Developer: The Warp Factory

Harlequin (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Harlequin (1992)

Harlequin is a strategy-based platform game for the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST released in 1992 by Gremlin Graphics. The game was developed by a small team led by programmer Mike Montgomery and artist Henk Nieborg.

The player controls a harlequin who must travel through a series of levels, collecting diamonds and avoiding enemies. The harlequin can use a variety of weapons and gadgets to defeat enemies, including a sword, a boomerang, and a grappling hook.

Harlequin is known for its innovative gameplay, which combines elements of strategy and platforming. The player must carefully plan their moves in order to avoid enemies and collect all of the diamonds in each level. The game also features a number of challenging puzzles that must be solved in order to progress.

Harlequin was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best games released for the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging puzzles, and its colorful graphics.

Gameplay

The player controls a harlequin who must travel through a series of levels, collecting diamonds and avoiding enemies. The harlequin can use a variety of weapons and gadgets to defeat enemies, including a sword, a boomerang, and a grappling hook.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective. The player can move the harlequin left and right, and jump up and down. The harlequin can also use a grappling hook to swing from platforms and reach higher areas.

The player must carefully plan their moves in order to avoid enemies and collect all of the diamonds in each level. The game also features a number of challenging puzzles that must be solved in order to progress.

Development

Harlequin was developed by a small team led by programmer Mike Montgomery and artist Henk Nieborg. The game was developed over a period of two years, and it was released in 1992.

The team was inspired by a number of classic platform games, including Super Mario Bros. and Prince of Persia. However, they wanted to create a game that was more challenging and strategic than these games.

The team spent a lot of time developing the game’s physics engine. They wanted to create a game that was realistic and challenging, but also fun to play.

The team also spent a lot of time developing the game’s levels. They wanted to create levels that were challenging, but also fair. They also wanted to create levels that were visually interesting and varied.

Release

Harlequin was released in 1992 for the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best games released for these platforms.

The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging puzzles, and its colorful graphics.

Legacy

Harlequin is considered to be one of the best strategy-based platform games ever released. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging puzzles, and its colorful graphics.

Harlequin has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the PC, the PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360. The game is also available on a number of online gaming services, such as Steam and GOG.

Harlequin remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by many gamers around the world.

Conclusion

Harlequin is a classic strategy-based platform game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and colorful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

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Zool 2 (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Zool 2 (1994) Review: A Colorful and Imaginative Platformer

Zool 2 is a colorful and imaginative platformer that was released in 1994. It is the sequel to the 1992 game Zool, and it follows the adventures of the titular gremlin ninja as he battles against the evil Krool and his assistant Mental Block.

Zool 2 is set in a vibrant and surreal world, and the game’s visuals are a major highlight. The backgrounds are full of bright colors and intricate details, and the character designs are equally impressive. Zool himself is a charming and expressive character, and his animations are fluid and lifelike.

The gameplay in Zool 2 is challenging but fair. The levels are well-designed and offer a variety of different challenges, from simple platforming to tricky puzzles. Zool has a variety of moves at his disposal, including a sword attack, a shuriken throw, and a grappling hook. He can also use his ninja skills to climb walls and perform double jumps.

One of the things that makes Zool 2 so unique is its sense of humor. The game is full of funny moments, from the witty dialogue to the over-the-top boss battles. The game’s ending is also a classic, and it features a hilarious twist that will leave you laughing out loud.

Overall, Zool 2 is a fantastic platformer that is full of charm, challenge, and humor. It is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it is sure to please anyone who is looking for a fun and challenging game to play.

Story

The story of Zool 2 begins with the evil Krool and his assistant Mental Block plotting to stifle the world’s imagination. They believe that by doing so, they can create a world of boredom and despair. Zool, the intergalactic gremlin ninja, is the only one who can stop them.

Zool sets out on a quest to find the seven Rainbow Gems. These gems are the key to defeating Krool and Mental Block, and they are scattered across the world. Zool must travel through a variety of dangerous environments, including a haunted forest, a frozen wasteland, and a fiery volcano. He must also battle a variety of enemies, including Krool’s minions and Mental Block’s mind-controlled slaves.

Along the way, Zool is aided by his female companion, Zooz, and his faithful dog, Zoon. Zooz is a skilled fighter, and she can use her magic to heal Zool and attack his enemies. Zoon is a loyal companion, and he can help Zool to navigate the dangerous environments and find the Rainbow Gems.

In the end, Zool is able to defeat Krool and Mental Block, and he restores imagination to the world. He is hailed as a hero, and he returns to his home planet with Zooz and Zoon by his side.

Gameplay

Zool 2 is a side-scrolling platformer. The player controls Zool as he runs, jumps, and fights his way through a variety of levels. Zool has a variety of moves at his disposal, including a sword attack, a shuriken throw, and a grappling hook. He can also use his ninja skills to climb walls and perform double jumps.

The levels in Zool 2 are well-designed and offer a variety of different challenges. Some levels are simple platforming challenges, while others require the player to solve puzzles or defeat enemies. The game also features a number of boss battles, which are often challenging but fair.

One of the things that makes Zool 2 so unique is its sense of humor. The game is full of funny moments, from the witty dialogue to the over-the-top boss battles. The game’s ending is also a classic, and it features a hilarious twist that will leave you laughing out loud.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Zool 2 are colorful and vibrant. The backgrounds are full of bright colors and intricate details, and the character designs are equally impressive. Zool himself is a charming and expressive character, and his animations are fluid and lifelike.

The sound in Zool 2 is also top-notch. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are well-done. The voice acting is also excellent, and the characters are all voiced by talented actors.

Conclusion

Zool 2 is a fantastic platformer that is full of charm, challenge, and humor. It is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it is sure to please anyone who is looking for a fun and challenging game to play.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Battle Bound (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Battle Bound: A Retro Classic That Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1991, Battle Bound is a side-scrolling action game that takes place in a fantasy world where rivers run with blood and the skies are lit with the power of magic. Players take control of the mighty warrior Calumn, who must journey through strange and dangerous lands to save the lady Charlotte from the clutches of the evil Sorcerer.

Battle Bound is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The controls are simple and responsive, and the level design is well-crafted. The game’s difficulty comes from the enemies, who are tough and unforgiving. But with patience and skill, players can overcome any obstacle.

One of the things that makes Battle Bound so special is its atmosphere. The game’s graphics are dark and gritty, and the music is suitably epic. The result is a game that feels like a true adventure.

Battle Bound was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and atmosphere. The game has since been ported to a number of different platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Gameplay

Battle Bound is a side-scrolling action game. Players control Calumn, who can walk, jump, and attack with his sword. Calumn can also use magic spells, which can be purchased from shops or found hidden throughout the game world.

The game’s levels are filled with enemies, traps, and puzzles. Calumn must use his skills and abilities to overcome these obstacles and reach the end of each level.

Characters

  • Calumn: The protagonist of the game, Calumn is a mighty warrior who is on a quest to save the lady Charlotte from the evil Sorcerer.
  • Charlotte: The lady Charlotte is a beautiful princess who has been kidnapped by the Sorcerer. Calumn must rescue her and return her to safety.
  • The Sorcerer: The evil Sorcerer is the main antagonist of the game. He is a powerful wizard who is bent on conquering the world.

Setting

Battle Bound takes place in a fantasy world where rivers run with blood and the skies are lit with the power of magic. The game’s world is filled with strange and dangerous creatures, as well as ancient ruins and forgotten treasures.

Legacy

Battle Bound is a classic action game that still packs a punch. The game’s challenging gameplay, dark atmosphere, and memorable characters have made it a favorite among retro gamers for over 30 years.

Tips for Playing Battle Bound

  • Be patient. Battle Bound is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. If you die, don’t give up. Just try again and learn from your mistakes.
  • Use your magic spells wisely. Magic spells can be very powerful, but they also use up your magic points. Be sure to use them only when you need them most.
  • Explore the levels thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets and treasures to be found in Battle Bound’s levels. Be sure to take your time and explore every nook and cranny.
  • Don’t give up. Battle Bound is a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding. If you stick with it, you’ll eventually reach the end and save the lady Charlotte.

Conclusion

Battle Bound is a classic action game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, dark atmosphere, and memorable characters have made it a favorite among retro gamers for over 30 years. If you’re looking for a classic action game to play, Battle Bound is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

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