When I was a young lad, I had the incredible fortune of receiving a brand-new Commodore Amiga 500 from my parents, and it felt like I had been handed a gateway to another world. This was a massive upgrade from my ZX Spectrum, which, while iconic, was already feeling a little tired. The Amiga was a revelation—its graphics, sound, and overall capability were unlike anything I had ever experienced. The machine was truly ahead of its time, offering a level of performance that made it a standout for gaming and creative software.
Along with the Amiga, I received the Screen Gems bundle, which featured four game titles: Days of Thunder, Back to the Future II, The Night Breed, and Shadow of the Beast II. These games, especially the first three, were based on blockbuster films that had just hit theaters, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to dive into these cinematic worlds on my new machine. The fact that the bundle was named after those big films really helped set the tone—it felt like the Amiga was the definitive way to experience the magic of the movies in my living room.
I was fortunate during this time, as my parents were working hard to provide more for me and my sister. Their sacrifices allowed me to enjoy things that were once out of reach. It wasn’t just about the games in that bundle; it was the start of my growing collection of original Amiga titles. As I began to explore the immense library of software available for the Amiga, I discovered gems that, to this day, remain some of my favorite games of all time.
The Amiga was more than just a gaming console—it was a lifestyle. From the incredible soundtracks to the fluid animations that set the bar for the gaming world, I felt a true connection to the machine. Whether it was the haunting atmosphere of Shadow of the Beast II or the thrilling, action-packed missions of Days of Thunder, each game was a step into an unforgettable, immersive experience. I couldn’t wait to see what other titles my parents would bring home for me, and each new addition felt like unlocking a new dimension of the gaming world.
The Amiga was special in ways that words can’t fully capture. It wasn’t just the hardware—it was the games, the sense of community, and the sheer joy of experiencing something so revolutionary at such a young age. Those early years with the Amiga were formative, and as I look back, I can honestly say that they were some of the best years of gaming I’ve ever had.
I vividly recall loading Shadow of the Beast II for the first time—the opening sequence was nothing short of breathtaking. Even now, watching it all these years later, it transports me back to that moment of childlike wonder. The leap from loading a Spectrum game to experiencing this was monumental, and I could barely contain my excitement. However, the game itself proved to be exceptionally challenging.
Visually, Shadow of the Beast II is stunning, with an incredible musical score that perfectly complements the atmosphere. Its open-ended design offers players the freedom to choose their path, but this freedom can quickly turn against you. Heading in the wrong direction might take you to areas where essential items are missing, often leading to sudden and unavoidable failure. Yet, despite its unforgiving difficulty, the gameplay is polished, featuring tight, responsive controls. The sense of achievement when solving puzzles or overcoming obstacles without assistance is immensely satisfying.
That said, it’s easy to see why this game divides opinions. It’s very much a “love it or hate it” experience. For those who appreciate a challenge, I highly recommend Shadow of the Beast II to retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of its unique art style. For anyone who complains about the simplicity of modern games, this title offers a genuine taste of classic gaming’s sink-or-swim mentality. With no tutorials or handholding, it’s a perfect example of the demanding and rewarding experiences that defined gaming’s early years.
If you’re a fan of retro gaming, Gods by the Bitmap Brothers is nothing short of a masterpiece. Released in 1991, this legendary title—alongside hits like Speedball 2 and The Chaos Engine—showcases why the Bitmap Brothers are hailed as icons of Amiga gaming. In Gods, you take on the role of Hercules, battling through levels packed with enemies, puzzles, and treasure as you strive for immortality.
The gameplay strikes a perfect balance between tight, rewarding platforming and clever puzzles. Every detail feels intentional, from the challenge of timing your jumps to the thrill of unlocking hidden paths. The shopkeeper adds another layer of strategy, letting you spend hard-earned gems on health boosts, new weapons, or even powerful spells like invincibility.
Visually, Gods is jaw-dropping for its era. The environments are richly detailed, the animations fluid, and every level oozes atmosphere. Sure, the blocky mechanics occasionally remind you it’s an old-school game, but that’s part of its charm. The sound design is equally brilliant, with an unforgettable intro track (Into the Wonderful), impactful audio cues, and satisfying effects that elevate every moment of gameplay.
What truly sets Gods apart is its adaptive AI. This isn’t your typical 90s platformer where enemies blindly follow patterns—here, they react to you, sometimes unpredictably. Struggling? The game might throw in a health boost. Playing like a pro? Expect bonuses to reward your skills. The “thief” mechanic, where enemies nab inaccessible items, adds a unique twist that keeps you on your toes.
And let’s talk about fun—Gods is the definition of it. It avoids cheap tricks like unfair deaths or endless wandering, instead delivering a fair but satisfying challenge. Every playthrough feels like progress, and it keeps pulling you back for “just one more try.”
Yes, it might not have the lightning-fast pace of Superfrog, but Gods more than compensates with its atmosphere, clever design, and sheer personality. This is a game that sticks with you—pure retro gold from the Bitmap Brothers, and an absolute must-play for fans of classic platformers.
Gremlin’s Lotus Turbo Challenge 2, developed by Magnetic Fields, builds on its predecessor’s success, improving gameplay while retaining the series’ addictive appeal. Instead of traditional circuits, the sequel adopts OutRun-style timed stages, adding urgency and variety. Players race through diverse climates—fog, snow, rain, and more—each affecting car handling. The Esprit and Elan provide unique advantages, enhancing strategy.
Gremlin’s motor-racing pedigree shines with detailed graphics, from fog-shrouded bends to thunderous storms. Enhanced gameplay mechanics keep you on the road after collisions, maintaining excitement without breaking flow. Split-screen multiplayer returns, now with an option to link two Amigas for four-player races.
Stages feature unique challenges like Forest’s water jumps, City’s heavy traffic, and Desert’s sand drifts, each progressively harder but rewarding to master. Bonus points for stunts and leftover time add to the replay value.
Lotus 2 combines speed, atmosphere, and ingenuity. With over 60 checkpoints and an hour of driving, this is a benchmark for Amiga racers. Stunning visuals, tight controls, and varied gameplay ensure Lotus 2 will keep dominating the charts and racers’ hearts alike.
Kick Off 2 had dominated the Amiga scene, hitting #1 across charts and earning die-hard fans. However, not everyone agreed. Critics cited bugs and tough controls, with some even calling it unplayable. Enter Sensible Soccer—a fresh, ultra-playable take on football inspired by Kick Off but aiming to fix its flaws.
Sensible Soccer delivered the most fun and accessible football experience yet. With charming sprite players, customizable kits, and accurate team names, it was easy to spot your favorite stars. It featured nine tournaments, 98 teams, and the ability to tweak leagues and matches, letting creativity reign. Fans could save custom squads and set unique rules, offering endless options.
The overhead view showed more of the pitch than Kick Off, enabling slick passes and dazzling team plays. Smooth animations and advanced controls made every goal feel satisfying. Mastering lobs, volleys, and curling shots was easy, and free kicks and corners were precise and effortless.
Though not perfect—the match clock’s system and short playtime annoyed some—these flaws barely detracted. Sensible Soccer balanced accessibility and depth, outshining rivals like Kick Off 2 and Striker. Inside our office, debates raged, but for me, it was the king of football games.
Sensible Software, led by Chris Yates and Jon Hare, is known for classics like Parallax, Wizball, Sensible Soccer, and Cannon Fodder. Cannon Fodder is a simple, yet addictive, top-down, point-and-click shoot ’em up, where you control a small squad of soldiers tasked with eliminating enemies and destroying buildings. The gameplay is straightforward: move your troops, shoot, and throw grenades. As missions progress, the difficulty ramps up, introducing larger maps, more enemies, and environmental hazards like mines, quicksand, and rocket launchers.
The game’s humor and quirky style—featuring stick-figure soldiers and amusing animations—keep it engaging. While some criticized the game for glorifying war, Cannon Fodder actually satirizes the concept, with its sardonic portrayal of soldiers as expendable “cannon fodder.” The offbeat music, like the opening rock anthem, complements the dark humor.
Despite its simplicity, the game remains challenging, with later missions requiring strategic thinking and team management. Even after 15 years, Cannon Fodder‘s influence is clear in modern real-time strategy games like Command and Conquer. It’s a fun, timeless classic that stands out for its balance of simplicity, humor, and addictive gameplay. Highly recommended for fans of old-school strategy games.