Published by Ocean Software in 1986, the MSX version of Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond‘s classic isometric platform game is just as good as the original Spectrum version, if not better.
Tag Archives: maze
Alien Syndrome, Game Gear
The Game Gear conversion of Sega‘s arcade hit, Alien Syndrome, was developed by SIMS Co., Ltd. and first published in 1992. It’s a decent adaptation, but is for one player only (there’s no two player link-up).
Pengo, Game Gear
Sega‘s classic ice-pushing arcade maze game, Pengo, is well-represented on the Game Gear, with this jolly conversion by Coreland Technology (the original developer of Pengo arcade). It was first released in 1990 in Japan, and 1991 in Europe. It doesn’t look like it had a North American release.
Ranarama, Amstrad CPC
The Amstrad version of Steve Turner‘s Ranarama is every bit as good as the Spectrum original, although it is probably fair to say that it isn’t quite as colourful. It still looks good, though. And – even more importantly – it plays just as good, if not better, than the original.
Ms. Pac-Man, Game Gear
Developed by Namco Hometek, Inc. and published by Namco in 1993, the Game Gear version of Ms. Pac-Man is arguably the best handheld version of the classic arcade game. Maybe even the best home version entirely.
Ms. Pac-Man, Game Boy
The Game Boy conversion of the classic Ms. Pac-Man was developed by Namco Hometek, Inc. and published by Namco in 1993.
Spindizzy, ZX Spectrum
Originating on the Amstrad CPC, Spindizzy is a genius piece of coding and game design. It is an isometric exploration game, where you play as a spinning gyroscope (called GERALD) trying to collect gems across a large map of screens. It was designed by Paul Shirley, and the Spectrum port was handled by Phil Churchyard. Spindizzy on the Spectrum was published by Electric Dreams in 1986.
Melkhior’s Mansion, PC
Another superb tribute to Ultimate‘s isometric adventures, this one called Melkhior’s Mansion. It was created by BitGlint Games and could be described as an “isometric Atic Atac“, although there is definitely more to it than that.
Wycheweald, ZX Spectrum
Wycheweald is a rare thing on the ZX Spectrum – an actual Role-Playing Game, with a first-person viewpoint and turn-based combat. It was created by Red Zebra and first released in 2023. And, while it is a little slow to play, it is well presented and quite absorbing. That is: if you like these kinds of esoteric RPGs. Which I do! 🙂
Pac-Man Arcade, ZX Spectrum
Written by Marco Leal and first released in 2023, Pac-Man Arcade on the ZX Spectrum is about as close as you could possibly get to the original Pac-Man, without using voodoo.
