Encore

1942

1942

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1985

1942... you and daring fighter pilot "Super Ace" are engaged in realistic, thrilling and challenging high-flying battles with the enemy. Over land, on the sea and in the air, your own skill and dexterity... combined with Super Ace's flying mastery, duel enemy pilots in fighter and bomber craft. 1942... it's airplanes taking off and landing on ocean-going aircraft carriers... disrupting enemy formations ready to attack... intercepting enemy air-warriors you must defeat by "blasting 'em out of the sky." Will it be victory? Or defeat? It's in your skillful hands!

1942

1942

Commodore 64 - Released - 1986

1942 is set in the Pacific theater of World War II. The goal is to reach Tokyo and destroy the entire Japanese air fleet. The player pilots a plane dubbed the "Super Ace" (but its appearance is clearly that of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning). The player has to shoot down enemy planes; to avoid enemy fire, the player can perform a roll or "loop-the-loop".

1942

1942

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1986

1942... you and daring fighter pilot "Super Ace" are engaged in realistic, thrilling and challenging high-flying battles with the enemy. Over land, on the sea and in the air, your own skill and dexterity... combined with Super Ace's flying mastery, duel enemy pilots in fighter and bomber craft. 1942... it's airplanes taking off and landing on ocean-going aircraft carriers... disrupting enemy formations ready to attack... intercepting enemy air-warriors you must defeat by "blasting 'em out of the sky." Will it be victory? Or defeat? It's in your skillful hands!

3DC

3DC

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1987

3DC is an isometric action adventure where the player is stranded on the bottom of the ocean with the objective of finding parts of a submarine, then constructing it in order to escape. Oxygen is of limited supply and various objects are strewn about to be used to solve the various puzzles. Eric the eel can be called to your aid and controlled to be able to fit into crevices too small for the diver's bulk, but watch out for the octopuses who will steal your oxygen tanks.

3DC

3DC

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1987

3DC is an isometric action adventure where the player is stranded on the bottom of the ocean with the objective of finding parts of a submarine, then constructing it in order to escape. Oxygen is of limited supply and various objects are strewn about to be used to solve the various puzzles. Eric the eel can be called to your aid and controlled to be able to fit into crevices too small for the diver's bulk, but watch out for the octopuses who will steal your oxygen tanks.

A Question of Sport

MS-DOS - Released - 1988

This is the game of the long running BBC quiz show of the same name. Two teams of three battle against each other by answering sports questions. 2 Points are awarded for answering your question correctly. If you answer incorrectly the opposing team get a chance to answer it but for only 1 point. There are 6 rounds including picture board, what happened next and a quickfire buzzers round. Contestants are displayed as digitized faces and each contestant specialises in a certain sport. Team captains get to choose which sport they wish to specialise in from a choice of ten. There are 5 question blocks so that if questions start to repeat you can load the next one to extend gameplay life. After the last round the scores are totted up and the winner is the team with the most points.

A Question of Sport

A Question of Sport

Commodore 64 - Released - December 13, 1988

This is the game of the long running BBC quiz show of the same name. Two teams of three battle against each other by answering sports questions. 2 Points are awarded for answering your question correctly. If you answer incorrectly the opposing team get a chance to answer it but for only 1 point. There are 6 rounds including picture board, what happened next and a quickfire buzzers round. Contestants are displayed as digitized faces and each contestant specialises in a certain sport. Team captains get to choose which sport they wish to specialise in from a choice of ten. There are 5 question blocks so that if questions start to repeat you can load the next one to extend gameplay life. After the last round the scores are totted up and the winner is the team with the most points.

A Question of Sport

A Question of Sport

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1989

This is the game of the long running BBC quiz show of the same name. Two teams of three battle against each other by answering sports questions. 2 Points are awarded for answering your question correctly. If you answer incorrectly the opposing team get a chance to answer it but for only 1 point. There are 6 rounds including picture board, what happened next and a quickfire buzzers round. Contestants are displayed as digitized faces and each contestant specialises in a certain sport. Team captains get to choose which sport they wish to specialise in from a choice of ten. There are 5 question blocks so that if questions start to repeat you can load the next one to extend gameplay life. After the last round the scores are totted up and the winner is the team with the most points.

A Question of Sport

A Question of Sport

Atari ST - Released - 1988

This is the game of the long running BBC quiz show of the same name. Two teams of three battle against each other by answering sports questions. 2 Points are awarded for answering your question correctly. If you answer incorrectly the opposing team get a chance to answer it but for only 1 point. There are 6 rounds including picture board, what happened next and a quickfire buzzers round. Contestants are displayed as digitized faces and each contestant specialises in a certain sport. Team captains get to choose which sport they wish to specialise in from a choice of ten. There are 5 question blocks so that if questions start to repeat you can load the next one to extend gameplay life. After the last round the scores are totted up and the winner is the team with the most points.

A Question of Sport

A Question of Sport

Commodore Amiga - Released - January 1, 1989

This is the game of the long running BBC quiz show of the same name. Two teams of three battle against each other by answering sports questions. 2 Points are awarded for answering your question correctly. If you answer incorrectly the opposing team get a chance to answer it but for only 1 point. There are 6 rounds including picture board, what happened next and a quickfire buzzers round.

ACE / ACE 2

ACE / ACE 2

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1990

Compilation of the two ACE flight sims released for the CPC. Games included are: * ACE * ACE 2

Airwolf

Airwolf

Amstrad CPC - Released - June 1, 1985

The game of the TV show is viewed from the side and puts you in command of an attack helicopter. Your task is to rescue 5 scientists from an underground lair by destroying its layer of protection and then getting to the core. Moving onto a screen at a time you must shoot out anything and everything in your path, including lots of regenerating static targets. Realistic gravity takes effect, so you can't simply hover in a set position.

Airwolf

Airwolf

Commodore Plus 4 - Released - 1985

The game of the TV show is viewed from the side and puts you in command of an attack helicopter. Your task is to rescue 5 scientists from an underground lair by destroying its layer of protection and then getting to the core. Moving onto a screen at a time you must shoot out anything and everything in your path, including lots of regenerating static targets. Realistic gravity takes effect, so you can't simply hover in a set position.

Airwolf

Airwolf

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1985

Airwolf is a video game based on the TV series of the same name, it was released for a range of home computers including the BBC Microcomputer. As Stringfellow Hawke, a former Vietnam chopper pilot, and the only man in the free world trained to fly the billion-dollar helicopter AIRWOLF you have been assigned a dangerous rescue mission by the FIRM. Your task is to rescue 5 scientists from an underground lair by destroying its layer of protection and then getting to the core. Moving onto a screen at a time you must shoot out anything and everything in your path, including lots of regenerating static targets. Realistic gravity takes effect, so you can't simply hover in a set position. Elite Systems also re-released the game on their budget Encore label.

Airwolf 2

Airwolf 2

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

Airwolf II is a direct sequel to Airwolf, however this side-scrolling shooter's story has even less in common with the popular TV series, as now Stringfellow Hawke has to pilot his ultra-modern helicopter to combat alien invasion, finding new weapons (lasers, missiles) on the way. First released in 1987 as a part of compilations, for Amstrad CPC, Commodore 16 & Commodore Plus/4, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.

Airwolf 2

Airwolf 2

Commodore Plus 4 - Released - 1989

Airwolf II is a direct sequel to Airwolf, however this side-scrolling shooter's story has even less in common with the popular TV series, as now Stringfellow Hawke has to pilot his ultra-modern helicopter to combat alien invasion, finding new weapons (lasers, missiles) on the way.

Airwolf 2

Airwolf 2

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1987

Airwolf 2 is a direct sequel to Airwolf, however this side-scrolling shooter's story has even less in common with the popular TV series, as now Stringfellow Hawke has to pilot his ultra-modern helicopter to combat alien invasion, finding new weapons (lasers, missiles) on the way.

Airwolf 2

Airwolf 2

Amstrad CPC - Released - December 13, 1987

Airwolf II is a direct sequel to Airwolf, however this side-scrolling shooter's story has even less in common with the popular TV series, as now Stringfellow Hawke has to pilot his ultra-modern helicopter to combat alien invasion, finding new weapons (lasers, missiles) on the way. First released in 1987 as a part of compilations, for Amstrad CPC, Commodore 16 & Commodore Plus/4, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.

Battle Ships

Battle Ships

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1987

What can you add to Battleship over the pencil and paper version? A computerized opponent, fairly obviously, as well as the chance to play without using up the earth’s limited paper and pen resources. The possibility of cheating is removed as well. Elite go beyond this by changing the shapes of the ships to be more Tetris style, and allowing these to be placed at each of the 4 main angles. A ‘Salvo Fire’ mode sees each player fire a succession of shots (each of your six ships gets four shots a turn until it’s sunk), meaning that strategic play involves firing on a wide range initially in the hope of finding a ship, before homing in on the area in the next turn. Finally, there’s an animated sequence for each go, which is depicted as an air strike. As well as standard two-player games, there’s also a multi-player mode in which the winner’s score accumulates until he loses, allowing for a “winner stays on” structure if there are 3 or more of you.

Battleship (Elite Systems/Epyx)

Battleship (Elite Systems/Epyx)

Commodore 64 - Released - September 14, 1987

Battle Ships is a truly fun conversion! If you like the original game, you will certainly love this! And for those of you who never played Battle Ships, now is your chance to do so! Put on your marine uniform and sink yourself some floating metal!... What can you add to Battle Ship over the pencil and paper version? A computerised opponent, fairly obviously, as well as the chance to play without using up the earth’s limited paper and pen resources. The possibility of cheating is removed as well. Elite go beyond this by changing the shapes of the ships to be more Tetris style, and allowing these to be placed at each of the 4 main angles. A ‘Salvo Fire’ mode sees each player fire a succession of shots (each of your six ships gets four shots a turn until it’s sunk), meaning that strategic play involves firing on a wide range initially in the hope of finding a ship, before homing in on the area in the next turn. Finally, there’s an animated sequence for each go, which is depicted as an air strike. As well as standard two-player games, there’s also a multi-player mode in which the winner’s score accumulates until he loses, allowing for a “winner stays on” structure if there are 3 or more of you.

Batty

Batty

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1987

Batty is influenced by Arkanoid's method of reviving the Breakout phenomenon. You control a paddle at the bottom of the screen, with the top half of the screen containing an arrangement of bricks, most of which can be destroyed. You must move the paddle left and right so as to make contact with a ball, and thus deflect it (using the walls at the sides strategically) into the bricks, some of which require multiple hits to destroy. Wipe the destructible bricks out, and you move on to the next level; fail to keep the ball in play and you lose one of your 5 lives. Some destroyed bricks release power-up tokens, which must be 'caught' with the bat as they fall. Functions include multi-ball, a larger paddle, and the ability to 'catch' and relaunch the ball each time, which makes it a lot easier to gain access to precise bricks or areas. Batty also has enemies flying around and dropping bombs towards you - the bombs cause your bat to stick for a second, perhaps costing a life. Many levels contain magnets at the top of the screen, which make the ball's path harder to predict. The two player mode gives each player access to half the playfield, so co-operation is required.

Batty

Batty

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1987

Batty is influenced by Arkanoid's method of reviving the Breakout phenomenon. You control a paddle at the bottom of the screen, with the top half of the screen containing an arrangement of bricks, most of which can be destroyed. You must move the paddle left and right so as to make contact with a ball, and thus deflect it (using the walls at the sides strategically) into the bricks, some of which require multiple hits to destroy. Wipe the destructible bricks out, and you move on to the next level; fail to keep the ball in play and you lose one of your 5 lives. Some destroyed bricks release power-up tokens, which must be 'caught' with the bat as they fall. Functions include multi-ball, a larger paddle, and the ability to 'catch' and relaunch the ball each time, which makes it a lot easier to gain access to precise bricks or areas. Batty also has enemies flying around and dropping bombs towards you - the bombs cause your bat to stick for a second, perhaps costing a life. Many levels contain magnets at the top of the screen, which make the ball's path harder to predict. The two player mode gives each player access to half the playfield, so co-operation is required.

Beyond the Ice Palace

Beyond the Ice Palace

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1988

AIM: Beyond the Ice Palace lies a mystical land caught up in a battle between good and evil. Dark spirits are setting alight the forests, destroying the homes and livelihood of simple woodcutters. In desperation the ancient and wise spirits of the woods shoot a sacred arrow into the air. Whoever finds it will be able to destroy the powers of darkness... GAMEPLAY: Like any other platform game - you run, jump and duck through a horizontally scrolling landscape, avoiding the various creatures and their shots. You can collect various weapons of differing strengths, ranging from a knife to a fireball. They have individual effects on various creatures, some of which need to be shot several times. Two Spirits of the Forest accompany you on your journey. When activated via the keyboard they sacrifice themselves in order to reduce the power of the enemies currently on the screen, weakening some and killing others. Extra spirits and bonus icons, which boost points, are scattered around the land.

Beyond the Ice Palace

Beyond the Ice Palace

Commodore 64 - Released - 1988

This platform romp has similarities to Ghosts 'N Goblins, sending you on a journey to defeat the forces of evil. You start the game with nine lives, and you'll need them although there are only 3 (large) levels, each finishing with a boss. All manner of monsters block your path and must be attacked with your horizontally-travelling daggers. Additional weapons can be collected, as can bonus orbs, and the chance to summon a spirit to attack for you on the toughest sections.

Beyond the Ice Palace

Beyond the Ice Palace

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1988

This platform romp has similarities to Ghosts 'N Goblins, sending you on a journey to defeat the forces of evil. You start the game with nine lives, and you'll need them although there are only 3 (large) levels, each finishing with a boss. All manner of monsters block your path and must be attacked with your horizontally-travelling daggers. Additional weapons can be collected, as can bonus orbs, and the chance to summon a spirit to attack for you on the toughest sections.

Blue Thunder

Blue Thunder

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1984

Blue Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter and tie-in with the short-lived TV series of the same name which has you piloting a new 'jetcopter' as the only survivor of an alien assault. As it turns out, you're not alone after all, so you depart from your ship and fly across a sea full of heavily defended islands to reach the enemy stronghold, disable its defenses and rescue your comrades. Should you succeed, you get to try it again at a higher difficulty level, where you'll face enemies with higher firing rates, planes, barrage balloons and missile-armed submarines. All the while you'll have to keep an eye on your dwindling fuel supply. Your jetcopter can fire at any angle it's flying, even straight down. The C64 version scrolls in the opposed direction and has a few smaller differences in the environmental graphics. The Atari 8-Bit version was later re-released with a new TV show license (Airwolf) and a new helicopter model.

Blue Thunder

Blue Thunder

Commodore 64 - Released - 1984

Blue Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter and tie-in with the short-lived TV series of the same name which has you piloting a new 'jetcopter' as the only survivor of an alien assault. As it turns out, you're not alone after all, so you depart from your ship and fly across a sea full of heavily defended islands to reach the enemy stronghold, disable its defenses and rescue your comrades. Should you succeed, you get to try it again at a higher difficulty level, where you'll face enemies with higher firing rates, planes, barrage balloons and missile-armed submarines. All the while you'll have to keep an eye on your dwindling fuel supply. Your jetcopter can fire at any angle it's flying, even straight down. The C64 version scrolls in the opposed direction and has a few smaller differences in the environmental graphics. The Atari 8-Bit version was later re-released with a new TV show license (Airwolf) and a new helicopter model.

Bomb Jack

Bomb Jack

Commodore 64 - Released - July 15, 1985

The player controls Jack, a superhero who can leap and glide. Someone has planted 24 bombs at famous tourist sites (the Sphinx and Great Pyramids, the Acropolis, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, and two cityscapes resembling Miami Beach and Hollywood, which appear only as screen backgrounds rather than unique game locations). Jack must fly around the screen to collect the bombs. Each screen uses a different configuration of platforms upon which Jack may run and jump. Eventually, the levels reoccur a number of times with increasing difficulty. Jack "defuses" the bombs by simply touching them. As soon as he has touched the first, he triggers a sequence in which another bomb's fuse lights up, and so on. A player can score a bonus in each round by touching 20 or more bombs in the correct lit-fuse sequence. Jack may also defuse an unlit bomb by touching it, but this impedes his opportunity to score the bonus for that screen. It also delays the appearance of the game's bonuses and power-ups. The C64 conversion uses a cover of Jean-Michel Jarre's Magnetic Fields Pt. 2 as in-game music.

Bomb Jack II

Bomb Jack II

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1987

Having saved the world in the first game, Bomb Jack is out to collect as much gold as possible, which is lying on a number of ledges. These vary between open and shut - the open ones offer more points, and an extra life is on offer for collecting 10 in a row, so if possible the route should take in the open ones in order. Gameplay differs from the original, in that Bombjack's movement is no longer free and self-propelled. Instead, he moves flick-style between ledges, so long as one is directly within one of the 4 compass directions. Baddies can be pushed off ledges, but this uses up some of Jack's limited energy.

Bomb Jack II

Bomb Jack II

Commodore 64 - Released - July 15, 1986

Gameplay differs from the original, in that Bombjack's movement is no longer free and self-propelled. Instead, he moves flick-style between ledges, so long as one is directly within one of the 4 compass directions. Baddies can be pushed off ledges, but this uses up some of Jack's limited energy. Having saved the world in the first game, Bomb Jack is out to collect as much gold as possible, which is lying on a number of ledges. These vary between open and shut - the open ones offer more points, and an extra life is on offer for collecting 10 in a row, so if possible the route should take in the open ones in order. Gameplay differs from the original, in that Bombjack's movement is no longer free and self-propelled. Instead, he moves flick-style between ledges, so long as one is directly within one of the 4 compass directions. Baddies can be pushed off ledges, but this uses up some of Jack's limited energy.

Buggy Boy

Buggy Boy

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1988

Buggy Boy is a race game, but not just an ordinary race game. There are five different routes, offroad, north, east, west, south. The offroad course loops around back to the start, the others are long runs with a distinct beginning and ending. You must complete each leg before the time runs out. Along the way you can pick up all kinds of bonuses. The colored flags are 30 points each, collect all colors in the order as indicated at the top of the screen to get 1000 bonus points. There are several gates the give you 100, 250 or 500 points, and a time gate. Drive through a time gate to collect it, you receive two seconds extra time upon completing a leg. Occasionally there will be a soccer ball on the road, hit it and it will fly away and you get 2000 points. There are bridges and tunnels, be careful not to fall off the bridge into the water or crash into the tunnel wall. There also are obstacles like boulders, logs and fences. If you hit them it will cost you valuable seconds off your leg time. But if you hit a log or small stone just right, the buggy will ride on two wheels until you hit something again.

Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1988

The Anti-Nuclear Party are up to their old tricks again. They have decided to infiltrate a nuclear power station and programmed the robots to empty the containment vault and attack all scientists inside it. To make matters worse, the entire facility will self-destruct in fifty minutes. As one of the scientists that survived the onslaught, the player must prevent this from happening by collecting eighteen fuel canisters scattered around all seven floors of the facility and disposing of them in the pit that lies at the center of the first floor, but only one canister can be carried at a time. If the player comes into contact with any of the robots, their radiation level increases. Once the player becomes totally contaminated, they will die. There are decontamination showers around the facility, and entering them reduces their radiation level. Players are also equipped with a jet-pack that can be used to fly over dangerous areas.

Combat Lynx

Combat Lynx

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1985

A semi-realistic helicopter battle game, viewed from behind. Allied bases must be protected from air and land attacks, and soldiers transported between them. The Combat Lynx is equipped with various weapons, including mines and heat-seeking missiles. A map enables the player to keep track of enemy forces. Includes various difficulty levels.

Commando

Commando

Commodore 64 - Released - 1985

You are Super Joe the cracked combat soldier of the eighties battling against all odds to defeat the advancing rebel forces. Equipped with only an M60 machine gun and six hand-grenades you carry out your lone crusade, forcing your way into hostile territory. Mortars, grenades and dynamite rain from the skies and explode around you. Enemy bullets fly past you in all directions, trenches, cliffs and lakes block your path. Rebel forces appear from caves, strong holds and troop carriers to stop your progress. You must show no mercy. You must not retreat. You must keep pushing yourself further and further into enemy lines, collecting supplies of hand-grenades from defeated outposts, until you reach your final objective, the fortress. Have you got the skill and stamina to defeat the enemy?

Commando

Commando

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1985

The player takes control of a soldier named Super Joe, who starts by being dropped off in a jungle by a helicopter, and has to fight his way out singlehandedly, fending off a massive assault of enemy soldiers. Super Joe is armed with a sub-machine gun (which has unlimited ammunition) as well as a limited supply of hand grenades. While Joe can fire his gun in any of the eight directions that he faces, his grenades can only be thrown vertically towards the top of the screen, irrespective of the direction Joe is facing. Unlike his SMG bullets, grenades can be thrown to clear obstacles, and explosions from well placed grenades can kill several enemies at once. At the end of each level, the screen stops, and the player must fight several soldiers streaming from a gate or fortress. They are ordered out by a cowardly officer, who immediately runs away, although shooting him in the back awards the player bonus points. Along the way, one can attempt to free prisoners of war as they are transported across the screen by the enemy. In the NES version, there is a more powerful machine gun upgrade, as well as "glasses" to let the player view all the hidden bunkers and an unlimited grenade upgrade (the player will lose these upgrades after losing a life).

Daredevil

Daredevil

Nintendo Game Boy Advance - Released - February 3, 2003

Daredevil for the Game Boy Advance is your basic punch-kick-jump action platformer featuring Marvel's more unlikely superhero, a blind lawyer with enhanced abilities and senses. Though the game was marketed as a tie-in with the February 14th release of the Daredevil film, the GBA title is more based upon a less realistic, comic book design with bright and vibrant colors and the occasional "Pow!" and "Bif!" when knocking out opponents. Some levels cut across rooftops, others over vehicles in traffic; some go in buildings and underground. As players get through the 23 different levels, they'll uncover the game's original plot through comic book-style cutscenes.

Deep Strike

Deep Strike

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1986

Deep Strike is set in World War 2, and you form part of a squadron attempting a dangerous mission of destroying a Nazi fuel depot. Your fighter plane is armed with guns; a team of bombers are out there with you, with one always in front. Initially you will face a few planes flying towards you. red planes shoot at you, and later there are black 'suicide planes' which aim to take you down Kamikaze style, and 'Blue Max' planes which are extra-tough. After the first minute or so another challenge is added, in the shape of hills to fly around or over. After this, you reach the bombing zone, in which you guide the bombers behind you and instruct them which sites to bomb. The game is viewed from the cockpit, with displays telling you of how much damage you and the bomber have taken, and whether you are steering in the right direction. A map is build in. The controls can be set in two ways, for 'up' on the joystick either equaling 'move upwards' or 'dive' (as on a real plane).

Dogs of War

Dogs of War

Atari ST - Released - 1989

The main character, who bears a striking resemblance to Rambo, is a mercenary who is asked to carry out assignments all over the world. The levels in Dogs of War are built in a similar way, a multi-directional scrolling shooter where the player must overcome enemies who drift along in certain patterns on the screen, ultimately reaching his goal. People from around the world ask the player to conduct missions for them. Examples include saving someone's kidnapped son, retrieving a valuable piece of art or killing a criminal. Note that all missions end in the same way - to accomplish it, the player only has to approach the goal. All missions are available to play from the start, although some levels are harder than others. Accordingly, those missions tempt the player with a larger bounty. Killing enemies during the missions gives the player more money. Money is imperative as the player must buy all his weapons as well as ammunition before each mission. Weapons in the game include pistols, Kalashnikovs, chain guns, grenades, rocket launchers and a flame thrower. Rocket launchers are needed to take down heavy obstacles such as turrets, military jeeps and tanks. A two-player mode is also available.

Dragon's Lair

Dragon's Lair

Commodore 64 - Released - 1986

Dragon's Lair features the hero, Dirk the Daring, attempting to rescue Princess Daphne from the evil dragon Singe, who has locked Daphne in a wizard's castle. The screen shows animated scenes, and the player executes an action by selecting a direction or pressing the sword button with correct timing. The comedy of the game stemmed not only from the bizarre looking creatures and death scenes, but also the fact that while Dirk was a skilled knight, he was somewhat clumsy in his efforts, as well as being a reluctant hero, prone to shrieking and reacting in horror to the various dangers he encounters.

Dragon's Lair Part II: Escape from Singe's Castle

Dragon's Lair Part II: Escape from Singe's Castle

Commodore 64 - Released - 1987

Following the first adaptation of the laserdisc-based arcade classic Dragon's Lair, Software Projects followed it up with Escape from Singe's Castle, again loosely adapting scenes from the original game for the capabilities of contemporary 8-bit machines. After defeating the dragon Singe and rescuing Princess Daphne, Dirk the Daring still yearns for adventure. He ventures into the domain of the Lizard King, where according to legend a large pot of gold awaits bold adventurers. The player controls Dirk through eight distinct scenes: Ye River Caves: Dirk must go down a wild river in his boat, avoiding rocks by steering in the direction indicated by arrows as well as avoiding deadly whirlpools. Boulder Alley: Channeling Indiana Jones, Dirk must escape a giant boulder rolling towards him, leaping over holes in the ground and avoiding other obstacles in the way. Throne Room: Deadly magical traps await in the Lizard King's throne room. Dirk can only survive by using the correct sequence of sidesteps and sword slashes. Dungeons of the Lizard King: Dirk is very close to his goal, but the Lizard King has laid a trap: he stole Dirk's sword, put it near the pot of gold, and now is close on the hero's tail. Dirk must navigate a maze of rooms to find the sword, avoiding the Lizard King who is in hot pursuit. Once found, the sword must be used to strike down the King. Magical Flying Horse: Riding on a flying horse, Dirk must evade rocks of ice (which sap his strength) and solid walls (which end his journey instantly when hit). Doom Dungeon: Traps and evil creatures abound in a dungeon room. Again, only the correct sequence of attacks and steps will allow Dirk to survive. Mystic Mosaic: Dirk must cross a room to get to one of two possible exits (only one of which leads to safety), but there's a catch: the floor consists of a magical mosaic, which constantly changes shape in a repeating pattern. Standing in the wrong place at the wrong time means certain death. A giant bat that inhabits the mosaic room can be vanquished with a sword blow. Mud Monsters: The key to final escape is a magic bottle, a long way from the place where Dirk starts this scene. He must find a way across a gap in the canyon and jump across a huge mud-spewing geyser, all while avoiding the mud monsters.

Faery Tale Adventure II: Halls of the Dead

Faery Tale Adventure II: Halls of the Dead

Windows - Released - January 1, 1997

Faery Tale Adventure II is the sequel to MicroIllusions' classic RPG. The three brothers, introduced in the first game, have been teleported to a foreign country where they have to save the local people from evil powers spreading in the once peaceful lands. The graphics resemble those in Ultima VIII: Pagan and the gaming world is large.

First Strike

First Strike

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

First Strike is an action-based flight game with a F-16 aircraft, reminiscent of After Burner. The player can choose from eight missions with different scenarios, like the Middle East or Russia. The goal of each mission is to destroy a number of targets which are reached by flying around the playfield. The ammo supply and fuel needs to be selected before starting the mission and has an considerable influence on the mission itself: different weapons are more or less effective against different targets. On the other hand, running out of fuel during a mission results in death. The playing perspective is directly behind the plane and the starting/landing sequences are automatic.

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1985

Former boxing World Champion Frank Bruno, famed for his catchphrase "you know what I mean, Harry?" and more recently his heroic battle with depression, put his name to this boxing game which replicates Super Punch-Out!!. As Frank, you must take on 8 progressively tough boxers (3 on C16) to win the title. The action is viewed from right behind Frank in 3D, meaning that you can see and feel the full impact of punches. A full range of moves is provided, with the standard jabs complimented by body punches and the ability to dodge, duck or raise your guard. Each punch weakens your opponent's strength, although going long enough without being hit can see this begin to recover. A rain of blows can produce a quick knockout, but in general you must hit him many times, and then with a knockout blow, to see him go down.

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1985

Former boxing World Champion Frank Bruno, famed for his catchphrase "you know what I mean, Harry?" and more recently his heroic battle with depression, put his name to this boxing game which replicates Super Punch-Out!!. As Frank, you must take on 8 progressively tough boxers to win the title. The action is viewed from right behind Frank in 3D, meaning that you can see and feel the full impact of punches. A full range of moves is provided, with the standard jabs complimented by body punches and the ability to dodge, duck or raise your guard. Each punch weakens your opponent's strength, although going long enough without being hit can see this begin to recover. A rain of blows can produce a quick knockout, but in general you must hit him many times, and then with a knockout blow, to see him go down.

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Commodore 64 - Released - 1985

Former boxing World Champion Frank Bruno, famed for his catchphrase "you know what I mean, Harry?" and more recently his heroic battle with depression, put his name to this boxing game which replicates Super Punch-Out!!. As Frank, you must take on 8 progressively tough boxers (3 on C16) to win the title. The action is viewed from right behind Frank in 3D, meaning that you can see and feel the full impact of punches. A full range of moves is provided, with the standard jabs complimented by body punches and the ability to dodge, duck or raise your guard. Each punch weakens your opponent's strength, although going long enough without being hit can see this begin to recover. A rain of blows can produce a quick knockout, but in general you must hit him many times, and then with a knockout blow, to see him go down. GAME FEATURES: • Eight fiery opponents, each with their own distinctive fighting style. • Smooth-scrolling camera action, giving the best view of the fight at all times. • Furious three minute rounds with 'knock-down' and 'knock-out' features. • Warm-up and 'Autoplay' sequences. • K.O. Meter Best K.O. Time Score and Bonus displayed on the screen. • Additional boxers to load from tape. • Hall of fame. • Endorsed by Heavyweight Champion - Frank Bruno.

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Frank Bruno's Boxing

Commodore Plus 4 - Released - 1986

Former boxing World Champion Frank Bruno, famed for his catchphrase "you know what I mean, Harry?" and more recently his heroic battle with depression, put his name to this boxing game which replicates Super Punch-Out!!. As Frank, you must take on 8 progressively tough boxers (3 on C16 and Plus/4 version) to win the title. The action is viewed from right behind Frank in 3D, meaning that you can see and feel the full impact of punches. A full range of moves is provided, with the standard jabs complimented by body punches and the ability to dodge, duck or raise your guard. Each punch weakens your opponent's strength, although going long enough without being hit can see this begin to recover. A rain of blows can produce a quick knockout, but in general you must hit him many times, and then with a knockout blow, to see him go down. Most of your opponents have a special move which must be avoided, or you will be floored instantly. Once you have beaten all of your opponents you are declared Champion of the World.

Ghosts 'n Goblins

Ghosts 'n Goblins

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1986

Ghosts 'n' Goblins is the authentic home computer version of the classic coin-operated arcade game from Capcom, authors of best sellers including the world beating Commando and 1942. Ghosts 'n' Goblins is the classic fighting fantasy story, heroic knight to rescue beautiful maiden from clutches of demonic Overlord. Featuring some stunning effects and graphics, this technically excellent game is clearly another winner from the Elite/Capcom stable.

Great Gurianos

Great Gurianos

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1987

In Great Gurianos, the player controls a gladiator who must battle through a castle. The game is viewed from the side while the screen scrolls. The player controls the gladiator's shield as objects fly towards him. The gladiator is also able to strike opponents with his sword. There are also icons to collect to boost your armor or give bonus points. The gladiator also has the ability of temporary invulnerability.

Great Gurianos

Great Gurianos

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1987

In Great Gurianos, the player controls a gladiator who must battle through a castle. The game is viewed from the side while the screen scrolls. The player controls the gladiator's shield as objects fly towards him. The gladiator is also able to strike opponents with his sword. There are also icons to collect to boost your armor or give bonus points. The gladiator also has the ability of temporary invulnerability.

Grooverider: Slot Car Thunder

Grooverider: Slot Car Thunder

Nintendo GameCube - Released - September 28, 2003

Slot car racing isn't just for kids anymore. Set in a fantasy penthouse, Grooverider: Slot Car Thunder lets you experience quick lane changes, 360-degree loops, and crazy twists and turns on 20 slot car tracks. If you're a smart racer, you'll be sure to grab extra power-ups for a boost or blasting power. If you're not, then the tracks' spikes, mines, and other booby traps will surely be your downfall. In single- or multiplayer modes, you can get behind the wheel of any racecar, ranging from 1920s British cars to American stock cars.

Harrier Attack!

Harrier Attack!

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1983

The player controls a Sea Harrier fighter, looking sideways onto a right-to-left scrolling seascape and landscape. The aim of the game is to take off from a carrier, attack ships and land targets, avoid the odd missile and enemy fighter, then land back on the carrier again. Although the game was a work of fiction, it was inspired by the 1982 Falklands War, in which the Sea Harrier had played a major role. One interesting little quirk to the game was that, it was possible to bomb your own ship as you took off from it. If you did this, when you returned it would no longer be there (having sunk, presumably) and being unable to land on it your plane would just continue flying until it ran out of fuel and crashed. Durell managed to get the executable size down to just under 9 kilobytes, which allowed for a fast loading time from cassette. The game sold over 250,000 copies in total.

Harrier Attack!

Harrier Attack!

Commodore 64 - Released - 1984

Harrier Attack is viewed from the side, and instantly resembles titles such as Wings of Fury and Jetstrike. You're on board of a Harrier and must reach the enemy island, destroying planes and ground installations as you go, then destroy their base and fly back to yours. Your Harrier is armed with both bombs and a gun. You must be careful not to fly at full speed throughout your journey as fuel is limited. There are 5 difficulty levels - the latter ones increase the volume and pace of the enemy, and add more mountains to avoid. The difficulty level also affects how quickly enemy aircraft appear on your radar.

Hopping Mad

Hopping Mad

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1988

The player controls four bouncing balls that must make their way through twelve environments ranging from park to desert and beach to undersea world, collecting up to ten balloons in each. Each one of the balls must deal with several hazards, by jumping over them or crushing them. Collision with any of these will cause a ball to burst. The player can speed up or slow down the balls, or control their height, to make it easy to avoid these hazards. If all four balls have been punctured, the player loses a life. Once all ten balloons have been collected, the player is transported to the next environment, and when they have managed to get through all twelve environments, the player is transported back to the first environment.

Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems)

Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems)

Commodore 64 - Released - 1988

Behind enemy lines, guerrilla warfare are your tactics as you battle your way through the jungles, rivers, ruins, and opposing entrenchments in this arcade hit. Picking up an array of weaponry - machine guns, grenades, rocket launchers, and even a tank! - you must battle your way to survival and conquest. Not to be confused with the Data East Version of the same name that came out the prior year.

Kokotoni Wilf

Kokotoni Wilf

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1984

In Kokotoni Wilf, Ulrich the Magician must renew the sleep spell on the lair of dangerous dragons, lest the creatures again awake. To do this he needs the Dragon Amulet, which has been broken into many pieces and scattered across time and space. These pieces must be retrieved and reassembled. Ulrich is too old to undertake the task himself and so has sent his assistant, Kokotoni Wilf, on the mission instead. He has given Wilf magical wings to assist him on his quest. The game is a 2D flip-screen platformer. The player must guide Kokotoni Wilf through a series of six levels, all set in different historical eras, in search of the pieces of the amulet (which resemble Stars of David). When all the pieces in a level have been collected a timegate will open (a flashing amulet piece) to allow Wilf to travel to the next era. Wilf's journey begins amid dinosaurs in ancient prehistory and ends amid spaceships and robots in the year 2001. Wilf cannot jump but can fly using his wings. He cannot kill enemies and must evade them instead. The game was released in conjunction with a competition by Elite Systems. The Magician's purpose in sending Wilf on his mission is only revealed on completion of the game, and the first hundred people to send this information to Elite won a copy of their next game, The Fall Guy.

Kokotoni Wilf

Kokotoni Wilf

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1989

Kokotoni Wilf has been sent on a bold journey through time, to recover the seven pieces of the Dragon Amulet. There are 63 screens across 6 times zones to trek through in order to find these star-like objects. These screens are viewed from the side, and resemble Jet Set Willy, except that Wilf can fly through them and hover at a precision point. With hazards ranging from dinosaurs to spears to spaceships, and pieces located in hard-to-reach places, you will need this extra skill, especially as you have no weaponry. Most screens have more than 2 exits, but some are dead ends or lead directly into hazardous points. On each world you can immediately access the first 3 screens. Although coded and earmarked for release in 1986 (even being reviewed in some Amstrad magazines of the time - less than favourable reviews meant the game was quietly shelved, before being released on the Encore label - Elite's budget "re-release" division - in 1989.

Mike Read's Computer Pop Quiz

Mike Read's Computer Pop Quiz

Commodore Amiga - Released - 1989

BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read presented a pop music quiz show, which is recreated here with questions from the 50s to the 80s. You can play against the computer or another human; either way, select a specialist subject and 2 team-mate graphics (all representing white people). The overall style and presentation are very similar to Elite's earlier A Question of Sport license. In the first round you select one of twelve random questions from the Jukebox, each of which has four options. A correct answer earns you two points, while an incorrect answer gives your opponent the chance to steal for one point. In round 2 you get three clues to name a star - you get three points for guessing from one clue, two points from two, and one point if you need all 3. In round three, choose an Easy question (from your category) for one point, or a Hard one (from someone else's) for two. Round four asks you to Guess The Year that a set of events happened in, with scoring the same as round 2. Then comes the quickfire round - answer up to nine questions in 45 seconds, with a 2-second penalty for an incorrect answer. Finally, the six remaining Jukebox pictures are revealed and answered.

Mike Read's Computer Pop Quiz

Mike Read's Computer Pop Quiz

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read presented a pop music quiz show, which is recreated here with questions from the 50s to the 80s. You can play against the computer or another human; either way, select a specialist subject and 2 team-mate graphics (all representing white people). The overall style and presentation are very similar to Elite's earlier A Question of Sport license. In the first round you select one of twelve random questions from the Jukebox, each of which has four options. A correct answer earns you two points, while an incorrect answer gives your opponent the chance to steal for one point. In round 2 you get three clues to name a star - you get three points for guessing from one clue, two points from two, and one point if you need all 3. In round three, choose an Easy question (from your category) for one point, or a Hard one (from someone else's) for two. Round four asks you to Guess The Year that a set of events happened in, with scoring the same as round 2. Then comes the quickfire round - answer up to nine questions in 45 seconds, with a 2-second penalty for an incorrect answer. Finally, the six remaining Jukebox pictures are revealed and answered.

Mike Read's Computer Pop Quiz

Mike Read's Computer Pop Quiz

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1989

BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read presented a pop music quiz show, which is recreated here with questions from the 50s to the 80s. You can play against the computer or another human; either way, select a specialist subject and 2 team-mate graphics. The overall style and presentation are very similar to Elite's earlier A Question of Sport license. In the first round you select one of twelve random questions from the Jukebox, each of which has four options. A correct answer earns you two points, while an incorrect answer gives your opponent the chance to steal for one point. In round 2 you get three clues to name a star - you get three points for guessing from one clue, two points from two, and one point if you need all 3. In round three, choose an Easy question (from your category) for one point, or a Hard one (from someone else's) for two. Round four asks you to Guess The Year that a set of events happened in, with scoring the same as round 2. Then comes the quickfire round - answer up to nine questions in 45 seconds, with a 2-second penalty for an incorrect answer. Finally, the six remaining Jukebox pictures are revealed and answered.

Paperboy

Paperboy

Commodore 64 - Released - 1986

Hop on your bike for a free-wheeling ride up the avenues of not-so-typical suburbia. There are papers to be delivered, robbers to be foiled, and fame and fortune to be won as you brave the mean streets. Avoid motorcycles, tricycles, traffic, tires, gratings, curbs, dogs, skateboarders, breakdancers, bad guys, and other hazards as you deliver to your customers. Earn bonus points by hitting targets along the obstacle course at the end of your route. With superb animation and sound effects, Paperboy brings home all the thrills, spills, challenge, and excitement you loved in the arcades.

PaperBoy

PaperBoy

Commodore Plus 4 - Released - 1986

The object of Paperboy is to deliver papers to your customers while inflicting as much damage as possible to the houses of your non-customers. To make things more difficult, numerous obstacles get in your way including construction workers, rogue tires, skateboarders, dogs and cats, cars, and even the occasional tornado.

Paperboy

Paperboy

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1986

You are the Paperboy and must deliver the newspaper to your customers on a daily basis. Being set in the USA, this entails riding your bike down a different street every day, throwing newspapers into the mailboxes or onto the doorsteps of your subscribers. If a person doesn't get his paper, he'll cancel his subscription - and no subscriptions means no job! Papers can be handy for other things though.... There are various obstacles in your way which will try to knock you off you bike. A well-aimed newspaper makes a handy weapon against these hazards! Also, there's no harm in encouraging people who don't subscribe to your paper to think again about their decision - whack a few papers through their windows for extra points! And while you're at it, why not aim a few at their bird tables and dustbins? Or ride your bike over their flower beds? Mind you don't run out of papers though! You can only carry ten at a time, but supplies are left at various points along your route for you to pick up. You are given a number of lives to complete as many days as possible. You lose a life if anything knocks you off your bike, but the game will end immediately should you run out of subscribers! Get to the end of the day and you can complete an assault course for extra points!

Rally Championship

Rally Championship

Nintendo GameCube - Released - July 30, 2003

Features 29 cars, including Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota & Ford, plus classic cars such as the Audi Quattro and Mini Cooper. 24 full rally stages are available to the single player, with arcade, championship and quick race modes available. The game also features a split screen multi player mode for up to four players with 8 unique tracks. The cars use a four point physics system, dynamic damage and mud/dust/snow effects. The rally stages take place in England, Wales, Scotland, Finland, Kenya and USA and feature various weather and road conditions.

Saboteur II: Avenging Angel

Saboteur II: Avenging Angel

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1987

The ninja hero of the original Saboteur game has been killed, and his sister Nina is out to avenge this injustice. She has an array of kung-fu moves on offer, and must put them to use through 700 screens of action. The game design is very similar to the original, right down to the unusual background graphical style. The sections of the game are on multiple levels, separated mainly by ladders, and with lots of weapons and ammunition to pick up along the way. To beat the game you'll have to collect tapes and collect a 14-part computer code.

Saboteur!

Saboteur!

Commodore 64 - Released - May 1, 1986

The player must make his way through the complex of rooms (consisting of the warehouse, dark underground tunnels and the secret command centre) to find the disk and escape. The player has an energy bar which is depleted by falling too far, crouching under water or being attacked - if the energy bar is completely depleted or if time runs out then it is game over. It can be replenished by standing still and resting if he finds a safe area. The saboteur can crouch, climb ladders, run and attack enemies by punching and drop-kicking them. He begins with a single shuriken as a weapon and can also utilise improvised weapons (such as bricks and pieces of pipe) found in rubbish piles and boxes around the warehouse. The warehouse contains many security systems the player will need to defeat or avoid. These include guards (who can use hand to hand combat and guns) who stand still and will chase and attack the player if they see him or if he makes too much sound. The guards are assisted by guard dogs and automatic gun emplacements. Saboteur! also has a difficulty level selection that can be chosen before a game begins. There are several of these and they determine how many guards are on watch, how much time saboteur will have to complete his mission and how easy the route to the disk and helicopter will be (i.e. how many security doors on the way are locked and will need to be opened in some way).

Sacred

Sacred

Windows - Released - March 19, 2004

Now you can live the adventurer's life in the fantasy role-playing game Sacred. The game lets you play as six different heroes, including the fierce Gladiators and the warrior Seraphim, as they pursue quests and gain unique powers. As you progress through single-player missions or multiplayer modes, you'll rely on your sword arm, spells, and skills to achieve victory. Heroes can even cast spells, fight hand-to-hand, and fire ranged weapons while riding on horses.

Sacred Gold Edition

Sacred Gold Edition

Windows - Released - August 12, 2005

Hack-and-slashers tread carefully through the lands of Sacred, where the world itself is threatened by a veritable host of demons, set loose by a powerful but misguided sorcerer. A combat-driven adventure in the basic style of the popular Diablo games, Sacred offers a number of enhancements and unusual features that are new to the realm of action-RPGs. Players choose from six distinct character types, all with significantly different abilities as well as their own storylines and starting locations. These heroes can learn to ride horses and string together power combination attacks, and some may behave very differently as the game world cycles from day to night. Playable characters include the burly gladiator, the agile wood elf, and the sneaky dark elf, as well as the angelic seraphim, the versatile battlemage, and the vampire, who appears as a noble knight during the day but commands the powers of her undead legacy at night. The world of Sacred is designed to encourage open exploration and freestyle progression, as the majority of the game's areas are accessible to player characters from the start. Each town in the game world is designed to have its own personality and player missions; characters who manage to accomplish all of a town's missions become true heroes there. Graphics feature 3D-rendered characters against hand-painted backgrounds, with three zoom levels.

Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1986

The Mystery Machine arrives at the ruined castle, and the gang climb out, ready to explore. Suddenly, Velma, Shaggy, Daphne and Fred are seized by large hands and a chorus of voices cry out, "Our experiments are almost complete. Nothing can stop us now!" Though frightened, Scooby decides to looks for his friends, but soon has the feeling that he is not alone. Ghosts and demons of the strangest kind gather on all sides and appear out of doorways, intent on stopping him freeeing the rest of the gang. Can you, as Scooby Doo, fight your way through the mad scientists' henchmen to rescue your friends, then seek out their captors? Perhaps the trail of Scooby Snax may help you in your search.

Sigma 7

Sigma 7

Commodore 64 - Released - 1986

The space station Sigma 7 has a problem: all robots have gone havoc. Now the player has to set things right by using the central controls inside the station - but of course it is not that easy. He first have to solve three levels with different gameplay mechanics: The first is a diagonally scrolling shooter which plays very basic: don't getting hit by the mines which come in formations of three. It is best to shoot them, however, because surviving mines may come back from the side, which is deadly. After reaching the station, the game becomes a Pac-Man variant. In a maze-like field the player needs to pick up glowing balls on the floor without being touched by the enemies. But there are two important differences: the player controls a tank, i.e. he can shoot the foes, and he doesn't have to pick up all balls. If he got enough, he can simply use the exit. However, a few balls can't be picked up and the pattern needs to be remembered, During the last mini game the player gets presented with a panel of buttons. He bounces a ball on those buttons to recreate the pattern from before. He needs to look after a force field which follows the ball's movements - touching it results in losing a life. The buttons also flash in different colours and the bouncing only gets registered when the right colour is active. After finishing this level the game loops with faster enemies.

Space Academy

Space Academy

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

As a recruit of the space academy, you must complete numerous tasks, most of which test your dexterity and occasionally requiring some button-mashing. The tasks are divided into fitness training and weapons training. Before you can begin weapons training you must complete the fitness training. Fitness training starts with running: waggle the joystick as fast as possible to let the recruit run. After that, you have to balance on a rope: A bar at the bottom of the screen goes left or right, press the joystick into the opposite direction to prevent the recruit from falling off the rope. The next discipline, steeplechase, works similar to running, except that you also have to jump over obstacles. After the steeplechase you must balance on a rope again, but this time you also have to avoid obstacles by ducking or jumping. In the next discipline, the recruit has to hold on to a small device that runs along a rope, pulling up his legs at the right moment to avoid running into obstacles. After that he must jump at the right moment to touch moving targets with his hands, while the grate that he stands keeps getting pulled away. The penultimate discipline requires him to crawl through a narrow tunnel, ducking under obstacles and avoiding laser beams. While the recruit crawls forward automatically, you can only push down to dodge obstacles and keep him still. Don't take too long though, as he is constantly losing stamina. For the last test, the recruit must walk in a hand stand over a grate. Waggle the joystick until the power bar turns red, then press fire to get to the next rod. Once the fitness training is complete, the weapons training can begin. Here, several courses have to be completed while either dodging or shooting various obstacles. Sometimes the recruit moves automatically and you can only jump or shoot. Sometimes the recruit can fly and you have full control over him. While it's usually enough to make it to the end of a course, you are sometimes required to destroy a set number of targets.

Space Harrier

Space Harrier

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1986

Run… fly… dodge those obstacles, but return fire on wave after wave of attacking aliens. Armed with a really big gun, you have to defend yourself against the alien hordes using your wits to navigate around the screen. But watch out for those end of level bosses! Originating in the arcades, Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter with pseudo-3D graphics, set in the same world as Fantasy Zone. The lone titular hero fights aliens with a fireball-launching cannon, which can also be used to transform the hero into a flying rocket. The protagonist is constantly in motion, but the speed of his movement can be regulated by the player.

Speed Buggy

Speed Buggy

Atari ST - Released - 1988

Speed Buggy (Buggy Boy in Europe) is a race game, but not just an ordinary race game. There are five different routes, offroad, north, east, west, south. The offroad course loops around back to the start, the others are long runs with a distinct beginning and ending. You must complete each leg before the time runs out. Along the way you can pick up all kinds of bonuses. The colored flags are 30 points each, collect all colors in the order as indicated at the top of the screen to get 1000 bonus points. There are several gates the give you 100, 250 or 500 points, and a time gate. Drive through a time gate to collect it, you receive two seconds extra time upon completing a leg. Occasionally there will be a soccer ball on the road, hit it and it will fly away and you get 2000 points. There are bridges and tunnels, be careful not to fall off the bridge into the water or crash into the tunnel wall. There also are obstacles like boulders, logs and fences. If you hit them it will cost you valuable seconds off your leg time. But if you hit a log or small stone just right, the buggy will ride on two wheels until you hit something again.

Speed Buggy

Speed Buggy

Commodore Amiga - Released - 1988

Buggy Boy is a race game, but not just an ordinary race game. There are five different routes, offroad, north, east, west, south. The offroad course loops around back to the start, the others are long runs with a distinct beginning and ending. You must complete each leg before the time runs out. Along the way you can pick up all kinds of bonuses. The colored flags are 30 points each, collect all colors in the order as indicated at the top of the screen to get 1000 bonus points. There are several gates the give you 100, 250 or 500 points, and a time gate. Drive through a time gate to collect it, you receive two seconds extra time upon completing a leg. Occasionally there will be a soccer ball on the road, hit it and it will fly away and you get 2000 points. There are bridges and tunnels, be careful not to fall off the bridge into the water or crash into the tunnel wall. There also are obstacles like boulders, logs and fences. If you hit them it will cost you valuable seconds off your leg time. But if you hit a log or small stone just right, the buggy will ride on two wheels until you hit something again.

Spitfire

Spitfire

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

You are a Spitfire pilot and you have been tasked to fly your plane across the English Channel and destroy any flying bombs on the ground and any enemy planes in the area. You also have to defend your base in England by shooting any flying bombs flying in the air towards your base. All this has to be done before your fuel runs out and you crash. You have six Spitfires to use but you can lose some if they are destroyed at your base. The game is a horizontal scrolling shoot-em-up with the screen scrolling left to right or right to left if you turn your plane. The game also scrolls upwards and downwards if you climb or lower your plane. You plane can take 10 hits before crashing or you fly downwards too fast and you hit the ground.

Spitfire

Spitfire

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1989

You are a Spitfire pilot and you have been tasked to fly your plane across the English Channel and destroy any flying bombs on the ground and any enemy planes in the area. You also have to defend your base in England by shooting any flying bombs flying in the air towards your base. All this has to be done before your fuel runs out and you crash. You have six Spitfires to use but you can lose some if they are destroyed at your base. The game is a horizontal scrolling shoot-em-up with the screen scrolling left to right or right to left if you turn your plane. The game also scrolls upwards and downwards if you climb or lower your plane. You plane can take 10 hits before crashing or you fly downwards too fast and you hit the ground.

Storm Warrior

Storm Warrior

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1989

Darkness has descended upon the land. The evil Witch Queen has cast a curse upon the Kingdom, summoning an awesome thunderstorm destined to last for one hundred years. Torrential rain, howling winds, floods and lightning will wreak death and destruction across the land, ruining crops and destroying villages, unless her malignant spell can be broken. It is your duty as Prince of the Kingdom to rid your people of this terrible enchantment, and to restore peace and tranquility to their lives. Armed only with a sword, your first task is to find her hellish castle, from where she and her undead guards control the elements. Beware of her awesome power: trust no-one, for no-one is safe from her spells and may be turned against you at any time. Remember ... trust no-one ... Storm Warrior is a 1989 beat 'em up game developed and released by Elite Systems for the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum 8-bit home computer systems. The game casts the player in the role of a prince on a quest to rid his kingdom of a witch's curse. It is unrelated to the 1984 game Storm Warrior.

Storm Warrior (Encore)

Storm Warrior (Encore)

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

Darkness has descended upon the land. The evil Witch Queen has cast a curse upon the Kingdom, summoning an awesome thunderstorm destined to last for one hundred years. Torrential rain, howling winds, floods and lightning will wreak death and destruction across the land, ruining crops and destroying villages, unless her malignant spell can be broken. It is your duty as Prince of the Kingdom to rid your people of this terrible enchantment, and to restore peace and tranquility to their lives. Armed only with a sword, your first task is to find her hellish castle, from where she and her undead guards control the elements. Beware of her awesome power: trust no-one, for no-one is safe from her spells and may be turned against you at any time. Remember ... trust no-one ... Storm Warrior is a 1989 beat 'em up game developed and released by Elite Systems for the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum 8-bit home computer systems. The game casts the player in the role of a prince on a quest to rid his kingdom of a witch's curse. It is unrelated to the 1984 game Storm Warrior.

Super Trux

Super Trux

Commodore 64 - Released - 1989

The Super Trux trophy is a hectic truck race across nine European cities. As one of the participants, you need to drive your truck through different tracks in places like London, Brussels or Paris and finish each section in the designated time. Every track features hazards, like ups and downs which limit your visibility, roadworks reducing the road to a single line, and the many other participant trucks. At the end of every track the road forks and the player can choose the next stage in their route. This feature, taken from Sega's "OutRun", makes every trip a new challenge.

Super Trux

Super Trux

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1989

The Super Trux trophy is a hectic truck race across nine European cities. As one of the participants, you need to drive your truck through different tracks in places like London, Brussels or Paris and finish each section in the designated time. Every track features hazards, like ups and downs which limit your visibility, roadworks reducing the road to a single line, and the many other participant trucks. At the end of every track the road forks and the player can choose the next stage in their route. This feature, taken from Sega's "OutRun", makes every trip a new challenge

Super Trux

Super Trux

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1988

The Super Trux trophy is a hectic truck race across nine European cities. As one of the participants, you need to drive your truck through different tracks in places like London, Brussels or Paris and finish each section in the designated time. Every track features hazards, like ups and downs which limit your visibility, roadworks reducing the road to a single line, and the many other participant trucks. At the end of every track the road forks and the player can choose the next stage in their route. This feature, taken from Sega's "OutRun", makes every trip a new challenge.

Syberia: Collector's Edition I & II

Syberia: Collector's Edition I & II

Windows - Released - April 7, 2008

The mythical universe of Syberia unfolds before you... Kate Walker, a young ambitious lawyer, encounters incredible characters and locations in her attempt to track down Hans, the genius inventor - the final key to unlock a pact with destiny. Far and beyond, a mystical Syberia awaits their arrival with obstacles far more dangerous than ever before, testing their courage, strength and determination.

Thanatos

Thanatos

Commodore 64 - Released - 1987

In the game the player must guide the dragon through the land flying towards the right, and fight its way through a multitude of enemies, both humans and fantasy creatures: sea snakes, giant spiders, a hostile two-headed dragon. They can be burned with the dragon's fiery breath, or they can be grabbed with the dragon's claws and dropped onto other enemies. Boulders can also be picked up and dropped on enemies. To win the game, the dragon's mission is to pick up an enchantress for a ride, then safely deliver her to find a book of spells, and finally take her to a magic cauldron so she may cast her spell. The enchantress brings extra challenge to the task, as she must be kept safe from harm. If Thanatos turns around too fast while flying, she may fall off and must be picked up again. If the sorceress is slain or Thanatos dies, the game will end. The dragon makes its way through a few strongholds, whose gates must be burned through (apparently the castle walls are too tall to fly over). If the dragon runs out of fire breath, it must backtrack to find a virgin strapped to a pole, land nearby, and walk closer to eat the virgin. This will restore the dragon's breath. However, be wary as a knight is waiting in ambush and attacks the dragon while it's landed and vulnerable. The dragon's health is indicated by a beating heart in the bottom of the screen. As the dragon takes hits from enemies the heart starts beating faster and faster, and near death it starts flashing blue. The dragon must withdraw to safety to rest and recover.

ThunderCats

ThunderCats

Atari ST - Released - 1988

This license of the children's TV show set it as a Ghosts 'N Goblins-style hack-n-slash adventure. The Thundercat must defeat Mumm-Ra's forces, which range from dwarves to bats. Although you start with only a sword, more can be collected by attacking the various containers through the levels - later weapons can destroy these enemies quicker, and allow attacks from a distance. Reaching the end of each level sees bonuses for time and kills. The path through the game can be varied on later levels, so you can play it through more than once and find new sections, even though the individual levels only scroll left-to-right.

Wanderer 3D

Wanderer 3D

Atari ST - Released - 1986

Wanderer is set in the future where cats have become very valuable. The hero's cat has been kidnapped by someone who demands 8000 cats as ransom. Additionally, all the planets of the universe are obsessed with an poker-like card game. So the player visits planets, barters cards and plays the card game - and if a planet is satisfied with their own set, they reward the player with cats. Every time the player visits another planet he has to solve a straight action sequence which utilizes vector graphics for 3D glasses. Here he simply has to fly around in first person and shoot all enemy ships. Other action sequences take place in black holes.

Wanderer 3D

Wanderer 3D

Commodore 64 - Released - 1988

Wanderer is set in the future where cats have become very valuable. The hero's cat has been kidnapped by someone who demands 8000 cats as ransom. Additionally, all the planets of the universe are obsessed with an poker-like card game. So the player visits planets, barters cards and plays the card game - and if a planet is satisfied with their own set, they reward the player with cats. Every time the player visits another planet he has to solve a straight action sequence which utilizes vector graphics for 3D glasses. Here he simply has to fly around in first person and shoot all enemy ships. Other action sequences take place in black holes.

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