«Cosmic Hero 2»: the return of the hero on Atari 8-bit | Video
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Two decades after saving Earth, the protagonist of "Cosmic Hero" returns in an exciting sequel for the Atari XL/XE series computers.
«Cosmic Hero 2» follows the tradition of its predecessor - published in 2004 by Zelax Group - and promises to immerse us in an adventure full of logical and arcade challenges: the fundamental mechanics of the original, inspired by the well-known Sokoban, are maintained, such as collecting "blobs" of liquid energy and deploying a cable to open the exit of the map. The player will undertake a mission through several planets, each with different graphics and music, expanding the first game in practically every aspect.
We control a space hero who must save Earth, a planet threatened with ecological disaster in the year 2393. To do this, we need to bring containers with a special nutrient from space. On each planet with containers, it is also necessary to connect the broken electrical circuit that, when activated, opens the door to the next level. It is not easy, because the circuit pieces are scattered across a given planet and access to them is blocked by various objects... Fortunately, there is no time limit for solving the puzzles.
Planned features include extensive maps with horizontal and vertical scrolling; a full-screen playing area; refined graphics in carefully selected colors; and a rich sound design that fully exploits the capabilities of the Atari sound system. In addition, a real-time shadow effect and moving objects are promised that will add to the arcade character of the game.
Lukasz "Pazur" Pazera (original game designer, prototype programmer, graphic designer and author of some maps); Krzysztof "Święty" Święcicki (programmer at Atari); and Krzysztof "Foster" Bryła (soundtrack), are leading this project.
The game is being developed using modern tools, including the Unity engine for the prototype, which almost exactly reflects what the final game will look like and features a board editor. Sound is created in Raster Music Tracker and recorded using real POKEY hardware, ensuring that all visual and sound design is faithful to the capabilities of Atari's ANTIC/GTIA chips.
It is worth remembering that Pazera programmed the first «Cosmic Hero» in 1993, when he was barely 14 years old; with the support of Święcicki, Bryła and Jerzy "Dudek" Dukaj. In 2022, it was releaseda collector's edition of the game cartridge, which included a manual in Polish.
"Cosmic Hero 2" promises to be more than just a sequel; it's a tribute to the golden age of video games and a renewed challenge for Atari 8-bit fans.
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