The Commodore Amiga, also known as simply Amiga is a family of personal computers that debuted back in 1985 and stuck around until 1992. While it doesn’t seem like much now, the Amiga was considered to be what we would call a high-end PC today and was heavily praised for its graphic and audio capabilities. This naturally led to a huge improvement in the quality of games resulting in a huge library of titles, many of which are considered to be classics and are still enjoyed by players, even today. With that said, let’s check out some of the best Amiga games out there.
1. Lemmings
Starting things off, we have Lemmings, a puzzle-strategy game that was originally released for the Amiga way back in February 1991. Lemmings were developed by DMA Design and published by Psygnosis and many consider the iconic anthropomorphized creatures with green hair as mascots for the Amiga system. This is due to the sheer popularity that the game achieved back when it was released which led to the release of many remakes, sequels, spin-off titles, and ports over the following years.
The main goal of the game is relatively simple. The player is required to lead a specific number of Lemmings through the level and to their safety. However, each of the levels consists of many obstacles and traps, and it is up to the player to give each of the Lemmings the right tools in order to tackle those obstacles and carve out a path to safety. With enough good choices and some luck, all of your Lemmings will survive the level.
- Developer: DMA Design
- Publisher: Psygnosis
- Release Date: 14 February 1991
- Platform: Amiga, MS-DOS, Classic Mac OS, Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, Amiga CDTV, Acorn Archimedes, PC-98, PC-88, MSX, FM Towns, Sharp X68000, Apple IIGS, SNES, PC Engine CD-ROM², Mega Drive, Game Gear, Amstrad CPC, Master System, NES, Commodore 64, 3DO, Atari Lynx, SAM Coupé, Game Boy, Philips CD-i, Amiga CD32, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, J2ME, Linux
2. The Secret of Monkey Island
Next up, we have a point-and-click graphical adventure and possibly one of the iconic games within the adventure genre, The Secret of Monkey Island. Developed by Lucasfilm Games and published by several companies all over the world back in 1990, The Secret of Monkey Island was not an instant success, but rather a slow burn like many other Lucasfilm titles. Nevertheless, the game reached immense popularity over the years leading to an entire series of Monkey Island games and the remake of the original title which was released in 2009.
The events of the game take place during the age of piracy in a fictional version of the Caribbean. The player assumes the role of an upcoming pirate named Guybrush Threepwood and follows him on his adventure to become a notorious pirate, beat the evil ghost pirate LeChuck and rescue his love interest, Elaine.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, the player can interact with objects and other characters by using the point-and-click interface and various commands. The game also heavily focuses on dialogue and allows the player to respond in different ways when interacting with other characters which can sometimes lead to less-than-stellar outcomes.
- Developer: Lucasfilm Games
- Publisher: Lucasfilm Games, U.S. Gold, The Software Toolworks
- Release Date: October 1990
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, FM Towns, Classic Mac OS, MS-DOS, Sega CD, iOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
3. Sensible Soccer
Coming in at number three we have something for all of you sports fans out there and it’s an association football game, Sensible Soccer. Originally released back in 1992 for Atari ST and the Amiga system, and later ported to many other platforms, Sensible Soccer became one of the most popular games of the early 1990s and still retains a dedicated cult following today. Later in October 2017, a spiritual successor to the game was released titled Sociable Soccer.
Sensible Soccer was very innovative at the time of its release when it comes to soccer games at least. It featured a zoomed out bird’s-eye view, custom teams, and extremely user-friendly controls.
The game has also won multiple awards since its release. It was Mega’s #1 game on the Top 50 Mega Drive Games of All Time and also snagged a spot on Amiga Power’s All-Time Top 100 list.
- Developer: Sensible Software
- Publisher: Sensible Software
- Release Date: 1992
- Platform: Acorn Archimedes, Amiga, Amiga CD32, Atari ST, Game Boy, Sega Master System, Xbox Live Arcade, Windows Vista
4. Cannon Fodder
Cannon Fodder is an action strategy shoot ‘em up video game that was originally released back in December 1993 for the Amiga system. Just like our previous entry, the game was developed by Sensible Software and published by Virgin Interactive and Codemasters. Over the years, Cannon Fodder received multiple ports including Windows and Sega Genesis.
This military action game puts the player in the shoes of a general and gives them control over a squad of soldiers who are then tasked with traversing through treacherous jungles and snowy mountain terrains in an effort to eliminate enemy soldiers, vehicles, and buildings.
Cannon Fodder became an instant success when it was released, with numerous Amiga magazines giving it praise and scoring it above 90%. Amiga Action even went so far as to call it the best game of the year.
- Developer: Sensible Software
- Publisher: Virgin Interactive, Codemasters
- Release Date: December 1993
- Platform: 3DO, Acorn Archimedes, Amiga, Amiga CD32, Atari Jaguar, Atari ST, DOS, Game Boy Color, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, SNES, Windows
5. Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension
Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension, also known as simply Zool, is a platform video game that was originally made for the Amiga system. The game was developed and published by Gremlin Graphics and released worldwide in October 1992. Many consider Zool as one of the Amiga mascots and due to its popularity, the game was ported to multiple platforms and received a sequel simply titled Zool 2.
The game puts the player in the shoes of Zool, a gremlin ninja from the Nth dimension who finds himself on earth and is tasked with traveling across the seven lands and beating a boss in each of them in order to improve his ninja ranking,
In terms of gameplay, Zuul focuses mainly on fast-paced platforming action as well as a variety of minigames such as space shooters and an in-game piano.
- Developer: Gremlin Graphics
- Publisher: Gremlin Graphics
- Release Date: October 1992
- Platform: Acorn Archimedes, Amiga, Atari ST, CD32, MS-DOS, Game Boy, Game Gear, Master System, Genesis, Super NES
6. Stardust
Stardust is a popular multidirectional shooter video game that was developed and published by a Finnish company called Bloodhouse. The game was originally released for the Amiga back in 1993.
Stardust is essentially a spiritual successor to a vintage space shooter game called Asteroids. While it doesn’t differ much from it in terms of gameplay, it does mix things up with a bunch of new power-ups, shields, and improved graphics. The game is also known for its techno soundtrack.
Due to its popularity, many ports and enhanced versions of the game have been released including Stardust HD in 2007 and Super Stardust Delta in 2012.
- Developer: Bloodhouse
- Publisher: Bloodhouse
- Release Date: 1993
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS
7. Syndicate
Next up we have Syndicate, an isometric real-time tactical and strategy game that was developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts. The game was originally released for PC and Amiga back in 1993 and over time, grew into its own game series with multiple entries.
Syndicate is set in a dystopian future where all the governments have been abolished, and various corporations are fighting with each other in an effort to establish dominance. The player assumes control over a small team of cyborgs and is tasked with completing a variety of missions including eliminating the rival syndicate agents, killing enemies, rescuing allies, and getting others to join your cause.
The gameplay loop revolves around establishing control over territories, successfully taxing them for funds and then using those funds to upgrade your weapons in order to expand your territory further.
Over time, Syndicate received an expansion pack titled Syndicate: American Revolt and a sequel titled Syndicate Wars. A reboot of the original game was also released in 2012.
- Developer: Bullfrog Productions, Ocean Software, Starbreeze Studios
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: 1993
- Platform: MS-DOS, Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Amiga, Amiga CD32, Mac, Sega Genesis, SNES, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, Acorn Archimedes, FM Towns, NEC PC-9801, Sega-CD, PSP
8.Worms
Worms is a turn-based 2D artillery tactical video game developed by Team17 and published by Ocean Software. The game was originally released for the Amiga in 1995 and serves as the first game in the Worms series which has gone on to achieve immense popularity.
The premise of the game is relatively simple. Each player takes control of a team of worms who are then thrown onto the battlefield in an eternal battle against each other. Players are tasked with using a wide variety of tools and weapons in order to dispatch the enemy forces over a specific number of timed rounds, The last team to have a worm standing on the battlefield wins.
The game also provides the player with a boatload of customization options that can affect the terrain, weapon variety, time, and other aspects of the game, making the battle that much more exciting.
- Developer: Team 17
- Publisher: Ocean Software
- Release Date: 17 November 1995
- Platform: Amiga, Amiga CD32, Atari Jaguar, Game Boy, Macintosh, MS-DOS, PlayStation, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
9. Dune 2
Dune 2 is a real-time strategy game and the second game in the Dune series. The game was developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Games in December 1992 and is based on the 1984 movie Dune.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Dune 2 laid the foundation for many popular future RTS titles such as Age of Empires, Warcraft, Command & Conquer, and StarCraft. As such, it features elements such as resource gathering, base and unit construction, technology trees, factions, and mobile units.
- Developer: Westwood Studios
- Publisher: Virgin Games
- Release Date: December 1992
- Platform: Amiga, MS-DOS, RISC OS, Genesis/Mega Drive
10. Sid Meier’s Civilization
Civilization, also known as Sid Meier’s Civilization is a turn-based strategy 4X game that was developed and published by MicroProse. The game was initially created for MS-DOS and released in September 1991, however, it quickly received multiple ports due to its popularity which lead to many future sequels.
The player assumes the role of an emperor of civilization and is tasked with creating his own empire while competing with other civilizations. Players can achieve this through exploration, diplomacy, or even warfare. Nothing is off the table.
- Developer: MicroProse
- Publisher: MicroProse
- Release Date: September 1991
- Platform: MS-DOS, Amiga, PC-98, Atari ST, Windows, Macintosh, Super NES, Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn
11. Maniac Mansion
Maniac Mansion is a graphic point-and-click adventure game that was developed and published by Lucasfilm Games. The game was released in 1987 across multiple platforms and was Lucasfim’s first self-published title.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Maniac Mansion is pretty similar to other Lucasfilm titles, such as The Curse of The Monkey Island. Players can use a wide variety of commands and dialogue options to interact with the environment and other characters.
Maniac Mansion received critical acclaim for its graphics, animations, cutscenes, and humor which led to it receiving a sequel titled Day of the Tentacle which was released in 1993.
- Developer: Lucasfilm Games
- Publisher: Lucasfilm Games
- Release Date: 5 October 1987
- Platform: Commodore 64, Apple II, MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, NES, Macintosh
12. Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia is a cinematic platform video game created by Jordan Mechner and developed and published by a company called Broderbund. The game was initially released in 1989 for Apple II, however, a port for the Amiga was released the following year, with many other official and unofficial ports to come in the next years due to the game’s success.
The game takes place in medieval Persia. Due to the Sultan leaving the country and waging war in a foreign land, the evil wizard vizier named Jaffar has taken control of the palace and has kidnaped the princess intending to force her into marriage.
The player takes control of an unnamed protagonist whom Jaffar had imprisoned and is tasked with escaping from the dungeons, defeating the evil wizard, and rescuing the princess from his clutches.
With the clock ticking, it is up to you to make your way through traps such as spikes and guillotines, fight your way through Jaffar’s elite guards, reach the top of the palace, and stop the evil wizard and his devious plans to forcefully marry the princess.
- Developer: Broderbund
- Publisher: Broderbund
- Release Date: 3 October 1989
- Platform: NEC PC-9801, DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Sharp X68000, Amstrad CPC, SAM Coupé, TurboGrafx-16, Game Boy, FM Towns, Master System, Super NES, Sega CD, NES, Macintosh, Game Gear, Genesis, Game Boy Color, Mobile, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Blackberry, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, Android
13. Bubble Bobble
Developed by Taito and published by Taito, Romstar, and Elcrtrocoin worldwide, Bubble Bobble made its debut appearance in June 1986. This platform video game started out as an arcade title, however, it quickly made its way to various home entertainment systems which led to its exploding in popularity and a multitude of sequels.
Bubble Bobble allows the player to control one of the dragons that have the ability to blow bubbles which they can use to trap enemies and travel around the level. Each level consists of multiple platforms which players need to navigate. Upon defeating a specific number of enemies, the player is allowed to proceed to the next level.
- Developer: Taito
- Publisher: Taito, Romstar, Electrocoin
- Release Date: 16 June 1986
- Platform: Arcade, Amiga, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, PlayStation, Master System, Saturn, X68000
14. Superfrog
Superfrog is an original Amiga scrolling 2D platform game that was developed and published by Team17 way back in 1993.
The plot of the game revolves around an evil witch that turns a prince into a frog and abducts the princess, however, through a set of unforeseen events, the frog finds itself with new superpowers. It is then up to the player to defeat the evil witch and rescue the princess from her grasp.
The game features 24 levels and the player’s main goal is to find an escape from each of them while performing various objectives, fighting enemies, and collecting loot along the way.
- Developer: Team17
- Publisher: Team17
- Release Date: 1993
- Platform: Amiga, CD32, MS-DOS
15. Batman: The Movie
Batman: The Movie, also known only as Batman is an action game that was developed and published by Ocean Software and released in September 1989 across multiple platforms.
The game is based on the 1989 Batman movie and features five levels based on specific events from the film. Each of the levels features unique gameplay mechanics, such as side-scrolling action, vehicle stages, flying stages and even puzzle-solving.
- Developer: Ocean Software
- Publisher: Ocean Software
- Release Date: 11 September 1989
- Platform: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, MSX, ZX Spectrum
16. Gods
Gods is a platform game for the Amiga and Atari ST. The game was developed by The Bitmap Brothers and published by Renegade Software and Mindscape back in 1991.
The player takes on the role of Hercules as he goes on the quest to defeat the four guardians who have taken over the citadel of gods and become one of the gods himself and ascend to Mount Olympus.
When it comes to gameplay, Gods looks like a standard run-and-jump platformer, but its gameplay differs in comparison due to its focus on precise movements and puzzle-solving.
- Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
- Publisher: Renegade Software, Mindscape
- Release Date: 1991
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, Archimedes, MS-DOS, PC98, Genesis, Super NES
17. Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight
Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight is an action RPG that was created by an independent developer Rob Anderson. The game was published by Mindscape for the Amiga back in 1991 and received a DOS port a year later.
The player or players assume the role of a knight who goes on a quest to retrieve a moonstone to Stonehenge.
In terms of gameplay, Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight combines two different modes, real-time combat, and turn-based exploration.
- Developer: Rob Anderson
- Publisher: Mindscape
- Release Date: 1991
- Platform: Amiga, DOS
18. Alien Breed
Alien Breed is a top-down shooter game that was originally developed and published by Team17 for the Aiga back in 1991 and later released for MS-DOS by MicroLeague in 1993.
The game is heavily based on the Alien films and the gameplay is inspired by old 8-bit games such as Laser Squad and Paradroid.
Plater or players are tasked with traversing through the levels while collecting weapons and power-ups and eliminating whatever stands in their way. They will also often be tasked with blowing up specific levels by utilizing the self-destruct sequence.
- Developer: Team17
- Publisher: Team17, MicroLeague
- Release Date: 1991
- Platform: Amiga, CD32, MS-DOS, Android, iOS, PlayStation 3, Vita, PlayStation Mobile
19. Pang
Pang, also known as Pomping World in Japan and Buster Bros. in North America is an action game developed by Mitchell Corporation and published back in 1989 across multiple platforms including the Amiga.
The player controls a character across multiple levels with the aim of blowing up balloons that when hit, split up into smaller ones until they completely disappear. When popped, the balloons will drop various power-ups, shields, and other items which the player can utilize to finish the level within the given time frame.
- Developer: Mitchell Corporation
- Publisher: Mitchell, Capcom
- Release Date: 29 November 1989
- Platform: Arcade, TurboGrafx-CD, SNES, PlayStation, Game Boy, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad GX4000, Amiga, Atari ST, iOS
20. It Came From The Desert
Last but not least, we have It Came From The Desert, an action-adventure title that was developed and published by Cinemaware back in 1989.
The year is 1951 and the game takes place in California. The player controls Dr. Greg Bradley who comes to investigate a meteor crash site and notices that the ant population is growing due to radiation. It is up to you to deal with this threat by using every tool and resource at your disposal.
Gameplaywise, It Came From The Desert features a combination of a few different gameplay types such as adventure mode which advances the story of the game, action mode for combat against the ants, and numerous minigames at specific points in the narrative.
- Developer: Cinemaware
- Publisher: Cinemaware
- Release Date: 1989
- Platform: Amiga, DOS, TurboGrafx-16
