«Ruff in Trouble» winner of ABBUC 2024 | Download
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Voting for the 22nd edition of the Atari Bit Byter User Club (ABBUC) took place this Saturday, with the eye-catching action-platformer Ruff in Trouble winning out of the eleven games competing in the Software category.
Developed by Janusz "Shanti77" Chabowski (Poland), this title puts players in a hostile land, where the protagonist must collect magic balls to escape each level. Compatible with Atari XL/XE 128KB systems, the game innovates with its multi-directional shooting system, activated by holding down the fire button. To complete each level, Ruff must collect all the magic balls and thus activate the exit.
A notable feature is its map editor, which allows players to create and share their own levels, which promises to significantly extend its lifespan. In addition, the control responds to the use of a two-button joystick: one for shooting and one for jumping, which increases the complexity and adds dynamism to the game.
Ruff in Trouble for Atari 8-bit computers - ABBUC version
Download | 57 kBSecond place went to Dimo’s Underworld, the third installment in the saga of the charismatic frog who must retrieve the candy that a grumpy squirrel has scattered throughout the dungeons of the Greenfoot kingdom. Developed for the Atari XL/XE 64KB systems, the game features a top-down view and is comprised of 8 levels of increasing difficulty. Created by Thomas “8Bitjunkie” Schulz, Tobias Prinz and Hilton “Elektrofish” Theissen (Germany), this game challenges players to interact with various objects to access blocked areas and avoid monsters and traps.
Dimo's Underworld for Atari 8-bit computers - ABBUC version
Download | 54 kBRounding out the podium, Lars "LarsImNetz" Langhans' Twist of Souls surprised with its original screen-inversion mechanic. This platformer, compatible with both PAL and NTSC systems, introduces a unique element: when protagonist Elsa's hair turns red, players must flip the screen and continue playing backwards. This mechanic, along with its setting in a cursed temple and its time-bell system, proves that there is still room for innovation in Atari game development.
This is an adaptation of the original gameby Fran Tovar for Windows, Mac and Linux. It is important to watch out for knives and jump at the right time to avoid getting hurt. The author explains that the game requires an Atari with at least 64KB of RAM; and it supports POKEY in mono and stereo.
Twist of Souls for Atari 8-bit computers - ABBUC version
Download | 44 kBIn fourth place is “F-16 Falcon Strike”, an innovative 3D combat flight simulator designed for the Atari XL/XE 8-bit computers, notable for being the first game of its kind in over 35 years. Players take on the role of an F-16 pilot of the Polish Air Force, taking part in the fictional “Królewiec Campaign”, where they must defend the border and the European Union against aggression from the Belarusian and Russian Federations.
The game, developed by Jarosław "R0e0endeR" Wosik, features 15 meticulously designed missions, ranging from dogfights to interception and ground support missions, with a focus on realistic geographic representation and specific conditions for success in each mission. Players can choose from a variety of weapons, including guided missiles and bombs, adding a strategic layer to the game.
F-16 Falcon Strike for Atari 8-bit computers - ABBUC version
Download | 80 kBThey complete the list of results, in the following order:
- 5th place: «Eat Me!» - Peter "RetroCoder" Hinz
- Position 6: «Infinity» - Peter "Dr. Irata" Prodehl
- Place 7: «Q.B.Fox» - Martin "Matosimi" Šimecek
- 8th place: «1K RainBox» - Frederik "freetz" Holst
- 9th place: «QUIXX» - Uncle Harry and Artax, with support from Peter "JAC" Dell
- 10th place: «Line Runner-24» - Peter "RetroCoder" Hinz
- Place 11: «Landlord» - Thorsten Helbing
Likewise, "Matosimi" has shared his game "Q.B.Fox" on the AtariAge forum, mentioning that this is a corrected version, different from the one included on the ABBUC discs. He has also revealed that he is working on the final version, in which he will add more animations for the fox protagonist and faster movement, among other improvements.
Q.B. Fox for Atari 8-bit computers - ABBUC version
Download | 38 kB
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