Old Westwood NES Games

NESGuide.com posted this 15 minute video containing every U.S. game release for the original Nintendo Entertainment System. That is 1.1 seconds for each NES Game.



If you look watch real carefully, you can see each of the three Westwood NES games I worked on. They are DragonStrike (03:35.3 - 03:36.4), Pac-Mania (08:27.9 - 08:29.0), and Vindicators (12:56.3 - 12:57.4). Note they are all credited as Westwood Associates, not Westwood Studios. They were all published before the Virgin Games buyout when we changed our name.

If you want to see a bit more of each of those games, NESGuide.com's list actually links to these pages which has more video:

DragonStrike

The player character is a knight who flies on the back of a metallic dragon equipped with a lance and various magic items (among other things a magic orb that acts as a radar in the game). The player's dragon can use its recharging magical breath to attack and can also attack with its claws if the dragon passes closely above enemies. Opponents in the game include evil dragons with and without riders and other flying monsters such as manticores and beholders. Flying too close to the ground is another hazard for the player as enemy archers are present in some areas.

Pac-Mania

Just like most of the other games in the Pac-Man series, the goal is for Pac-Man to eat all of the dots before he is caught by the ghosts. This game has several significant changes from the traditional format. The first, and most noticeable, change is that the board is viewed in an isometric, 3D format. Because of this, it can sometimes be difficult to remember where the ghosts or the remaining pellets are. Secondly, and more importantly, Pac-Man can now jump. This in principle makes evading ghosts easier.

Vindicators

The Tangent Empire are preparing to attack the earth with their convoy of tanks, and it is you who has been sent forward to destroy the 14 space stations which make up the potential invasion threat. There are 3 sub-levels on each station, which can be played in any order. The action scrolls in every direction, with you guiding your tank-link droid around to shoot the opposition droids. The tank takes a while to steer, making it initially harder to avoid contact with those enemies. Each level contains energy stars, which can be traded in for upgrades such as improved weapons and extra speed after each level.

The scary thing is I think that I was the sole artist on those games, and there several bits I have no recollection of. Though, the technical restrictions of creating art on the NES was a enough of a nightmare that I'm not surprised I blocked some of it out.

There are a few other games in the first video that are ports of original Westwood Games, but that we didn't do that port of. The one that comes to mind is Hillsfar.

Apptastic iGame Review Podcast & FREE Highborn lite

Just a quick post before I run to get some dinner. Rade and I just recorded a live podcast for The Apptastic iGame review with is part of the Tech Jives Network.

I'm sorry but I didn't realize it was live until we sat down to do it or I would have posted a notice beforehand.

Anyway, they should have the recorded version up on their site really soon and you'll be able to find it HERE.

Speaking of Highborn though, the FREE LITE version went live today for the iPad. The iPhone version was submitted at the same time so it should available any time now. (EDIT - It's up now, link below) The lite versions contain the new Tutorial and the first two missions. Share and enjoy.

I was really worried about the humor in the tutorial. I was worried that I may not be able to pull it off 'the funny' again especially in that it isn't just putting silly jokes in. I have to actually teach the player about the game too without making it too text heavy. I think it is the hardest thing I've ever had to write. The Apptastic iGame people assure me it was just as funny. WHEW!

iPad Highborn HD Lite link

iPhone Highborn Lite link