Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Hewson Consultants, Razorsoft, Inc.
Stormlord (1989): A Classic Platform Adventure
Stormlord is a platform adventure game developed by Hewson Consultants and released in 1989 for the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best platform adventure games of all time.
Gameplay
Stormlord is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls a knight on a quest to rescue kidnapped fairies. The game is divided into 12 levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The player must use their sword and shield to fight enemies, jump over obstacles, and solve puzzles.
One of the unique features of Stormlord is the ability to ride a giant eagle named Mael Dvin. Mael Dvin can be used to reach high places and to attack enemies from the air.
Story
The story of Stormlord is simple but effective. The evil queen Badh has kidnapped the fairies and imprisoned them in her castle. The player must rescue the fairies and defeat Badh in order to restore balance to the land.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Stormlord are colorful and detailed. The game’s world is full of lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling waterfalls. The character sprites are also well-animated and expressive.
The sound in Stormlord is equally impressive. The game’s music is catchy and atmospheric, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.
Legacy
Stormlord is considered one of the best platform adventure games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music have made it a classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Critical Reception
Stormlord received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. Many reviewers also noted the game’s high level of challenge, which made it a rewarding experience for skilled gamers.
Commercial Success
Stormlord was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. The game was particularly popular in Europe, where it was one of the best-selling games of 1989.
Awards
Stormlord won several awards upon its release, including:
- Golden Joystick Award for Best Arcade Adventure (1989)
- Sinclair User Award for Best Arcade Adventure (1989)
- Commodore User Award for Best Arcade Adventure (1989)
Influence
Stormlord has had a significant influence on the platform adventure genre. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics and beautiful graphics have inspired many other games, including Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and Rayman.
Re-releases
Stormlord has been re-released several times over the years, including:
- A budget re-release for the Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum in 1991
- A compilation release for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS in 1993
- A digital release for the Wii Virtual Console in 2007
- A digital release for the PlayStation Network in 2014
Conclusion
Stormlord is a classic platform adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music have made it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of platform adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Stormlord.
Review Score
8/10
