You control a spaceship that floats around. You have to shoot all the meteors and other objects bouncing around the area. However, shooting the meteors will cause them to fragment into several smaller meteors.
In Autocrash the player competes in a tournament to the death between 'bumper cars'. The objective is to dismount the opponent (or opponents) from his car, and hit him before he leaves the playing area.
Throughout the stages, the difficulty level of the enemy's A.I. and their number will increase. Also, in some stages you have to eliminate enemies in a certain order.
In the early 1990s, the world of gaming was dominated by a new craze known as the DOS games. These games were simple yet addictive, and one title that stood out amongst the rest was Carlos Sainz, released in 1990. Based on the famous Spanish rally driver, this game offered a unique and thrilling experience for gamers all around the world.
Carlos Sainz was developed by the Spanish game developer company, Zigurat Software. It was a racing game that allowed players to step into the shoes of the iconic rally driver and race through various tracks around the world. The game was a single-player experience and had a top-down view, giving players a clear view of the track and their surroundings.
One of the most impressive aspects of Carlos Sainz was its graphics. For a game released in 1990, the visuals were surprisingly detailed and colorful. The various tracks were well-designed, with different terrains and landscapes that added to the challenge of the game. The car models were also well-rendered and resembled Sainz's actual rally car, the Toyota Celica GT-Four.
The gameplay of Carlos Sainz was where the game truly stood out. It offered a mix of both arcade and simulation elements, making it accessible to players of all levels. The controls were easy to master, with players having to navigate through twists and turns, avoiding obstacles and competing against other racers. The game also had a damage system, adding a touch of realism to the overall experience.
What made Carlos Sainz even more exciting was its career mode. This feature allowed players to progress through different levels, from amateur to professional, as they completed races and earned points. The game also had a time attack mode where players could race against the clock, trying to beat their own best times or challenge other players' records.
Apart from the thrilling gameplay and stunning graphics, Carlos Sainz also had an amazing soundtrack. The game featured upbeat and adrenaline-pumping tracks that heightened the excitement of each race. The sound effects, from the roar of the engines to the screech of the tires, were also well done and added to the overall immersive experience.
In the end, Carlos Sainz proved to be a popular and beloved DOS game, winning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Its success led to sequels and spin-offs, with the most recent release being in 2018. Even today, over three decades after its initial release, Carlos Sainz continues to hold a special place in the hearts of DOS gamers, with many still reminiscing about the hours spent racing as the legendary rally driver.
Comando Quatro is a 1989 Amstrad CPC game that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic among retro gamers. Developed by Dinamic Software and published by Ocean Software, this side-scrolling action game takes players on a thrilling mission to save the world from an alien invasion.
Set in the year 2089, Comando Quatro puts players in the shoes of a space marine who must battle their way through four different planets, each with their own unique challenges and enemies. The gameplay is fast-paced and relentless, with players having to navigate through treacherous terrain, avoid traps, and defeat a variety of enemies using an arsenal of weapons.
One of the standout features of Comando Quatro is its impressive graphics and animations. The game takes full advantage of the Amstrad CPC's color palette, resulting in vibrant and detailed visuals. The alien creatures and environments are well-crafted, adding to the immersive experience of the game. The animations are smooth and fluid, making the protagonist's movements and attacks satisfying to watch.
The game's soundtrack also deserves a special mention. Comando Quatro features an atmospheric and pulse-pounding soundtrack that elevates the gameplay experience. The sound effects, from the firing of weapons to the explosions, are also well-executed and add to the intensity of the gameplay.
One of the factors that set Comando Quatro apart from other side-scrolling action games of its time is its innovative level design. Each planet presents a unique challenge, requiring players to strategize and adapt their approach accordingly. From underwater levels to zero-gravity environments, the game keeps players on their toes and prevents them from getting bored.
Comando Quatro also offers a high level of replayability, with multiple paths and secrets to discover. Players can find hidden bonus areas, secret weapons, and power-ups by exploring each level thoroughly. This adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation for players to keep coming back to the game.
In addition to its engaging gameplay and impressive graphics, Comando Quatro also received praise for its intuitive controls. The game is easy to pick up and play, with simple yet responsive controls that make it accessible to players of all skill levels.
Emilio Sanchez Vicario Grand Slam, released in 1989, was a popular DOS (Disk Operating System) game that captured the hearts of tennis fans around the world. Developed and published by MindSpan Technologies, this game allowed players to experience the thrill and intensity of professional tennis from the comfort of their own homes.
The game's title pays homage to the legendary Spanish tennis player, Emilio Sanchez Vicario, who was at the height of his career in the late 1980s. This added a sense of authenticity and excitement for fans of the sport, as they could now play as their favorite player in virtual tournaments and matches.
From a technical standpoint, the game was a breakthrough in its time. It featured iconic graphics, with smooth animations that made the players' movements on the court feel realistic. The gameplay was also extremely smooth, thanks to the well-designed controls and responsive gameplay mechanics. Players could choose from different shot types, such as forehand, backhand, and serves, to strategize and outplay their opponents.
Emilio Sanchez Vicario Grand Slam also had a career mode that allowed players to create their own customized character and work their way up from the bottom ranks to become a Grand Slam champion. This feature added an extra layer of depth and personalization to the game, making it a truly immersive gaming experience.
But what truly made this game stand out was its attention to detail. The developers paid close attention to the little things that made a big difference, such as the players' grunting and crowd reactions. The game even included a weather system, where players had to adjust their game tactics according to the conditions on the court.
The game also had a multiplayer mode, where players could compete against their friends in split-screen matches or even through a dial-up connection. This was a game-changer, as it allowed players to experience the fierce competition and adrenaline rush of a real tennis match with their friends.
Released during the golden age of DOS games, Emilio Sanchez Vicario Grand Slam was a commercial success. It received widespread acclaim from critics and players alike, who praised its realistic gameplay and engaging features. It also paved the way for future tennis games, setting the bar high for graphics, gameplay, and overall quality.
Despite being released over three decades ago, the legacy of Emilio Sanchez Vicario Grand Slam lives on. It remains a beloved game for those who played it in their childhood and continues to attract newer generations of gamers. With its classic gameplay and nostalgic appeal, this DOS game holds a special place in the hearts of tennis and gaming enthusiasts alike.
F-1, released in 1991, was a revolutionary DOS game that took the world by storm. Developed by Lankhor and published by Domark, this game allowed players to experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of Formula One racing on their home computer. With its groundbreaking graphics and advanced gameplay, F-1 quickly became a cult classic in the gaming world.
Upon starting the game, players were presented with an array of options, such as choosing their team, car, track, and race distance. F-1 boasted an impressive list of real-life teams and drivers from the 1991 Formula One season, adding a touch of authenticity to the game. From there, players could either jump right into a quick race or embark on a full season mode where they could compete for the World Championship.
What set F-1 apart from other racing games of its time was its realistic simulation of Formula One racing. The game accurately depicted the physics and handling of the cars, making it a challenging game to master. Players had to strategically manage their fuel and tire wear, navigate through different weather conditions, and make pitstop decisions to stay ahead of their opponents.
The graphics of F-1 were also ahead of its time. The game featured 3D polygonal graphics, which was a significant advancement from the 2D sprites used in most DOS games at the time. The tracks were intricately designed, with realistic surroundings and detailed textures, adding to the immersive experience of the game. The sound effects of the cars revving and screeching on the track also added to the overall authenticity of the game.
One unique feature of F-1 was its multiplayer mode, where two players could race against each other on a split-screen. This added an element of competition and social interaction to the game, making it a hit at parties and gatherings. Players could also save their best lap times and compete with friends to see who could set the fastest lap on a particular track.
With its success, F-1 saw multiple sequels and spin-offs, but none could match the original game's impact. F-1 was a pioneer in the racing game genre, and its influence can still be seen in modern racing games today. It paved the way for future titles to strive for realism and authenticity, setting a high bar for racing games.
Hammer-Head is a horizontal scrolling platform game. We take the role of Top, a secret agent, and we must advance through the levels hitting our enemies with our heads.
During the development of the phases we can take a series of items, which at the end of each level we can exchange for energy, time, extra lives or a 'mini companion' controlled by the computer.
Humphrey, a 2D side-scrolling video game, was released for the Amstrad CPC in 1988. Developed and published by Grand Prix Software Ltd., the game gained popularity for its unique storyline and challenging gameplay. It was also one of the few games released for the Amstrad CPC that was not a port or a conversion, making it a standout among other games of its time.
The game follows the story of Humphrey, a young boy who sets out on a quest to rescue his sister, Honey, who has been kidnapped by an evil wizard. Armed with only a trusty slingshot, Humphrey must traverse through a mystical world filled with various creatures and obstacles to reach the wizard's castle and save his sister. The goal of the game is to progress through different levels, each with its own set of challenges, to finally confront the wizard and rescue Honey.
One of the standout features of Humphrey is its graphics. The game boasts vibrant and colorful visuals, which were considered advanced for the Amstrad CPC at the time. The game also featured smooth animations, making the gameplay feel fluid and engaging. The attention to detail in the graphics and environments added to the immersive experience of playing Humphrey.
The gameplay in Humphrey is challenging, to say the least. Throughout the levels, Humphrey must defeat various enemies using his slingshot, navigate through treacherous terrain, and solve puzzles. The enemies range from simple creatures to more complex and difficult bosses, adding to the thrilling experience of the game. The puzzles, although not overly complex, require some strategic thinking and add a layer of depth to the gameplay.
Aside from its gameplay and graphics, Humphrey is also praised for its exceptional soundtrack. Composed by David Whittaker, the game's music perfectly captures the magical and adventurous feel of the game. The music changes depending on the level, adding to the overall immersion of the game. It is considered one of the best soundtracks for the Amstrad CPC and is still remembered fondly by gamers today.
Despite its positive reception, Humphrey was not without its flaws. The controls were often regarded as clunky and unresponsive, making some of the platforming sections a bit frustrating. Some levels were also considered to be too difficult, which could hinder the player's progress and lead to a sense of frustration.
Jump is a cute Space Invaders clone from Spanish developer Zigurat. The game plays like a standard shoot-em-up, except instead of shooting at incoming aliens, you have to Jump down onto the blocks beneath your feet to squash the crawling critters from the bottom. That's about it, but the game gets a bit more interesting in later levels, when you're faced with nastier bugs that can't be squashed with a single block.
One inexplicably bad game design is that you must Jump over each block three times before it falls. This makes the game very difficult and tiring for me, as my fingers got tired of so much Jumping rather quickly. Still, it may be worth it for anyone who likes Space Invader type games.
Jungle Warrior was an action-adventure game released for the MSX computer in 1990. Developed by Konami, this game took players on a thrilling journey through an exotic jungle filled with danger and excitement. With its immersive gameplay and stunning graphics, Jungle Warrior quickly gained a cult following and remains a classic among MSX enthusiasts to this day.
The story of Jungle Warrior centers around a brave warrior named Kimo, who embarks on a quest to rescue his beloved princess from the clutches of an evil sorcerer. Armed with only his trusty spear and a few magic spells, Kimo must navigate through treacherous terrain, battle fierce creatures, and overcome challenging puzzles to reach his goal. The game's nonlinear gameplay allows players to explore the vast jungle at their own pace, uncovering hidden secrets and encountering various obstacles along the way.
One of the most impressive aspects of Jungle Warrior is its stunning graphics. The game's 8-bit graphics may seem dated by today's standards, but at the time of its release, it was considered top-notch. The lush jungle environments are beautifully rendered, and the character sprites are detailed and expressive. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, with tribal-inspired music and heart-pumping sound effects that add to the immersion of the game.
The gameplay mechanics of Jungle Warrior are relatively simple but challenging. Players control Kimo as he jumps, runs, and battles his way through the jungle. One of the game's unique features is the ability to morph into different animals, each with its own unique abilities. This adds a strategic element to the gameplay, as players must decide which form is best suited for each challenge they face.
As players progress through the game, they will encounter various puzzles that require both quick reflexes and critical thinking skills. These puzzles add a nice break from the action and keep players engaged in the game's storyline. Additionally, players can collect various power-ups and upgrades throughout the game, making Kimo stronger and more capable of defeating his enemies.
