Games published by SoftSide Magazine
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9-Hole Miniature Golf
9-Hole Miniature Golf is a DOS game that was released in 1983 and quickly became a beloved classic among gamers. This game, developed by Solutions 2, offered players the chance to experience the fun and challenge of mini-golf right on their computer screens. With its simple yet addictive gameplay and colorful graphics, 9-Hole Miniature Golf captured the hearts of many and remains a beloved game among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The premise of 9-Hole Miniature Golf is straightforward - players have to make their way through nine unique and creatively designed mini-golf courses. Each hole presents its own set of challenges, from tricky obstacles to moving targets. The game's controls are also easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. This combination of simple gameplay and varied challenges is what makes 9-Hole Miniature Golf so appealing.
One of the game's greatest strengths lies in its graphics. Considering that it was released in 1983, the graphics may seem simple by today's standards, but they were highly impressive at the time. Each course is filled with bright colors, adding to the game's overall charm. The graphics also help to enhance the game's immersive experience, making players feel like they are actually playing mini-golf in a virtual world.
Another standout feature of 9-Hole Miniature Golf is its sound effects. The game offers a range of satisfying and realistic sounds, such as the click of the putter hitting the ball or the sound of the ball rolling across the green. These little touches make the gameplay experience even more enjoyable and add to the overall authenticity of the game.
One of the main reasons why 9-Hole Miniature Golf continues to be a beloved classic is its replay value. With nine different courses, each with its own unique challenges, players can spend hours trying to master every hole. Additionally, the game offers a two-player mode, allowing friends and family members to compete against each other, adding an extra layer of fun and competition to the game.
Despite being released decades ago, 9-Hole Miniature Golf still has a strong fan base and is widely considered to be one of the best DOS games of its time. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, appealing graphics, and satisfying sound effects make it a standout game that has stood the test of time. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or simply looking for a fun and entertaining game to play, 9-Hole Miniature Golf is a must-try for all retro gaming enthusiasts. So dust off your old DOS computer and take a trip down memory lane with this classic gem of a game.
Arachnid
Arachnid, released in 1983 by Atari, was one of the first 8-bit games developed for the Atari 8-bit home computer system. This game was a unique blend of shooting and strategy, putting players in control of a giant robotic spider tasked with defending a city from an alien invasion.
The game itself was quite a challenge. Players had to use the spider's four different weapon systems to fend off the attacking aliens, while also managing the spider's energy reserves. The spider had to be maneuvered around the city, avoiding the aliens and picking up power-ups while fighting off the invaders. If the spider ran out of energy, the game was over.
The game was unique in its combination of classic arcade-style shooting with an added level of strategy. The game had multiple levels and bosses to battle, and the difficulty level increased with each level. As the player progressed through the game, they were rewarded with bonus points and lives. The game also had a two-player mode, allowing two players to take control of two separate spiders in the same city.
Overall, Arachnid was a surprisingly deep game for its time. It was one of the first 8-bit games to really push the boundaries of what could be done with the limited hardware of the time. The combination of arcade-style shooting and strategic energy management made for an engaging and challenging experience. While the graphics may seem primitive today, the game was a real pioneer in its day and helped pave the way for future 8-bit games.
At the Codfish Ball
At the Codfish Ball, released in 1984 by Activision for the Atari 8-bit computer system, is a unique and entertaining game that has stood the test of time. Players take control of a small fishing boat and must traverse a treacherous ocean environment, all while avoiding the hazards of the deep waters. The objective of the game is to catch as many codfish as possible, while avoiding the various obstacles and hazards that are encountered along the way.
Players must first select their boat and its size, before they can begin the game. The size of the boat affects the amount of codfish that can be caught, and the larger the boat, the more codfish that can be caught. The game is played over a series of levels, with each level containing its own set of obstacles and hazards. These include rocks, whirlpools, and other obstacles that can cause the player to lose their codfish, as well as potentially damaging their boat.
The game also features an array of bonus items that can be collected, such as additional fuel, extra lives, and bonus points. These bonus items can help the player extend their game time, and increase their chances of catching more codfish. Additionally, the game features an array of bonus levels, which can be unlocked by collecting bonus items. These bonus levels can offer additional challenges and rewards to players.
At the Codfish Ball is an engaging and entertaining game that has stood the test of time. With its unique gameplay, impressive graphics, and intriguing bonus levels, it's easy to see why this game is still so popular today. Whether you're a fan of classic video games or just looking for an enjoyable and challenging game, At the Codfish Ball should definitely be on your list of Atari 8-bit games to play.
Broadway
Atari 8-bit game Broadway, released in 1983, was a computer game adaptation of the classic game of chess. Developed by Atari, Broadway was one of the earliest chess video games and featured a unique game board that was shaped like a theater stage.
The game board featured a total of 64 squares, arranged in an 8x8 grid. Each player was given 16 pieces, including knights, bishops, rooks, and a king and queen. The objective of the game was to capture the opponent's king. Players could move their pieces in accordance with the rules of chess, and could also jump over pieces to reach the other side of the board.
The game was designed to be both challenging and entertaining. Players had to think strategically, while also having to adjust to the unique shape of the board. The game featured an AI opponent with adjustable difficulty levels, as well as a local two-player mode. Players could also save their progress and resume the game at a later date.
Broadway was well-received by critics and players alike. Its unique shape of the game board made for a unique and challenging experience. It was also praised for its AI opponent, which was considered to be very intelligent. It was one of the earliest chess video games and was a hit amongst players of all ages.
Overall, Broadway was a unique and interesting take on the classic game of chess. Its unique game board made for an enjoyable and challenging experience. The AI opponent was also considered to be very intelligent, making it a great game for players of all ages. It was one of the earliest chess video games, and was a hit amongst players.
Car Race
Car Race, released in 1983, was one of the most popular Atari 8-bit games of its day. Developed by Synapse Software, the game was designed for one or two players, and had both racing and demolition derby modes. The aim of the game was to drive around a circuit, avoiding obstacles and other cars.
The graphics in Car Race were simple but effective, with the cars being portrayed as small shapes and the obstacles being represented by various symbols. The sound effects were basic but still added to the atmosphere of the game, from the engine revving of the cars to the crashes and explosions when collisions occurred.
The game was easy to pick up, with intuitive controls that allowed the player to accelerate, turn, and reverse their car. The difficulty of the game was increased by the circuit getting more and more congested as the game progressed, with the player having to avoid more and more cars and obstacles. The demolition derby mode was a lot of fun, and added an extra element of chaos to the game.
Car Race was a popular game that was a great way to pass the time, and it still has a cult following today. It was the perfect game for anyone looking for a fun and challenging racing experience on the Atari 8-bit system. Despite its age, it still stands as a great example of the classic arcade racing games of the 1980s.
Changing Hearts
Atari's 1981 8-bit game Changing Hearts was a unique blend of strategy and card-based gameplay. It was one of the first games of its kind, and as such it still holds a special place in the hearts of many retro gamers.
The goal of Changing Hearts was to acquire as many points as possible by collecting sets of cards of the same rank. Players were given a starting hand of six cards, and then had to select one card from the community pile. If they had a pair of any card rank, they could discard it for a point.
When all community cards were drawn, players had to select another card from their hand to discard. This was the main strategic element of the game. Players had to carefully select which card to discard, as it not only had to be the correct rank to score a point, but also had to be the least useful card in their hand.
The game also had several variations, such as changing the rules to require a set of three or four of the same rank, as well as one to make the game more difficult. This meant that the game had a lot of replay value, as players could change the rules to keep the game fresh.
Overall, Changing Hearts was an innovative and fun game that was ahead of its time. The strategic element of the game and its numerous variations made it highly addictive, and it still holds a special place in the hearts of many retro gamers.
Chasm Escape
Atari 8-bit Chasm Escape, released in 1983, was a top-down shooter game for the Atari 8-bit family. It was an action-packed and thrilling game that was enjoyed by many. Despite its age, the game is still beloved by many and can still be found on modern gaming platforms.
The game's story follows two brave spacemen sent to investigate a derelict space station. Players must guide the spacemen through the station and past its many enemies, while also finding the hidden artifacts to progress. The game featured multiple levels, power-ups, and a variety of enemies which kept players on their toes. The game's action was furiously paced and kept the player engaged.
The visuals of the game were also quite impressive for its time. The game featured detailed 8-bit graphics and vibrant colors, making the game's world feel alive. The enemy sprites were also designed to be quite menacing, ensuring the player was always on their toes. The game's sound effects were also top-notch, adding a realistic atmosphere to the game.
Chasm Escape was a hit game upon its release and remains a classic today. The game's fast-paced action, detailed visuals and sound, and variety of enemies combined to make a unique and exciting experience. Despite its age, the game is still beloved by many and can still be found on modern gaming platforms.
