Ersh wrote: ↑Tue Oct 16, 2018 3:49 pm
Also, the way it was developed is pretty insane as well.
Fixed.
I'm referring to David writing the machine code on paper and Helen inputting it, but yep—it's still impressive
It's interesting that the graphics were done by a friend with a background in graphic design, but no familiarity with the Spectrum (that's the impression I have anyway). I wonder if that's what gave it the fresh cartoon style that stands out from most other 1984 releases.
I'm referring to David writing the machine code on paper and Helen inputting it, but yep—it's still impressive
It's interesting that the graphics were done by a friend with a background in graphic design, but no familiarity with the Spectrum (that's the impression I have anyway). I wonder if that's what gave it the fresh cartoon style that stands out from most other 1984 releases.
Pretty much! It's hard to wrap my head around the patience and dedication needed for that sort of development. Doing it all on paper then getting it into the computer byte by byte, Zen mastery required surely.
Yeah, love the graphics in the Microsphere trilogy, instantly recognisable and charming as hell.
The good point of Skool Daze is its originality (I don't think it was coded a similar game before for any computer/console) and that you could act in the game as you was those days, a student (and do things you can't usually do! )
This is waaaaaaaaay too hard to pick only one. Many classics here, many with awesome gameplay, many that i can still play today and sometimes do! I thought it would be easy to choose Starquake but how can i not choose Skool Daze. Sabre Wulf is a true classic, and that octopus in Scuba Dive...
I've gone for Skool Daze but i feel really bad as Starquake has probably had more playtime from me.
Toughest letter yet. Think it should be split into two halves to be honest so we can pick two
I don't have anything cool to put here, so i'll just be off now to see a priest with yeast stuck between his teeth and his friend called Keith who's a hairpiece thief...
Ah, now Starstrike II I don't remember seeing. Genuine mistake. However, 3D Starstrike does not fit this list (nor does 3D Seiddab Attack), as it's going to the numeric poll I'll carry out, just after Z.
When I was compiling the list and putting in all the url and img tags, Sim City really leapt out at me. I spent months playing that game in the twilight years of my Spectrum's life. Offered almost the same experience as the 16-bit versions. Absolutely immersive.
I hit the submit button, I gave the list a look and I had to go for the first thing listed on it, no question - Saboteur! That's fantastic, another immersive game with lots of explore. I think it's better than Sim City.
Silkworm was pretty good; I too really enjoyed the fairly unknown budget gem Sceptre of Bagdad (really pleased it's got a following here) and the game that's absolutely way out in front - Skool Daze - is highly commendable indeed.
Don't mind any of them lot winning. Looks like Skool Daze has got it.
Difficult choice, a few really good titles. I'm going for Slightly Magic because I played it multiple times even after beating it and never got bored. I can even forgive the one really dodgy rhyme in it. It won't win, but heh ho.
WIWC wrote: ↑Wed Oct 17, 2018 1:00 pm
Returning to the S, I'm surprised by Saboteur poor performance.
It was my second choice. There's so much quality here, it feels like a second round of votes.
They should have called it Ninja Commando. Not only would it have sold better, as everyone was ninja-crazy in the 80s, it would have pissed all over Nebulus in the 'N' poll. Shame Durell lacked the foresight.
I voted for Samurai Warrior in the end, it's a shame these polls don't allow a maximum of three votes per user as it would make things a lot more open.
Just for the record my second and third votes would have gone to Skool Daze and Stormbringer.