Black Lamp (video game)
| Industry | Video game publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980s |
| Products | Video games |
Black Lamp is a platform game initially released by Firebird Software in 1988 for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum systems. A subsequent version was launched by Atari Corporation in 1989 for the Atari 8-bit computers.
The Atari ST edition was included in the Atari ST Power Pack, a compilation of 20 games bundled with select computer models.
Plot
The player assumes the role of Jack The Jester within the realm of Allegoria. Jack’s affection for Princess Grizelda motivates him to demonstrate his valor through a courageous deed to earn the king’s favor. Following the theft of a magical black lamp—an artifact safeguarding the kingdom—by dragons, Jack sets out on a mission to retrieve it, defend Allegoria from invading monsters, and secure the princess’s hand in marriage.
Gameplay
This side-scrolling platformer tasks players with navigating Jack through Allegoria to locate nine lamps of various colors. Each playthrough features eight lamps placed at random locations, while the ninth—the black lamp—is protected by a dragon that must be overcome.
Players must return each lamp individually to designated lamp racks distributed throughout the kingdom. Successfully delivering all lamps allows progression to subsequent levels.
The game’s stages comprise both fixed and scrolling rooms connected via doorways leading in multiple directions.
Various collectibles influence gameplay dynamics:
- Food items replenish health
- Five distinct weapons temporarily boost offensive capabilities
- Five musical instruments enable safe landings from heights for a limited time
- Five jewels grant short-term invulnerability
Jack moves in discrete steps rather than smooth joystick motion, demanding more calculated maneuvering compared to more responsive platform titles such as Mario or Sonic.
Music
The Atari ST and Amiga editions of Black Lamp feature a title screen rendition of Elizabethan Serenade composed by Ronald Binge, while in-game tracks draw from the traditional English folk tune Greensleeves. Conversely, the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 versions showcase original title music created by Tim Follin.
Reception
Black Lamp was generally well-received, with particular acclaim for its visual design and animation quality. However, reviewers noted its steep difficulty level and somewhat cumbersome controls.
In issue 77 of Computer and Video Games, the Atari ST version earned a perfect 5/5 score, commended for its richly detailed graphics and smoothly animated creatures.
The August 1988 edition of Commodore User gave the Amiga version a 7/10 rating, emphasizing its intricate background artwork.
Meanwhile, Zzap!64 issue 36 rated the Commodore 64 release at 78/100, praising its "remarkably impressive graphics" but criticizing its challenging gameplay and awkward control scheme.
External links
- for Atari ST
- for Atari 8-bit computers