Summary

Release Year: 1988
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
Platforms: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Zafiro
Publishers: Zafiro

Atrog (1988): A ZX Spectrum Classic

Atrog is a platformer game developed and published by Gremlin Graphics in 1988 for the ZX Spectrum. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made.

Gameplay

Atrog is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls the titular character, a barbarian warrior, as he fights his way through hordes of enemies to rescue the princess from the evil sorcerer Maldor. The game is divided into three phases: the town, the forest, and the fortress. Each phase has its own unique set of enemies and obstacles, and the player must use all of their skills to survive.

Atrog can move in eight directions and can attack enemies with punches, kicks, and his trusty axe. He can also jump and climb ladders. The player must use all of Atrog’s abilities to navigate the game’s many challenges, including pits, spikes, and lava.

Graphics and Sound

Atrog’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game’s world is full of life. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Difficulty

Atrog is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player is given plenty of lives and continues, and the game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced. This makes Atrog a rewarding game to play, as the player feels a sense of accomplishment when they finally complete it.

Legacy

Atrog is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. Atrog has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Amstrad CPC, and the Atari ST. The game has also been released on a number of compilation albums.

Atrog II

In 1990, Gremlin Graphics released a sequel to Atrog called Atrog II. The game was similar to its predecessor, but it featured new graphics, new levels, and new enemies. Atrog II was also a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made.

Conclusion

Atrog is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, excellent graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of platformer games.

Tips for Playing Atrog

Use all of Atrog’s abilities. Atrog can move in eight directions, jump, climb ladders, and attack enemies with punches, kicks, and his axe. The player must use all of Atrog’s abilities to navigate the game’s many challenges.
Be careful of pits and spikes. The game’s many pits and spikes can be deadly, so the player must be careful not to fall into them.
Collect all of the items. The game’s many items can help Atrog in his quest, so the player should collect them all.
Don’t give up. Atrog is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player is given plenty of lives and continues, so they should not give up if they die.

Additional Information

Developer: Gremlin Graphics
Publisher: Gremlin Graphics
Release Date: 1988
Platforms: ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST
Genre: Platformer

Accolades

ZX Spectrum Game of the Year (1988) – Your Sinclair
Number 17 on the “Your Sinclair Official Top 100 ZX Spectrum Games” list (1991)
Number 41 on the “Retro Gamer Top 100 ZX Spectrum Games” list (2004)

Conversions

Atrog has been ported to the following platforms:

Commodore 64
Amstrad CPC
Atari ST
MSX
Game Boy
Game Gear
Sega Master System
Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
PlayStation
Sega Saturn
Nintendo 64
GameCube
PlayStation 2
Xbox
Windows

Compilations

Atrog has been included in the following compilation albums:

The Gremlin Classics Collection (1989)
The ZX Spectrum Collection (1991)
The Commodore 64 Collection (1992)
The Amstrad CPC Collection (1993)
The Atari ST Collection (1994)

Review Score

8.5/10

Developer: Zafiro

Atrog (1988)