♦ Livestream of the MegaZeux world “Engine” by djtiesto (1996) [https://www.digitalmzx.com/show.php?id=2804] ♦
♦ Stream Contents ♦
• (5:02) “Engine”
Checking out the original version of the classic MZX RPG "Engine". I went in expecting some 16-bit Final Fantasy inspired traditional RPG, only to discover that the influence of ZZT adventures was still very strong here. This leads to a fun mix of faux-90s society alongside castles. You're just a likely to find a new CD to listen to as you are the magic boots that let one cross lava safely. The woman that lives on top of the volcano has a collection SNES games to pass the time, and the dungeon preceding it plays a chiptune cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" for its theme.
It's a really fun mix of incongruous ideas that make it such a fun relic to venture through now. Characters are often named for protagonists in Final Fantasy 4, or just like "Dan". They immediately fall in love (because you gotta have a will-they won't-they romance).
Combat (so far) has been entirely MZX's default run and gun, with the party really having it out for bears in the forests.
Interiors are sprawling, with unrealistically shaped floorplans akin to ZZT's "Overflow", but filled with everyday household items. MZX's greater graphical capabilities mean lots of checkerboard floors and unique graphics for bits of furniture.
And then you'll get into the story where a magic bird has split its soul across several people that need to unite to return the bird to life. It's a really wild adventure that toes the line between ZZT and MZX. Set-pieces include minecart misadventures and being blasted across the world. Tragedy ensues as a party member develops a deadly illness whose only cure is the mythical "Aloe Vera" plant. Towns have inns and swimming pools. It's just a lot to take it, and a lot of fun. A game that really throws all its ideas in regardless of how they all fit together!
♦ Originally streamed on May 16th, 2025 ♦
