ASTRO MARINE CORPS (A.M.C.)
TECHNICAL DATA
Production Team:Programming: Pablo Ariza
Original Graphics: José A. Martín
Cover Illustration: Alfonso Azpiri
Game Year:1989 (Original)
Mod/Plus Year:2022
Compatibility:PCW 8256 - PCW 8512 - PCW 9512 / PCW Plus / PCW# mini
Graphics:3 styles (Simple, Patterns, and Dither in Modes 0/1) / Mode 2 with 16 colors (PCW Plus)
Sound:Sound Effects / Opening music optimized for DK'Sound
Peripherals:Keyboard (Redefinable) / DK'Tronics compatible Joystick
Loading:Adapted structure (Conversion of the original Dual Loading system)
Genre:Arcade / Action / Run and Gun / Platforms
Players:1 or 2 Players (Alternative turn-based mode)
Language:Spanish / English
Screenshots
Description
The acclaimed "Astro Marine Corps" (A.M.C.), a masterpiece of the run and gun genre from the Golden Age of Spanish software, was originally developed in 1989 by the Creep Soft team (with Pablo Ariza handling programming and José A. Martín delivering the outstanding pixel art) and distributed under the legendary Dinamic Software label. The title immerses us in a brutal sci-fi war where we take on the role of a space marine from the A.M.C. Our critical mission is to repel a hostile alien invasion led by the ruthless Deathbringers on the planet Darkid, fighting our way with heavy rifle blasts through exotic jungles, infested caverns, and high-tech bases in a side-scrolling gameplay that demands extreme technical precision.
This ambitious modern adaptation, flawlessly crafted by Enrique G. Gálvez in 2022 for Amstrad PCW computers and its modular counterpart PCW# mini, stands as a prodigious technical milestone for the machine. Breaking the traditional color limitations of the classic office computer, this port shines extraordinarily by offering the user 3 independent graphic styles applicable to video Modes 0 and 1: the Simple style, the Pattern style, and an advanced Dithering system to simulate complex shading on green-phosphor monitors. Furthermore, for owners of compatible Amstrad PCW Plus hardware, the engine natively activates screen Mode 2, exploiting a simultaneous palette of 16 pure hardware colors.
The gameplay experience faithfully inherits the 1 or 2 players option from the classic title and is deeply enriched thanks to the addition of snappy sound effects during action sequences. This is beautifully complemented by a brilliant musical score on the title screen, meticulously arranged and optimized to be reproduced through the DK'Sound peripheral. An indispensable piece of retro software engineering that expands the gaming limits of the PCW ecosystem.
Cover Art
Manual
The official game documentation is attached, re-edited with the specifications of the new technical engine (Click on each page to open full screen in a new tab).
Disks
Disk Labels
Printing measurements for a 3“ floppy disk (Height: 7.00 cm - Width: 7.10 cm).
Extras
Keyboard and Controls
This version optimizes the keyboard matrix reading to avoid any type of input lag or ghosting effects. The game features an initial boot menu that allows users to choose between the single marine mode or the turn-based cooperative campaign, as well as completely redefine the action keys to their liking. Additionally, it offers native out-of-the-box support for digital joysticks under the classic DK'Tronics standard. The default controls are configured as follows:
Q Key:Jump / Move Up (Redefinible)
A Key:Crouch / Move Down (Redefinible)
O Key:Walk Left (Redefinible)
P Key:Walk Right (Redefinible)
SPACEBAR:Fire Heavy Weapon / Main Action (Redefinible)
Hints and Tips to Complete the Game
• Select Your Preferred Visual Style: When booting up Enrique Gálvez's version on a classic monochrome PCW, try switching between Simple, Patterns, and Dither styles to find the best contrast setup for your green-phosphor screen.
• Unleash the Plus Hardware: If you are running the software on an Amstrad PCW Plus or a properly configured emulator, make sure to select Mode 2. This allows you to experience this work for the very first time with 16 pure hardware colors on this system.
• 1 or 2 Players Campaign: The title faithfully preserves the alternative turn-based multiplayer mode from the original release. The second A.M.C. marine will step into battle immediately after the first player falls or loses a life, making strategic checkpoint sharing essential.
• Two-Phase Gameplay Mechanics: The port retains Dinamic's classic structural layout. The first phase takes place in the dangerous alien jungle of planet Darkid, while the second phase moves deep into the labyrinthine underground enemy fortress.
• Historic Access Passcode: Even though the file loading speed has been highly optimized in this adaptation for convenience, remember that completing Phase 1 originally granted you a unique access code required to unlock and play Phase 2.
• Ammo Management and Jump Timing: Keep a close eye out for acid lava pits and carnivorous plants hiding in the jungle. Mastering the movement inertia while firing requires anticipating Deathbringer patrol spawns so you don't get cornered.
• Beware of Area Bosses: Giant alien creatures with strict attack routines await you at the end of each sector. Take time to memorize their movement patterns and locate the blind spots from which your plasma blasts can deal safe damage.
Poster
Map
Cartographic charts and surface layout blueprints to guide our soldier during the planetary insertion.
Available Downloads
Game File
Documentation
Videos
{{youtube>S3UKiNq-gK0?large}}
