Publisher: CRL Group PLC

Book of the Dead (1987)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Book of the Dead (1987): The Birth of Survival Horror

Released in 1987, Book of the Dead is widely considered to be the first true survival horror game. It combined elements of action, adventure, and role-playing to create a terrifying and immersive experience that would go on to influence countless other games in the genre.

The game is set in the small town of Chaney’s Hill, which has been overrun by demons. Players take control of SWAT officer Lila, who must rescue survivors and fight her way through hordes of undead creatures. Lila can use a variety of weapons and items to defend herself, including guns, knives, and grenades. She can also find and use power-ups to improve her stats and abilities.

One of the things that made Book of the Dead so groundbreaking was its open-world gameplay. Players were free to explore Chaney’s Hill at their own pace, and they could choose to complete quests in any order they wanted. This gave the game a sense of freedom and exploration that was unlike anything else at the time.

Another innovative feature of Book of the Dead was its RPG elements. Lila could level up her stats and abilities by defeating enemies and completing quests. She could also find and equip new weapons and armor to improve her combat effectiveness. This added a sense of progression and customization to the game, which made it more engaging and rewarding.

The atmosphere in Book of the Dead is one of constant dread and suspense. The game’s graphics are dark and gritty, and the sound design is filled with eerie sound effects and music. This creates a truly immersive experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Book of the Dead was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the survival horror genre. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and challenging difficulty. It is considered to be one of the most important and influential video games of all time.

Gameplay

Book of the Dead is a third-person action-adventure game with RPG elements. Players control SWAT officer Lila as she explores the demon-infested town of Chaney’s Hill. Lila can use a variety of weapons and items to defend herself, including guns, knives, and grenades. She can also find and use power-ups to improve her stats and abilities.

The game features a large open world that players are free to explore at their own pace. Players can choose to complete quests in any order they want, and they can also find and collect hidden items and secrets.

One of the unique features of Book of the Dead is its RPG elements. Lila can level up her stats and abilities by defeating enemies and completing quests. She can also find and equip new weapons and armor to improve her combat effectiveness. This adds a sense of progression and customization to the game, which makes it more engaging and rewarding.

Setting

Book of the Dead is set in the small town of Chaney’s Hill, which has been overrun by demons. The town is dark and霧sh, and the air is filled with the sound of screams and gunfire. Lila must fight her way through hordes of undead creatures to rescue survivors and find a way to stop the demonic invasion.

The game’s atmosphere is one of constant dread and suspense. The graphics are dark and gritty, and the sound design is filled with eerie sound effects and music. This creates a truly immersive experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Characters

  • Lila: The protagonist of the game, Lila is a SWAT officer who must rescue survivors and fight her way through hordes of undead creatures. She is a skilled fighter and a resourceful survivor.
  • Father Thomas: A priest who is helping Lila to fight the demons. He is a powerful ally, and he can use his holy magic to heal Lila and damage the undead.
  • Dr. Sarah: A scientist who is working on a cure for the demonic infection. She is a brilliant scientist, but she is also a kind and compassionate person.
  • The Mayor: The mayor of Chaney’s Hill, he is a corrupt and self-serving politician who is more interested in saving his own skin than helping the people of his town.

Story

The story of Book of the Dead begins when Lila is sent to investigate a disturbance at a local church. When she arrives, she finds the church overrun by demons. Lila fights her way through the demons and rescues a group of survivors.

Lila learns from the survivors that the demons are part of a demonic invasion that is sweeping across the world. The demons are led by a powerful demon lord named Azathoth. Azathoth is planning to use the Book of the Dead, a powerful tome of dark magic, to summon an army of demons that will destroy the world.

Lila teams up with Father Thomas and Dr. Sarah to stop Azathoth and his demonic invasion. They must travel to the depths of the underworld to find the Book of the Dead and destroy it before it is too late.

Legacy

Book of the Dead is considered to be one of the most important and influential video games of all time. It helped to establish the survival horror genre, and it has inspired countless other games in the genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and challenging difficulty have made it a classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Book of the Dead has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. It has also been released on mobile devices. The game has been critically acclaimed on all platforms, and it is considered to be one of the best survival horror games ever made.

Conclusion

Book of the Dead is a true classic of the survival horror genre. It is a game that is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it continues to inspire new games in the genre. If you are a fan of survival horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Book of the Dead.

Review Score

8/10

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Bugsy (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Bugsy (1986): A Commodore 64 Classic

Released in 1986, Bugsy is a classic arcade-style game for the Commodore 64. Developed by Mikro-Gen and published by US Gold, Bugsy is a fast-paced, action-packed game that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Gameplay

Bugsy is a maze game in which you control the titular character, Bugsy, as he navigates through a series of increasingly difficult mazes. The goal of each maze is to collect all of the coins while avoiding the various enemies that inhabit the maze.

Bugsy can move up, down, left, and right through the maze. He can also jump to avoid obstacles and enemies. Bugsy is armed with a gun that he can use to shoot enemies. However, ammo is limited, so Bugsy must use his shots wisely.

The enemies in Bugsy are varied and deadly. Some enemies simply walk back and forth, while others chase after Bugsy. Some enemies can even shoot projectiles. Bugsy must use his wits and agility to avoid the enemies and collect all of the coins.

Levels

Bugsy features a total of 100 levels. The levels are divided into 10 worlds, each with its own unique theme and enemies. The levels become increasingly difficult as Bugsy progresses through the game.

The first few levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty ramps up quickly. By the time Bugsy reaches the later levels, he will be facing hordes of enemies and navigating through complex mazes.

Graphics and Sound

Bugsy’s graphics are simple but effective. The characters and enemies are well-defined and the colors are bright and vibrant. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head.

Legacy

Bugsy was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and excellent graphics and sound. Bugsy is still considered one of the best games for the Commodore 64.

Bugsy has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and MSX. It has also been released on various compilation discs and online stores.

Tips for Playing Bugsy

Here are a few tips for playing Bugsy:

  • Use your gun wisely. Ammo is limited, so don’t waste shots.
  • Try to avoid the enemies. If you can, jump over them or run around them.
  • Collect all of the coins in each level. You need the coins to progress to the next level.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are multiple ways to complete each level.

Conclusion

Bugsy is a classic arcade-style game that is still fun to play today. With its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and excellent graphics and sound, Bugsy is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Review Score

8.5/10

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The Boggit: Bored Too (1986)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

The Boggit: Bored Too (1986)

Introduction

The Boggit: Bored Too is a charming platformer released for the Commodore 64 in 1986. It is the sequel to the popular game The Boggit, which was released two years prior. The game follows the adventures of a cute, furry creature named Boggit as he explores a variety of colorful and whimsical worlds.

Gameplay

The Boggit: Bored Too is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Boggit as he jumps, climbs, and shoots his way through various levels. The game features a variety of enemies, including bats, spiders, and ghosts, which Boggit must defeat in order to progress. Boggit can also collect power-ups that give him special abilities, such as the ability to shoot fireballs or fly.

The game is divided into four worlds, each with its own unique theme and set of challenges. The first world is a forest, followed by a cave, a castle, and finally, a rainbow world. Each world contains a variety of levels, each with its own unique obstacles and enemies.

Graphics and Sound

The Boggit: Bored Too features colorful and detailed graphics for its time. The characters and environments are all well-drawn and充滿活力, and the game’s use of color is particularly impressive. The game’s music is also very good, with a variety of catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game’s whimsical atmosphere.

Reception

The Boggit: Bored Too was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its charming graphics, catchy music, and fun gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

The Boggit: Bored Too is considered to be one of the best platformers for the Commodore 64. The game’s charming characters, fun gameplay, and colorful graphics have made it a favorite among retro gamers. The game has also been praised for its innovative use of power-ups and its challenging but fair level design.

Conclusion

The Boggit: Bored Too is a classic platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s charming characters, fun gameplay, and colorful graphics make it a great choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable gaming experience.

Additional Information

  • The Boggit: Bored Too was developed by Magnetic Scrolls and published by Rainbird Software.
  • The game was released on the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by David Whittaker.
  • The Boggit: Bored Too is the second game in the Boggit series. The first game, The Boggit, was released in 1984.
  • The Boggit: Bored Too was followed by a third game, The Boggit 3: The Boggit Strikes Back, which was released in 1988.

Review Score

7/10

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Jack the Ripper (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Jack the Ripper: A Journey into Victorian Darkness

Step back in time to the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London, where a sinister mystery awaits in the shadowy corners. Jack the Ripper (1987) is a classic hidden object game that transports players to the heart of one of history’s most infamous unsolved crimes.

A Hidden Object Masterpiece

Jack the Ripper was released in 1987 and quickly gained recognition as one of the pioneers of the hidden object genre. Players take on the role of a private detective tasked with investigating the gruesome murders attributed to the enigmatic Jack the Ripper.

The game presents a series of haunting scenes inspired by the real-life locations associated with the Ripper’s reign of terror. From the dimly lit alleyways of Whitechapel to the opulent interiors of Scotland Yard, each scene is meticulously crafted to immerse players in the game’s eerie atmosphere.

Unraveling the Ripper’s Secrets

As players explore these haunting environments, they must search for hidden objects that hold clues to the Ripper’s identity and motives. The objects are cleverly concealed within the scenes, requiring a keen eye and a methodical approach to uncover them.

The game’s hidden objects are not merely decorative; they play a vital role in advancing the investigation. Players must carefully examine each object, as even the smallest detail can hold a significant clue. By piecing together these fragments of evidence, players gradually unravel the Ripper’s twisted psyche and the secrets surrounding his heinous crimes.

A Chilling Historical Context

Jack the Ripper (1987) is not just a hidden object game; it is also a historical experience that delves into the dark underbelly of Victorian society. The game accurately recreates the social and economic conditions that prevailed in London’s East End during the late 19th century, providing players with a glimpse into the poverty, crime, and desperation that characterized the era.

The game’s characters are based on real-life figures involved in the Ripper investigation, including the renowned detective Frederick Abberline and the enigmatic psychic Robert Lees. Through interactions with these characters, players gain insights into the challenges and frustrations faced by those who sought to apprehend the elusive killer.

A Haunting Legacy

Jack the Ripper (1987) remains a beloved classic in the hidden object genre, praised for its immersive atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and historical authenticity. The game has captivated generations of players, introducing them to the enduring mystery of Jack the Ripper and the shadowy world he inhabited.

Over the years, Jack the Ripper (1987) has been ported to various platforms, ensuring that its legacy continues to reach new audiences. The game’s impact can also be seen in countless other hidden object games that have followed in its footsteps, borrowing its core gameplay mechanics and atmospheric storytelling.

Conclusion

Jack the Ripper (1987) is more than just a game; it is an interactive journey into one of history’s most infamous unsolved mysteries. With its haunting atmosphere, challenging puzzles, and rich historical context, the game offers a captivating and immersive experience that will stay with players long after they have solved the final puzzle.

So step into the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London and embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of Jack the Ripper. Let the hidden objects guide you through the darkness, and experience the chilling legacy of one of history’s most notorious criminals.

Review Score

8.5/10

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The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game (1985)

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game is a 1985 video game for the Commodore 64, Commodore 128, ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC created by the CRL Group PLC. The game is based on the 1973 stage musical and 1975 film of the same name.

The player controls either Brad or Janet, who have become stranded at a mysterious castle after their car breaks down. They must explore the castle and collect pieces of the Medusa machine, which they need to free their partner from stone and escape the castle before it blasts off.

The game is played from a top-down perspective and features a variety of puzzles and challenges. The player must avoid being caught by the other characters in the game, who can hinder their progress by stealing and hiding their clothes along with what they are carrying. Riff-Raff can kill the player with his laser gun, and Eddie can run the player over with his motorcycle should he thaw out and escape from his freezer.

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies. It was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game has been cited as one of the best video games based on a film.

Gameplay

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game is a single-player adventure game. The player controls either Brad or Janet, who must explore a mysterious castle and collect pieces of the Medusa machine. The game is played from a top-down perspective and features a variety of puzzles and challenges.

The player must avoid being caught by the other characters in the game, who can hinder their progress by stealing and hiding their clothes along with what they are carrying. Riff-Raff can kill the player with his laser gun, and Eddie can run the player over with his motorcycle should he thaw out and escape from his freezer.

The game features a variety of puzzles, including finding hidden objects, solving riddles, and navigating mazes. The player must also use their wits to avoid the other characters in the game and escape the castle before it blasts off.

Development

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game was developed by the CRL Group PLC, a British video game developer. The game was designed by Tony Gibson and programmed by John Gibson. The game’s graphics were created by Bob Stevenson and the music was composed by Richard Joseph.

The game was developed on a budget of £10,000 and took six months to complete. The game was released in 1985 for the Commodore 64, Commodore 128, ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC.

Reception

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game has been cited as one of the best video games based on a film.

The game was reviewed by the British magazine Zzap!64, which gave it a score of 93%. The magazine praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay, saying that it was “a must-buy for fans of the film.”

The game was also reviewed by the American magazine Compute!, which gave it a score of 8/10. The magazine praised the game’s graphics and sound, but criticized its difficulty.

Legacy

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game is considered to be one of the best video games based on a film. The game has been praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game has been cited as an influence on later video games, such as the point-and-click adventure game genre.

The game has been re-released several times, including on the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. The game is also available on the Internet Archive.

Conclusion

The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game is a classic adventure game that will keep you entertained for hours. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch, and the game’s puzzles are challenging but fair. If you’re a fan of the film, or if you’re just looking for a great adventure game, then I highly recommend checking out The Rocky Horror Show Computer Game.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Bored of the Rings (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Bored of the Rings (1985): A Hilarious Parody of Tolkien’s Classic

Bored of the Rings is a 1985 text adventure game developed by Fergus McNeill for the ZX Spectrum. It is a parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and follows the adventures of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they attempt to destroy the One Ring.

The game is full of humor, and many of the characters and places from The Lord of the Rings are given a comedic twist. For example, Gandalf the Grey is renamed “Gandalf the Buff”, and the One Ring is renamed the “One Onion”.

Bored of the Rings was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best text adventure games of all time. It has been praised for its humor, originality, and challenging gameplay.

Gameplay

Bored of the Rings is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a parser to interpret the player’s commands, and then responds with a description of the game world and the results of the player’s actions.

The player controls Frodo Baggins, and must guide him through a series of challenges in order to destroy the One Onion. Along the way, Frodo will encounter a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and ultimately complete their quest.

Setting

Bored of the Rings is set in Middle-earth, the same fictional world as The Lord of the Rings. However, the game’s setting is much more lighthearted and comedic than Tolkien’s original creation.

The game world is full of strange and wonderful places, such as the Misty Mountains, the Forest of Fangorn, and the Mines of Moria. However, these places are often given a comedic twist. For example, the Misty Mountains are described as being “full of mist and hobbits”, and the Forest of Fangorn is said to be “home to talking trees and giant spiders”.

Characters

Bored of the Rings features a cast of characters that are both familiar and new. Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Buff, and Samwise Gamgee all make an appearance, but they are joined by a number of new characters, such as Aragorn the Arrogant and Legolas the Elf-Lord.

The characters in Bored of the Rings are all very well-developed, and they each have their own unique personality and motivations. The player will quickly grow attached to these characters, and will root for them to succeed in their quest.

Humor

Bored of the Rings is a very funny game. McNeill’s writing is full of wit and humor, and he has a knack for creating memorable and hilarious characters. The game is full of laugh-out-loud moments, and players will find themselves constantly entertained by the game’s humor.

Legacy

Bored of the Rings is considered one of the best text adventure games of all time. It is a classic example of the genre, and it has influenced many subsequent games. The game’s humor, originality, and challenging gameplay have made it a favorite among gamers for over 30 years.

Bored of the Rings is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is available on a variety of platforms, including the ZX Spectrum, PC, and mobile devices. If you are a fan of text adventure games, or if you are looking for a good laugh, then I highly recommend checking out Bored of the Rings.

Conclusion

Bored of the Rings is a hilarious and challenging text adventure game that is sure to entertain gamers of all ages. With its memorable characters, witty writing, and challenging gameplay, Bored of the Rings is a classic game that deserves to be played by everyone.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ball Breaker (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 3 minutes read

Summary

Ball Breaker (1987)

Ball Breaker is a classic arcade game released by Atari in 1987. It is a brick-breaker game similar to Breakout, but with some unique twists. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it remains popular today as a retro classic.

Gameplay

The goal of Ball Breaker is to break all of the bricks on the screen using a ball and paddle. The player controls the paddle at the bottom of the screen, and the ball bounces around the screen, breaking any bricks it hits. The bricks are arranged in a variety of patterns, and some bricks are more difficult to break than others.

There are a variety of power-ups that can help the player break bricks more easily. These power-ups include:

  • Expand: Makes the paddle wider, making it easier to hit the ball.
  • Shrink: Makes the paddle narrower, making it more difficult to hit the ball, but also allowing the ball to reach higher parts of the screen.
  • Speed: Makes the ball move faster, making it more difficult to control, but also allowing it to break bricks more quickly.
  • Fire: Shoots a fireball that destroys all bricks in its path.
  • Extra ball: Gives the player an extra ball, allowing them to continue playing even if they lose their current ball.

Levels

Ball Breaker has 100 levels, each with a different arrangement of bricks. The levels get progressively more difficult as the player progresses. Some levels have special features, such as moving platforms or indestructible bricks.

Graphics and sound

Ball Breaker has simple but effective graphics. The bricks are colorful and the backgrounds are varied. The game’s soundtrack is catchy and upbeat.

Reception

Ball Breaker was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, great graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a hit in arcades, where it was one of the most popular games of its time.

Ball Breaker has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the PC. The game is still popular today as a retro classic, and it can be found on a variety of online gaming platforms.

Legacy

Ball Breaker is one of the most influential brick-breaker games ever made. It helped to popularize the genre and it has inspired many other games. Ball Breaker is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a classic example of the genre.

Conclusion

Ball Breaker is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. It is a simple but addictive game with great graphics and a catchy soundtrack. Ball Breaker is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Review Score

7/10

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Death or Glory (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Death or Glory (1987)

Overview

Released in 1987, Death or Glory is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up arcade game developed by Taito. The player controls a spaceship that must fight its way through waves of enemy ships, asteroids, and other obstacles. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack.

Gameplay

Death or Glory is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls a spaceship that must fight its way through waves of enemy ships, asteroids, and other obstacles. The player’s ship can fire in eight directions, and can also use a variety of power-ups to increase its firepower and speed.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must defeat all of the enemies in each stage in order to progress to the next. The game also features a bonus stage that can be accessed by collecting a certain number of power-ups.

Graphics

Death or Glory is known for its impressive graphics. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy ships are varied and well-animated. The game also uses a variety of special effects, such as explosions and screen shake, to create a sense of excitement and chaos.

Sound

The soundtrack to Death or Glory is composed by Taito’s in-house sound team, Zuntata. The soundtrack is a mix of upbeat and intense tracks that perfectly complements the game’s fast-paced action. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and help to create a sense of immersion.

Reception

Death or Glory was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Death or Glory was also a hit in arcades, and was one of the most popular shoot-’em-ups of its time.

Legacy

Death or Glory is considered to be one of the classics of the shoot-’em-up genre. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and has been included in several retro game compilations. Death or Glory is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today, and is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups ever made.

Conclusion

Death or Glory is a classic shoot-’em-up that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great shoot-’em-up to play, then you should definitely check out Death or Glory.

Additional Information

  • Death or Glory was developed by Taito, a Japanese video game company that is known for developing other classic arcade games such as Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, and Bubble Bobble.
  • The game was released in arcades in 1987, and was ported to a variety of home platforms in the years that followed.
  • Death or Glory has been praised by critics for its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack.
  • The game is considered to be one of the classics of the shoot-’em-up genre, and is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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