Editing Atari ST (section)

===Games===
{{See also|List of Atari ST games|Category:Atari ST games}}
The ST had success in gaming due to the low cost, fast performance, and colorful graphics compared to contemporary PCs or 8-bit systems. ST game developers include [[Steve Bak]], [[Peter Molyneux]], [[Doug Bell (game designer)|Doug Bell]], [[Jeff Minter]], [[Éric Chahi]], [[Jez San]], and [[David Braben]].

When the Atari ST was released in 1985, it seemed to be aimed at the professional market. However, the inclusion of two joystick ports and a low-resolution mode of 320x200 pixels, with 16 colours from a 512-colour palette, hinted at its potential for gaming. Initially, it was uncertain whether these new 16-bit machines could really deliver a next-generation gaming experience, as the games at launch didn't show a significant visual improvement over the 8-bit systems of the time.  

After a while, the first ST games began to appear that people were attracted to:  
  
* ''[[Time Bandits (game) | Time Bandits]]'' - which brought the labyrinth action to the ST, but was not technically superior to the 8-bit.  
* ''[[Major Motion]]'' - a Spy Hunter clone that could be played with the mouse.  
* ''[[Arena (game) | Arena ]]'' - a decathlon game that had to be played with the keyboard, but had graphics with a level of detail beyond the capabilities of any 8-bit system.  
* ''[[Megaroids (game) | Megaroids ]]'' - an ''[[Asteroids (video game)|Asteroids]]'' clone in a medium resolution of 640x200 in 4 colours. This made it outstanding at the time.  
* ''[[Joust (video game) | Joust ]]'' - an arcade port showing the new capabilities of bitmap graphics compared to the character set graphics of 8-bit systems - [Moon Patrol] - offered a high resolution 640x400 black and white version.
* ''[[Sundog (game) | Sundog ]]'' - An RPG with simple graphics, but a story that made it a classic.

As developers became more familiar with the ST's capabilities, they were able to exploit its full potential. This resulted in games with visuals that far surpassed anything seen on 8-bit systems. Notable examples include  

* ''[[Goldrunner]]'' - Its sampled sound, bitmap graphics and smooth scrolling were impressive.  
* ''[[Starglider]]'' - Featuring a multi-second title sample, a feat for the time, its fast, colourful 3D wireframe graphics showcased the power of the 16-bit processor.  
* ''[[Gauntlet (1985 video game) | Gauntlet]]'' - Arcade port with the ability to play with 4 players via a parallel port joystick adapter.
* ''[[ST Karate]]'' - Fighting game
* ''[[Oids]]'' - 2D physics-based action game inspired by ''[[Thrust (video game)| Thrust]]''.
  
It wasn't long before ST games were gracing the covers of leading computer game magazines. It became standard practice to develop games on the ST and then port them to other platforms. Several of these titles went on to have a significant impact on the history of computer gaming:  

* The realtime pseudo-3D [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Dungeon Master (video game)|Dungeon Master]]'', was developed and released first on the ST, and is considered to be the best-selling software ever produced for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamesnostalgia.com/game/dungeon-master|title=Dungeon Master (Amiga) Game Download|website=GamesNostalgia|language=en|access-date=2019-10-20}}</ref> 
* Simulation games like ''[[Falcon (video game)|Falcon]]'' and ''[[Flight Simulator II (Sublogic)|Flight Simulator II]]'' use the ST's graphics hardware, as do many arcade ports. 
* The 1987 [[first-person shooter]], ''[[MIDI Maze]]'', uses the [[MIDI]] ports to connect up to 16 machines for networked deathmatch play.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ask.audio/articles/this-1987-first-person-shooter-video-game-used-midi-for-multiplayer-mode|title=This 1987 First Person Shooter Video Game Used MIDI For Multiplayer Mode|first=Rounik|last=Sethi|website=Ask.Audio|date=2017-02-10|access-date=2024-06-26}}</ref> 
* The 3D Rollercoaster Racer  ''[[Stunt Car Racer]]'' had fast 3D graphics, surpassing those of other systems, largely due to the ST's powerful CPU.  
* The arcade conversion ''[[Super Sprint]]'' remained exclusive to the ST for several years, cementing its status as one of the system's signature titles.  

Beyond the mainstream releases, there was also a flourishing scene of games designed specifically for the Atari ST's monochrome mode. With its 640x400 resolution, coupled with the crisp display of Atari's SM124 monitor, this mode provided a canvas for some truly distinctive games, offering unique aesthetics and gameplay:  
  
* ''[[Oxyd]]'' - Based on the classic memory card game, ''Oxyd'' delivered a compelling puzzle experience.  
* ''[[Ballerburg]]'' - A game that captivated a generation and may have paved the way for titles like ''Worms''.
* ''[[Bolo (Breakout clone)|Bolo]]'' - a breakout game.

The Atari ST enjoyed a period of dominance throughout the second half of the 1980s, but its influence began to diminish as the next decade dawned. Competitors with custom chips gained the upper hand for a time until the PC took over. During this period, games were predominantly developed on these rival systems and subsequently ported to the ST. The inherent nature of game conversions meant that the original, optimised for its native hardware, often suffered compromises in the translation. A prime example is [Wolfchild], a superb game in its original form, but the ST version was noticeably inferior due to a rushed port.  
    
While the enhanced capabilities of the [[Atari 1040 STE]] were welcomed by the Atari ST community, the number of games that utilised them was limited. This was largely due to the relatively small user base of STe owners, making exclusive STe development commercially unviable. However, some titles did manage to garner positive attention beyond the Atari community:  

* ''[[Obsession (video game) | Obsession]]'' - A [[pinball]] simulation that boasted numerous tables, leveraging the STe's expanded colour palette and improved hardware scrolling.  
* ''[[Substation (game) | Substation ]]'' - A first-person shooter set within an icy environment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nostalgianerd.com/doom-clones/|title=Doom Clones|website=[[Nostalgia Nerd]]|first=Peter|last=Leigh|date=2016-07-16|access-date=2024-06-23}}</ref>
* ''[[Brutal Sports Football | Brutal Football]]'' - A sports game that showed off the STe's Blitter chip.  
* ''[[Sleepwalker (video game) | Sleepwalker]]'' - an STe only game by [[Ocean Software]].
  
The [[Atari Falcon]], intended as the successor to the ST/STe, found a dedicated following within the Atari scene, resulting in a vibrant homebrew community. Sadly, the Falcon's overall market penetration was insufficient to make a widespread impact. Notable titles include:  

* ''[[Crown of Creation game | Crown of Creation]]'' - A 3D game.
* ''[[Ishar]]'' I, II, III - A series of well-regarded dungeon crawlers.  
* ''[[Racer 2 game | Racer 2]]'' - A highly polished driving game.  

Although often overlooked by mainstream publications, the Atari ST gaming scene remains active. Dedicated Atari enthusiasts continue to develop and release new games. Notable examples include:  

* ''[[Stario Land]]'' - A meticulously crafted platformer, reminiscent of Mario, which demonstrated the capabilities of smooth scrolling on the ST, subtly highlighting the shortcomings of earlier attempts like ''[[The Great Giana Sisters]]''.  
* ''[[Double Bobble 2000]]'' - A faithful recreation of ''[[Bubble Bobble (video game)|Bubble Bobble]]'', specifically for the Atari Falcon.
* ''[[Grav]] - A challenging shoot-em-up.
* ''[[Hector vs The Mutant Vampire Tomatoes From Hel]]'' -: A quirky action-platformer.

Beyond the ongoing development of new games, the Atari ST community maintains a presence through various initiatives. Notably, the [[Atari ST Offline Tournament (STOT)]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://atari-forum.com/viewforum.php?f=53&sid=746a598c9c7c8c361df4d3bed9fda46b|title=ST Offline Tournament|website=Atari-Forum|language=en|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref> established in 2007, provides a monthly platform for high-score competitions, keeping classic games in active rotation. Furthermore, gatherings and dedicated [[MIDI Maze]] events demonstrate the enduring popularity of networked play on the ST. 
Social media platforms, particularly YouTube, feature numerous channels dedicated to showcasing Atari ST games. Online resources like [[AtariMania]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atarimania.com/atari-st-tt-falcon.html|title=ST Games|website=Atarimania|language=en|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref>  (archiving), [[Atari-Forum]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://atari-forum.com|title=Atari Forum|website=Atari-Forum|language=en|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref> (community), [[Atari Legend]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atarilegend.com|title=Atari Legend|website=Atari-Legend|language=en|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref> (the central Atari ST portal), and [[AtariCrypt]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com|title=AtariCrypt|website=AtariCrypt|language=en|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref> (a diverse hub) serve as essential pillars of the community, ensuring the Atari ST remains an active platform.