#PA2030, Published by Atari Corp.

In this episode I cover the very last game originally developed at Epyx, Inc., Zarlor Mercenary, released in October of 1990. Alphabetically, it’s also the very last original-release game for the Lynx. Plus, as far as I know, it’s the only Lynx game that has “Mendicants”…or “Medicants”…or “Merdicants.” I’ve included vital statistics, credits, gameplay, reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game.

ZARLOR MERCENARY VITAL STATISTICS

Release Date: October of 1990.

Initial Retail Price: In the US: $34.99; in the UK: £29.99.

Cartridge Information: 128k (likely) stereo curved lip-style cartridge.

Game Genre: Top-down vertically scrolling shooter for one player, or two-to-four players using the ComLynx cable.

Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal).

Game Levels: There are six levels, or “Missions,” in both the single and multi-player versions of the game: Level 1-Cadmar Desert; Level 2-Mesort Swamp; Level 3-Docrit Sea; Level 4-Sedimor Domes; Level 5-Mardic Ice; and Level 6-Cedmite City.

Number of Players: 1-4 (with ComLynx support).

Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There were also French and Japanese versions of the carton sold, as well as a blister pack.

Instruction Manual: A 20-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide.

ZARLOR MERCENARY CREDITS

Developer: Epyx, Inc.

Programming: Chuck Sommerville  (audio and video of Chuck’s joint interview with LX Rudis in 2018 on The Atari Lynx Handycast).

Graphics: Matthew Crysdale.

Levels, Music, SFX: Christopher Grigg.

Additional Programming: Stephen Landrum.

LYNXED IN

Ninjabba’s At It Again!

Jasper van Turnhout, also known as Ninjabba on Atari Age, and who released his critically acclaimed home brew game Wyvern Tales back in May of 2018, has now released a new teaser demo that he has developed for what could potentially become another home brew title for the Lynx. The demo is called Nomad Rally 2018, and anyone interested in viewing the demo in emulation or in downloading it to a multicart can find it here.

Luchs Soft Taking Pre-Orders for Space Battle and QuadroMania!

Luchs Soft in Germany is now taking pre-orders for two after-market titles, both to be available on April 1, 2019. Space Battle is a Harry Dodgson prototype (from 2000). It will be available as a single cartridge or two cartridges (for 2-player gaming); both versions will come complete with curved lip-style cartridge(s) inside a full-color carton, along with a manual, poster, and collectible lapel pin. The game can be played by up to eight players using the ComLynx cable.

The other game, QuadroMania, was discovered in 2013 by Alex Thissen, a.k.a. LX.net (who provided high-res scans of his hand-drawn Slime World maps here) and who released a very limited run of 20 copies of the game in 2017 through Beta Phase Games. Now, Alex has secured permission from RPM Software (Robert Maidorn) to market a new run of the game through Luchs Soft; it will also come complete with a curved lip-style cartridge inside a full-color carton, along with a manual, poster, and collectible lapel pin.

Who Doesn’t Want a Funky Xmas?

In other home brew news, Martin Wendt, Xamil Wolnikowsky, and Bruno Moraes, known collectively as PriorArt, have also released a new home brew demo for the Atari Lynx; this one is entitled Funky Xmas 2018. Rabid Lynxters may recognize Wendt and Wolnikowsky as two of the developers of the eagerly anticipated upcoming home brew game Lacim’s Legacy. A zip file of this new demo can be downloaded here.

LYNX LYNKS

Information About Zarlor Mercenary:

Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Zarlor Mercenary

Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Zarlor Mercenary

Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Zarlor Mercenary

Wikipedia article about Zarlor Mercenary

Moby Games article about Zarlor Mercenary

GameFAQs article for Zarlor Mercenary

Zarlor Mercenary Fact File in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine (US; Issue #19; February of 1991)

Zarlor Mercenary Tips, Cheats & Easter Eggs