Developer: Sensible Software

Wizball (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Wizball (1987): A Colorful and Challenging Scrolling Shooter

Released in 1987, Wizball is a unique and challenging scrolling shooter that stands out from the crowd with its vibrant visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics. Developed by Sensible Software and published by Ocean Software, Wizball was released on various home computer platforms, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.

Gameplay

Wizball is a horizontally scrolling shooter that takes place over eight levels. The player controls a wizard who has taken the form of a green ball. The wizard can navigate around the landscape and shoot at sprites, but the aim of the game is not simply to destroy enemies. Instead, the player must collect droplets of colored paint to color the level.

Each level starts off as monochromatic, drawn in three shades of gray. The player must collect three colors (red, blue, and green) to complete the level. The wizard himself is not capable of collecting paint droplets, so he must use his companion, Catellite, to do so. Catellite is a spherical cat that follows the wizard, but can also be moved independently.

As the player progresses through the levels, the bouncing spheres of paint start shooting bullets, adding to the challenge. The player can collect green pearls to gain tokens, which can be used to purchase enhancements, such as greater control over movement and improved firepower.

Innovation

Wizball introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other scrolling shooters of the time. First, the game’s focus on collecting paint droplets rather than simply destroying enemies was a unique twist on the genre. This added a puzzle element to the gameplay, as the player had to figure out how to collect the necessary colors to complete each level.

Second, the use of Catellite as a companion character was another innovative feature. Catellite could be controlled independently of the wizard, allowing the player to collect paint droplets and navigate hazards more effectively. This added a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as the player had to decide how to best use Catellite to complete each level.

Visuals and Sound

Wizball’s visuals are colorful and vibrant, with a unique art style that sets it apart from other games of the era. The game’s scrolling landscapes are detailed and varied, and the敵キャラクター are varied and imaginative. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the overall atmosphere.

Legacy

Wizball was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts today. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and colorful visuals have made it a timeless classic. Wizball has been ported to a number of modern platforms, including iOS and Android, ensuring that it can continue to be enjoyed by new generations of gamers.

Conclusion

Wizball is a unique and challenging scrolling shooter that offers a refreshing twist on the genre. With its colorful visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and catchy soundtrack, Wizball is a game that is sure to appeal to fans of retro gaming and shoot ’em ups alike.

Review Score

8/10

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Insects in Space (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Insects in Space (1989): A Bug-Filled Blast from the Past

Released in 1989, Insects in Space is a side-scrolling shooter that pits the player against hordes of alien insects in a battle for the survival of Earth. The game was developed by British studio Rare and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

Insects in Space is set in the year 2049, where Earth has been invaded by a swarm of giant insects from outer space. The player takes control of a lone spaceship and must fight their way through six increasingly difficult levels to defeat the insect menace and save the planet.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive. The player’s spaceship can move left and right, and shoot in eight directions. The player must use their ship’s weapons to destroy the waves of insects that attack from all sides. The insects come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own unique attack patterns.

In addition to the standard insects, the player must also contend with larger boss enemies at the end of each level. These bosses are much more difficult to defeat than the regular insects, and require the player to use all of their skills and weapons to survive.

Insects in Space is a challenging game, but it is also a fair one. The player’s ship has a limited amount of health, and if it is hit too many times, it will be destroyed. However, the player can collect power-ups that will increase their ship’s health and firepower.

The game’s graphics are simple but effective. The insects are all well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The music is also catchy and memorable.

Insects in Space was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming graphics. The game has since been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Game Boy, Wii, and Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay

Insects in Space is a side-scrolling shooter in which the player controls a spaceship that can move left and right, and shoot in eight directions. The player must use their ship’s weapons to destroy the waves of insects that attack from all sides.

The game is divided into six levels, each with its own unique environment and boss enemy. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with the later levels featuring more challenging enemies and more complex level design.

In addition to the standard insects, the player must also contend with larger boss enemies at the end of each level. These bosses are much more difficult to defeat than the regular insects, and require the player to use all of their skills and weapons to survive.

The player’s ship has a limited amount of health, and if it is hit too many times, it will be destroyed. However, the player can collect power-ups that will increase their ship’s health and firepower.

Power-Ups

There are a variety of power-ups that the player can collect in Insects in Space. These power-ups include:

  • Speed Up: Increases the speed of the player’s ship.
  • Spread Gun: Fires a spread of three shots instead of one.
  • Laser: Fires a powerful laser beam that can pierce through multiple enemies.
  • Shield: Protects the player’s ship from enemy fire.
  • Extra Life: Gives the player an extra life.

Enemies

Insects in Space features a wide variety of enemies, each with their own unique attack patterns. The most common enemies are the small, flying insects that attack in swarms. These insects can be easily destroyed with a single shot, but they can be overwhelming if the player is not careful.

Other enemies include larger, more powerful insects, such as spiders, scorpions, and beetles. These insects can take more punishment than the smaller insects, and they can also attack with more powerful weapons.

The boss enemies at the end of each level are the most challenging enemies in the game. These bosses are huge and powerful, and they require the player to use all of their skills and weapons to defeat them.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Insects in Space are simple but effective. The insects are all well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The game’s music is also catchy and memorable.

Legacy

Insects in Space was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming graphics. The game has since been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Game Boy, Wii, and Nintendo Switch.

Insects in Space is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging but fair game with simple yet addictive gameplay. If you are a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Insects in Space.

Review Score

7/10

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Sensible Soccer: European Champions (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Sensible Soccer: European Champions (1992) – A Nostalgic Masterpiece

Released in 1992 for the Amiga, Sensible Soccer: European Champions is widely regarded as one of the greatest football video games of all time. Developed by Sensible Software, it was a critical and commercial success, selling over a million copies worldwide.

One of the key factors that made Sensible Soccer so popular was its innovative gameplay. The game featured a zoomed-out bird’s-eye view of the pitch, which gave players a wider field of vision and allowed them to plan their attacks more effectively. The controls were also very simple and intuitive, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels.

Another defining feature of Sensible Soccer was its aftertouch system. This allowed players to curve the ball in mid-air, adding an extra layer of skill and strategy to the game. The aftertouch system was also used to great effect in the game’s free-kick and penalty routines.

Sensible Soccer also featured a number of other innovative features, such as editable teams, custom tournaments, and a variety of different game modes. The game also had a great sense of humor, with funny player names and animations.

The graphics in Sensible Soccer were also very impressive for the time. The game used a colorful and vibrant pixel art style that brought the on-field action to life. The player sprites were also very well-animated, and the game ran very smoothly even on lower-end Amiga computers.

Sensible Soccer: European Champions was a groundbreaking game that had a major impact on the football video game genre. Its innovative gameplay, simple controls, and great sense of humor made it a favorite among gamers of all ages. The game is still fondly remembered today, and it is considered to be one of the greatest Amiga games of all time.

Gameplay

Sensible Soccer is a fast-paced and exciting football game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. The game features a variety of different game modes, including friendlies, tournaments, and leagues. Players can also create their own custom teams and tournaments.

The game’s controls are very simple and intuitive. Players use the joystick to move their players around the pitch, and the fire button to pass, shoot, and tackle. The aftertouch system allows players to curve the ball in mid-air, adding an extra layer of skill and strategy to the game.

Sensible Soccer is a very challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. Players who are able to master the game’s controls and tactics will be able to score some truly spectacular goals.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Sensible Soccer are very impressive for the time. The game uses a colorful and vibrant pixel art style that brings the on-field action to life. The player sprites are also very well-animated, and the game runs very smoothly even on lower-end Amiga computers.

The sound in Sensible Soccer is also very good. The game features a catchy soundtrack and realistic sound effects. The commentary is also very entertaining, and it adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Legacy

Sensible Soccer: European Champions is widely regarded as one of the greatest football video games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, simple controls, and great sense of humor made it a favorite among gamers of all ages. The game is still fondly remembered today, and it is considered to be one of the greatest Amiga games of all time.

Sensible Soccer has had a major impact on the football video game genre. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics have been copied by many other football games, and its simple controls and great sense of humor have made it a favorite among gamers of all ages.

If you are a fan of football video games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Sensible Soccer: European Champions. It is a truly classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

9.5/10

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Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer (1988)

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer is a soccer simulation game developed by Sensible Software and published by Ocean Software in 1988. The game was released on the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST.

The game features two different soccer simulations: a stadium mode and an indoor mode. The stadium mode is played on a large field with detailed graphics and animations. The indoor mode is played on a smaller field with simpler graphics and animations.

Both modes offer a variety of gameplay options, including:

  • Single-player mode: Play against the computer or a friend.
  • Two-player mode: Play against a friend head-to-head.
  • League mode: Compete in a league against up to 15 other teams.
  • World Cup mode: Play in the World Cup tournament.

The game also offers a number of features that were innovative for its time, including:

  • Banana kick: A special kick that curves in the air.
  • Action replay: A feature that allows you to replay goals and other highlights.
  • Weather: The game features different weather conditions that can affect gameplay.

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its detailed graphics, smooth gameplay, and innovative features. The game is still considered one of the best soccer simulations ever made.

Gameplay

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer is a top-down soccer simulation game. The player controls a team of 11 players and must try to score goals against the opposing team. The game features a variety of different gameplay modes, including:

  • Single-player mode: The player can play against the computer or a friend.
  • Two-player mode: Two players can play against each other head-to-head.
  • League mode: The player can compete in a league against up to 15 other teams.
  • World Cup mode: The player can play in the World Cup tournament.

The game also features a number of different gameplay options, including:

  • Difficulty level: The player can choose from three different difficulty levels: easy, medium, and hard.
  • Match length: The player can choose the length of the match from 10 minutes to 90 minutes.
  • Weather conditions: The player can choose the weather conditions for the match, including clear, rain, and snow.

Graphics and sound

The graphics in Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer are detailed and colorful. The players are well-animated and the stadiums are rendered in great detail. The game also features a number of different weather conditions, which affect the look of the game.

The sound in Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer is good. The crowd noise is realistic and the sound effects are well-done. The game also features a catchy soundtrack.

Reception

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its detailed graphics, smooth gameplay, and innovative features. The game is still considered one of the best soccer simulations ever made.

The game was awarded a 9 out of 10 by Zzap!64 magazine, which praised its “superb graphics” and “addictive gameplay”. The game was also awarded a 9 out of 10 by Computer and Video Games magazine, which called it “the best soccer game on the C64”.

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer was a major influence on the development of future soccer simulations. The game’s innovative features, such as the banana kick and the action replay, have become standard features in many modern soccer games.

Legacy

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer is still considered one of the best soccer simulations ever made. The game’s detailed graphics, smooth gameplay, and innovative features have made it a classic. The game is still enjoyed by many people today, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

In 2008, a remake of Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer was released for the iPhone. The remake features updated graphics and sound, but the gameplay remains the same. The remake was well-received by critics and fans alike.

Keith Van Eron’s Pro Soccer is a classic soccer simulation game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s detailed graphics, smooth gameplay, and innovative features have made it a classic. The game is a must-play for any fan of soccer simulations.

Review Score

8/10

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Tyrants: Fight Through Time (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Tyrants: Fight Through Time – A Timeless Strategy Classic

Released in 1991, Tyrants: Fight Through Time is a turn-based strategy game that quickly became a classic in the genre. Developed by Westwood Studios, the same team behind the Command & Conquer series, Tyrants is known for its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming pixel art, and innovative features that were ahead of its time.

Gameplay

In Tyrants, you take control of one of four different armies – the Scarlet Army, the Yellow Army, the Green Army, or the Blue Army – and must conquer the world by defeating your opponents and capturing their territories. The game is played on a map of the world divided into squares, each of which can be occupied by one of your units.

Units can be moved, attacked, or used to build structures. There are a variety of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Infantry units are the most basic type of unit, but they are also the cheapest to produce. Cavalry units are faster and stronger than infantry, but they are also more expensive. Siege units are powerful against buildings, but they are slow and vulnerable to attack.

In addition to units, you can also build structures to help you in your conquest. Structures include barracks, which produce units; factories, which produce weapons and armor; and mines, which produce resources.

Features

Tyrants was one of the first strategy games to feature a persistent world. This means that the game world continues to exist even when you are not playing, and your opponents will continue to make moves and conquer territories. This adds a sense of urgency to the game, as you must constantly be aware of your opponents’ movements and be prepared to defend your territory.

Tyrants also features a unique research system. By capturing certain territories, you can gain access to new technologies that can give you an advantage in battle. These technologies include new unit types, weapons, and armor.

Legacy

Tyrants: Fight Through Time was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best strategy games ever made. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, charming pixel art, and innovative features have made it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Tips for Playing Tyrants

  • Choose your army carefully. Each army has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best suits your playstyle.
  • Research new technologies. New technologies can give you a significant advantage in battle, so be sure to capture territories that give you access to new research options.
  • Build a strong economy. A strong economy will allow you to produce more units and build more structures, which will give you a significant advantage over your opponents.
  • Be aware of your opponents’ movements. The persistent world means that your opponents will continue to make moves even when you are not playing, so be sure to keep an eye on their movements and be prepared to defend your territory.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. Tyrants is a game with a lot of depth, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and tactics.

Conclusion

Tyrants: Fight Through Time is a timeless strategy classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming pixel art, and innovative features, Tyrants is a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

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Cannon Fodder (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Cannon Fodder (1993): A Darkly Humorous Anti-War Classic

Cannon Fodder is an action-strategy shoot ’em up game developed by Sensible Software and published by Virgin Interactive in 1993. The game is military-themed and based on shooting action but with a strategy game-style control system. The player directs troops through numerous missions, battling enemy infantry, vehicles, and installations.

Cannon Fodder is known for its dark humor and anti-war message. The game’s missions are often absurd and over-the-top, and the player’s troops are constantly dying in gruesome ways. However, the game also makes a serious point about the futility of war and the senseless loss of life.

Cannon Fodder was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, great sense of humor, and powerful anti-war message.

Gameplay

Cannon Fodder is a top-down shooter in which the player controls a squad of up to six soldiers. The player can move the soldiers around the screen, using the mouse or keyboard, and can order them to shoot, throw grenades, or dig foxholes.

The game’s missions are varied and challenging, and they often require the player to use strategy and teamwork to succeed. In one mission, for example, the player must escort a group of civilians through a minefield, while in another mission, the player must defend a base from an enemy attack.

Cannon Fodder is known for its high difficulty level, and the player’s troops can be killed very easily. However, the game is also very fair, and the player is always given a chance to succeed, even if they make mistakes.

Dark Humor and Anti-War Message

Cannon Fodder is known for its dark humor, which is often used to諷刺war and violence. The game’s missions are often absurd and over-the-top, and the player’s troops are constantly dying in gruesome ways. However, the game also makes a serious point about the futility of war and the senseless loss of life.

In one mission, for example, the player must escort a group of civilians through a minefield. The civilians are all innocent people, and they are often killed by the player’s own troops. This mission is a powerful reminder of the innocent lives that are lost in war.

In another mission, the player must defend a base from an enemy attack. The enemy troops are relentless, and the player’s troops are constantly being killed. This mission is a reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices that soldiers make.

Cannon Fodder’s dark humor and anti-war message were not always well-received. Some critics accused the game of being too violent and offensive. However, many other critics praised the game for its originality and its powerful message.

Legacy

Cannon Fodder is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised for its innovative gameplay, great sense of humor, and powerful anti-war message. Cannon Fodder has been ported to numerous platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

The game’s legacy is also evident in the many other games that have been inspired by it. Cannon Fodder’s unique blend of action and strategy has been copied by many other games, and its dark humor and anti-war message have been influential in the development of other games.

Cannon Fodder is a classic video game that is still relevant today. The game’s innovative gameplay, great sense of humor, and powerful anti-war message make it a must-play for any gamer.

Review Score

9.5/10

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Sensible World of Soccer (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Sensible World of Soccer (1994): The Beautiful Game In Pixelated Glory

Sensible World of Soccer (SWOS) is a soccer video game developed by Sensible Software and published by Renegade Software in 1994. It is an enhanced version of the previous game Sensible Soccer, and was released for the Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS. SWOS is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer games ever made, and is still played by many fans today.

Gameplay

SWOS is a top-down soccer game with simple but effective controls. Players can pass, shoot, tackle, and head the ball. The game features a variety of different game modes, including friendly matches, single-season leagues, and cup competitions. There is also a career mode, in which players can take control of a team and manage them for up to 20 seasons.

One of the things that sets SWOS apart from other soccer games is its huge database of real players and teams. The game features over 24,000 players, all with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This level of detail allows for a truly immersive and realistic soccer experience.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in SWOS are simple but effective. The players are represented by small, pixelated sprites, but the game’s top-down perspective and smooth animations make for a surprisingly fluid and enjoyable experience. The game’s sound is also excellent, with a catchy soundtrack and realistic crowd noises.

Legacy

SWOS was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered to be one of the greatest soccer games ever made. The game’s popularity has led to a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Sensible World of Soccer 96/97, Sensible Soccer 2006, and Sensible Soccer: World of Champions.

Why SWOS Is Still So Popular Today

There are a number of reasons why SWOS is still so popular today. First, the game’s simple but effective gameplay is still a lot of fun. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also has a lot of depth and strategy. Second, the game’s huge database of real players and teams allows for a truly immersive and realistic soccer experience. Third, the game’s graphics and sound are still impressive, even by today’s standards.

Overall, SWOS is a classic soccer game that is still enjoyed by many fans today. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, huge database of real players and teams, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for any fan of the sport.

Additional Features

In addition to the features mentioned above, SWOS also includes a number of other features that make it a great soccer game. These features include:

  • A variety of different camera angles, including a behind-the-goal view and a player-following view.
  • A replay system that allows players to watch their goals and other highlights from different angles.
  • A customizable formation and tactics system that allows players to tailor their team to their own playing style.
  • A variety of different difficulty levels, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels.

SWOS is a truly classic soccer game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, huge database of real players and teams, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for any fan of the sport.

Review Score

9/10

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Cannon Fodder 2 (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Cannon Fodder 2: A Detailed Retrospective

Released in 1994, Cannon Fodder 2 is a military-themed action game with strategy and shoot ’em up elements. Developed by Sensible Software and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment, it is the sequel to the highly successful Cannon Fodder (1993).

Gameplay

Cannon Fodder 2 is played from an isometric perspective. The player controls a small squad of up to four soldiers, who must fight their way through a series of increasingly difficult levels. The soldiers are armed with machine guns, which can kill enemy infantry with a single round. However, the player’s troops are similarly fragile, and while they possess superior fire-power at the game’s outset the enemy infantry becomes more powerful as the game progresses.

As well as foot soldiers, the player must also contend with vehicles and missile-armed turrets. To destroy these targets, which are invulnerable to machine gun fire, the player must utilize secondary, explosive weaponry: grenades and rockets.

The player must also destroy buildings which spawn enemy soldiers. These buildings can only be destroyed with explosives.

The game features a variety of different mission types, including:

  • Rescue missions: The player must rescue hostages from enemy territory.
  • Assassination missions: The player must kill a specific enemy target.
  • Demolition missions: The player must destroy a specific enemy building or vehicle.
  • Escort missions: The player must escort a friendly unit to a specific location.
  • Survival missions: The player must survive for a specific amount of time against waves of enemy attacks.

Setting

Cannon Fodder 2 is set in a fictional world that is ravaged by war. The game’s story follows a group of soldiers who are fighting to overthrow a tyrannical regime.

Graphics

Cannon Fodder 2 features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s isometric perspective allows the player to see the battlefield from a variety of angles. The game’s animations are also very fluid, and the explosions are particularly impressive.

Sound

Cannon Fodder 2 features a catchy soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s frantic and chaotic atmosphere. The game’s sound effects are also very well done, and they help to create a realistic and immersive experience.

Reception

Cannon Fodder 2 was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and humorous tone. Cannon Fodder 2 was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Cannon Fodder 2 is considered to be one of the best strategy action games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging difficulty have inspired many other games in the genre. Cannon Fodder 2 is also remembered for its humorous tone, which helped to make the game more accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Cannon Fodder 2 is a classic strategy action game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and humorous tone make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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