Atari ST launched way back in 1985 and was regarded as a huge leap in technology in terms of home computing while it is difficult to come across one today, many people out there remember it fondly as they reminisce about all of the games they played on it.
In this article we look at forgotten gems and timeless classics for Atari ST: Games that deserve a place in every Retro Gamer’s collection
1. Dungeon Master
Starting things off, we have Dungeon Master, a title released developed and published by FTL Games back in December 1987 in North America, and released worldwide by 1990. This role-playing game features a pseudo 3D- first-person perspective and became an instant success upon being released, so much so, that it sold more than 40000 copies within its first year and became a model for many other 3D dungeon crawlers to come. Nowadays, Dungeon Master is considered a classic by many and has developed somewhat of a cult following.
The player assumes the role of Theron, Grey Lord’s apprentice who is tasked with traversing the dungeon with his company of champions, retrieving a mystical fire staff, and defeating Lord Chaos. You can choose up to four champions, each a different class with its own unique skillset, to accompany you on your adventure.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Dungeon Master featured many things that would later become a staple of more modern RPG titles. Among these are live-action combat, a new spell-casting system, direct manipulation of various objects, and much more.
- Developer: FTL Games
- Publisher: FTL Games, Victor Musical Industries
- Release Date: 15 December 1987
- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Atari ST, PC-9800 series, FM Towns, X68000, DOS, Apple II, AmigaOS
2. Populous
Next up, we have Populous, a game developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts. The game was originally released back in June 1989 for the Commodore Amiga but was quickly ported to other platforms including the Atari ST. Widely regarded as the first God game, Populous managed to sell more than four million copies and is considered to be one of the best PC games ever to have been released.
As a God game, Populous puts the player in the role of a deity who is in charge of leading its followers to victory against the followers of other deities by influencing them in a wide variety of direct and indirect ways.
As far as gameplay goes, the player can alter the landscape in various ways such as raising and lowering the land, creating swamps, etc. As the game progresses, your mana level will increase which will unlock more divine powers and allow you to create volcanos, floods, and earthquakes as well as promote your regular followers into knights.
- Developer: Bullfrog Productions
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: 5 June 1989
- Platform: Amiga, Acorn Archimedes, Atari ST, FM Towns, MS-DOS, Game Boy, Mac OS, Master System, NEC PC-9801, PC Engine, Sega Genesis, X68000, SNES
3. Xenon 2: Megablast
Coming in at number three we have Xenon 2: Megablast, a 1989 shoot ‘em up video game that was developed by the Bitmap Brothers and published by Image Works. The game is the second installment in the Xenon series and one of the iconic titles made for the Atari ST and later ported to many other platforms.
The player is put in the shoes of a starship pilot who is tasked with getting rid of five bombs that have been placed at different points in time by the evil Xenites. The player’s spaceship, the Megablaster, comes equipt with a laser gun and a shield which can be depleted by various mutated creatures that the player will encounter on this adventure.
The game consists of five different levels, each with its own unique team and its own boss who when defeated will lead to the defusal of the bomb of that level.
- Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
- Publisher: Image Works
- Release Date: 1989
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, Master System, Mega Drive, Game Boy, CDTW, Acorn Archimedes, Atari Jaguar
4. Gauntlet II
Gauntlet II originally came out in 1986 as an arcade game but was quickly ported to many other platforms. Developed and published by Atari Games, Gauntlet II served as a direct sequel to the original Gauntlet game that was released one year earlier.
This fantasy-themed top-down dungeon crawler could be played by up to four players and allowed them to choose from four different classes, them being Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard, and Elf. The game also featured many new mechanics and additional content compared to its predecessor.
- Developer: Atari Games
- Publisher: Atari Games
- Release Date: August 1986
- Platform: Arcade, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Game Boy, MS-DOS, NES, ZX Spectrum
5. International Karate +
International Karate +, commonly written as IK+, is a fighting game that was developed and published by System 3. The game was originally released on multiple platforms way back in October 1987 and was later ported to C64 Virtual Console in July 2008.
International Karate + revolves around a very simple premise, it being an all-out fight between three combatants. The game can be played by either one or two players, however, one of the fighters will always be controlled by an AI. Players are tasked with scoring six points. Upon doing so a new round will begin, and after every two rounds, a bonus game would occur which would involve either deflecting bouncing balls or kicking away bombs.
The gameplay takes place on a beach backdrop which can be altered thematically and can feature various gimmicks which can be triggered by players.
- Developer: System 3
- Publisher: System 3
- Release Date: October 1987
- Platform: Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, Amiga, CD32, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, Virtual Console
6. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure
Just like its name implies, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure is a point-and-click graphic adventure game that was released back in 1989, the same year as the movie of the same title was released. The game was developed and published by Lucasfilm Games and is one of many popular adventure games of that era.
The plot of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure pretty much follows the plot of the movie it is based on. The player assumes the role of Indiana Jones and is tasked with stopping Hitler from getting his hands on the Holy Grail.
As far as gameplay goes, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure features all of the mechanics that Lucasfilm adventure games are known for. The player can navigate and interact with his environment by using the commands outlined in the interface.
- Developer: Lucasfilm Games
- Publisher: Lucasfilm Games
- Release Date: July 1989
- Platform: DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Macintosh, FM Towns, CDTV
7. Hunter
Next up we have the Hunter, a very early example of a 3D action-adventure game that was developed and published by Activision. The game was originally released for Atari ST and the Amiga back in August 1991 but sadly was never ported to any other platforms.
Hunter puts the player in the shoes of a soldier and allows him to explore a 3D world via vehicles, swimming, or running while encountering enemy soldiers and a wide variety of animals such as cows, sharks, and seagulls. The player has a wide variety of weapons and vehicles at his disposal as well as the ability to bribe others with food and money in order to obtain information.
Hunter features three different game modes. The Hunter mode focuses on communication with other characters and assassinating a specific target before the time runs out, the Missions mode focuses on providing the player with a series of smaller tasks and assignments, and the Action mode provides the player with a single mission of a larger scope.
- Developer: Activision
- Publisher: Activision
- Release Date: August 1991
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST
8. Midwinter
Midwinter is a post-apocalyptic first-person action RPG that features survival and strategy elements. The game was originally released for PC and Atari ST back in 1989 and ported to the Amiga in 1990.
The events of the game take place in the year 2099 with the whole world being covered in ice and snow which the player can explore via skis, a hang-glider, and even a snow buggy. The main goal of the game is to recruit others into your militia so you can defend against invading forces.
Midwinter is not a game that is talked about a lot which is somewhat surprising considering how many different gameplay elements and mechanics it tried to flesh out this early in video game history.
- Developer: Maelstrom Games
- Publisher: Microplay Software
- Release Date: 1989
- Platform: MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST
9. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is a direct sequel to the original Speedball game which is a futuristic cyberpunk sport that combines elements of ice hockey and handball, and rewards violent gameplay. The game was developed by The Bitmap Brothers and published by various companies back in 1990 on multiple platforms including the Atari ST.
The game takes place in the year 2105 in an era where Speedball has been forced to the underground due to the official league shutting down after being overrun with violence and corruption.
Each of the teams has a total of twelve players, nine on the field and three superstitions, and each team is rewarded for scoring a goal, hitting targets located around the pitch, and injuring players from the opposing team.
- Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
- Publisher: Image Works, Arena Entertainment, Empire Interactive, Akella, Tower Studios, SOFEL
- Release Date: 1990
- Platform: Acorn Archimedes, Atari ST, Amiga, Amiga CD32, Commodore 64, PC, Sega Master System, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Sega Mega Drive, Windows Mobile, PlayStation, Xbox 360, iPhone, Symbian
10. Turrican II: The Final Fight
Halfway through this list, we have Turrican II: The Final Fight, the second game in the Turrican series and by many considered to be one of the best Atari ST titles out there. The game was developed and published in 1991 and released on multiple platforms and has received a re-release on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in 2020 titled Turrican Flashback.
The plot of the game revolves around a very simple premise, machines and robots are trying to eliminate all humans and it is up to our protagonist Bren McGuire to stand up against them and show them that humanity won’t be easily extinguished.
The game is widely regarded as a crossover between Metroid and Psycho-Nics Oscar in terms of gameplay and design, which is a very accurate description of the game.
Developer: Rainbow Arts (C64), Factor 5 (Amiga, ST), Enigma Variations (CPC, ZX), Sun-Project (PC), The Code Monkeys (MD, GB)
- Publisher: Rainbow Arts, Accolade (Universal Soldier)
- Release Date: 1991
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, CDTV, Commodore 64, DOS, ZX Spectrum, Universal Soldier, Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Boy
11. Rick Dangerous
Rick Dangerous is a platform game that came out in 1989 on multiple platforms including the Acron Archimedes, Amiga, and Atari ST. The game was developed by Core Design and published by Firebird Software in the UK and MicroPlay in the US. A sequel titled Rick Dangerous 2 was released a year later in 1990.
The player takes on the role of Rick Dangerous, a British secret agent who is tasked with completing a variety of missions that range from rescuing allied soldiers, to infiltrating a secret missile base. The game takes place in the year 1945 and is heavily based on the Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Gameplaywise, Rick can jump and climb, solve puzzles, and use weapons such as dynamite and his gun in order to eliminate his enemies and progress through the levels.
- Developer: Core Design
- Publisher: Firebird Software
- Release Date: 1989
- Platform: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Acorn Archimedes, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, SAM Coupé, MS-DOS
12. Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge
Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge is a racing computer game and one of the three installments in the series. The game is centered around the Lotus brand and was released back in 1990. Developed by Magnetic Fields and published by Gremin Graphics, the game received favorable reviews and received numerous ports to other platforms in the years to follow.
Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge featured multiple race tracks of varying difficulty and aside from passing other drivers, players were also required to manage their fuel by visiting pit stops as well as avoid various obstacles and hazards on the road.
- Developer: Magnetic Fields
- Publisher: Gremlin Graphics
- Release Date: 1990
- Platform: Amiga, Amiga CD32 (part of Lotus Trilogy), Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
13. Black Lamp
Black Lamp is a platform game that was developed and published by Firebird Software. The game was originally released in 1988 on multiple platforms and later in 1989 published by Atari Corporation for the Atari 8-bit family.
Taking place in the kingdom of Allegoria, the player assumes the role of Jack The Jester who is madly in love with Princess Grizelda. Unfortunately, her father, the king, refuses to let her be involved with a lowly jester unless he performs some kind of heroic deed.
A dragon attack occurs and the lantern that protects the kingdom gets stolen. It is then up to the player to maneuver his way through various monsters and obstacles in an effort to recover the missing lamp and earn the right to marry Princess Grizelda.
- Developer: Firebird Software
- Publisher: Firebird Software, Atari Corporation
- Release Date: February 1988
- Platform: Amiga, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
14. Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 was developed and published by Taito and was originally released as an arcade game, however, it was quickly ported to many other platforms within the same year.
The game is a direct sequel to Bubble Bobble, an original Taito game that was released one year prior, and sees our protagonists Bubby and Bobby on a whole new adventure to defeat the Dark Shadow and save Rainbow Islands.
The main weapon at your disposal will of course be rainbows which can be used to eliminate enemies, but also serve as platforms and can be used to collect items and power-ups.
- Developer: Taito
- Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: 1987
- Platform: Arcade, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Amiga, Nintendo Entertainment System, Master System, PC Engine CD, FM Towns, WonderSwan, Game Boy Color, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Mega Drive, Mobile
15. Formula One Grand Prix
Formula One Grand Prix is a racing simulation game that was developed and published by MicroProse. Known in the US as World Circuit, the game was released back in 1991 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and PC.
Formula One Grand Prix was highly praised for its graphics back in the day and beloved by racing fans, so much so that the game received three sequels over the following years. The Amiga Power was even named the 27th-best game of all time.
When it comes to gameplay, the Formula One Grand Prix was most notably known for the large amount of vehicle customization that it provided the players with which would drastically change how the vehicle handles on the track.
- Developer: MicroProse
- Publisher: MicroProse
- Release Date: November 1991
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, DOS
16. Another World
Another World is a platform action-adventure title that was originally developed and published by Delphine Software and released for the Amiga and Atari ST. Other developers and publishers released the game for various platforms sometime down the line.
Another World is by many regarded to be one of the most atmospheric games of its time. The player controls a physicist named Lester Knight Chaykin, who one day goes to his job only to end up teleported to a different world by the machines that he works with.
The player is pretty much defenseless at the start of the game and can only kick away smaller creatures and do basic platforming, however, the tools at your disposal expand as you progress through the game.
- Developer: Delphine Software, Interplay, The Removers
- Publisher: Delphine Software, Interplay, U.S. Gold, Virgin Interactive, The Digital Lounge, Focus Home Interactive, HEadup Games, Retro-Gaming Connexion
- Release Date: 1991
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Apple IIGS, Jaguar, Mac OS, MS-DOS, Game Boy Advance, Sega CD, Genesis, Super NES, TI-84 Plus CE
17. Carrier Command
Carrier Command is a game that features both real-time strategy and vehicle simulation elements. Developed by Realtime Games and published by Rainbird in 1988, the game is widely regarded as one of the first real-time games out there.
The player is given control of an aircraft carrier and is tasked with repopulating a small cluster of islands, however, an enemy carrier is also present and shares your objective. It is up to you to use all the vehicles at your disposal to accomplish your goal.
- Developer: Realtime Games
- Publisher: Rainbird
- Release Date: 1988
- Platform: Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Macintosh
18. Oids
Oids is a multidirectional shooter game that was developed and published by FTL Games back in 1987 and is seen by many as a crossover between games such as Asteroids, Lubar Lander, Gravitar, etc.
The player is given control of a spaceship and is tasked with destroying enemy turrets and rescuing Oids, a race of android slaves created by evil rulers of the richest universe.
- Developer: FTL Games
- Publisher: FTL Games
- Release Date: 1987
- Platform: Atari ST, Amiga, Macintosh
19. Kick Off 2
Kick Off 2 is a football simulation game and the second installment in the Kick Off franchise and serves as a direct sequel to the original Kick Off game. The game was developed and published by Anco back in 1990 on a number of platforms among which are the Amiga and Atari ST as well as the Super Nintendo.
In terms of gameplay, Kick Off 2 innovated quite a bit when compared to its predecessor by adding various features such as fouls, yellow and red cards, injury time, and referees with different moods. The game was also famous for having the ball be realistically pushed when contacted by players instead of sticking to them.
- Developer: Anco, Enigma Variations, C-lab, SPS
- Publisher: Anco, Imagineer, Mindscape
- Release Date: 1990
- Platform: Atari ST, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Sharp X68000, Super Nintendo, ZX Spectrum
20. Captain Blood
Last but not least, we have Captain Blood, an adventure game developed by Exxos and published by Infogrames in 1988.
The player plays as Bob Morlock, a video game designer nicknamed Captain Blood. After developing a video game that features aliens and traveling across space, he ends up in a spaceship that he designed.
In a twisted turn of events, he ends up getting cloned thirty times, and while he manages to track down and destroy most of the clones, five still remain out there. It is up to the player to help Morlock find and eliminate the last remaining clones.
- Developer: Exxos
- Publisher: Infogrames
- Release Date: 1998
- Platform: Atari ST, Amiga, Apple IIGS, IBM PC, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Thomson TO7, Macintosh
