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General Category => Games => Topic started by: ComSoft6128 on 13:02, 10 February 23

Title: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 13:02, 10 February 23
I'm starting a series of videos on YouTube featuring CPC (not Plus) loading screens that I think should be seen just for themselves. Just so no one "loses out" each video description contains links to other channel longplays for the games.

So my query is this - what are your top 5, 10 or even 20 loading screens of all time?
Could be something "primitive" from 1984 or some recent amazing production, could be anything you like :) 
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Gryzor on 13:08, 10 February 23
Vindicator? An unusual screen for sure, but very well made. 
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Jean-Marie on 13:26, 10 February 23
This is my top 5 :
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: trocoloco on 13:32, 10 February 23
Oh sure @Brundij could give a masterclass about it  ;D . There are very good ones like Xevious or Amo Del Mundo, of best that used mode 1 IMO
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Maniac on 13:45, 10 February 23
Head Over Heels from Ocean has a great title screen!
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: eto on 14:12, 10 February 23
Personal favorites that kept a lasting impression:

- 3D Grand Prix
- Airwolf II
- Ballbreaker
- Crazy Cars II - (blew me away!)
- Elite - great Mode1 picture
- Ghosts'n Goblins
- Macadam Bumper
- MGT
- Space Harrier

and especially "Terra Cognita" - the only Mode 2 loading screen I have ever seen. I somehow doubt that this screen was made for this game. It looks more like someone had drawn a phantasy pic and they didn't have anything available, so just used it. 


I also like the early loading screens that just did some simple graphics in BASIC before loading. Like the early Amsoft games, Aligata games or e.g. Fruity Frank. They deserve at least honorably mentions.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Shaun M. Neary on 14:53, 10 February 23
Going with a top 5 that haven't been already listed, and in no particular order.

- Space Harrier
- Dragonninja
- Wonderboy In Monsterland
- Pacland
- Death Wish III
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Gryzor on 14:59, 10 February 23
Had to look Terra Cognita that @eto mentioned. Interesting!

extra_lire_fichier.png
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Otto on 15:17, 10 February 23
Nice thread. Some people quoted games and I didn't remember their title screens, so here are five of them, thanks to Cpc-Power. (Many more screens should be posted.)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: GUNHED on 16:11, 10 February 23
Where are the overscan screens?
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: eto on 16:14, 10 February 23
3 of the my favorite screens that have not been posted otherwise.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: eto on 16:22, 10 February 23
Quote from: GUNHED on 16:11, 10 February 23Where are the overscan screens?
well... then share your favorite overscan loading screens!

I thought about the recent loading screens. They are often absolutely awesome but I have no "emotional" reaction to them. Therefore I chose to select those loading screens where I remember that I had emotional "wow" moment when I saw it the first time on my CPC as a kid. 
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 17:27, 10 February 23
Quote from: Maniac on 13:45, 10 February 23Head Over Heels from Ocean has a great title screen!
Hi @Maniac ,
this is worth a look:
http://www.binaryzone.org/thezone/thorpe.php
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: robcfg on 19:09, 10 February 23
Nice link!

By the way, in that page the link to the video interview doesn't work, but can be easily retrieved.

Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Token on 19:13, 10 February 23
(https://cpcrulez.fr/img/831.png)
(https://cpcrulez.fr/img/1/airwolf2.png)
(https://cpcrulez.fr/im3/0164.png)
(https://cpcrulez.fr/img/zombi.png)
(https://cpcrulez.fr/im3/0498.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=139&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: trocoloco on 19:53, 10 February 23
Some screens from spanish games that could be under the radar back then and two of my favourites and probably for many  8)

(https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=39f902&media=capturas:aaarghcarga.jpg) (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=04425d&media=capturas:bronxcarga.jpg)  (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=2acedb&media=capturas:el_poder_oscuro_carga.jpg)  (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=434fa6&media=capturas:humphrey_carga.jpg)  (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=e461d7&media=capturas:jabatocarga.jpg)  (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=cbd355&media=capturas:motcarga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=715c73&media=capturas:poogaboo_carga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=4321df&media=capturas:resatlancarga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=63e47d&media=capturas:rescate_en_el_golfo_carga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=39b0ad&media=capturas:sideralcarga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=4a2797&media=capturas:sirwood_carga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=1d647e&media=capturas:dragon_ninja_carga.jpg)   (https://amstrad.es/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=300&tok=d96eea&media=capturas:rainbow_islands_carga.png)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: GUNHED on 20:29, 10 February 23
Nice!
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Gryzor on 20:34, 10 February 23
Those *are* nice. 
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Token on 23:22, 10 February 23
(https://cpcrulez.fr/im3/inertie1.png)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: lmimmfn on 02:05, 11 February 23
Gryzor, Renegade and Target Renegade are my favourites although I was impressed by Death Wish 3(above)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Axelay on 02:51, 11 February 23
Can't think of many, and most of those already mentioned, like Gryzor, Crazy Cars 2 and Ghosts'n'Goblins.  I seem to have a better memory for games I liked than loading screens!  But still, a few not already mentioned:

Game Over
Navy Moves
Tank Command

Quote from: eto on 14:12, 10 February 23and especially "Terra Cognita" - the only Mode 2 loading screen I have ever seen. I somehow doubt that this screen was made for this game. It looks more like someone had drawn a phantasy pic and they didn't have anything available, so just used it. 


Funny, I was thinking about this one.  I found it very memorable and interesting, but I don't think of it as as a 'top' screen myself.  There was an interview with the author where the origin of the screen was asked about here (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Stephen_Curtis).  Although the question got confused with the load screen for Nonterraqueous, but the description of the mode 2 screen is clearly about Terra Cognita.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 14:50, 11 February 23
Thanks for all the great suggestions !
A few of these screens will be appearing as YT vids over the next few days :)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: GUNHED on 16:19, 11 February 23
You had the chance... now...

Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: dirtybb on 20:03, 11 February 23
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=137&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Nich on 20:54, 11 February 23
Quote from: ComSoft6128 on 13:02, 10 February 23So my query is this - what are your top 5, 10 or even 20 loading screens of all time?
Could be something "primitive" from 1984 or some recent amazing production, could be anything you like :)
I have far too many favourite loading screens to list here, but if you need some inspiration, try Super Sylvestre's site (http://cpc.sylvestre.org/):

Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 22:20, 11 February 23
Quote from: Nich on 20:54, 11 February 23
Quote from: ComSoft6128 on 13:02, 10 February 23So my query is this - what are your top 5, 10 or even 20 loading screens of all time?
Could be something "primitive" from 1984 or some recent amazing production, could be anything you like :)
I have far too many favourite loading screens to list here, but if you need some inspiration, try Super Sylvestre's site (http://cpc.sylvestre.org/):

  • Mode 0 screens (http://cpc.sylvestre.org/musee/musee_mode0_jeuxecrans.html)
  • Mode 1 screens (part 1) (http://cpc.sylvestre.org/musee/musee_mode1c_jeuxecrans.html)
  • Mode 1 screens (part 2) (http://cpc.sylvestre.org/musee/musee_mode1m_jeuxecrans.html)
Cheers Nich, I've already scheduled in two screens I found on CPCPOWER and will have a look thru the rest of the site over the next few days.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Johnny Olsen on 00:13, 12 February 23
Wells & Fargo

https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=1884
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: lmimmfn on 02:23, 12 February 23
Turbo Girl for the win :), wouldn't be slowed now of course, grrr
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Gryzor on 05:08, 12 February 23
Quote from: Johnny Olsen on 00:13, 12 February 23Wells & Fargo

https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=1884
Oh that's nice.

extra_lire_fichier (1).png
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Shaun M. Neary on 23:15, 12 February 23
Dinamic have produced some nice screens. AMC, After The War and Satan spring to mind.
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=83&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=130&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=1877&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 17:28, 13 February 23
Quote from: lmimmfn on 02:23, 12 February 23Turbo Girl for the win :), wouldn't be slowed now of course, grrr
You might like this:



Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: GUNHED on 00:32, 14 February 23
How funny is that! Some naked pixels, and they up it to 'age must be 18', but all that killing-stuff can be watched by everybody.

BTW: Looong ago I worked at the 'free' version of the Game Over picture too. Eventually I see the result of an artist who did the job properly. Fun travel to the past.  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: eto on 15:37, 14 February 23
Quote from: GUNHED on 00:32, 14 February 23How funny is that! Some naked pixels, and they up it to 'age must be 18', but all that killing-stuff can be watched by everybody.
Not censored: "Age-restricted video (requested by uploader)"
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: GUNHED on 16:49, 15 February 23
Ah ok, they censored one of my 'Wallpaper' video, therefore I thought... 
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Brundij on 19:20, 15 February 23
Most if not any screen from Michel Rho, who made many screens for Ere https://cpcrulez.fr/games_GFX-artist-Michel_RHO.htm
These two are of my favorites too. Vindicators for how clean it looks and Wanderer 3D for how the gas clouds and transparencies are made.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Brundij on 20:14, 15 February 23
Some mode 1 ones.
Mountie Mick's and Ziggurat : For the use of patterns.
Sepulcri: Sometimes less is more.
Basun: Game is shit but the loading screen looks good with that ghostly figure.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: dirtybb on 21:38, 15 February 23
(https://cpcrulez.fr/img/539.png)

(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=4632&slot=2&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=2&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=1785&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=631&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=6471&slot=2&part=A&type=.png)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: lmimmfn on 03:00, 16 February 23
Quote from: dirtybb on 21:38, 15 February 23(https://cpcrulez.fr/img/539.png)

(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=4632&slot=2&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=2&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=1785&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=631&slot=1&part=A&type=.png)
(https://www.cpc-power.com/extra_lire_fichier.php?extra=cpcold&fiche=6471&slot=2&part=A&type=.png)
Great screens, apart from Captain Blood which is weak relatively
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Gryzor on 20:31, 16 February 23
Ha, I was gonna say "ahh Captain Blood, that's awesome and so cinematic!" 
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: lmimmfn on 04:12, 17 February 23
Quote from: Gryzor on 20:31, 16 February 23Ha, I was gonna say "ahh Captain Blood, that's awesome and so cinematic!"
:), I get your point, I'm just averse to too much text and less visualisation in a loading screen.

It does look cinematic though but for me would be more suited to an ingame screen, with the text removed on keypress and a menu presented
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Piero on 16:46, 17 February 23
Hi, here are some I always liked that haven't already been mentioned:
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ZbyniuR on 18:56, 18 February 23
OK, nice subject. I found about over 80 nice pictures. I think it's too much.
I will be back after I choose best of the best. :)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 19:04, 18 February 23
Wow!

Loading screen for the Spanish adventure game released by Dinamic Software in 1989.

Best viewed on a large screen at 720p (YouTube Setting)



With thanks to trocoloco

Other platforn screens for comparison:
https://www.myabandonware.com/game/jabato-2ic

Info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Jabato#:~:text=El%20Jabato%20(lit.,illustrated%20mainly%20by%20Francisco%20Darn%C3%ADs.

Dinamic Software:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinamic_Software

Links:
https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=1188
https://cpcrulez.fr/GamesTest/el_jabato.htm

Longplays:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ok6NhspUg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WivsOlv1yGY

Not emulated - original hardware and software.
Please note that  the aspect ratio for this YouTube video is 16:9 but the CPC monitor
has an aspect ratio of 4:3 so you may wish to adjust your viewing device accordingly.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: GUNHED on 16:27, 20 February 23
Overscan...

Cyber_Chicken_0.png Cyber_Chicken_1.png
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Johnny Olsen on 20:18, 20 February 23
Remember easy overview of screenshot here.

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/The_Amstrad_CPC_Game_Load_Screen_Catalog

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/The_Amstrad_CPC_Game_Screenshot_Catalog
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 08:38, 22 February 23
2018 article from Retro Gamer magazine that is well worth reading.

"The Art Of The 8-Bit Loading Screen"

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20180712/281539406708201
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 11:02, 24 February 23
Loading screen for the 2012 conversion of the 1985 Apple II game by Froggy Software.
This fantastic screen was converted to CPC overscan by 'Les Sucres en Morceaux' .

BEST WHEN VIEWED ON A LARGE SCREEN AND AT 720p (YouTube Setting)



Info:
http://cpc.sylvestre.org/projets/projets_jeux.html#le_mur_de_berlin_va_sauter

Links:
https://cpcrulez.fr/GamesTest/le_mur_de_berlin_va_sauter.htm
https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=6700

Amstrad Manique longplay here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pskT-O-4IqM

Not emulated - original hardware and software.
Please note that  the aspect ratio for this YouTube video is 16:9 but the CPC monitor
has an aspect ratio of 4:3 so you may wish to adjust your viewing device accordingly.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: Cholo on 21:11, 28 February 23
My teenage self was probably a horrible judge when it came to loading screens. I have a feeling that most of the ones remembered are from good games only. Like take Captain America, im pretty sure i thought is was "lazy" but now think has a nice clever used of the whole screen space & well "shaded". Like there is a whole stack of back then "boring" sports/racing titles that my mind has completely blocked out  :D

Couple of random nice ones attached.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: MacDeath on 10:19, 03 March 23
Renegade III : shitty game but great splash cover in Mode1.

Operation Thunderbolt was also a nice mode1.

Bounty huner : simple but effective.


Captain blood had another intro page, but the CPC version was a bit botched to be honest...
capblood1tro.png

as usual they could have just repaletted the CGA version to get something better...
9149820-captain-blood-dos-intro-screen-22-cga.png
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: TotO on 10:52, 03 March 23
This Captain Blood screen is one of the ones I didn't like.
It clashed so much with the rest of the game visual.
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: lmimmfn on 11:43, 03 March 23
Renegade 3 looks brilliant, I thought it was mode 0 when I first saw it
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 16:45, 16 March 23
YouTube playlist - 38 so far.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkf46goveQcF9hQPHSsFkQRG_7kiueFk-

Best viewed on a large screen at 720p (YouTube Setting)

Thanks for all the suggestions :)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 07:11, 28 March 23
Interview with Mark R Jones (Vindicator loading screen) at Retrogamesmaster:
http://www.retrogamesmaster.co.uk/mark-r-jones-2/
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: TotO on 09:07, 28 March 23
It is a old interview, no?
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 10:04, 28 March 23
Quote from: TotO on 09:07, 28 March 23It is a old interview, no?
Thought the interview is undated the quote below indicates it is from 2017 or later:

"Lots of us are still in touch. Some of them I never lost touch with anyway. I've never lost touch with Simon Butler, we have remained friends since 1987. We've had some really really great reunions these last 5 years. We all just fall back in to it, like 1987 was last year. It's really bizarre how that happens. I think it's maybe because of the age we were at back then. Leaves a big impression on you and when you meet up with people from that period, I had just left home, was in an exciting dream job, you can carry on a conversation you had with them 30 years ago like it was yesterday!"
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: TotO on 10:07, 28 March 23
Thank you. Because reading it seemed to me something like deja-lu. :)
Title: Re: Best loading screens query
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 13:26, 27 April 23
1001 BC screen by Michel Rho

Loading screen for the game released in 1986 by the French software house ERE Informatique.
I love screens like this and would love to know what software was used to create them - anyone have any ideas?

Best viewed on a large screen at 720p (YouTube Setting)



Reviews:
https://cpcrulez.fr/GamesTest/1001bc.htm?t=VA==
https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=test&num=180

Longplay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lej64TSyf8I

Not emulated - original hardware and software.
Please note that the aspect ratio for this YouTube video is 16:9 but the CPC monitor
has an aspect ratio of 4:3 so you may wish to adjust your viewing device accordingly.

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