Virus - update
Whilst trying to get a decent, playable, version of Zarch (David Braben, Firebird, 1987) and usable Archimedes emulator, I decided to look at the later ports of it to other computers, which were released under the title ‘Virus’:
Virus: Spectrum version (Braben/Steve Dunn, Firebird: 1988) run on a ZX Spectrum emulator - far too slow to play (on the emulator -I’m sure the orginal game was fast enough) but the lo-res wireframe graphics do have a certain charm. The story of the development of the Spectrum version of Virus , is quite interesting, reminding us of bygone days when the game industry was quite cottage-like (note: the ZX spectrum version isn’t mentioned on Mr. Brabens site).
Virus: Ms-dos version(Braben/Chris Sawyer, Firebird, 1988) run on Dos Box - runs fine, but the old-school EGA graphics (16 colors at a resolution of up to 640×350 - pre 1987 ) lack the warmth of the 256 Archimedes pallet. But thankfully the control method, physics and generally the game-play aesthetics are all there.
The other two versions (Atari ST and Amiga) I haven’t tracked down games and emulators for, yet, but would like to compare them.
Regarding the Archimedes emulator Arculator, (which I mentioned in my earlier post Archimedes Emulation), apparently the scan-line effect is intentional, as it speeds up the emulator (it only has to draw half as much to the screen), but they might make this optional in the next update.
Love the post. For me what made virus stand out was the unique control method. This made the play experience both distinct and memorable. (If a little tough at first.
9/7/2006 | andyr |