Skyhammer - Atari Jaguar

[Antonyv1982]

hey buddy, I just got my copy the other day and so far I'm not too happy with it but I think thats purely to do with me not understanding how to play!! Have you any tips you can pass on for this game so I can get the best out of it? There is a picture of a controller overlay in the instructions but I assume this was never actually made? Are you on Atari Age by the way? If so please subscribe to my channel or add me if you like? I am planning to upload more Jaguar videos very soon! cheers

[deadline27]

the music reminds me of that robot guy in his chamber on grandma's boy

[fireheartis1]

Wow this is a pretty good looking game. I've never played the Jaguar but there is so much negativity about it. A lot of it's 3D games where very old school polygon games, but they look pretty fun. It's another underrated system just like my favorite system the Saturn. Sad it could have bee cool to see if time would have made more great games like this.

[HerrGubba]

cart or cd?

[SvenneTheBlockhead]

@digitalobserver No, the enemies are fully textured 3D models.

[Joeyboots80]

EPIC FAIL. I agree with you slantsix73, he is a noob, a huge noob. God, even in the days of the internet and google, you still got morons who can't take 60 seconds to look something up and read a paragraph or two. Even if you are too lazy to read up on the console, a quick glance is all it takes to see the release dates of the two consoles and determine that one is years newer than the other. He is either super old or super young, because anyone who was a gamer in the 90's would know better.

[slantsix73]

Shocking!

A system that came out 3 years later was more powerful.

What a noob.

[Joeyboots80]

@andthemouse You sir, are fired...........

[SniperStorm7]

Kinda like Descent but in a city

[deadline27]

i remember a very early demo of what the N64 could do and it was something like this but a bit faster and more varied. maybe it became this game?

[nicolunacba]

Best graphics in Atari Jaguar! Or there's another one?

[ItsCoolFromSaturn]

@nicolunacba That honour probably goes to "Hover Strike: Unconquered Lands". It's an updated CD version of the original "Hover Strike" with improved graphics, sound and more levels.

[atomicgamer95]

this shows the jag potenial proving to be better than most systems at that time...awsome vid

[bobbystar101]

This would have made the jaguar win if it was released 1993, perhaps if atari released a decent sdk for the 4 custom processors there would have been way more games like this.

[meowmmmmm]

@bobbystar101 I always said that Atari should have included Tom and Jerry in the Falcon 030, and made that the development system. Not only would it have helped produce better games, the Falcon 030 would have been amazing. Why did I sell my Falcon. :-(

[bobbystar101]

@meowmmmmm I would never sell mine. Especially since it was won in an atari magazine competition.

[meowmmmmm]

@bobbystar101 I guess I sold mine because I upgraded the 030 to run at 32Mhz, and also added a video controller to allow it to run at 1280x1024 in fullish color. A musician offered me way more than I paid for it and the upgrades, and I caved when he offered me over 1500 pounds.

[Abasuto]

I actually took the risk and picked this up on eBay. Never thought I'd spend alot on any Jag title, but I'm also close to having a complete Jag collection.

Anyhow, it's a solid game and reminds me of an outdoor Descent. I'm prone to get lost alot, but I also had that same exact problem with Descent.

[CLeRKSfan4life]

This games looks great. Maybe a bit awkward but a lot of Jaguar games are like that. Just need to play them longer to figure them out.

[benzingermany]

Thats right even AVP is weak in the beguinning but exellent at the end.

[prototype9000]

i allways got lost on this game

[CBHnoob]

lol this looks alrite if the HUD wasnt so dam big haha

[squirm13]

I would like to play this, the price is quite high, though, as with some other jaguar games, homebrew, ones mostly.

[AVGNfanNO1]

stfu nooblet911

[xg4bx]

would you say that this is worth the $80 that songbird charges or no?

[viMasterJag]

Eh, honestly, probably not if you're simply a player.

If you're a collector/player, then you don't have much choice, unless you are lucky and find a used copy on EBay for anything less than retail.

To be fair, I haven't played it a whole lot. It's obviously a little low in the framerate department.

[nooblet911]

its a early 32 bit console along with 3do and amiga cd32

[viMasterJag]

Actually no, it's 64-bit. Programmers for the Jaguar made the same claims that it was a 64-bit architecture.

There's no need to even argue it -- it's fact.

[nooblet911]

I don't really care, its graphics are no-where near n64

[viMasterJag]

That doesn't matter. You said it was an early 32 bit console.

It is not. Don't back-peddle and change your story.

Gee, I wonder why its graphics aren't as good as the N64... could it be that the N64 came out 2-3 years later? Man, you are a genius!

[nooblet911]

its graphics are comparable to early 32 bit consoles like 3do and amiga cd32. it could be 128 bit for all I care

[viMasterJag]

Ok, you mean the GAMES' graphics are comparable to early 32 bit consoles' games.

Fair enough.

Why didn't you say that in the first place?

Instead you claimed the Jaguar was an early 32 bit console.

To be fair, not ALL of the games were comparable to early 32 bit consoles... read one of my below posts for a short list of SOME of the best games for the systems........ you know... the ones that you didn't care to try.

[nooblet911]

and the games sucked (the only really good game was rayman)

[viMasterJag]

Dude, you're retarded, then. There were plenty of good games. You apparently haven't played any of them.

[nooblet911]

I actually did emulate some

pretty much trash with the exception of rayman and maybe (although it didn't stand the test of time at all) alien vs predator and wolfenstein 3d (still inferior to the graphically worse pc version)

[viMasterJag]

Then you didn't play Tempest 2000 (said to be the BEST game on the system.) See, you didn't even play the BEST game on the system.

And no, everyone agrees that Wolf 3D on the jag is superior to the PC version. It's not even debatable.

Battlesphere, Atari Karts, Battlemorph, Defender 2000, Missile Command 3D, Doom, Iron Soldier, Iron Soldier 2, NBA Jam, World Tour Racing, Zero 5.... shall I continue?

Move on, dude.

Every system has stinkers -- is it coincidence you chose to only try those out?

[viMasterJag]

Also, you obviously only tried out games that could run on an emulator.

In that case, you TRULY have no idea at all.

Most of the graphically impressive (and arguably better) games are ones that cannot even be properly emulated at this time.

[nooblet911]

so why is wolf 3d better on the jag again? because of the better graphics and sounds? because of the extra guns? it still misses a lot of features present in the pc dos version

[viMasterJag]

What features is it missing?

[nooblet911]

some animation (guards are always facing you - impossible to sneak up on them), redesigned levels (a lot are missing I believe), new weapons kinda don't fit in, ect.

[viMasterJag]

You could also say the lack of stealth makes the game quicker and more of an FPS of today. The framerate is obviously very quick on the Jaguar version.

There are differences, but it's really a matter of opinion to say one is better than the other. The Jag version was developed by Id themselves. If they wanted to make changes, I would think it's because they felt it needed some.

You're definitely right about the gfx & audio being better.

I guess we just have differing opinions on the rest.

[nooblet911]

I've heard the jaguar port was just a polygon for testing the doom engine and was rushed because of doom

as much as I respect id, I don't believe they ever really took advantage of consoles to the fullest (lets wait for rage)

so I belive the dos original was better, despite the worse graphics and sounds

[viMasterJag]

Doom & Wolf 3D don't really use polygons, just like AvP doesn't.

In any case, if wolf 3d was just a test for the doom engine, they sure did a great job of it. They redrew all the art assets doubling their resolution.

If wolf 3d was rushed, then it's the best example of a rushed game on the Jaguar lol.

[nooblet911]

not polygons, polygon as in testing area

[viMasterJag]

Hmm, I've never heard of the word "polygon" being used like that, but I digress.

Anyway, the point is, if it was really just some rushed test job, then that's pretty amazing, because there are plenty of other Jaguar games that are worse.

How would wolf 3d be a test for the doom engine, anyway? The code was based on the SNES version, though all the stupid things that Nintendo forced them to take out were put back in for the Jag version.

[meowmmmmm]

@viMasterJag I would love to hear your explanation of 'Don't really use polygons'. Let me guess, they use magic?

[viMasterJag]

@meowmmmmm I mis-spoke. I meant they used them in a very rudimentary, but genius way. They didn't use polygons as we know them today with our more modern games.

Doom, Wolf 3D & AvP were also sort of "pseudo" 3D games in that you didn't have the ability to truly move in 3 dimensions.

Of course, they are the precursors to the true 3D games that came out later and I still enjoy playing them today.

[meowmmmmm]

@viMasterJag I partially agree, but don't worry thats not a bad thing. I love my Jag, and despite what any Jag haters think, the Jaguar was the precursor for many of the technologies in todays consoles. Now if I could only find someone to over clock my Jag to 3.2ghz like the PS3 and 360 and see what it can do then.

[Stopmotionist]

@meowmmmmm

They use raycasting, which isn't truly polygonal. It takes 2D map data and renders it in a way that LOOKS polygonal.

[meowmmmmm]

@Stopmotionist I beg to differ. Put the code in and playit with just the wireframe graphics.

[Stopmotionist]

@meowmmmmm

What "code"? Also, do you know why Doom doesn't have vertical aiming controls? Because the fake polygon engine physically can't support it. Don't take my word for it: qzx . com / pc-gpe / doom . txt

[meowmmmmm]

@Stopmotionist There is a cheat code that you can enter which gives wire frame graphics. AVP has a version too (Contact Rebellion for it)

As for Doom, even the N64 version does not allow you to look up or down. I just played it, and I know that the N64 can handle polygons pretty well. It's not a limitation of the Jag, just the game.

[Stopmotionist]

@meowmmmmm

Even if you can view it as wireframe, it's still generated by a raycasting algorithm. And Doom 64 uses the same engine as the PC and Jaguar versions, so it's irrelevant. Read the technical document that I linked to; it'll do you good.

[nooblet911]

graphics and sound are better for sure, but the pc dos original is better

[nooblet911]

jaguar was stronger than genesis and snes, but it fall short in comparison to sega saturn and ps1

[viMasterJag]

Well duh, those 2 systems came out AFTER the Jaguar.

They'd better out-do the jag. If they couldn't even beat a previous console, then they'd be the sorriest systems ever made.

[nooblet911]

jaguar wasn't bad tech-wise when it came out but it was underperforming in 3d graphics

even 3do could do better (take a look at the need for speed)

[nooblet911]

better at 3d*

[viMasterJag]

Jaguar wasn't made to be a 3D powerhouse (though if you look at the more advanced 3D games, like Battlesphere, you may think differently.)

The Jaguar excelled in 2D. 3D was not even a big thing at the time of the Jaguar, which is why it wasn't specifically taylored with dedicated 3D hardware like the Playstation was.

Need for Speed is the exception and not the rule. The 3DO was generally not good at 3D games.

The Jag "could" do better, but no one has taken advantage of it... yet ;-)

[nooblet911]

there are very few people who would defend the jaguar when it comes to games, for your information

[viMasterJag]

And almost all of those people who WOULDN'T defend it haven't even played any of the games! They just all listen to retarded reviews by guys like the AVGN who are only on the internet to be "funny." They don't even review properly.

[mikeycomputer]

Looks Decent... Could be better, like you said.

[austinmackert]

Good use of bass.... :p

[dtmbcorp]

Dude you fucking owned that red ship

[viMasterJag]

Haha, it seriously needed owning ;-)

[akumacornflakes]

Wow, the Jag is a surprisingly capable little system. This would rival most early PS1 games (And to think Jack Tramiel said the Jag was slightly weaker:P)

[philiptwood]

The System really just got rushed out the door. Had more time been put into the Jag it would've easily smoked the PS1 in a lot of respect even if the texture mapping wasn't quite up to par.

[Cronos262]

Yeah this one is a rather overlooked gem for the Jaguar. Definitely like Descent but has shops and a less linear playing field. I had a lot of fun with this one back in the day!

[DracIsBack]

That's because it came out several years after the system was discontinued.

[Cronos262]

Even Battlesphere or Protector get a lot more attention than this one... And those were also released well after the system was OOP.

[redfoxbennaton]

cool

[060falcon]

Excellent game... huge levels and impressive textures at least for a cartrdge based game on a 1993 console!

[redfoxbennaton]

They look photo realistic.

[RREDDWARFF]

Was this game a Jag CD or Cart?

[viMasterJag]

cart

[TheCDiFanboy92]

reminds me of duke nukem 3d :)

no a bad thing ;)

[viMasterJag]

Yeah, sort of in a spacey way :-)

[RREDDWARFF]

It's like Descent for the Playstation or PC. It looks really cool. I'm assuming this game is crazy rare though

[B3ND0G]

looks more like descent

[yethboth]

Very Good.

[theatarijaguar]

This shows what the Jag is capable of and all the sucky games for the system come from lazy programmers.

[1981Myname]

Or badly paid programmers. Atari's weakness: Build superior hardware, do not invest in software.

[jilagone]

You're right. badly paid is the main problem.

[dogeymon83]

Lazy programmer syndrome. Or Atari made the Jaguar hard to develop for. Game developers don't have all the time in the world to spend on figuring out how to properly program a game on Jag. They've got other projects to work on too.

[nooblet911]

pretty slow

[apocalypse1280]

This game looks awesome. I gotta add this to my Jaguar collection too.

[A31Chris]

This game looks fairly good. I'm surprised Rebellion was able to pull their heads out of their ass long enough to accomplish this.

[Daemonocracy]

Rebellion made AvP also. They were pretty good with the Jag hardware except for Checkered Flag.

[3gdosrsfs]

My comment, so there is no mistake was intended for Joebo3...the horses nuts sac!

[DracIsBack]

I liked this game when I owned it, though I found you could fly around for a while and not do much.

Was definitely more reflective of what Jaguar games SHOULD have typically been like. Sadly, most games looked like they could have been done just as easily on the Super Nintendo and Genesis. Lots of development houses just "phoning it in".

[viMasterJag]

Many of the games could have been done on the snes & genny... not skyhammer obviously, you're absolutely right that many of them could have been... or even were at one point, lol.

[Lordnicon999]

wow this looks just as good as the screens. I wish i had this. Its too bad more developers couldnt harness the power of the jaguar like this. Oh my jaguar, if only you were as popular as those hilarious add campaigns.

[viMasterJag]

You can have it, but it's like $80 new :-/

Every once in a while you can find a used copy on EBay, though.

[yethboth]

Interesting.

[sega31098]

nice.

[wesaismthttttdm]

had the jaguar been in the hands of programmers like these, atari would have made a comeback. they probably would have been the first to have online retro games long before the top 3 of today. not bad or a jag game.

[ArtisteArnie]

Looks world class. Shame Rebellions Legion of the Undead never saw the light of day. well said viMasterJag !

[KRAFTWERK2K6]

OMG this is great! Looks like Decent and G-Police. I have to get this cartridge.

[dtrks80]

This game looks and sounds very good.I'll have to find it someday.

[ArmoredPanther]

I still have my old Atari Jaguar (w/ CD player) and the graphics look pretty sharp here, but not as good as Aliens Vs. Predator. Do you mind if I ask you where you got this? This is a home brewed game, isn't it?

[viMasterJag]

It's actually a complete game that was never released, if I remember right, until Songbird Productions obtained the rights to it.

It's made by Rebellion, though, the same people who did AvP.

[ArmoredPanther]

It said it was loading and I am curious if this is a CD game? Were you able to walk into a store and buy this? I finally dragged my old system out of the closet and was curious as to how to get newer games for my system, which is why I am asking ;-]

[viMasterJag]

Yeah, who knows about the loading, but AvP is the same way when you start a mission and also loads while the elevator is "going up or down" in the game.

No, unfortunately you can't walk into a store to get this. Google "Songbird Productions" and you can find it new from there (it won't let me post links here.) EBay is another place you may find it cheaper and then you could always try the premiere Jaguar fan forum by googling Jaguar Sector II.

:)

[viMasterJag]

Sorry, I also meant to confirm 100% that this is a cartridge, which is a good reason why it costs so much new from Songbird.

[WCWite]

How did u get a hold of it?

[viMasterJag]

I believe I bought it from a person either on Jaguar Sector II (google it) or AtariAge.

It was probably a little less than retail, which can be had from Songbird Productions (google that, too) :D

[Joebo3]

no wonder the atari jaguar failed miserably

[viMasterJag]

Well your comment basically makes no sense at all, since Skyhammer was released WAY AFTER the Jaguar had already failed. In fact, it was even released 2 years after Hasbro bought out Atari. The point is, the Jag was long dead as a mainstream console already.

Take the trolling elsewhere, since you basicaly have no clue what you're talking about.

[3gdosrsfs]

You're a fucking failure you little knuckle fucking knuckle fucker!

Your band sucks, your favorite band sucks, your favorite video game sucks and your mouth sucks anything male and flesh to boot!

Jaguar failed because of mis-informed miscreants like yourself running game magazines. You releated to the editor

of EGM maybe? Douche breath!

[thebonefish]

So this is the legendary Skyhammer? Kinda pales in comparison visually to the 3do Shockwave 2.

[viMasterJag]

I've never seen Shockwave 2, so I can't comment on that. But of all the Jaguar games released, Skyhammer is definitely one of the most impressive. When I get time to really play it and get good at it, I'll throw up another video.

[thebonefish]

It has some really good textures. Looks so much better than other Jaguar games, makes you wonder if the other developers were just kiddie coders.

[viMasterJag]

It probably all comes down to the lack of tools.

Atari didn't take the time (or money) to create them and us fans certainly paid for it with a lack of quality "64-bit" games :(

Almost all devs stuck to coding their games for the motorola 68000 processor in the jag. That is a 16-bit processor. They pretty much ignored the power-house processors that they should have been using.

[thebonefish]

I recently reaquired Shockwave 2. I need to get some video capture hardware. These games are really similar. Good to get some knowledge of these obscure titles out there!

[KevinCali24]

I really like the atmosphere in this game! First time I've seen it in action, pretty darn impressive.

[theatarian]

Oh yeah, this is one game that shows some of what the Jag could do. I have this and it is not only fun to play, it's quite impressive. The only problem is that it wasn't fully debugged. Maybe if it had been it'd run a little faster.

[EmOneGarand]

regardless of the frame rate leaving alittle to be desired this game always impresses me with it's visuals.

[killgore346]

thanks for sharing viMaster, Jaguar Rules!!!