Pondering About Max's (1989) - Atari XL/XE Longplay скачать в хорошем качестве

Pondering About Max's (1989) - Atari XL/XE Longplay

A collection of three original games for the Atari XL/XE family - Two puzzle-platformers and a brawler... Disclaimer: Save states were used for the last two levels of each game (at the start of the level). Chapters: 00:00 The Dream 07:05 P.A.M. 13:45 Barroom Brawl 24:55 Finis (Demo) Once you've reached a new level in any of these games, you can return to it by pressing [F4/OPTION] at the title screen. The Dream / P.A.M. Review: A decent puzzle-platformer made somewhat frustrating by RNG bouncing balls. Level 3 of The Dream was my favourite - with its reverse-controlled moonwalking. Both games are at their best when using inspired elements - like the giant root beer can in P.A.M. ... But you will have to fight some occasional bad RNG along the way - mostly brought on by Max's billard balls. For example, in the final level of The Dream, you have to cross an unstable platform three times before it collapses. You have 30 seconds to do so - and all while Max drops bombs from above at random times and positions. Even if you have a good run, there is still one crazy leap of faith to perform at the finishing line. You will need to jump from a moving platform while being propelled forward by a fan... and there is a small possibility that Max will throw down a bomb right at the pivotal moment. While randomness can add to replayability - I think two things should have been done to mitigate the unfairness: 1. Make Max hold the ball for a minimum period of time before throwing it - At the moment, he can throw balls instantly. 2. Make Max stop throwing balls at certain points - This already occurs in two levels, but would be helpful in many more. The controls are responsive, and I like the large sprites, but there is a problem here too... When you stop moving, your character immediately enters an idle animation. It is very difficult to determine your exact position on the ground when in this idle mode. This information is CRUCIAL to the player - as the game often demands precise positioning. Strangely enough, precision-platforming was easiest in Level 3 - despite the reverse controls! This is because the moonwalking sprites make it very easy to tell exactly where you are standing. The final levels of both games were fitting, and I especially liked the closing moments of P.A.M. ... The timer counts down to zero as you race across the field PRAYING that Max is behind the billboard... And then, sure enough, he pops right out! Both games repeat from Level 1 upon completion - but The Dream starts with less time. Barroom Brawl Review: I originally only played this game for completion's sake, but it definitely has its own merits. There is some real depth here, and it doesn't play like any fighting game I've played before. Granted, fighting games aren't usually my thing, but I actually enjoyed this one. There is a strong sense of experimentation and discovery to the mechanics / strategies. I highly recommend reading the manual, but at the very least, you should know three things: 1. There is a percent-chance-to-hit system. 2. There is a timing to combat turns - Spamming will be punished. 3. Brawlers don't have health, so much as they have some form of stamina that regenerates over time. The rest is up to you... but if you some need help - I've written a small strategy guide below. Barroom Brawl - Level 1 Strategy: There are four bearded men to fight - Red Ed, Black Tony, and the twins. Let's start with Black Tony (not his real name). Keep your guard low. Strike low [Ctrl+Up] when his arms are lifted. Dodge left/right if he is about to swing. Stay still if he is about to strike. You can try swinging at him, but don't even bother trying to strike his face. If you need to stop fighting (you won't just yet, but will later on), press UP. Next: Red Ed (actually his name). Get used to dodging his double swings - There's a certain timing. Strike low if his arm are held high, and strike high if his arms are low. Or try swinging... You will not be able to stop fighting until you knock him down. Finally, the twins. These guys go ape-shit if you finish a fight while they are still drinking at the bar... If they catch you, they will knock the absolute shit out of you - so here's the strategy... When you hear the tarzan theme, run to someone else... You don't even have to fight that other person - you can just tag them and then switch. As for fighting the twins - Get used to mirroring their guard... If they have their arms up and are about to strike, get yours up too and stand still to block. Anyway, this is all just the tip of the iceberg. Soon you will be forming strategies on who to fight last, dodging takedowns, changing positions, etc. Did you know that you can take an empty bottle to the bar for an energy refill? That is, if you can catch it... I still haven't figured out how to card underage patrons. The manual says to bump into them at double speed - but that hasn't worked for me...