Recente recensies door Arc

Mystical is a 1990 action-puzzle game that feels like a time capsule from an era when simplicity and creativity defined gaming. It’s not a game you’d pick up for groundbreaking mechanics or stunning visuals—it’s a straightforward retro experience that appeals mostly to those with nostalgia for early '90s games or an interest in gaming history.

The gameplay revolves around exploring whimsical environments, defeating enemies, and solving simple puzzles. The controls are basic and may feel clunky compared to modern standards, but they do their job. You’ll spend your time navigating through levels that are linear and intuitive, though they might feel repetitive after a while. It’s easy to see the charm in its simplicity if you go into it with the right expectations.

Visually, Mystical is dated, as expected for its 1990 release. The pixelated graphics and stiff animations are reminiscent of the limitations of the time, but they hold a certain charm for those who appreciate retro aesthetics. The bright color palette stands out, and while the environments are minimalistic, they convey the game’s quirky, magical theme. The audio matches the visual style—basic, repetitive, but oddly endearing for what it is.

The game’s short length is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it’s a quick playthrough that won’t overstay its welcome. On the other hand, it might feel too simple or lacking in substance for gamers used to more complex modern titles. However, that brevity also makes it approachable, especially for retrogamers looking for a casual dive into gaming’s past.

For retrogaming enthusiasts, Mystical serves as a fun, lighthearted throwback to an era when games didn’t need to be epic to entertain. If you can look past its outdated graphics and mechanics, you’ll find a charming little adventure that offers a brief but enjoyable journey through a bygone era of gaming. For anyone else, it’s a piece of history worth exploring, especially on sale, but with tempered expectations.

Knights of the Sky is a classic flight simulation game set during World War I. Originally released in 1990, it captures the excitement and danger of being a fighter pilot in the era of biplanes and dogfights. For its time, the game offered an impressive blend of action, strategy, and simulation, and while it’s definitely dated by modern standards, it’s still a solid experience for retro gaming fans.

The gameplay focuses on aerial combat, with missions like intercepting enemy bombers, defending allies, and engaging in intense dogfights. You can choose to play in a freeform campaign or tackle individual missions, and the game allows you to customize your aircraft and tactics. One of the unique features is its rival system—enemy aces will challenge you repeatedly, making them feel like personal adversaries throughout the campaign.

Visually, it’s what you’d expect from a game of that era: simple, pixelated graphics, but they do a great job setting the mood. The skies are expansive, and while the ground details are sparse, the game's focus is clearly on the action in the air. The sound effects, like engine noise and gunfire, are basic but effective enough to pull you into the action.

What makes Knights of the Sky memorable is how it balances realism and playability. The flight controls are approachable, and while the game doesn't demand mastery of complex mechanics, it still offers enough challenge to keep things engaging. It's accessible but rewarding, which is probably why so many people remember it fondly.

That said, it’s not without its flaws. Missions can feel repetitive after a while, and the game’s AI isn’t particularly sophisticated. Still, for a game from 1990, it does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of WWI aerial combat. If you’re a fan of retro sims or want to see what early flight combat games were like, Knights of the Sky is worth a shot. It’s not groundbreaking by today’s standards, but it’s a good oldie that still has its charm.

The Quest for Glory Collection is a fantastic compilation for fans of adventure and role-playing games, especially those with a love for Sierra's unique style. The series blends adventure game mechanics with RPG elements, offering a mix of exploration, puzzles, combat, and character progression. Each game allows players to choose between Fighter, Magic User, and Thief classes, which changes how you approach challenges and adds replayability.

Yes, the graphics and interface are dated, as the first game dates back to the late 1980s, but that's part of its charm. The pixel art and MIDI soundtracks evoke a sense of nostalgia, capturing a time when games relied more on imagination and ingenuity. If you’re willing to accept the limitations of older technology, the games are still incredibly enjoyable and well-written.

The series takes you through a variety of settings, from a medieval valley to an Arabian Nights-inspired desert and beyond, offering a mix of humor, whimsy, and occasional darker tones. The characters are memorable, and the games' ability to import your hero from one installment to the next adds a personal touch to the journey.

For those revisiting the series, these games will spark memories of childhood gaming sessions. For newcomers, they’re a fascinating look into how games have evolved over the decades. They offer a slower-paced, laid-back experience that emphasizes creativity and storytelling over action-packed gameplay. If you’re patient and play them for the joy of exploring a well-crafted world, they’ll reward you with hours of entertainment.

Whether you’re diving in for nostalgia or out of curiosity about gaming history, Quest for Glory is a must-try collection for adventure and RPG fans. Just remember to save often—this is classic Sierra, after all! Recommended for retrogamers and anyone interested in gaming’s roots.

Superb pack.

Tomb Raider (1996) – Review

The first Tomb Raider was a big deal when it came out. It set a new standard for action-adventure games, with its mix of exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving in a fully 3D world. You step into the boots of Lara Croft, an archaeologist and adventurer on a quest to uncover ancient secrets. But let’s be real—while it was groundbreaking back then, the game hasn’t aged as gracefully as some of its peers from the ‘90s.

Story and Setting (Without Spoilers)

The story sends you on a globe-trotting journey, starting in Peru and spanning locations like Greece and Egypt, hunting for pieces of an artifact called the Scion. Each area has a unique look and feel, from the snowy mountains of the Andes to the ancient ruins of lost civilizations. The atmosphere is impressive, with quiet moments that let you feel the isolation and danger of these mysterious places.

The plot is serviceable—it gets you from one set piece to another. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s enough to keep you moving forward.

Gameplay

This is where the game both shines and shows its age.

What Works Well

Exploration and Level Design: The levels are massive, and the focus on non-linear exploration was unique at the time. You have to figure out where to go and how to get there, which feels rewarding when you succeed.
Puzzles: The game’s puzzles require some thought. They’re usually tied to the environment, like figuring out how to unlock doors or move objects to progress.
Combat: It’s simple but functional. You’ll face a mix of wild animals and human enemies. Some encounters, especially with larger creatures, still hold up as thrilling.

What Hasn’t Aged Well

Controls: Early 3D platforming games often had clunky controls, and Tomb Raider is no exception. Jumping between platforms can be frustrating, and the grid-based movement feels stiff by today’s standards.
Camera: The camera fights you constantly. It’s hard to get a good angle during tricky jumps or combat sequences.
Graphics: The blocky visuals and early 3D models haven’t held up. While they were revolutionary at the time, they look rough now, especially compared to hand-drawn art in 2D games of the same era.

Hints for Playing

Save Often: The game has manual save points, so use them liberally—especially before tricky jumps or combat.
Take Your Time: Rushing through puzzles or exploration often leads to mistakes. Slow and steady wins the race here.
Combat Strategy: Learn to sidestep and use Lara’s acrobatics to avoid enemy attacks while you shoot.
Watch Your Supplies: Ammo and health packs aren’t infinite, so don’t waste them.

Music and Atmosphere

One area where Tomb Raider still shines is its atmosphere. The minimalist soundtrack, with music only kicking in during key moments, helps build tension and immersion. Ambient sounds like dripping water, footsteps, and animal growls do a lot to draw you into the world.

Why It’s Groundbreaking

At the time, Tomb Raider was revolutionary for giving players a massive 3D world to explore with a female protagonist. It set the stage for countless action-adventure games to follow. Lara Croft became an icon, and the series laid the groundwork for future classics.

Should You Play It Today?

If you’re a hardcore retro gamer or have a lot of nostalgia for it, the original Tomb Raider is worth revisiting. But for most players, it’s probably better to check out one of the remastered versions or the 2013 reboot, which captures the spirit of the original while modernizing the gameplay.

Final Thoughts

While Tomb Raider is undeniably a classic, it’s more of a museum piece now—a game you appreciate for what it achieved rather than how it plays today. For the best experience, keep your expectations in check and maybe look for a remaster or remake to enjoy its legacy with fewer headaches.

Score: 4/10 for modern players, but a solid 10/10 for its historical importance.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure – Review

If you love classic point-and-click adventure games, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a must-play. Released by Lucasfilm Games in 1989, this game is a faithful adaptation of the movie but goes a step further with unique mechanics and a chance to shape the story in small ways. It’s a masterpiece of its era and still stands out as one of the best adventure games.

Story and Setting

The game closely follows the events of the movie, with some added content to expand the narrative and gameplay. You step into Indiana Jones’s boots to search for the Holy Grail, all while solving puzzles, outwitting Nazis, and traveling to exotic locations. From the halls of Barnett College to bustling Venice, and finally to treacherous desert landscapes, the game captures the feeling of an epic adventure.

Each location is distinct and atmospheric, thanks to the well-drawn pixel art and clever use of music. The settings feel alive and brimming with detail, encouraging exploration.

Gameplay

Last Crusade is a true Lucasfilm Games classic. It’s packed with inventory-based puzzles, dialogue choices, and exploration. What makes it stand out are the Indy Quotient (IQ) points—a scoring system that rewards creative solutions. You can often solve puzzles in more than one way, which adds replay value.

Combat sequences also add variety, though they’re not the game’s strongest point. You’ll have the chance to fistfight your way through some encounters, but strategy often wins out over brute force, just as Indy would prefer.

The puzzles are challenging but logical. They’ll test your observation skills and memory (keep a notebook handy for certain parts). The game also respects the player’s intelligence, often letting you fail and learn from your mistakes rather than holding your hand.

Hints for Enjoying the Game (Without Spoilers)

Read your Grail Diary: It’s a key part of the game and essential for solving puzzles. It’s also a fun in-game document that fleshes out the story.
Think like Indy: Not every problem can be solved with fists. Use your wits, charm, and sometimes plain old trickery to progress.
Save often: Like many games of the time, you can die or fail certain sequences, so it’s good to have multiple save points.
Explore dialogue options: Conversations can provide important hints or even alternate ways to tackle problems.

Music and Atmosphere

The soundtrack borrows themes from John Williams’s iconic movie score, adding to the immersion. Even with the limitations of 1980s technology, the music is memorable and captures the adventurous spirit of the series. Combined with the visuals, the atmosphere is spot-on, pulling you right into the world of Indiana Jones.

Why It’s a Masterpiece

What makes Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade stand out is how it merges storytelling with player choice. It’s not just about following the movie’s script—it’s about experiencing it in your own way. The humor, clever writing, and engaging puzzles make it timeless.

While some mechanics might feel clunky compared to modern games, they’re part of the charm. This game is a reminder of why Lucasfilm Games became a gold standard for adventure games.

Final Thoughts

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is more than just a tie-in game; it’s a brilliant piece of interactive storytelling. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering it for the first time, it’s an unforgettable adventure.

Score: 10/10. Classic, challenging, and worth every minute.

Gabriel Knight 2: The Beast Within - Review

If you enjoy story-driven games that demand your attention, Gabriel Knight 2: The Beast Within is a standout. Released in 1995, it represents a time when games were experimenting with FMV (full-motion video), pushing the boundaries of narrative immersion. This is a title for those who value atmosphere, storytelling, and rich, complex characters. Simply put: this game is a masterpiece.

Story and Setting

The game transports you to a beautifully rendered version of 1990s Bavaria, with its quaint villages, misty forests, and grand castles. From the moment you start, you feel like you’ve stepped into a Gothic thriller. Gabriel Knight, now a Schattenjäger (Shadow Hunter), is investigating a string of murders with ties to werewolf folklore. Without spoiling anything, the story delves into themes of human nature, history, and the supernatural, masterfully balancing suspense with emotional depth.

The locales are a huge part of what makes the game so captivating. You’ll explore everything from humble town squares to opulent halls inspired by the historical legacy of King Ludwig II. The attention to detail in these environments gives the game a cinematic quality, even decades later.

Music: The Soul of the Game

The music in The Beast Within is nothing short of brilliant. The haunting score, blending classical and Gothic influences, elevates every scene. It underscores the mystery, adds emotional weight to key moments, and makes the game’s setting feel alive. Even now, listening to the soundtrack can transport you back to that eerie Bavarian countryside. The music isn’t just background—it’s an essential part of the game’s identity.

Gameplay

The gameplay centers around exploration, dialogue, and puzzles. It’s classic adventure gaming, but with a twist: you control both Gabriel and his partner, Grace, in alternating chapters. This dual perspective lets you see different sides of the story and adds layers to the narrative.

Puzzles range from straightforward to challenging, but they’re almost always logical and tied to the story. The game expects you to think, observe, and connect the dots. For example, paying attention to small details in the environment or in conversations is often key to progressing.

If you’re new to FMV games, the controls might feel clunky at first. Movement is slower, and interacting with certain objects can be fiddly. However, these quirks are minor compared to the payoff of experiencing such a rich, layered story.

Visuals: A Snapshot of the Era

The FMV visuals were groundbreaking for their time and still give the game a unique charm. While the acting can sometimes feel theatrical, it fits the dramatic tone of the story. The live-action sequences add weight to the characters, making them feel more real than the pixelated sprites of most games from the era.

Hints for Enjoying the Story (Without Spoilers)

Pay attention to King Ludwig II’s historical significance. The game weaves his legacy into the story in a way that feels both educational and compelling.
Explore every location thoroughly. Some of the most memorable moments come from observing the small details in the world around you.
Don’t rush. Let yourself soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the slower pacing. This is a game that rewards patience.

Why It’s Still Special

Gabriel Knight 2: The Beast Within isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. It’s a masterclass in how to tell a story through interactive media. Even if FMV isn’t your thing, the strength of the writing, the depth of the characters, and the evocative setting make it worth playing.

It’s a game that sticks with you long after the credits roll, not just because of its twists and turns but because of how deeply it immerses you in its world.

Final Thoughts

For those who appreciate atmospheric, thought-provoking games, The Beast Within is a treasure. It’s a Gothic mystery that feels timeless, even with its dated mechanics. Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting it or a newcomer curious about retro adventures, this game deserves a spot on your list.

Score: 10/10.

7th Legion Review

If I could sum up 7th Legion in one sentence, it’d be: “A poorly aged RTS that doesn’t live up to its potential.” Released in 1997, it tries to offer fast-paced real-time strategy gameplay but ultimately misses the mark in almost every way.

Gameplay

At its core, 7th Legion is an RTS game where you build units, manage resources, and fight enemies in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world. But calling it a strategy game feels generous because there’s very little actual strategy involved. Most of the time, success boils down to spamming units (a classic "zerg rush") and hoping for the best. Forget tactics or clever gameplay—this game rewards brute force over planning.

The pathfinding, though, is downright atrocious. Units constantly get stuck on terrain or take bafflingly inefficient routes, making it more of a chore to manage them than it should be. Combine that with a lack of unit variety and shallow mechanics, and you’re left with something that feels more frustrating than fun.

Technical Issues

Trying to play this on a modern system? Good luck. The game is horribly broken out of the box, requiring several workarounds just to get it running. For me, it only worked because of helpful posts from Steam users who shared fixes. Without their guidance, I’d have given up entirely. Even after getting it to launch, I encountered crashes and odd glitches.

If you don’t want to deal with tweaking compatibility settings or downloading third-party fixes, this game isn’t worth your time.

Atmosphere

Credit where it’s due: the game’s visuals and sound design are decent for its time. The art style captures a gritty, dystopian vibe that feels unique. The cinematic cutscenes are probably its best feature, delivering some cheesy late-90s charm. Unfortunately, the shallow gameplay doesn’t match the effort put into the atmosphere.

Final Verdict

7th Legion is a mess. Between its broken systems, lack of strategy, and dated mechanics, it’s hard to recommend this game to anyone except the most die-hard retro RTS enthusiasts. Even then, you’d need the patience of a saint to deal with its technical problems.

Save your money and your sanity. There are better classic RTS games from this era (Starcraft, Command & Conquer) that still hold up today.

Score: 3/10.

Hostage: Rescue Mission Review

If you’re into tactical games or retro classics, Hostage: Rescue Mission is worth a look. Released in 1988, it’s a pioneering title in the tactical shooter genre and feels like a precursor to games like Rainbow Six. The premise is straightforward: you control an anti-terrorist squad tasked with rescuing hostages from an embassy overrun by armed enemies. The game is likely inspired by real-life events, such as the SAS operation during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London.

Sadly this Steam port is not superb Amiga version with nice music and graphic but abysmal DOS version. Not to mention they just threw it in dosbox and did zero QC to check if game works fine. There is no controller support and game has incredible lag among other issues.

Gameplay

The game plays out in three distinct phases:

Sniper Cover:
You start by positioning snipers to provide overwatch. This phase is tense, requiring precision and timing to eliminate threats before your assault team moves in.

Infiltration:
Next, you control operatives as they rappel down the embassy building and enter through windows. This part is all about timing and stealth; move too fast, and you’ll alert the enemies, but move too slow, and hostages might be harmed.

Hostage Rescue:
Finally, you guide your team inside the building to locate and extract the hostages safely. This phase requires careful planning and quick reflexes, as enemies are hiding and waiting to ambush you.

Each phase feels distinct, and the game makes you think on your feet while testing your reflexes.

Atmosphere

For its time, Hostage: Rescue Mission builds tension remarkably well. The minimalistic graphics get the job done, with simple but effective character animations. The rappelling scenes are especially memorable, as they nail the feeling of sneaking into a hostile environment.

The sound design is basic but atmospheric, with sparse effects that keep you on edge. The quiet moments, broken by the occasional gunshot, add to the immersion.

What Makes It Stand Out

What’s impressive about Hostage: Rescue Mission is how much it accomplished with limited hardware. It’s one of the earliest games to mix action, strategy, and stealth in such a compelling way. The mission-based structure and realistic (for its time) depiction of counter-terrorism operations made it stand out in a sea of straightforward shooters.

The game doesn’t spoon-feed you solutions. You’re expected to think tactically, experiment, and adapt. This level of challenge gives it a timeless quality, even if the controls and mechanics feel clunky compared to modern games.

Weaknesses

Like many older games, Hostage has its share of quirks. The controls can feel unresponsive, especially during the infiltration phase. The AI is basic, and enemies follow predictable patterns, which can take some of the tension out of the experience once you figure them out.

Additionally, there’s not much replay value beyond mastering the handful of missions. Still, the game’s short length fits its arcade-like nature, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Final Thoughts

Hostage: Rescue Mission is a fascinating slice of gaming history. It might feel dated in some areas, but its mix of strategy, stealth, and action still holds up as a fun and challenging experience. If you’re a fan of tactical games or want to see where the genre began, it’s worth playing.

Verdict: A trailblazer that’s still enjoyable, especially for fans of retro games or tactical shooters.

Score of game: 7/10.
Score of Steam port: 1/10

Drakkhen Review

If you like exploring unusual and experimental RPGs from the past, Drakkhen is worth checking out. Originally released in 1989, this game stands out for its unique atmosphere and its mix of traditional RPG elements with some really odd design choices. It’s not a perfect game by any means, but it has a strange charm that keeps pulling you in—especially if you enjoy retro games or missed it back in the day.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Drakkhen is both its strength and weakness. The game is an open-world RPG where you explore a mysterious land filled with dangerous creatures, cryptic NPCs, and the titular dragon-like Drakkhen rulers. There’s little hand-holding, so you’re often left figuring things out on your own—something I personally enjoy, but I can see how it might frustrate players who prefer more structure.

Combat is real-time but automated, which means you spend more time strategizing before a fight than actively controlling it. For some, this is a downside, as it can feel like you’re just watching your party fight instead of actively participating.

Atmosphere and Graphics

What really sets Drakkhen apart is its mood. The game creates an eerie and mysterious vibe that’s hard to describe. Part of this comes from its unique 3D overworld graphics. For a game from the late '80s, the ability to travel a pseudo-3D environment with day-night cycles was pretty impressive. But let’s be honest: the visuals haven’t aged well, and the color palette is strange, even jarring at times. That said, this weird aesthetic gives the game its own identity.

The music and sound effects are minimal but effective, adding to the overall sense of mystery.

Puzzles and Exploration

One thing I liked about Drakkhen was how it encouraged exploration. It doesn’t guide you much, so you’re left to wander the world, stumbling upon quests, dungeons, and encounters. However, this also means you can get lost or stuck pretty easily, especially with some of the game’s more obscure puzzles. A lot of the enjoyment comes from figuring things out and slowly unraveling the game’s cryptic world.

What Doesn’t Work

While I liked the game, it’s far from perfect. The combat, as mentioned, can feel passive. The story isn’t particularly deep or memorable, and you’ll often feel like you’re just wandering aimlessly. Also, Drakkhen can be brutally difficult at times. If you’re not careful, your party will die in random encounters before you’ve had a chance to prepare properly.

The pacing is uneven, and some areas feel more fleshed out than others. There are moments where it feels like the game is wasting your time, especially when backtracking.

Recommendation

If you’re a fan of retro RPGs or want to experience something unique, give Drakkhen a try. It’s not for everyone, but there’s a weird charm to it that’s hard to explain unless you play it. Just be prepared for some frustrating moments and odd design choices.

Verdict: It’s an acquired taste. Not the best RPG from that era, but it’s memorable in its own quirky way.

Score: 7/10.
“I liked it.”