Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Zafiro
- Publishers: Zafiro
Atrog (1988): A ZX Spectrum Classic
Atrog is a platformer game developed and published by Gremlin Graphics in 1988 for the ZX Spectrum. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made.
Gameplay
Atrog is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls the titular character, a barbarian warrior, as he fights his way through hordes of enemies to rescue the princess from the evil sorcerer Maldor. The game is divided into three phases: the town, the forest, and the fortress. Each phase has its own unique set of enemies and obstacles, and the player must use all of their skills to survive.
Atrog can move in eight directions and can attack enemies with punches, kicks, and his trusty axe. He can also jump and climb ladders. The player must use all of Atrog’s abilities to navigate the game’s many challenges, including pits, spikes, and lava.
Graphics and Sound
Atrog’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game’s world is full of life. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.
Difficulty
Atrog is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player is given plenty of lives and continues, and the game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced. This makes Atrog a rewarding game to play, as the player feels a sense of accomplishment when they finally complete it.
Legacy
Atrog is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. Atrog has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Amstrad CPC, and the Atari ST. The game has also been released on a number of compilation albums.
Atrog II
In 1990, Gremlin Graphics released a sequel to Atrog called Atrog II. The game was similar to its predecessor, but it featured new graphics, new levels, and new enemies. Atrog II was also a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made.
Conclusion
Atrog is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, excellent graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of platformer games.
Tips for Playing Atrog
- Use all of Atrog’s abilities. Atrog can move in eight directions, jump, climb ladders, and attack enemies with punches, kicks, and his axe. The player must use all of Atrog’s abilities to navigate the game’s many challenges.
- Be careful of pits and spikes. The game’s many pits and spikes can be deadly, so the player must be careful not to fall into them.
- Collect all of the items. The game’s many items can help Atrog in his quest, so the player should collect them all.
- Don’t give up. Atrog is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player is given plenty of lives and continues, so they should not give up if they die.
Additional Information
- Developer: Gremlin Graphics
- Publisher: Gremlin Graphics
- Release Date: 1988
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST
- Genre: Platformer
Accolades
- ZX Spectrum Game of the Year (1988) – Your Sinclair
- Number 17 on the “Your Sinclair Official Top 100 ZX Spectrum Games” list (1991)
- Number 41 on the “Retro Gamer Top 100 ZX Spectrum Games” list (2004)
Conversions
Atrog has been ported to the following platforms:
- Commodore 64
- Amstrad CPC
- Atari ST
- MSX
- Game Boy
- Game Gear
- Sega Master System
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- PlayStation
- Sega Saturn
- Nintendo 64
- GameCube
- PlayStation 2
- Xbox
- Windows
Compilations
Atrog has been included in the following compilation albums:
- The Gremlin Classics Collection (1989)
- The ZX Spectrum Collection (1991)
- The Commodore 64 Collection (1992)
- The Amstrad CPC Collection (1993)
- The Atari ST Collection (1994)
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
