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[IbizaPocholo]

A look at one of the greatest puzzle games ever created. Lemmings in 1991 was developed by DMA Design and published by Psygnosis. Originally releasing on the Amiga and Atari ST it has seen ports to 20 different computers and consoles and has sold over 15 million units. In this episode we take a look at Lemmings and how it changed the industry.

TimeStamps:

00:00 - Psygnosis in the early days
01:23 - DMA Design
02:29 - The idea/concept
04:03 - Lemmings the game
09:45 - 2 Player Spilt screen mode
11:02 - The Ports
13:58 - Legacy

Background of Psygnosis and DMA Design

Psygnosis, originally known for its graphical capabilities, transitioned from a development studio to a publisher, bringing in smaller studios like DMA Design. DMA was founded by friends from a computer club and initially released games like Menace and Blood Money, setting the stage for their groundbreaking title, Lemmings.

Creation of Lemmings

Lemmings was conceptualized from a simple idea of animated sprites designed by DMA's team. Although Psygnosis initially hesitated to support this puzzle-focused concept, the eventual approval led to the development of a game featuring a large number of simple character sprites, culminating in Lemmings.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players guide lemmings to safety using various skills, which makes for strategic and engaging gameplay. The game features over 120 levels with increasing difficulty, utilizing a combination of skills such as climbing, building, and digging, that must be managed carefully against time constraints.

Technical Innovations

Lemmings was programmed on an Amiga 500 without advanced technology, yet managed to brilliantly animate up to 100 characters at a time through efficient coding. The graphics were designed to be clear and engaging, allowing for smooth gameplay even with many characters on-screen.

Commercial Success and Cultural Impact

Upon its release, Lemmings sold 55,000 copies on its first day and eventually 15-20 million copies across various ports. Its success not only established Psygnosis as a major player in the gaming industry but also influenced the development of future puzzle games.

Legacy and Subsequent Developments

Lemmings has spawned numerous sequels and ports across various platforms, and its legacy endures in how it impacted the puzzle genre. Despite its historical importance and critical acclaim, recent years have seen a decline in new Lemmings titles.

 

[The ninja farmer]

Lost hours on my Amiga to this one . The levels got practically evil near the end

I can also vaguely remember the snes version and fumbling with the controller

Also for DMA design games. Who would have thought they would become 'rockstar north' !!! .

Gouranga doesn't quite cover it

 

[Hari Seldon]

I remember this game fondly but vaguely. I was looking for a modern version or an iOS remake, but didn't really find one.