Electric Escape (Haven 04 Cyber'tronix'')

1992 Lynx Awards
by Robert A. Jung

Almost a year after posting the 1991 Lynx Awards, I received mail from enthusiastic Lynxers who wanted to see my picks for 1992. I'm not sure if they trusted my judgement or merely found my ramblings amusing, but I obliged them with my 1992 picks -- a little snazzier, a little more organized, but still the same lighthearted spotlight on the best and the worst of Lynxdom in the past year.

Of course, after doing it two years in a row, it became a tradition, so I had to keep things going with the 1993 Lynx Awards...

By almost no demand whatsoever, folks, it's time for the second annual Lynx Awards! This is where we'll look back at the events and releases for the Atari Lynx handheld video game system in 1992, and salute the best and the brightest while jeering the worst and the dumbest. I'm the judge, jury, and executioner of this little diversion, so sit back and enjoy the show.

So without further ado, let's get rolling...


Rob's 1992 Lynx Awards


Game of the Year
JOUST. This last-minute 1992 entry has all of the elements of a great game -- easy to learn, easy to play, sophisticated, fast, addictive, and boasts quality graphics and sounds. The basic game is great, but the Lynx version also adds ten skill levels and a two-player gladiator contest as extras. A tribute to both the appeal of the original Williams' arcade game and to Shadowsoft's nearly identical translation of it, Joust is recognized as the Lynx game of 1992.

Runner-up:
STEEL TALONS. This is a software tour de force that people thought was unattainable on a portable machine. The Lynx version not only captures most of the arcade's complexity, but makes it easy to control and fun to play. This sophisticated simulator appeals only to the most serious players, but John Sanderson and NuFX deserve kudos for achieving the impossible.

* * *

Worst Game of the Year
BASKETBRAWL and NFL FOOTBALL (tie). These games prove that state-of-the-art hardware can be mangled with the wrong software. Basketbrawl has incredibly weak gameplay, weaker sounds, and truly primitive graphics that make this a pathethic title on any system. NFL Football is saddled with awkward controls, simplistic gameplay, a lobotomized computer opponent that cheats, and bland sound and graphics. Trying to decide which title is worse is an exercise in futility. It's hard to believe that someone, somewhere, actually played these games and deemed them fit to be released.

* * *

Best Arcade Adaptation
JOUST. Shadowsoft's 1991 adaptation of Robotron: 2084 took this prize last year, and it's great to see their levels of excellence have not declined. The Lynx conversion lacks but one sound effect from the original, but otherwise a is a complete copy of the arcade title, down to the built-in tutorial.

Runner-up:
TOKI. The Lynx version of this run/jump/rescue game copies the source almost totally in gameplay, sights, and sounds. There are a few minor omissions, but players of the original will feel right at home.

* * *

Best Action Game
BATMAN RETURNS. This 1992 Lynx title best fits all of the criteria for a back-to-basics action game -- lots of excitement in a no-nonsense game. It's not perfect; purists can argue that Batman spends more time fleeing than fighting, and the $49.95 price tag is a little steep for what it offers. Still, for uncomplicated fun, this very difficult game will take many hours to conquer.

Runner-up:
SHADOW OF THE BEAST. The Psygnosis computer title combines terrific graphics, stunning music, puzzle solving and sheer difficulty into an outstanding package. Though the game's linear design and strategic parts may turn away those who want uncomplicated action, most players should seriously give it a try.

* * *

Best Strategy Game
CRYSTAL MINES II. Puzzle-loving Lynx owners were almost abandoned in 1992, as the only puzzle title offered was Crystal Mines II. Fortunately, this very addictive game is capable of holding its own, with 180 varied levels to be solved. Though the graphics and sound are very simple, players who loved the classic Chip's Challenge will be easily satisfied with this.

Runner-up:
DRACULA THE UNDEAD. This first conventional adventure game for the Lynx offers a solid mental challenge with a unique control scheme and great graphics. The only drawback is the lack of a save-game feature, but this is otherwise a well-done title for budding vampire hunters.

* * *

Best Sports Game
BASEBALL HEROES. Out of a field of weak offerings, this Lynx sports title stands above its brothers. Though it does have a few rough spots here and there, the game overall is simple, entertaining, and challenging for one or two players. Well-rounded gameplay, nice sound effects, and impressive graphics make this the Best Sports Game of the Year.

Runner-up:
HOCKEY. The computer is only moderately challenging, the controls are a little cumbersome, and the sound effects need work. Even with its warts, though, Hockey is a playable game that offers a respectable version of the winter sport.

* * *

Best Graphics
SHADOW OF THE BEAST. Even with its 16-bit sprite engine, graphics on the Lynx can only be as good as the programmers involved. Shadow of the Beast offers true multilayered scrolling, a wide variety of sights, smooth animation, and stunning use of color and shades to create a panorama of eye-popping visuals. This game is a perfect demonstration that the right use of colors and design can make a Lynx screen just as appealing as one on any other system.

Runner-up:
BATMAN RETURNS. Say what you want about the game itself, but it's hard to argue against the graphics in this title. The moody darkness of Gotham City permeates the game, while Batman and his opponents are animated and drawn very well. Round this out with lots of small details and some nifty effects, and you've got one great-looking package.

* * *

Best Music/Sound
SHADOW OF THE BEAST. It's no secret that Lynx game sounds are not that great, as the sound hardware is simple and programmers often put in sounds as an afterthought. Shadow of the Beast is a stunning exception; the sound effects are nicely done, but it's the incredible background music that steals the show. From the title sequence to the final endgame, the atmospheric soundtrack captivates you and makes this title a hands-down winner.

Runner-up:
RAMPART. This castle-building arcade conversion doesn't offer a pletoria of sound effects, but the ones present are all of high quality. A nice supply of tunes, chimes, explosions, and clear digitized voices make Rampart almost as much fun to listen to as it is to play.

* * *

Most Pleasant Surprise
PINBALL JAM. Its sound and graphics are not the best ever, its modelling of physics needs a little work, and the basic idea is very simple. On the other hand, this title is easy to learn, easy to play, challenging, fast-paced, highly addictive, and no two games are ever the same -- all the hallmarks of a great title.

* * *

Silliest Video Game Idea
KUNG FOOD. Changed into a six-inch-tall green copy of yourself, you must battle killer tomatoes and mutant carrots to save yourself. Game plots don't get much sillier than this, folks. Though the game itself is a very average fight fest, Kung Food easily gets high marks for its ludicrously original storyline.

Runner-up:
SUPER SKWEEK. Skweek, the fuzzball commando, must liberate over 200 lands captured by savage monsters. He does this by...painting tiles from blue to pink? It's definitely silly, all right -- too bad the gameplay doesn't match the level of creativity involved.

* * *

Biggest Disappointment
SPORTS GAMES. With true multiplayer ability, hardware scaling, and independent screens, the Lynx has the potential for truly exciting sports action. But when they finally arrived, sports games have consistently proven disappointing, with Basketbrawl, NFL Football, and World Class Soccer leading the pack. Poor controls, simple rules, and uninspired sound and graphics are the hallmarks of these titles, which could have done much, much more.

* * *

Smartest Move of the Year
BATMAN RETURNS. Atari has often done poorly at promotions, but everything went right with Batman Returns. The company got a big-name movie tie-in, created a respectable game for it, and pushed it hard with lots and lots of commercials and advertising. The game reached stores a week before the movie's premiere, and Atari topped it by giving away free copies to new Lynx buyers. All in all, this was a textbook display of how to promote video games, and a hint at how far the Lynx can go if Atari really tries.

* * *

Dumbest Move of the Year
CHRISTMAS 1992 PROMOTION. It had the signs of a terrific holiday event: Atari set up a toll-free number for people to place orders, lowered the basic Lynx package to $79.99, and gave free delivery by Federal Express. Only problem was, few people knew about it. The promotion was not announced until mid-December, too late for most Christmas shoppers, and then word came out mostly through computer news services and a flyer with limited release. If this effort had started earlier, with advertising in video game magazines and television commercials, it could have been a spectacular sales boost. Atari is advised to do this again next year, but with better planning.

[ 1991 Awards | 1992 Awards | 1993 Awards | Atari Archives ]