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Storm (Amstrad CPC)

Storm is a game where you explore an underground labyrinth. It has often been compared to Gauntlet, and I suppose for good reason. It doesn't quite play the same, and is on the slow side.

I have this game on cassette, and I believe it has the longest load time out of all the games I have. It seems to be recorded at about 1000 baud, has pauses between each 2KB block, no speedloader of any sort and fills the entire 64KB of RAM. At least there isn't a loading picture you have to wait ages for, but that doesn't stop it taking so long.

I actually kinda like the cover art for the game. It (as usual for the period) isn't accurate, but I wouldn't mind having it as a poster. The players don't use axes, they use projectiles. The dungeon is under some floorboards, not outdoors in the open. To take the biscuit, you only play as Prince Storm if you're the second player in a two player game. Solo game? You actually play as Agravain Undead.

The game can be confusing. Some objects like health cannot be collected because they are tricks, but this isn't obvious. Some ordinary objects can be cleared by touching them, whereas some can't. This game also contains a personal annoyance of mine: any one key will work in any one locked door, but mysteriously snaps or whatever upon use.

The final screen has Corrine (Storm's wife) saying she is pleased to see you. I have often wondered if there is a different message if you start the game in two player mode, but Storm dies. Agravain: "I'm sorry Corrine, your husband is dead!"

I have created a map of the game by capturing every room and joining them together. I have also tested every object to work out which ones are traps, or are useful shortcuts, etc. The key in the top left hopefully makes it clear what's what.

Download: PNG (288KB)

Finally, there's a playthrough on my YouTube channel. It's not an optimal run, but might be interesting to watch nonetheless.

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