• Tag Archives 1996

  • Alien Trilogy (1996)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Advertisement for Alien Trilogy by Acclaim for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and MS-DOS computers.

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/155813677989/vgjunk-advert-for-alien-trilogy

    Advertisement for Alien Trilogy by Acclaim for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and MS-DOS computers.

    Released in 1996, Alien Trilogy was one of a vast ocean of Doom and Quake clones released throughout the mid to late 1990s. Despite being a lesser known title (the game, not the movies which are obviously well known), this one was really of above average quality. It was often praised for its frightening atmosphere, sound and above average graphics. Unlike most FPS type games of the time it was also released first on consoles (the PlayStation and Sega Saturn) before being released on the PC. At the time, PCs were generally far superior for this sort of game but Alien Trilogy was quite good on the consoles as well.

    While excellent on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation (or PS2), it is still probably best played on a computer. However, the game systems are an easier choice if you happen to have one. Alien Trilogy was re-released only briefly via Throwback Entertainment (who bought the right to all Acclaim games as I understand it) on their Zoom platform (which I had never heard of but it appears to be a GoG like place for downloading DRM free older games fixed for new systems at a low cost) a year or so ago but was only there briefly. I suspect licensing issues given the involvement of the Alien franchise. You might be able to find that version floating out on the internet somewhere obtainable in questionably legal ways…otherwise you would have to have a period DOS computer set up or perhaps DOS Box configured to get the PC experience.

    Screen shots above are from the DOS version of the game.


    📂This entry was posted in Computer Arcana DOS PlayStation Retro Games Sega Saturn 📎and tagged

  • Tomb Raider Preview (Sega Saturn)

    Posted on by Azrael 1 Comment

     

    EGM #89, December 1996 – Preview of the Saturn version of Tomb Raider!

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/150925669434/oldgamemags-egm-89-december-1996-preview-of






    📂This entry was posted in Retro Games Sega Saturn 📎and tagged

  • Review: Heretic (DOS)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Review of the PC game Heretic from issue number 4 (1996) of Maximum.

    MAXIMUM 4 -155

    Source: Maximum – Issue Number 4 – 1996 – Page 156 (Maximum Reviews) – – Heretic (DOS)

    Heretic is a game for DOS based computers that was originally released as shareware in 1994. Built on the Doom engine, it looked and played in a very similar manner and was probably 2nd in popularity only to Doom. It did offer a few enhancements like the ability to look up and down and the ability to fly.

    Similar to Doom, Heretic was a game split into three episodes with the first being released as shareware. Eventually, after the sequel Hexen was released, a full retail version of Heretic was also released. The game had been around for almost two years at that point. It did, however, feature numerous extra levels so it was worth buying if you were a fan of the game.

    While Doom was a horror themed game and featured realistic and sci-fi weapons, Hexen was fantasy based. From what I remember, levels in Heretic also tended to be larger and more open than those in Doom. Deathmatch was still fun but it was definitely a different experience. It felt more like a game of hide-and-seek. One of the funniest aspects of the game was being able to turn your opponent into a chicken. The effect was only temporary though.

    Heretic and its sequels, Hexen and Hexen II are available on Steem (though not GoG last I checked). It’s also easily obtainable elsewhere as long as you feel comfortable setting up DOS Box or have DOS based PC to play it on. I still think these games are fun though I’ve rarely played first person shooters since.

    The review above is for the later commercial release in 1996 and is from issue number 4 of Maximum.


    📂This entry was posted in Computer Arcana DOS Retro Games 📎and tagged