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General Category => Other retro => Topic started by: manossg on 08:24, 17 May 20

Title: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:24, 17 May 20
Hello fine people,

I though I would create a thread on my YT channel, for updates and discussion. This is a channel that deals with retro games on several platforms but mainly focusing on Amiga and Amstrad CPC, covering modern retro games, obscure games that deserve more love, the occasional stinker (gotta love these) as well as my own (usually negative) opinions on games considered to be classics.

I have 18 episodes already, with the most recent one being a review and playguide for the Amiga port of Elite! Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/APhcktkQ3JQ
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:42, 24 May 20
For the latest episode we have Orion Prime. A spoiler-free review of this impressive 2009 point'n'click adventure game for the good, old Amstrad CPC. A masterpiece or a missed opportunity? Check out this episode and find out!

https://youtu.be/W6e1Czw0i-c (https://youtu.be/W6e1Czw0i-c)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 15:34, 31 May 20
In this episode we shall be taking a look at Apprentice, a rather obscure platformer, released by Rainbow Arts in 1990 for the Commodore Amiga. A hidden gem or a game better left untouched?

https://youtu.be/sbmsGR8hi1Y (https://youtu.be/sbmsGR8hi1Y)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:31, 07 June 20
For the latest episode we have an Amstrad CPC game from 1985, Airwolf, famous for its ridiculous difficulty level. Does it deserve its notoriety?

https://youtu.be/gnqtYjQKERM
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:41, 14 June 20
New Retro Rant episode dealing with the Atari ST version of Addams' Family. Was it truly better than the Amiga version?

https://youtu.be/FwU0fddTnF4
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 14:49, 21 June 20
For the latest episode, I reviewed Paperboy on the Amiga. A decent coin-op conversion for the miggy or the usual lazy money-grabbing affair?

https://youtu.be/7dBYb63eEkI
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:53, 29 June 20
For this episode we take a look at Shadows of Sergoth, a 2018 dungeon crawler for the Amstrad CPC. Do we finally get a decent RPG for the 8-bits?

https://youtu.be/DB2HkIEWt7o (https://youtu.be/DB2HkIEWt7o)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:03, 05 July 20
This time we will be reviewing Simon the Sorcerer, which is considered one of the best point'n'click adventure games on the Amiga. Is it truly?

https://youtu.be/ZX4SUF9HwWE (https://youtu.be/ZX4SUF9HwWE)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:48, 13 July 20
For this episode, we have Gandalf, a 2018 homebrew for the speccy, a platformer with an RPG twist!

https://youtu.be/f9yMqRXBK6Y
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 14:02, 14 July 20
This looks lovely and colourful :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 14:51, 14 July 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 14:02, 14 July 20
This looks lovely and colourful :)


Indeed it does, even though it is not on the CPC (yet)!  :P


It also plays very well and has a good soundtrack. Pure 8-bit glory!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 06:23, 20 July 20
Who said that the Commodore Amiga can't do a half-decent beat'em up? Here we have a masterpiece of a game by good, old Tynesoft.

https://youtu.be/hk0sfYLixEc
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 07:57, 20 July 20
Oh god, how ugly is that.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:50, 20 July 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 07:57, 20 July 20
Oh god, how ugly is that.


Another great success from Tynesoft!  :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: tjohnson on 17:50, 20 July 20
Quote from: manossg on 11:03, 05 July 20
This time we will be reviewing Simon the Sorcerer, which is considered one of the best point'n'click adventure games on the Amiga. Is it truly?
I seem to remember simon the sorcer getting rave reviews back in the day or maybe I'm mistaken?  Monkey Island 2 and Day of the Tentacle were my 2 favourite point and click adventures, finished them both, tentacle me and a mate finished in a couple of days playing.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:32, 20 July 20
Quote from: tjohnson on 17:50, 20 July 20
I seem to remember simon the sorcer getting rave reviews back in the day or maybe I'm mistaken?  Monkey Island 2 and Day of the Tentacle were my 2 favourite point and click adventures, finished them both, tentacle me and a mate finished in a couple of days playing.


Yes, it is considered by many amigans to be on par with MI2 and DOTT, which are absolute masterpieces and my favorites of all time as well. I still cannot fathom the reason for such praise for Simon, though, since it is an average adventure game at best. The only reason I can think of is, admittedly, the eye candy, especially following some awful looking (and playing) Amiga Sierra On-Line ports (I am looking at you, SQ4)!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 07:49, 26 July 20
For this one we take a look at the classic racing game, Stunt Car Racer, which is considered one of the best racing games on the Amstrad CPC (and on every platform to which it was ported to). Is it as good as it is thought to be?

PS. Some frames were sacrificed due to the brutal video capture process. The actual game is smoother than that.

https://youtu.be/hoQi5kaOBVM
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:51, 27 July 20
Never really loved this, on the CPC or on my ST, but I've got to say every time I would play it it would keep me at the edge of my seat...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 14:11, 27 July 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:51, 27 July 20
Never really loved this, on the CPC or on my ST, but I've got to say every time I would play it it would keep me at the edge of my seat...


I hear the ST is the best version, because it runs faster and doesn't have the annoying Amiga engine sound, so I would have to test this thing out someday.


It really is an intense game, you can feel every landing, every crash and every turn, even on the CPC!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 14:29, 27 July 20
Yes, that!

I seem to remember it was faster on my 1040 than on my friend's A500 as was the usual case with vector games, but I also remember it having the "annoying engine sound", maybe I've mixed up the versions :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:33, 29 July 20
My favorite 100 Amiga games from mid-eighties to the present day.

For this video, I shall be covering the ranks from 100 to 91.

https://youtu.be/FTNrpwN1POU
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:02, 02 August 20
This time it's Gods, the legendary Bitmap Brothers' game for the miggy. Does it truly deserve it's classic status or not?

https://youtu.be/bgi8QxW3M9c
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: TotO on 10:47, 02 August 20
As always with occidental productions, it looks and sound great... But that all.
Gods was a frustration to have a really promising game not fun at all to play.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:01, 02 August 20
Quote from: TotO on 10:47, 02 August 20
As always with occidental productions, it looks and sound great... But that all.
Gods was a frustration to have a really promising game not fun at all to play.


These were exactly my thoughts and feelings back in the day and ended up quitting and disliking the game. And I fear that was an automatic response to lots of Amiga games, which were all graphics and sound and garbage gameplay (I am looking at you, Psygnosis).


I gave Gods a fair crack of the whip now and I found out it has quite a few redeeming qualities, it is just that they are not apparent at first glance (and you probably need a guide to truly enjoy the game).  :-\
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:19, 03 August 20
Am I the only one who liked it (VERY much) on my STFM back in the day?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 14:42, 03 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:19, 03 August 20
Am I the only one who liked it (VERY much) on my STFM back in the day?


IIRC, Gods was both a critical and a commercial success and I believe that the ST had a very solid version. The Mega Drive port, otoh... :picard:


Did you manage to get any distance in it?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: norecess464 on 14:49, 03 August 20
Ahhh, the Gods game reminds me the good old Demoniak 4 discmag.. nostalgia!  :P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X34Sg7rCbxg
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:40, 03 August 20
Quote from: norecess on 14:49, 03 August 20
Ahhh, the Gods game reminds me the good old Demoniak 4 discmag.. nostalgia!  :P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X34Sg7rCbxg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X34Sg7rCbxg)


Am I getting too greedy if I confess that I dreamed of a CPC port for a moment there?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:55, 04 August 20
Quote from: manossg on 14:42, 03 August 20

IIRC, Gods was both a critical and a commercial success and I believe that the ST had a very solid version. The Mega Drive port, otoh... :picard:


Did you manage to get any distance in it?

Yeah, actually I did get quite far. It was hard, but back then I found it was a great combo of action and exploration, and of course the visuals were sweeeeet. As for the music... let's just say I was late more than a few times for school because I booted the game just to listen to it!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Otto on 09:38, 04 August 20
Quote from: manossg on 17:40, 03 August 20

Am I getting too greedy if I confess that I dreamed of a CPC port for a moment there?
In particular when we look at @ComSoft6128 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2226) 's great article including video here: Food for my Plus volume 2 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/demos/food-for-my-plus-volume-2/)

... at some time in the video we see the CPCplus artist importing or converting a series of those nice graphics from the game "Gods" into his CPCplus. Half the horizontal resolution, but same palette, and looks great.

I think a port of "Gods" from Atari ST to CPCplus should well be possible. Thanks to the CPCplus' hardware scrolling and hardware sprites it could maybe run smoother than on the ST which always lacked hardware scrolling and sprites.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 09:42, 04 August 20
Well it would have to use quite a lot of space though...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 10:00, 04 August 20
Guessing here but I imagine a cart would have more than enough space.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Otto on 10:04, 04 August 20
Quote from: ComSoft6128 on 10:00, 04 August 20
Guessing here but I imagine a cart would have more than enough space.
How many KBytes does a cartridge for the CPCplus series hold? I don't seem to find the info in the cool CPCwiki at the moment.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 11:36, 04 August 20
512K I think.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:39, 04 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 08:55, 04 August 20
Yeah, actually I did get quite far. It was hard, but back then I found it was a great combo of action and exploration, and of course the visuals were sweeeeet. As for the music... let's just say I was late more than a few times for school because I booted the game just to listen to it!


Cool, I didn't even reach the first boss bitd and it's a pity, because then you get a password and you can start to have fun and experiment with weapons, which adds to the fun factor a lot.


Even though it has a few flaws which can be off-putting, I am grateful that I can appreciate this great game now!


(while listening to the Atari ST version of the music...wow, is that the AY?!?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxIWg3Tn7As
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:39, 04 August 20
Quote from: Otto on 09:38, 04 August 20
In particular when we look at @ComSoft6128 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2226) 's great article including video here: Food for my Plus volume 2 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/demos/food-for-my-plus-volume-2/)

... at some time in the video we see the CPCplus artist importing or converting a series of those nice graphics from the game "Gods" into his CPCplus. Half the horizontal resolution, but same palette, and looks great.

I think a port of "Gods" from Atari ST to CPCplus should well be possible. Thanks to the CPCplus' hardware scrolling and hardware sprites it could maybe run smoother than on the ST which always lacked hardware scrolling and sprites.


/me drooling
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 13:07, 04 August 20
Quote from: manossg on 12:39, 04 August 20wow, is that the AY?!?


Yup, and not even on a fancy-pants STe wits its DMA. The ST could output much better sound that is generally believed...

...ahhh and now I'm listening to it again.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Otto on 13:19, 04 August 20
Quote from: manossg on 12:39, 04 August 20
(while listening to the Atari ST version of the music...wow, is that the AY?!?)
The British musician, the late Richard Joseph, used samples (or is it one sample containing all the music?) for the Atari ST version, derived from his Amiga four channel sample sound. So it's not straight AY sound but needs (a lot of) CPU power to do samples on the AY. But still it sounds cool, and that's the point.

Another great ST soundtrack you find in Turrican II for the Atari ST. Here the German musician Jochen Hippel mixes pure AY sound with AY samples to bring Chris Hülsbeck's Amiga four channel samples to the ST. I think during the title he uses sample sounds which need (a lot of) CPU power to do on the AY, and for the in-game music he uses pure AY sound which cost hardly CPU cycles.

So much from memory...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 22:49, 09 August 20
For this time we have Metaphobia, a 2019 point'n'click adventure game made with AGS, that tries to pay tribute to classic adventure games and fails, because....well, watch this spoiler-free review and find out!

https://youtu.be/RwlWpJAK7kQ
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:30, 10 August 20
Fails because...?? I watched all the video and what I got from it is I must go and download it :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:36, 10 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:30, 10 August 20
Fails because...?? I watched all the video and what I got from it is I must go and download it :D


It fails because it surpasses the games it pays tribute to!  8)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:38, 10 August 20
Ahhhh...

Ok, downloaded. It really does look pretty.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:42, 10 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:38, 10 August 20
Ahhhh...

Ok, downloaded. It really does look pretty.


Have fun! I don't know if you're into them point'n'clicks, but it's a fantastic game!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:51, 10 August 20
Yes I love them, it's lack of time that kills it for me though... Last one I've played was Thimbleweed Park...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:57, 10 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:51, 10 August 20
Yes I love them, it's lack of time that kills it for me though... Last one I've played was Thimbleweed Park...


I feel your pain, bro.


Thimbleweed Park...pure awesomeness! Trying to find the time to complete it again!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:28, 10 August 20
It was amazing really, both as a game and a retro bout of nostalgia. I played it in the evenings after work with my wife over a week and we had such a fantastic time!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:43, 10 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:28, 10 August 20
It was amazing really, both as a game and a retro bout of nostalgia. I played it in the evenings after work with my wife over a week and we had such a fantastic time!


Should be heaps of fun to play with your SO, unfortunately mine wouldn't get the 80ies nerd references.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:47, 10 August 20
Hey well she's an 80s child and grew up with Atari, Sega and PC adventuring, so...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:38, 10 August 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:47, 10 August 20
Hey well she's an 80s child and grew up with Atari, Sega and PC adventuring, so...


Yeah, that's one of the bad points about TP, it is chock full of 80ies references and can be enjoyed to the full only by those who understand them. A pity, since it could be an excellent introduction to adventure games for younger audiences (it also has an easy setting which is perfect for that).


Metaphobia, otoh, has only one (at least I couldn't find more) reference to other games (will not spoil it, but it is a ridiculous puzzle that has to do with...hair), it has mostly art references understandable by almost everybody, so I think it is better than TP for introducing new people to the joy that is adventure gaming.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 20:28, 20 August 20
For this episode, another venerated Amiga game gets the retro rant treatment. This time it is Myth, by System 3. Is it truly a gem or is it a stinker?

https://youtu.be/mMEeV4rKP6s
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 20:26, 01 September 20
For this episode we have Oh Mummy, one of the first games to be ever released on the Amstrad CPC. Pure retro goodness!

https://youtu.be/6CzDgF6Go64
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:33, 02 September 20
Quote from: manossg on 20:28, 20 August 20
For this episode, another venerated Amiga game gets the retro rant treatment. This time it is Myth, by System 3. Is it truly a gem or is it a stinker?

https://youtu.be/mMEeV4rKP6s
I remember loving this, but between this and the First Samurai I'm going to pick the latter...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:34, 02 September 20
Quote from: manossg on 20:26, 01 September 20
For this episode we have Oh Mummy, one of the first games to be ever released on the Amstrad CPC. Pure retro goodness!

https://youtu.be/6CzDgF6Go64

Hehe always had a soft spot for this. Retro Gamer had called it one of the first (if not THE first?) survival horror games :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:13, 02 September 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:34, 02 September 20
Hehe always had a soft spot for this. Retro Gamer had called it one of the first (if not THE first?) survival horror games :D


Eat CPC dirt, Resident Evil!  ;D
And to be honest, I would choose Oh Mummy over RE every time.


Amsoft did great on this one!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:15, 02 September 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:33, 02 September 20
I remember loving this, but between this and the First Samurai I'm going to pick the latter...


Have you tried the CPC version?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:22, 02 September 20
Quote from: manossg on 12:15, 02 September 20

Have you tried the CPC version?

Damn, I guess so, but I don't recall it. Better find the dsk...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:24, 02 September 20
Ah yes, of course. Just the YT preview frame and I remembered how impressed I was!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FE2F0WEnGs
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 13:54, 02 September 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:24, 02 September 20
Ah yes, of course. Just the YT preview frame and I remembered how impressed I was!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FE2F0WEnGs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FE2F0WEnGs)


Looks very interesting and very different from the Amiga version. I should give it a try!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 06:56, 10 September 20
For this episode we have a recent Amiga title from 2018, Powerglove Reloaded, which is actually a remaster of an earlier C64 game.

https://youtu.be/7P1JSnMrwaI
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:21, 10 September 20
That is cute...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:25, 10 September 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 08:21, 10 September 20
That is cute...


I think this game shows how 8-bit games should have been remade on the 16-bits, at least graphically.  :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:30, 10 September 20
True, the feeling is really lovely.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:48, 18 September 20
Revisiting the good, old Atari ST for this episode and taking a look at an obscure licensed platformer, Potsworth and Co.

https://youtu.be/NLW51vqCBes
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:39, 21 September 20
Yay Atari ST!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:51, 21 September 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 08:39, 21 September 20
Yay Atari ST!


Yay, I am loving getting to know its library of games. Especially adventure games, it seems there is a ton of homebrew ones out there.  ;D


Still not getting much joy out of Atari ST platformers, though...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:52, 21 September 20
Eh, it's certainly no Amiga, but there are several oozing charm out there, really.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 09:43, 21 September 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 08:52, 21 September 20
Eh, it's certainly no Amiga, but there are several oozing charm out there, really.


Hopefully, I'll get there, but, for now, no platformers in the Atari St pipeline.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:19, 28 September 20
For this episode we will be taking a look at Millenium 2.2, a strategy game for the Amiga from 1989 that I think deserves more love. Do you agree?

https://youtu.be/JkfQnUMBDB8
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Norman on 15:38, 28 September 20
Agreed, Millenium is a beautiful game, very nice graphics, good atmosphere and sound effects. The minigames can be a bit annoying though.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:12, 28 September 20
Quote from: Norman on 15:38, 28 September 20
Agreed, Millenium is a beautiful game, very nice graphics, good atmosphere and sound effects. The minigames can be a bit annoying though.


Yes, the combat is an exercise in frustration, until the blessed moment you get the orbital lasers!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:07, 05 October 20
For this episode we will be taking a look at a brand new CPC game, Brick Rick, released in 2020 by the one-man army, Juan Martinez. Another great addition to the CPC library of games or a letdown?

https://youtu.be/a7bjqEO2WvE
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: reidrac on 09:53, 06 October 20
Quote from: manossg on 18:07, 05 October 20
For this episode we will be taking a look at a brand new CPC game, Brick Rick, released in 2020 by the one-man army, Juan Martinez. Another great addition to the CPC library of games or a letdown?

https://youtu.be/a7bjqEO2WvE

Nice review, thanks!

PS: isn't the aspect ratio a bit off?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:01, 06 October 20
Quote from: reidrac on 09:53, 06 October 20
Nice review, thanks!

PS: isn't the aspect ratio a bit off?


I should be the one to thank you for this awesome game! The Amiga version of Magica is also in the pipeline!


PS. Indeed it should be. That must be a WinApe thing, because in RVM it is not so stretched.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:21, 13 October 20
Here is the second part of my Amiga top 100 games!

https://youtu.be/-nJN6KYTkko
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 07:21, 27 October 20
Back to Amiga adventure gaming, we take a look at Curse of Enchantia by Core design, in a video lovingly edited for spoiler-free viewing. Is this all looks and no substance or is it a great game?

https://youtu.be/lCnhljSQNNE
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:29, 27 October 20
Never played it, but as far as great looks go I think the digitised backgrounds have not aged very well...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:50, 27 October 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 08:29, 27 October 20
Never played it, but as far as great looks go I think the digitised backgrounds have not aged very well...


I find them quite awesome, but then, I might have been overexposed to the terrible Amiga ports of the late Sierra games*.  :P


*Barring the fantastic port of KQ VI.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:05, 05 November 20
We are back on the C64 for this episode, reviewing Boxymoxy, a 2020 puzzle game by RGCD! A great addition to the C64 library or just one more of the same?

https://youtu.be/E9iRQi7o4LA
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:08, 05 November 20
And you're posting this... here? :D :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:39, 05 November 20
/me running away from the pitchforks and the bonfires! :P
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:07, 09 November 20
Here is the much anticipated Wiz by Mutation Software, a gorgeous platformer for AGA Amigas!

https://youtu.be/ccjidxsrLGY
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:31, 10 November 20
This doesn't look half-bad, but I'm not sure sprites so big work...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 13:18, 10 November 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 08:31, 10 November 20
This doesn't look half-bad, but I'm not sure sprites so big work...


I share your concern, though I didn't have much issues in-game, apart from some very fast ghosts in the second level that you simply cannot see coming.  :-X
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:53, 19 November 20
Prince of Persia, one of the best games of all time, was officially ported only to the Amstrad CPC out of the major 8-bit micros. Is this a reason for CPC fans to be proud or were we better off with an unofficial port, like the ones the C64 and the Spectrum got?

https://youtu.be/2dUlnZESXUs
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 09:27, 19 November 20
First played PoP on my 1040STFM (and used to transfer saves to hack them with a hex editor on a friend's 386 :D ). Years later I saw the CPC version and I was wowed. I think it looks even better on the original!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 09:43, 19 November 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:27, 19 November 20
First played PoP on my 1040STFM (and used to transfer saves to hack them with a hex editor on a friend's 386 :D ). Years later I saw the CPC version and I was wowed. I think it looks even better on the original!


Yes, it is simply astonishing! I would have played this to death back in the day!


At least I get the chance to discover and enjoy it now, even though with an emulator....
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 23:43, 25 November 20
Taking a look at Darkmere, an isometric exclusive Amiga title for this review. Have we discovered a hidden gem here or had this better remain obscure?

https://youtu.be/eo0Uz8DxDWI
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 09:27, 26 November 20
Those isometric games... I didn't play them too much, but they are oh so 16-bits, and they always felt amazing to me back then.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:33, 26 November 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:27, 26 November 20
Those isometric games... I didn't play them too much, but they are oh so 16-bits, and they always felt amazing to me back then.


I have personally thought isometric games as more of an 8-bit thing, but there are some very nice 16-bits examples as well (not Cadaver!!!!).


Pity Darkmere didn't come out for the Atari ST, I am sure it could have been very nice (maybe ironing out the Amiga bugs?).
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 14:00, 26 November 20
Well, iso games did appear on the 8-bits, but the resolution and/or palette of the 16-bitters really allowed them to shine visually. They really seemed to evolve and take advantage of the platforms... Indeed too bad about the ST version. Oh well, we had Dungeon Master :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 14:46, 26 November 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 14:00, 26 November 20
Well, iso games did appear on the 8-bits, but the resolution and/or palette of the 16-bitters really allowed them to shine visually. They really seemed to evolve and take advantage of the platforms... Indeed too bad about the ST version. Oh well, we had Dungeon Master :D


Yes, I understand your perspective, yet I feel that these games (i.e. Head Over Heels) that came on both 8- and 16-bits are better suited to the 8-bits. Might be the nostalgia factor kicking in, but I believe the 16-bits were not really taking advantage of the powerful hardware

DM....what a game...unfortunately I have never played the ST original. Is it better than the Amiga or the same?

Oh, be prepared for a very special Atari ST review... ;D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 14:49, 26 November 20
Ι think they were pretty much identical? I used to play it for hours on end with a school mate. I still have the notepads (τα τετράδια αριθμητικής με τα τετραγωνάκια!) with the maps we made...

As far as 16-bits go with iso games, I think what still strikes me even to this day is that they advanced pixel art quite a bit!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 15:49, 02 December 20
Time for some adventure gaming on the speccy, with a 2016 release, Sam Mallard: the case of the missing Swan! Do we finally have here an 8-bit non-text adventure game that doesn't control like a dog?

https://youtu.be/Dqe0J9-tivw
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 16:46, 02 December 20
Looks pretty cute, but I'd say the CPC scene has got you covered with regards to the last comment...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:13, 02 December 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 16:46, 02 December 20...but I'd say the CPC scene has got you covered with regards to the last comment...


If you are referring to Orion Prime, I find the control system adequate but not fluid enough...if you are referring to some other (non-parser controlled) game, I'd sure like to give it a try!  ;D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:01, 20 December 20
All new World of Lemmings is the 3rd installment in the Lemmings series and one that is, sadly, forgotten by Amiga gamers. I have included this one in my top 100 Amiga games of all time and I hope I can show you why in this review!

https://youtu.be/E7UvNulHe9w (https://youtu.be/E7UvNulHe9w)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:34, 21 December 20
Admittedly I didn't know about this. But the graphics do look quite more advanced than previous titles! Of course whether we like them now or not is another issue, but back in the day it must've looked much better...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:28, 21 December 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:34, 21 December 20
Admittedly I didn't know about this. But the graphics do look quite more advanced than previous titles! Of course whether we like them now or not is another issue, but back in the day it must've looked much better...


I think this one went under the radar for a lot of people, myself included!


I feel it is never too late to enjoy these hidden gems, I think a lot of my retrogaming joy comes from discovering these great games!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:41, 25 December 20
Well, it is time for a christmassy stinker review, taking a look at the notorious BMX Ninja for the Amstrad CPC! Is it truly a stinker or just a moderately bad game?

https://youtu.be/AFpBRILz8g4
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 17:43, 25 December 20
I thought that if it's got "ninja" in the title it's cool?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:45, 25 December 20
Quote from: Gryzor on 17:43, 25 December 20
I thought that if it's got "ninja" in the title it's cool?


The only thing that's missing is a glorious mullet on the hero.  8)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:16, 03 January 21
Starting the new year with Arazok's Tomb, an unsung Amiga text adventure from 1987! Is this any good or does it belong to the obscurity from which it came?

https://youtu.be/-oZ-TnaCxPE (https://youtu.be/-oZ-TnaCxPE)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:29, 03 January 21
Well it certainly looks nice...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 13:57, 03 January 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:29, 03 January 21
Well it certainly looks nice...

I certainly does...and I have a soft spot for the graphics of these early Amiga games.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 13:55, 05 January 21
Yes, it was the era when we were getting a glimpse of something so much better than we had before!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:52, 12 January 21
Well, after reviewing the remake of King's Quest I, it is time for the sequel. This one has an expanded storyline and extra puzzles. Were they successful in their attempt to remake this historically significant adventure game?

https://youtu.be/fKnVW6Drg5E
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:36, 19 January 21
Here is the third part of my Top 100 Amiga games!

https://youtu.be/NQPfxTGOBkU
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 16:01, 20 January 21
Ahh so many memories...

I didn't know Toki was so good on the Amiga!

Not going to argue with the positions of course but I think that Midwinter does deserve, as you say, quite a higher place despite the technical shortcomings...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:47, 20 January 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 16:01, 20 January 21
Ahh so many memories...

I didn't know Toki was so good on the Amiga!

Not going to argue with the positions of course but I think that Midwinter does deserve, as you say, quite a higher place despite the technical shortcomings...


Yes, Toki was spectacular on the miggy!


I am sure back in the day I would have rated Midwinter up there on the top 30 but nowadays I feel the framerate kills it, considering it has so many action elements. I would be happy to give it a better place if some coding wizard could make it take advantage of beefier Amigas.


And I am sure as a 3d game it plays waaaay better on the ST, so I surely have to give this version a go.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 08:52, 21 January 21
Although I was properly impressed by Midwinter on my ST, I didn't really play it for long - it was perhaps a bit to complex for me.  But reading about it over the years made me appreciate it. I don't remember how fluid it was to be honest but I guess it was smoother on the ST like most vector games?

Here is a short part of it anywya:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RESt3OZYJKo
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:16, 21 January 21
Unfortunately, it looks the same to me (just look at the frame rate of the missile at 6:32 ). :(
A pity nobody modded the game.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:23, 21 January 21
There's another video out there where the CPU is pushed to 16MHz but I guess that's another thing😂
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:02, 24 January 21
This time we are taking a look at Bridge Strike, a recent River Raid clone for the Amiga. Do we have here a good attempt or are you better off playing the original?

https://youtu.be/ypWOL4fZMvM
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:00, 25 January 21
Looks cute, but what's with the 240p?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 13:11, 25 January 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:00, 25 January 21
Looks cute, but what's with the 240p?


Yikes, I must have done a boo-boo in the capture software or in the YT uploader, sorry.  :-X
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 13:05, 07 February 21
Time for an obscure Amstrad title and we have here Zap 't' Balls, an impressive-looking Pang clone. But is it any good or is it only graphics and no gameplay?

https://youtu.be/nVN0Ausl2DM
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:31, 08 February 21
Haven't watched it yet, but... "obscure"?? Come on man :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:04, 08 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:31, 08 February 21
Haven't watched it yet, but... "obscure"?? Come on man :D


Damn, those CPC experts!  :P


By 1992 I have regretfully abandoned the Amstrad, as did all of the Amstrad people I knew back then, so it is natural, I guess, that this one went under the radar.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:10, 08 February 21
Well, 'late', sure, but not really obscure, it was an important part of the CPC history.

By 1992 I had moved on to the 16-bitters and living the life with my 1040STFM, but as soon as I picked up the CPC bug again I came to know about it pretty soon :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:24, 08 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:10, 08 February 21
Well, 'late', sure, but not really obscure, it was an important part of the CPC history.


Well, either way, I am very happy to discover, even 30 years later, the CPC titles that I missed bitd.  :doh:
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 09:30, 15 February 21
For this review, we will be taking a look at Spindizzy Worlds. This is an isometric puzzle/action game that I feel doesn't get much love from the Amiga community. It is time to set the record straight!

https://youtu.be/IjK5gbJ_5Mw

Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 09:57, 16 February 21
Well it got plenty of attention in the ST world, and that's what matters :D

I remember this having me at the edge of my seat!!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:34, 16 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:57, 16 February 21
Well it got plenty of attention in the ST world, and that's what matters :D

I remember this having me at the edge of my seat!!


Atari ST fanboy detected, lol!  :P


I think you will be very happy with the next review....
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:48, 21 February 21
For the 50th review we have Alien Thing. This is an Atari ST exclusive, a blatant ripoff of Alien Breed, that came out quite late in the Atari ST's run. Let's see if it's any good or not.

https://youtu.be/m3M1uYu4LaU
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 09:10, 22 February 21
Alien Breed who? :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:28, 22 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:10, 22 February 21
Alien Breed who? :D


I know, I'd rather play Alien Thing any day!


How about the sequel, have you tried it?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:33, 22 February 21
Nope, or maybe I don't remember. Probably though, there was a time where I was checking all the CD menus on my MiST so I probably did but am forgetting about it? Was it any good?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:56, 22 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:33, 22 February 21
Nope, or maybe I don't remember. Probably though, there was a time where I was checking all the CD menus on my MiST so I probably did but am forgetting about it? Was it any good?


Haven't tried it yet, so I thought I'd ask the ST expert!  ;D


I will definitely check it out, but right now my ST affections are focused on another lovely title....
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:14, 22 February 21
What was the sequel called? Can't find anything on it!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:17, 22 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:14, 22 February 21
What was the sequel called? Can't find anything on it!


It's Alien Thing - The director's cut, I think.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VMLvCofupc
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:28, 22 February 21
Ah, but this was not released, perhaps a demo/beta build...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:33, 22 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:28, 22 February 21
Ah, but this was not released, perhaps a demo/beta build...


Bummer, I would have loved some more Alien Thing-ing.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:37, 22 February 21
Well by that time nobody really cared to be honest... we were not like the Amiga people praying to some unknown gods to save their platform :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:52, 22 February 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:37, 22 February 21
Well by that time nobody really cared to be honest... we were not like the Amiga people praying to some unknown gods to save their platform :D


Well, the writing was on the wall well before 1995, but that's another story, told a million times already.  :-X
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:07, 01 March 21
This is a special review, taking a look at In Shadow of Time, an unreleased point and click adventure game by Shadow Elks. The developers have generously allowed the release of the unfinished product and this review deals with whether this is one worthy of your attention or if you should dismiss it because of its unfinished status.

https://youtu.be/rx5Wfcr4Y4w
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Skunkfish on 23:13, 02 March 21
Ah, I remember seeing that adventure game in Amiga Format... I thought it looked cool at the time.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 23:31, 02 March 21
Quote from: Skunkfish on 23:13, 02 March 21
Ah, I remember seeing that adventure game in Amiga Format... I thought it looked cool at the time.


Indeed, mate, it looks pretty cool...and it plays the part as well! 8)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:02, 07 March 21
Returning to the Amstrad CPC for another promising title, Doomsday Lost Echoes, a 2016 text adventure in a sci-fi setting. Armed with bad typing skills, we set off to see if this is another gem for the Amstrad CPC....or not.

WARNING: Mild spoilers contained in the review, as well as an extended outro to substantiate my points.

https://youtu.be/SlOJCr0oCZ4
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 14:42, 08 March 21
Ah I was very eager to watch this but for the first time I find myself disagreeing with you so much. Of course you do say again and again what bothers you in text adventures but the parser? It's actually very neat considering the platform limitations. And unfortunately, you didn't even hint at the story, or at the innovations that the game engine was forced to serve...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 15:47, 08 March 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 14:42, 08 March 21
Ah I was very eager to watch this but for the first time I find myself disagreeing with you so much. Of course you do say again and again what bothers you in text adventures but the parser? It's actually very neat considering the platform limitations. And unfortunately, you didn't even hint at the story, or at the innovations that the game engine was forced to serve...


No problem with having different opinions, mate, but I feel that the parser kills this game and the video demonstrates this happening on several occasions (and the outro was unintentional, this was my genuine attempt and sentiment). Curse of Rabenstein was also developed for the CPC, but the parser was almost spot on (although a bit TOO player friendly at times). I was also really looking forward to playing this game, but I was left disappointed.


About the story, I tend to avoid doing giving it away, especially in adventure games. I prefer to stick with the initial premise of the game, so as to avoid any spoilers. I liked the story, the writing and the atmosphere of the game for what it's worth (and I think I mention these in the review).


About the innovations of the game engine, you mean the different endings?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:15, 14 March 21
It is time for another stinker review and what a game we have for you this time! Miami Mice, a game that has to be seen to be believed, one that, astonishingly, was commercially released. So be prepared for some Amiga beat'em up excitement!

https://youtu.be/WmUKkW0znMg
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 09:35, 18 March 21
I had no idea up to now about this game, HOWEVER when I was a kid my older cousin gave me a t-shirt that bore that same logo (but with two cool mice on the sides as well). I wonder if it was connected...


[EDIT] Why did I just share this? No idea.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:22, 18 March 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:35, 18 March 21
I had no idea up to now about this game, HOWEVER when I was a kid my older cousin gave me a t-shirt that bore that same logo (but with two cool mice on the sides as well). I wonder if it was connected...


[EDIT] Why did I just share this? No idea.


Sounds like a well-coordinated worldwide marketing conspiracy to get everybody addicted to Miami Mice.  :P
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:24, 18 March 21
Huge marketing budget, that game :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:26, 22 March 21
Time for yet another 8-bit adventure game, Caren and the Tangled Tentacles (Thank You edition)! This is a C64 point 'n' click title that looks very promising, but, as we have already seen in Retro Rant, looks can be deceiving and style over substance is a frequently encountered phenomenon in adventure-land. Watch this review and find out if this game is good...or not!

https://youtu.be/O4EhjbJSzUs
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:28, 22 March 21
Quote from: manossg on 11:26, 22 March 21Watch this review and find out if this game is good...or not!

It is, isn't it? :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:34, 22 March 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:28, 22 March 21
It is, isn't it? :D

*innocent whistling*
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:26, 30 March 21
Time for one of my all-time favorite Amiga games, Brutal Sports Series Football. In this review I will explain why I love this game and I hope that you will also give it some love!

https://youtu.be/7Y7G9RQ5kw0
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:48, 05 April 21
It is time to review a classic Amstrad CPC game, Boulder Dash, putting it to the Rant Test (TM) and determining if it is worth playing in the 21st century!

https://youtu.be/qOBgt13AWiw
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:46, 12 April 21
This review deals with a controversial point'n'click adventure game, Dreamweb, one that gets equally negative and positive marks. We will deal with all these here and determine whether this is a game worth playing...or not!

https://youtu.be/gqpbBxORPW8
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:03, 20 April 21
It is time for some speccy goodness, reviewing Castlevania: Spectral Interlude, an unofficial addition to the franchise from 2015. We shall see in this review, in typical Retro Rant fashion, if this highly praised title is any good...or not!

https://youtu.be/oOc3m_3LN8Y
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:47, 20 April 21
Dude, wrong forum.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:10, 20 April 21
 ???

Sub-forum: Other retro
Description: Not CPC-specific, but still retro-related!

I think I have posted in the right place. If not, feel free to move this thread to the appropriate sub-forum.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:14, 20 April 21
I'm trolling you man, never mind :D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:23, 20 April 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:14, 20 April 21
I'm trolling you man, never mind :D


:P
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:07, 27 April 21
This is Heart of the Alien, the sequel to Another World. A 1994 Sega CD exclusive that didn't come out for the Amiga until 2016. So let us see if we missed out on a great sequel back in the day!

https://youtu.be/ZnJj6XxAvVU
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:15, 27 April 21
Α big reason I'm sad I can't emulate the SCD on the Sg...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:23, 27 April 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:15, 27 April 21
Α big reason I'm sad I can't emulate the SCD on the Sg...


Have you played the original? I haven't, but, having watched some videos, I can say that the miggy port is almost identical!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:32, 27 April 21
Which original do you mean? The CD version of HotA? A bit, yes, but only emulated...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:44, 27 April 21
Ah, ok, nevermind, I hoped you could tell me how it compares. :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:47, 27 April 21
Nah apologies :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:25, 03 May 21
Licensed games on the home micros were a mixed bag back in the day, so let's take a look at one such game on the Amstrad CPC, Blues, Brother, which got a whopping 95% from Amstrad Action.

PS. Not 100% sure about the release date, since various sources mention this as a 1992 game, but the title screen says 1991.

https://youtu.be/tzWp-UMlhwo (https://youtu.be/tzWp-UMlhwo)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: eto on 11:49, 03 May 21
Quote from: manossg on 10:25, 03 May 21
which got a whopping 95% from Amstrad Action.

Unbelievable! What were they thinking? But also at the and of the Atari ST live, any game that was released received 80%+, probably just because it was released.

Btw: So funny, just when I thought "oh my god - and how awful is the music" you mention the great music :-D To me it sounds like one of these abysmal BASIC programs that try to play some tunes based on DATA statements without appropriate usage of envelopes. But hey, different opinions ;-)

Great review, thanks for that! I never came across this game - and now definitely will not try it out.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:12, 03 May 21
Quote from: eto on 11:49, 03 May 21
Unbelievable! What were they thinking? But also at the and of the Atari ST live, any game that was released received 80%+, probably just because it was released.

Btw: So funny, just when I thought "oh my god - and how awful is the music" you mention the great music :-D To me it sounds like one of these abysmal BASIC programs that try to play some tunes based on DATA statements without appropriate usage of envelopes. But hey, different opinions ;-)

Great review, thanks for that! I never came across this game - and now definitely will not try it out.


I don't think this thing would have gotten 95%, even if it was a game for the tiger handhelds! I would like to actually read this review, see how the hell they justify such a rating. :-\


About the music, well, I love it and I am not even a fan of the original versions!


Thank you for watching, mate!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:10, 10 May 21
It is time for the next part of my Amiga totally sacrilegious top 100 games!
https://youtu.be/Ix1kqA-XJls

Here is the playlist with the videos so far, in case you have missed any:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEl4_SLyU3avcv9Zrv3qwjoFSYYbQHE0c
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:17, 10 May 21
Nice trip down memory lane :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:31, 17 May 21
Time for James Pond - Underwater agent, a beloved Amiga platformer...let's see if it was truly a gem or if it was (sea) garbage.

https://youtu.be/eTa2qjrkB9I
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:05, 25 May 21
Time for a retro styled modern point 'n' click adventure game, Kathy Rain from 2016. This is a game that takes place in the 90ies, in which you control a badass biker that investigates the death of a relative and visits places riding her Corley motorcycle.

Warning: Some video and audio issues in the footage have to do with my recording setup and not with the game.

https://youtu.be/XhrwRObUIjk
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:19, 25 May 21
Honestly, never understood the combination of pixel/retro gfx with high-res 'modern' sketches...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:52, 25 May 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:19, 25 May 21
Honestly, never understood the combination of pixel/retro gfx with high-res 'modern' sketches...


I know what you mean, it doesn't always work, but I think it is very successful in this one. It gives me the feeling of delicious VGA graphics with a bit of modern polish.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:05, 02 June 21
Time for yet another recent Amiga release, Magica, a 2020 port of the 2016 Amstrad CPC single screen platformer by Juan Martinez. Is it a worthy addition to Amiga's library or not?

https://youtu.be/rjbwcD7wtOc
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:21, 02 June 21
Ah I remember this being a pleasant surprise :) The gfx are certainly not Amiga-level, but I remember it being quite smooth (smoother than the vid) and of course very enjoyable...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:34, 02 June 21
Yes, I was also pleasantly surprised by this one! I found the graphics upgrade pretty decent, but the best thing is the immense playability of the game, so big kudos to everybody involved!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 10:36, 02 June 21
True. I mean, even a version with placeholder gfx would be enjoyable because it's such a good game, but the upgrade was nice indeed :)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 11:08, 02 June 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:36, 02 June 21
True. I mean, even a version with placeholder gfx would be enjoyable because it's such a good game, but the upgrade was nice indeed :)


I agree 150%. Too bad bitd publishers often made the graphics a top priority (understandable, since screenshots sold copies) and the core gameplay was quite often an afterthought. Both Amstrad and Amiga owners got shafted numerous times because of that.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:03, 14 June 21
Returning to the wonderful world of the Amstrad CPC, putting an absolute classic game to the Rant Test, Bruce Lee.

https://youtu.be/Tjzws7udDgY
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:53, 19 June 21
For this review we will be taking a look at Pushover, my favourite Amiga puzzler of all time (yes, even more than Lemmings).

https://youtu.be/gFEFVCMU8YA
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 17:08, 19 June 21
Oooh I loved this so much on the ST! Was recently playing a Windows port!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 17:16, 19 June 21
A windows port? With the same levels? :D

Any links?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 18:56, 19 June 21
Sure :D https://www.google.com/search?q=pushover%20game%20windows%20remake

I have it on GOG, currently on sale. https://www.gog.com/game/pushover , €1,79 only though there are free versions too out there.

...and now I'm installing it on my phone because I can't resist. A truly excellent game! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaci.pushover&hl=en&gl=US
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:18, 19 June 21
This is so sweet, thanks! Especially the Android version!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 19:20, 19 June 21
Some half arsed implementation, but it seems to work fine...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:23, 19 June 21
It should be enough to give me my Pushover fix, since I finished the Amiga version and I am looking for more!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 19:27, 19 June 21
Well it's the same levels on each platform so I'm not sure what you'll get out of it😀

I don't remember if I had finished it on my 1040 but I played it way too much wondering why it's not more popular.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:47, 19 June 21
I don't think I remember the solutions to all of the levels, so some head-scratching will definitely be in order.

I took my sweet time in completing it, playing only one or two levels each day, also wondering why it didn't get more attention and recognition.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 10:46, 29 June 21
Time for yet another classic game, Oids for the Atari ST.

https://youtu.be/0nTQipKNHWI
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: SkulleateR on 14:24, 29 June 21
Nice 8) 8) 8) , this game made me want an Atari but I already got an Amiga and I could not afford it ...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 14:56, 29 June 21
Quote from: SkulleateR on 14:24, 29 June 21
Nice 8) 8) 8) , this game made me want an Atari but I already got an Amiga and I could not afford it ...


I am just glad I didn't know about this game bitd, would have been terribly jealous of ST owners!  :'(
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:06, 05 July 21
Time for the glorious Street Hassle, one of the best Amiga stinkers, a game with an awful premise and a brilliant art style!

https://youtu.be/QFc8wiJ_asM
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 14:06, 14 July 21
Oids was just quality...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:44, 23 September 21
After a (prolonged) summer vacation, here we are again, this time with the Sword of Ianna for the Amstrad CPC. This is a Prince-of-Persia-ish game with an interesting RPG twist. Let's find if it's as epic as it seems!

https://youtu.be/AQVGPlQOcrE
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 13:41, 23 September 21
Cracking loading screen!
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: eto on 14:37, 23 September 21
Quote from: manossg on 12:44, 23 September 21
Let's find if it's as epic as it seems!


One of the developers once told me that it's not a Speccy Port but an MSX port.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:40, 11 November 21
Time for another semi-obscure Amiga adventure game title, Ween: the Prophecy.

https://youtu.be/s2_MitD8alE
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:42, 11 November 21
Quote from: eto on 14:37, 23 September 21

One of the developers once told me that it's not a Speccy Port but an MSX port.


That's good to know, thanks! I am very jealous of the MSX version.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 13:26, 12 November 21
Quote from: manossg on 16:40, 11 November 21
Time for another semi-obscure Amiga adventure game title, Ween: the Prophecy.

https://youtu.be/s2_MitD8alE

Was it really that (semi) obscure?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 07:25, 14 November 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 13:26, 12 November 21
Was it really that (semi) obscure?


Not sure, but I rarely (=never) see Ween mentioned in reviews, adventure game lists (for the Amiga) and so on. Was it a prominent title on the Atari ST?
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 16:23, 15 November 21
Not sure, may have been; never played it but I've seen it being mentioned quite a few times... Not sure about the platform though.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:20, 14 December 21
Double the action! Triple the excitement! (NOT!)
It is time for yet another text adventure game, this time for the Amstrad CPC, the Hobbit, considered one of the most successful and accomplished titles. So let's put these claims to the Rant Test.

https://youtu.be/ckvHO3hziRE

Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 11:22, 15 December 21
Boy this looked like so much crap to me back in the day...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 13:05, 15 December 21
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:22, 15 December 21
Boy this looked like so much crap to me back in the day...


Yeah, I, too, wasn't impressed. Hope I'll get luckier with the next text adventure.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 08:18, 26 January 22
In another astoundingly exciting review of yet another text adventure game, this time Gnome Ranger for the Commodore Amiga. Let's see if this one is any good...or not.

https://youtu.be/Rt4RPL1kI4w (https://youtu.be/Rt4RPL1kI4)
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: ComSoft6128 on 11:53, 26 January 22
Sorry @manossg (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3713) but all I'm getting is this:


"An error occurred. Please try again later. (Playback ID: nx8STy5tyCFk_cZj)"
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:03, 26 January 22
Quote from: ComSoft6128 on 11:53, 26 January 22
Sorry @manossg (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3713) but all I'm getting is this:


"An error occurred. Please try again later. (Playback ID: nx8STy5tyCFk_cZj)"


Thanks for letting me know, bro! Link updated, I think it should work now.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: Gryzor on 12:16, 26 January 22
Hmm plays fine for me...
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 07:35, 07 April 22
Some people think that RPGs are for kids. Well, I bet they haven't seen Hired Sword 2, a 2020 game for the C64!

https://youtu.be/RAfoRE3GZdM
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 15:40, 25 November 22
Well, it's been a while since my last retro game review, so here is a special treat for you, 2064 for the PC, a 'cyberpunk point and click, inspired by Gabriel Knight'. Yeah, right.
(sorry for the low video quality, you are not missing much, though)

https://youtu.be/RJgfmYkXRls
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 16:42, 24 December 22
Time to return to the Amiga with Chip's Challenge, a classic puzzle game. Is it truly worth playing today?

https://youtu.be/h0AV5VPTiJY
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: TotO on 16:49, 24 December 22
Amiga? It can be a GX4000 game.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 21:52, 24 December 22
Quote from: TotO on 16:49, 24 December 22Amiga? It can be a GX4000 game.

That sounds like a good idea for some Amstrad vengeance, considering the piss poor port the CPC got.  ;D
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: andycadley on 09:29, 25 December 22
Quote from: manossg on 21:52, 24 December 22
Quote from: TotO on 16:49, 24 December 22Amiga? It can be a GX4000 game.

That sounds like a good idea for some Amstrad vengeance, considering the piss poor port the CPC got.  ;D
I remember the Lynx version being highly praised, I think it just worked really well as a portable game you could drop in and out of. I don't remember any of the home ports being much cop though.
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 09:53, 25 December 22
Quote from: andycadley on 09:29, 25 December 22
Quote from: manossg on 21:52, 24 December 22
Quote from: TotO on 16:49, 24 December 22Amiga? It can be a GX4000 game.

That sounds like a good idea for some Amstrad vengeance, considering the piss poor port the CPC got.  ;D
I remember the Lynx version being highly praised, I think it just worked really well as a portable game you could drop in and out of. I don't remember any of the home ports being much cop though.

I have never seen the original Lynx version, but I guess having a handheld version as the original explains the small visible screen area. :/ 
About the ports, the Amiga isn't that bad, the C64 was quite playable but the graphics weren't very clear and...the Amstrad one was impressively (and painfully) a dog. 
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:41, 06 January 23
After what seems like ages, time to return to the Amstrad CPC. We will be reviewing yet another puzzler, Jewel Warehouse 1, released in 2016 by Egotrip.

https://youtu.be/NmLt8hxBaeI
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:36, 18 January 23
Well, it is about time we returned to the point'n'click genre, reviewing thε Amiga port of Cruise for a Corpse, released in 1991 by Delphine. This is one that gets very high ratings so it must be a classic...or maybe not?

https://youtu.be/R6-svriH64k
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 12:45, 02 February 23
A review of yet another classic, the first Tomb Raider, through the nothing-is-sacred lens of retro rant. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/m9pwgPwIBEs
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 19:09, 21 February 23
For this review we have a modern but retro themed point'n'click, Perfect Tides, released in 2022. This is a title that has been universally praised with very high ratings and overwhelmingly positive reviews, but is it truly worthwhile?

https://youtu.be/7lzB7-6CdTY
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:08, 08 March 23
Well, time for a platformer for the Commodore Amiga, one that has been trashed by the press, receiving very low ratings, Charlie J. Cool, released in 1996.

https://youtu.be/1CQf3Zzs8hg
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:11, 18 March 23
Ah, time for another exciting text adventure game review, this time a recent ZX Spectrum game, Donum, released by Bitfans in 2022!

https://youtu.be/uaL__jxBkCI
Title: Re: Retro Rant - Gaming Review Youtube Channel
Post by: manossg on 18:06, 02 May 23
Well, time for putting another absolute classic to the rant test, this time a dungeon crawler, Ultima Underworld 1.

https://youtu.be/SJfigjPNqr0
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