusiasts. Players could choose from different levels of difficulty, ensuring that both novice and experienced players could enjoy the game.
Another highlight of Games Compendium was its multiplayer option. Players could compete against each other in these classic games, making it a popular choice for family game nights. This feature added a social aspect to the game, and many friendships and rivalries were formed over intense sessions of Games Compendium.
The success of Games Compendium was not limited to just the BBC Micro. It was later ported to other popular home computers such as the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC, further expanding its reach and popularity. It also received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its graphics, gameplay, and overall polish.
Games Compendium set the bar high for future compilation games, offering players a diverse range of classic board games in one package. Its success also contributed to the popularity of the BBC Micro, cementing its place in gaming history. Even today, Games Compendium has a dedicated fan base and continues to be enjoyed by retro gaming enthusiasts.
Grand Prix
In 1982, the Dragon 32/64 game Grand Prix was released, bringing the thrill of racing to computer screens. Developed by Thorn EMI, this game was one of the first racing games available for the Dragon platform, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
Grand Prix offered players the opportunity to compete in Formula 1 races, with each race consisting of four laps around a track. The game featured nine different tracks, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. What set Grand Prix apart from other racing games at the time was its realistic physics, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for players.
One of the standout features of Grand Prix was its detailed graphics. The game utilized the Dragon's full-color display, bringing the races to life with vibrant colors and detailed track designs. The cars were also rendered with impressive detail, making it easy for players to distinguish between their car and their competitors.
The gameplay of Grand Prix was also quite advanced for its time. Players had to navigate their cars through sharp turns, avoid collisions with other cars, and manage their fuel levels to ensure they didn't run out before the race was over. This added level of strategy kept players on their toes and made for an engaging experience.
To add an extra layer of excitement, Grand Prix also included a two-player mode. This allowed players to race against their friends and compete for the top spot on the leaderboards. The split-screen display showed both players' cars, adding a sense of competition and camaraderie to the game.
Despite its challenges, Grand Prix was still accessible to players of all skill levels. The game had three difficulty levels, allowing beginners to ease into the gameplay while offering a more challenging experience for advanced players. This made it a game that could be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their racing expertise.
Nightflight
Nightflight was a groundbreaking game that was released in 1983 for the Dragon 32 and 64 computers. Developed by Microdeal, this action-packed game was set in a futuristic world where players were tasked with navigating a spaceship through treacherous obstacles and enemy attacks in order to rescue their comrades and complete their mission.
The game was designed with stunning graphics for its time, featuring colorful and detailed backgrounds with smooth animations. The players controlled their spaceship using a joystick, which added to the immersive experience of the game. The sound effects were also top-notch, with realistic beeping and buzzing to accompany the action on-screen.
One of the most impressive features of Nightflight was its dynamic levels. Each time the game was played, the layout and obstacles within the levels would change, keeping it fresh and challenging for players. This added an unpredictable element to the game, making it truly unique compared to other games of its time.
The gameplay of Nightflight was fast-paced and addictive. As the spaceship traversed through the different levels, the player had to negotiate through tight spaces, avoid obstacles, and shoot down enemy ships. The difficulty level increased as the player progressed, with more obstacles and enemy attacks to overcome. This made the game challenging yet fulfilling for players who were determined to beat it.
Another standout feature of Nightflight was its multiplayer mode. This allowed two players to compete against each other in a race to see who could complete the level first. It added a competitive element to the game, making it a hit among friends and family who wanted to challenge each other.
The success of Nightflight led to it being ported to other platforms such as the Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit, and ZX Spectrum. It also received positive reviews from gaming magazines of the time, with many praising its graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer mode.
