Flying Shark level corruption on both FlashFloppy and HxC

[sandord]

This image seems as not well made - for instance it asks to insert floppy B, while all is on 1 disk.

Try this: http://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/F/flyings.php

Second DL - ST file.

I haven't been able to try your image yet but I did try another one I found on the internet. It has the same "Insert disk 2" message while being a single disk. But, it doesn't have the corrupted level data. I don't think that the fact that the message is still there while not being necessary, means that the image is bad otherwise.

I'm still intrigued by the other one running fine in Steem SSE and not on Gotek.

[Petari]

Of course that unnecessary disk change message must not mean that it is bad version, but surely is not good sign - those who released it like that did not put much effort - to be user friendly, and probably did not test it well.
Actually there are 2 versions of this game for Atari ST. Visible at title screen. What I used has Firebird logo at bottom, is on 2 SS floppies. And may be later version. That problematic one disked v. is likely just done by someone by putting all files on DS disk. What again must not mean that it is the cause of corruption. Game using TOS for all loads, no direct disk access, so basically should not act different with Gotek. I don't have time right now to go deeper in it.
There is one thing more to look: TOS version. What TOS v. is in your Atari, and what Atari model is it ? Should test in Steem SSE with same settings.

[sandord]

Of course that unnecessary disk change message must not mean that it is bad version, but surely is not good sign - those who released it like that did not put much effort - to be user friendly, and probably did not test it well.
Actually there are 2 versions of this game for Atari ST. Visible at title screen. What I used has Firebird logo at bottom, is on 2 SS floppies. And may be later version. That problematic one disked v. is likely just done by someone by putting all files on DS disk. What again must not mean that it is the cause of corruption. Game using TOS for all loads, no direct disk access, so basically should not act different with Gotek. I don't have time right now to go deeper in it.
There is one thing more to look: TOS version. What TOS v. is in your Atari, and what Atari model is it ? Should test in Steem SSE with same settings.

You're right, it isn't a good sign. Though like I said, the other version I tried had the same thing but not the corruption.

My ST is an 1040 STF with TOS 1.02. No upgrades besides the Gotek. I tested in Steam SSE with the same TOS, I'm not sure what memory settings I tried though. I might try again later, who knows it's something subtle like that

[Petari]

I looked deeper in code. Floppy change and it's detection isn't done well. Now deactivated it completely. Added super cheat, with what can quickly pass levels. During it, once had screen corruption, in Steem. Never after corrections. So, may be that will be fine with Gotek too .
Same loc. for DL: http://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/F/flyings.php
Hard disk v. : http://atari.8bitchip.info/SCRSH/flyings.html

[sandord]

I looked deeper in code. Floppy change and it's detection isn't done well. Now deactivated it completely. Added super cheat, with what can quickly pass levels. During it, once had screen corruption, in Steem. Never after corrections. So, may be that will be fine with Gotek too .
Same loc. for DL: http://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/F/flyings.php
Hard disk v. : http://atari.8bitchip.info/SCRSH/flyings.html

That's... astonishing! You've just made my favourite shoot-em-up even better
I'll try it out as soon as I get home

[sandord]

Did you increase the initial number of lives from 3 to 5?

[Petari]

Did you increase the initial number of lives from 3 to 5?

No, that's what you get with 2 disk Firebird release. You may check with STX images if don't believe me
Beside it, why to change when have cheat options.

[sandord]

No, that's what you get with 2 disk Firebird release. You may check with STX images if don't believe me
Beside it, why to change when have cheat options.

Don't worry, I believe you

In my opinion, even with 5 lives this game is hardly any more playable than with 1. As soon as you're half way the first level and you die, you lose your weapon upgrades and it becomes almost impossible to get much further.

So basically, this is a one hit and it's game over type of game.

Personally, I don't use any cheats because that kills all the fun. But it would have been practical for testing if the second level was corrupted It took quite some effort this way but at least I got a little better at playing this game!