In the ever-evolving sphere of video gaming, nostalgia has found a prominent place. It allows players both young and old to experience the classics of yesteryears, and the Team17 Collection 1 on Evercade does exactly this by transporting us back to the Amiga's golden years. The Amiga, a computer that became a symbol of technological prowess in the late '80s and early '90s, was home to some of the most innovative games of its time. The Amiga’s robust hardware facilitated a new era of gaming experiences, and Team17, a British video game developer and publisher established in 1990, was at the forefront.
The significance of Team17 Collection 1 lies in its distinction as the first Evercade cartridge to incorporate actual Amiga games rather than mere console ports. This feature positions the collection as a noteworthy development in the history of the Evercade console itself. With ten well-chosen games, the collection serves as an anthology of Team17's early achievements.
The journey begins with "Full Contact," released in 1991, marking Team17's initiation into the gaming world. Despite its immersive music and engaging animation, "Full Contact" falls short when measured against the genre's titans such as "Street Fighter II," due to its simpler mechanics. But as you progress through the collection, you encounter the "Alien Breed" series. Included are the "Special Edition" from 1992, "Alien Breed II: The Horror Continues" from 1993, and "Alien Breed: Tower Assault" from 1994. The choice to feature three instalments of "Alien Breed" might seem indulgent; however, each game proves its worth, capturing the essence of top-down shooting with aplomb. For fans of the genre, this trio offers a pure, undiluted experience.
One cannot help but admire Team17's versatility, made evident with "Project-X Special Edition," a 1992 title that showcases their capability to craft an engaging 2D shoot ‘em up. While it doesn't quite attain the legendary status of its Japanese influences, such as "Gradius" or "Life Force/Salamander," "Project-X" still demands respect for its challenging and substantial gameplay.
"Body Blows," which followed in 1993, adduces Team17’s enterprising spirit as it catered to the exploding fighting game market. Although its combat system, constrained by a single-button attack scheme, may seem simplistic by today's standards, "Body Blows" offers decent gameplay, especially compelling in multiplayer mode.
Another gem is Jamie Woodhouse's "Qwak," a delightful 2D platformer that made its debut back in 1989 on the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron. Its Amiga version, published by Team17, preserves the original 80-level challenge and adds polished graphics to the mix—undoubtedly a nod to classic platform gaming.
And there's more to discover, such as "Arcade Pool," released in 1994, which faithfully replicates both British and American pool gameplay styles with surprisingly accurate ball physics. The year 1995 saw Team17 scale newer heights with "Worms," a game that captured the imagination of players worldwide. Although "Worms" became a standalone phenomenon—and is notably absent from the collection due to having its own Evercade cartridge—the same year also produced "Kingpin: Arcade Sports Bowling" and "ATR: All Terrain Racing," both of which find their rightful place in Team17 Collection 1.
Completing the assemblage, these two titles round off what is truly a motley crew of Team17’s programming prowess—a testament to the company's ability to traverse across genres and deliver engaging content tailored to a broad audience. While some games in the collection may show their age more than others, and those without a pre-existing appreciation for Amiga may be left scratching their heads at the fuss, there is an undeniably broad appeal. Team17 Collection 1 offers a slice of gaming history wrapped up in a modern cartridge format, and it's an invitation to those both familiar and unacquainted with the Amiga to revel in its celebrated library of games.
Navigating through a mix of fighting, shooting, racing, and puzzle-solving, Team17 Collection 1 pays homage to a period when gaming was experiencing a Renaissance of sorts. For collectors and fans, the collection presents an opportunity to re-experience these classics or discover them for the first time. As the gaming industry continues to grow and change, retrospectives like this not only serve to honor the past but also remind us of the creative spirit and innovation that remains at the heart of video game development. Team17 Collection 1 on Evercade, therefore, stands as a vibrant anthology, a fine celebration of a veteran's creative years that offers delight and challenge to gamers of all ages.
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