For fans of the Amiga, few names resonate as strongly as The Bitmap Brothers. Founded in 1987 by Mike Montgomery, Eric Matthews, and Steve Kelly, the studio earned a reputation for delivering visually stunning, innovative games. Titles like Xenon 2, Speedball 2, and Gods set benchmarks for gameplay and aesthetics, solidifying their place as one of the most consistent developers of the era.
Their steampunk-inspired shooter, The Chaos Engine, released in 1993, showcased the team’s knack for blending inventive mechanics with atmospheric world-building. With six unique characters, cooperative gameplay, and intricate AI that mimicked human behaviors, the game stood out. Even solo players were treated to the company of an AI-controlled partner, a feature informed by observing real-life player interactions.
The game’s Victorian-inspired menus, isometric visuals, and engaging level design were lauded by critics upon release. Amiga magazines like Amiga Format and Amiga Action praised the game, awarding scores of 90% and higher. Not every review was glowing—some criticized its lack of variety and minor frustrations like fleeting collectibles—but its critical average settled at a solid 87.8%.
Replaying The Chaos Engine today offers a mixed experience. The visuals remain striking, with a palpable atmosphere created by artist Dan Malone. However, the soundtrack, while functional, feels subdued compared to the energetic scores of earlier Bitmap Brothers games. Gameplay retains its challenge, requiring mastery of enemy patterns and strategic use of characters’ unique abilities.
The Amiga 1200 version introduced enhanced colors, but many fans still prefer the original A500 release, citing its grittier aesthetic. Players on modern systems, such as the A500 Mini, can take advantage of quick-save features, a welcome addition for a game notorious for its sparse checkpoint system.
Following The Chaos Engine, the studio explored other genres with games like Z and World War II: Frontline Command, further proving their versatility. While their console ports often lacked the charm of their Amiga originals, their influence on game design remains evident.
Today, the legacy of The Bitmap Brothers lives on. Their catalog, now owned by Rebellion, remains a touchstone for retro gamers. Mike Montgomery continues to shape the industry through Tower Studios, co-founded with Sensible Software’s Jon Hare. For those who want to revisit their work, The Chaos Engine and other classics are available on platforms like Antstream.
