Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Atari ST/STE, DOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Denton Designs
- Publishers: Ocean Software
Where Time Stood Still: A Nostalgic Journey Through a Lost Classic
Introduction
Released in 1988 by Ocean Software, Where Time Stood Still is an isometric 3D arcade adventure game that has been largely forgotten by time. It was developed by Denton Designs, the team behind the successful 1986 title The Great Escape. Where Time Stood Still was released for the Sinclair Spectrum 128K, MS-DOS, and Atari ST. In 2014, it was ported to the Amiga and Amiga CD32 with some enhancements.
Despite its critical acclaim, Where Time Stood Still never achieved the commercial success of other isometric adventure games such as Knight Lore or Alien8. This is likely due to the fact that it was released towards the end of the 8-bit era, when gamers were eagerly anticipating the arrival of 16-bit consoles such as the Amiga and Atari ST. As a result, Where Time Stood Still has become a lost classic, known only to a small group of dedicated fans.
Gameplay
Where Time Stood Still is played from an isometric perspective, with the player controlling the protagonist, a lone adventurer named Dirk Dynamo, as he explores a futuristic cityscape. The game world is divided into a series of interconnected screens, each filled with enemies, puzzles, and secrets.
Dirk can walk, run, jump, and climb ladders. He can also use a variety of weapons to defeat enemies, including a laser gun, a flamethrower, and a rocket launcher. The game features a variety of puzzles, which must be solved in order to progress. These puzzles range from simple switch-flipping to more complex tasks, such as finding hidden keys or activating machinery.
Setting
Where Time Stood Still is set in a futuristic cityscape that has been ravaged by war. The city is now a dangerous place, filled with mutants, robots, and other hostile creatures. Dirk must navigate this treacherous environment in order to find his way to the time machine that will allow him to return home.
The game’s setting is both atmospheric and unsettling. The city is a constant reminder of the horrors of war, and the player can’t help but feel a sense of unease as they explore its deserted streets. The game’s soundtrack, composed by David Whittaker, perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere, with its eerie melodies and haunting sound effects.
Graphics
Where Time Stood Still’s graphics are impressive for the time. The isometric perspective allows for a great deal of detail, and the game’s environments are rich and varied. The character sprites are also well-animated, and the game’s overall presentation is polished and professional.
Sound
As mentioned above, Where Time Stood Still’s soundtrack is one of its highlights. The music is atmospheric and haunting, and it perfectly captures the game’s mood. The sound effects are also top-notch, and they add to the game’s overall immersion.
Legacy
Where Time Stood Still is a lost classic that deserves to be rediscovered by modern gamers. It is a well-crafted and atmospheric adventure game with challenging puzzles and a memorable setting. If you’re a fan of isometric adventure games, or if you’re just looking for a hidden gem to play, then I highly recommend checking out Where Time Stood Still.
Conclusion
Where Time Stood Still is a forgotten classic that deserves to be rediscovered. It is a well-crafted and atmospheric adventure game with challenging puzzles and a memorable setting. If you’re a fan of isometric adventure games, or if you’re just looking for a hidden gem to play, then I highly recommend checking out Where Time Stood Still.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
