"Beams" featured in demo scene magazine

[AtariFan]

Hi,

issue #2 of the magazine SCEEN featured the Atari Falcon demo "Beams" in the ROM-part of the cover DVD and ten reviews about it in the column "demospotting flashback" (page 90/91):

"One of the best design demos ever made for the Atari Falcon. Addictive 2 Live Crew Me So Horny beat and electronic voice style. TSCC: Boyz with da Bass and an original IP addresses idea. The Falcon was built in 1992 and due to DSP there still is no emulator for PC today!" ALIEN

"I was very impressed by this demo when I've first seen it at Evoke 2005. I think it should only be watched on the big screen for its catchy soundtrack that goes so well with the visuals. Also impressive is the fact that Beams has been released for the Atari platform in 2005." BONZAJ

"Design wise this demo looks as old as its platform, having traditional text overlays and sidebars. The graphics aren't that special, but the overall look is working and quite coherent. The music is either annoying, catchy or both." CURLY BRACE

"Chér on Atari? Unintentional or not, this gave some good laughs. Never underestimate the power of using vocoder lyrics." MELWYN

"What probably stands out most about this demo is the micromusic'esque soundtrack. Its hymn-like vocals, that won't leave your mind too soon, act as a strong storytelling framework and tone giver for the rest. It's a nice and well-designed effect show that's, unlike many other 'oldschool' demos, really pleasing to the eye." KB

"There's probably some nice code there, hidden somewhere behind the horrible colours and cheesy overlays. But my oh my, why are you forcing me to poke out my eyes with a fork?" KUSMA

"Lovely music that is really hard to get out of your head provides a great 8-bit mood (though the Falcon is actually 32 bits). However, some of the colours are just too painful to look at, the pure blue beams and the sicky green of the 3D scenes somehow hurt." SHIVA

"The great, catchy music in this one is probably what makes it really memorable. The design elements are an odd mix, as some of the overlay graphics are quite ugly, and the (computer geeky) theme would be unforgivable if it wasn't for the music, which fortunately makes it all work well." SMASH

"The music is so catchy, and makes the whole thing cool and fun to watch! I don't know much about Atari hardware, so I can't judge the code. It's not a visual masterpiece but, thanks to the music, I don't mind that." SNARLING

"The only good thing about this demo is the greetings part. All the other stuff is not my cup of tea." XXX

[lotek_style]

"Yeah I saw it Some very nice comments" I hope you don't expect a BEAMS 2 now

[bullis1]

I didn't post here earlier because I didn't have anything to contribute. I was going to ask if the soundtracks were available to download, but then I thought I should check pouet first. Lo and behold, there they were! Nice work lotek by the way.

Unfortunately I've never seen the demo running. I don't have access to a TT or Falcon right now, but I may soon. I remember when this demo came out, and I wanted to watch it very badly.

[lotek_style]

bullis1: Atleast you can watch the video in the meantime

[bullis1]

bullis1: Atleast you can watch the video in the meantime

No way it will just spoil the experience for when I do get to watch on real hardware

[earx]

it's still a nice demo

i'm waiting for another falcon/tt prod from TSCC. one day i'll come back to Falcon to give you guys some competition, i promise =)

[lotek_style]

Earx: It all now depends on Ray (or the other coders) at the moment if there will be a new demo. We had some plans and already started some stuff for Outline 2006... well 2009 maybe now

[earx]

lotek: i hope (like you, i guess) ray/remo/creature do restart activities soon

in the meanwhile: i'm wondering if you'd like to do a YM tune?

[lotek_style]

oops sorry didn't reply to this question... "beams"-chiptune or a new one? I guess you already found somebody for this job.

[earx]

thanks man, hahaha. a bit late but yeah, crazyq helped me out.

[yerzmyey]

"I hope you don't expect a BEAMS 2 now

Oh yes, we do.
Certainly.

[DarkLord]

"I hope you don't expect a BEAMS 2 now

Oh yes, we do.
Certainly.

Absolutely we do. My little girl even likes that song. (and it works on CTxx Falcons!)

[lotek_style]

Heya guys... well I have to dissapoint you we are not working on anything at the moment... but... there are atleast plans for a BEAMS-follow up song