Adax: Iconic Polish Game for Atari XL/XE

Adax – A Polish Masterpiece on Atari XL/XE

Released in 1992 by the renowned Polish game publisher L.K. Avalon, "Adax" is one of the most memorable titles on the Atari XL/XE platform. Created by a talented team including Marek Szelewicki (programming), Tomasz Dobrzański (graphics), and Krzysztof Matysik (music), the game combines arcade and adventure elements in a science fiction setting.

Story and Objectives

In the game, players take on the role of a special agent sent to the distant planet Adax. The mission is clear: destroy the alien base and recover six floppy disks containing secret information. While exploring six dangerous sectors, players face numerous enemies, including robots, RoboCop-style guards, and landmines. An original feature of the game is that enemies lack ammunition, allowing players to defeat them using shurikens, grenades, or hand-to-hand combat.

Gameplay and Challenges

Character control is based on a combination of directional inputs and the "fire" button, requiring players to be precise, especially during dynamic moments of the game. Additional challenges include jumping between platforms and climbing ladders, where proper positioning is key. Exploring the map is crucial, as players can find useful items such as extra weapons, keys, as well as a mysterious sword or a bomb.

Audio-Visual Presentation

The graphics by Tomasz Dobrzański are highly detailed and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the alien planet's environment. Krzysztof Matysik's music complements the game beautifully, building tension and immersing the player in the world of Adax.

Trivia

• In one of the chests, players can find floppy disks containing the source code for another iconic Polish game – "Robbo PC."
• The game was fully optimized for the Atari XL/XE, making it a technological achievement of its time.

Legacy

"Adax" is a quintessential example of Polish games from the 1990s that has left a lasting mark in the history of retro gaming. It serves as a brilliant example of the creativity and technical ingenuity required to overcome the limitations of the era.