Two decades after saving Earth, the protagonist of “Cosmic Hero” makes a thrilling comeback in a sequel designed for Atari XL/XE computers.
“Cosmic Hero 2” follows the tradition of its predecessor, released in 2004 by Zelax Group, and pledges to immerse players in an adventure brimming with logical and arcade challenges. It retains the core mechanics of the original, inspired by the well-known Sokoban, such as collecting “blobs” of liquid energy and deploying a cable to open the map’s exit. Players will embark on a mission across various planets, each featuring distinct graphics and music, expanding upon the first game in nearly every aspect.
You control a space hero tasked with saving Earth, a planet threatened by ecological disaster in the year 2393. To accomplish this, you need to bring containers with a special nutrient from space. On each container-laden planet, it’s also necessary to reconnect the broken electrical circuit that, when activated, opens the door to the next level. It’s not an easy task, as circuit pieces are scattered across a given planet, and access to them is blocked by various objects. Fortunately, there’s no time limit for solving the puzzles.
Planned features include extensive maps with both horizontal and vertical scrolling, a full-screen playing area, refined graphics in carefully selected colors, and a rich sound design that fully exploits the capabilities of the Atari sound system. Additionally, a real-time calculated shadow effect and moving objects are promised to add an arcade flair to the game.
Leading the project are Lukasz “Pazur” Pazera (original game designer, prototype programmer, graphic designer, and author of some maps); Krzysztof “Święty” Święcicki (Atari programmer); and Krzysztof “Foster” Bryła (soundtrack).
The game is being developed using modern tools, including the Unity engine for the prototype, which closely reflects the final game and features a board editor. Sound is created in Raster Music Tracker and recorded using real POKEY hardware, ensuring that the visual and auditory design remains true to the capabilities of Atari’s ANTIC/GTIA chips.
It’s worth noting that Pazera programmed the first “Cosmic Hero” in 1993 when he was just 14 years old, with the support of Święcicki, Bryła, and Jerzy “Dudek” Dukaj. In 2022, a collector’s edition cartridge of the game was released, including a manual in Polish.
“Cosmic Hero 2” promises to be more than just a sequel; it’s a tribute to the golden age of video games and a renewed challenge for Atari 8-bit enthusiasts.
