Retro Spectrum goodness
All right, there's been enough of AAA titles and big consoles on Barts News recently, time to see what's cooking in the Indie Community. Other than very pretty Legend of Iya (check this blip for image and links), I had a very pleasant surprise in the form of L'Abbaye des Morts, a game so retro that it looks like taken straight back from the past. Were it not for the lack of colour clash (this is actually a good thing), I would have sworn it was a ZX Spectrum title. As it is, it looks more like a very faithful port.
L'Abbaye des Morts comes from Locomalito, the talented developer behind Hydorah (excellent retro shoot'em up, which I admit not having played, since I suck at shmups, especially hardcore ones) and 8-bit Killer (fun little 3D shooter). Here's what the author has to say about his creation:
All right, there's been enough of AAA titles and big consoles on Barts News recently, time to see what's cooking in the Indie Community. Other than very pretty Legend of Iya (check this blip for image and links), I had a very pleasant surprise in the form of L'Abbaye des Morts, a game so retro that it looks like taken straight back from the past. Were it not for the lack of colour clash (this is actually a good thing), I would have sworn it was a ZX Spectrum title. As it is, it looks more like a very faithful port.
L'Abbaye des Morts comes from Locomalito, the talented developer behind Hydorah (excellent retro shoot'em up, which I admit not having played, since I suck at shmups, especially hardcore ones) and 8-bit Killer (fun little 3D shooter). Here's what the author has to say about his creation:
- A style close to Spectrum ZX
- Very simple controls (Left, right and jump)
- 23 screens to explore
- 16 colors palette, 1 color per sprite
- 1 channel monophonic music,
using only squarewave form - Secrets and hints to collect items
- About 40 minutes of gameplay,
or 10 minutes if you know what to do
Additionally, I may add that the ending is very smart and as thought-provoking as such simple quasi-8bit game can get. In order to see how the game plays, have a look at the short preview below:
Locomalito scores additional bonus points for providing retro game cover and game soundtrack together with L'Abbaye des Morts. It's little things like this that separate great indie developers from merely good ones. I sincerely recommend that you check the game page and give it a try, as well browse Locomalito's website and maybe throw him a penny or two via PayPal.
Also, if you get lost in the game, you can check this pretty map - it made me recall the old days when we had to resort to maps printed in now vintage computer magazines. Additionally, you can use it as a retro-themed wallpaper.
[ via IndieGames ]
