Amiga Hidden Gems A to Z – Letter L: Lost Classics, Clever Puzzlers, and Unsung Shooters

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Old Style Gaming is back with another round of lesser-known Amiga games, continuing the A to Z series—this time, it’s all about the letter L. And according to the host, this particular batch is the strongest yet. Packed with offbeat adventures, unexpectedly gripping puzzlers, and even a few standout titles from Poland, the list has a bit of everything—and plenty to keep players curious.

Here’s how the rankings shape up:

10. Les Manley: In Search of the King (1991)
Accolade’s attempt to chase the cheeky charm of Leisure Suit Larry lands somewhere between bizarre and bold. You guide Les—a socially awkward techie—on a completely earnest mission to track down Elvis. It’s a parser-based adventure with animated cutscenes and a helping of humor that occasionally hits. Some puzzles feel vague, but the absurd premise keeps it interesting.

9. Lethal Zone (1991)
A no-frills horizontal shoot-’em-up with clean visuals, solid music, and enough variety in enemy waves to keep you from zoning out. It’s not reinventing anything, but it’s tight and replayable. The checkpoint system is generous, and if you’re into tough-but-fair blasters, it’s a good one to check out.

8. Loops (1990)
Released by Audiogenic, Loops is a minimalist puzzle game that sneaks up on you. Place randomized pieces to form closed loops—simple in theory, intense in practice. It builds pressure fast, and the two-player mode adds some chaos. Visually barebones, but once you start, it’s hard to quit.

7. Legend of the Exploding Fist (1998, Amiga Homebrew)
Originally a C64 hit, this Amiga homebrew remake doesn’t try to be flashy. It’s a one-on-one karate game built on timing rather than combos. The animation is clean, the difficulty ramps up quickly, and there’s even a Royal Rumble mode for chaotic fun. It’s not on par with IK+, but still offers a satisfying, stripped-down fighting experience.

6. Land of Genesis (2001)
Late-era Amiga games don’t get much better than this. Developed by Clearwater Interactive, Land of Genesis delivers fast-paced run-and-gun gameplay with vibrant AGA graphics and a splash of Turrican-style design. It controls smoothly and offers solid challenge and exploration—though original hardware might struggle without upgrades.

5. Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood (1992)
One of Sierra’s most overlooked adventures, this Robin Hood tale, designed by Christy Marx, blends smart puzzles with narrative depth. Multiple story paths, detailed hand-painted backdrops, and some actual historical research make this one worth exploring—especially if you prefer a thoughtful pace over slapstick.

4. Lethal Formula (1995)
Short but sharp, this isometric game from Ditto Software mixes light puzzles with a clean art style and a synth-heavy soundtrack. The experience is brief—about 30 minutes—but what’s there feels polished and memorable. Feels like a tech demo that deserved to be a full game.

3. The Last Soldier (1994)
Mirage Media’s gritty Polish shooter throws you straight into the action. It’s raw, fast, and doesn’t need translation—you’ll be too busy dodging bullets and blasting your way through enemies. It’s a bit scrappy, but there’s real heart behind it, and it manages to be both tough and enjoyable.

2. Leani (1992)
Created by Bohemia Software, Leani is a brainy puzzle game where each character you control has different abilities. The visuals are simple but clear, and the challenge is real. It’s the kind of game that forces you to stop and really think. Solving a tough level feels incredibly rewarding.

1. Lost in Mine (1995)
Topping the list is Lost in Mine from MarkSoft—an underground puzzle-platformer that’s smooth, intuitive, and loaded with smart level design. You’ll dodge traps, solve environmental puzzles, and explore cleverly constructed mazes. The soundtrack is excellent, and the Polish text never gets in the way. If you’re only going to try one title from this lineup, make it this one.

This episode stands out not just for the games featured but for how much genuine enthusiasm they inspired. It’s a refreshingly honest look at Amiga titles that didn’t get the spotlight they deserved—until now. Give the video a watch and maybe a few of these games a go.

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