Prehistorik 2

Prehistorik 2, a game published by Titus Software, was coded by Elmar Krieger (EGS). The In-Game-Music was composed by Kangaroo MusiQue of HJT

Gameplay

Prehistorik 2 was well produced being one of the latest Amstrad 8 bit production.

It is a classical Platform Game with horizontal and vertical scrolling.

Graphics clearly show a 16bit based cross development origin.

This game works on CPC and Plus and has a special plus version which clearly displays the differences and commonality of the capabilities of the 2 generations.

Yet perhaps it was showing too much as the game is quite sluggish.

It is also notable that the game has less levels than the 16 bit versions with only 2 complete levels and was probably a rushed release as so many Amstrad productions of the late era.

Technical

Title screen uses 32KB mode overscan. Game uses rupture technique to split the screen into a scrolling section and a section with a panel.

There are 3 special versions selectable:

Standard version
Special version 1
Special version 2

These versions differ by their use of R3 to improve horizontal scrolling and vertical/horizontal sync timings.

Then you can choose 64KB version, 128K version with enhancements or Plus version.

64KB vs 128KB

64KB version doesn't have a status panel.

Standard version

R3 changes between &0c and &05 when scrolling to make the smoother R3 horizontal scroll.
R2 is &32

Special version 1

R3 = &8e on the title screen
Game switches between &0C and &8E. R3 is not used to improve the horizontal scroll.
R2 is &32

Special versión 2

R3 = &8e on the title screen
Game switches between &0C and &8E. R3 is not used to improve the horizontal scroll.
R2 is &31

Video contents

This video shows Prehistorik 2 running live on the Amstrad CPC.

{{#ev:youtube|MavWmgzr2P8}} The Amstrad PLUS version, displaying its sweet intro music and the large range of Greys the CPC lacked, achieving a 16bit flavour.

Yet the intro page seems inferior to it's CPC (old) counterpart, due to a poor choice of inks/colours.

{{#ev:youtube|JSBLZtFxnX0|300}} {{#ev:youtube|hadm3xRoEcQ|300}} Longlplays on Amstrad CPC (old) courtesy of Axelino.