2:18
Prototype Discovery: Elite NES v2.5 (Feb '92 Build)
Today we are preserving an earlier #NES prototype of Elite, which is labelled v2.5 from 14 Feb 1992! Nearly a month older than v2.8, and over 2 months before final (v5.2). Let us know if you spot any key differences! https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/04/elite-nes-prototype/ With thanks to Mark Greenshields and Darren Melbourne for making the recovery possible!
X-Wing (PC) – Early Sprite-Based Build
Before X-Wing went full 3D on the #PC, it once started life as a sprite-based space sim using the SWOTL engine. Here is what seems to be a rare glimpse of this early 1992 prototype (highlighted thanks to Andreas Wanda): https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/04/x-wing-v1/
WWE Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain – Lost Roster Members Revealed!
WWE Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain had major roster changes before release. Early builds featured The Ultimate Warrior & Hulk Hogan, but they were removed before launch - though their move sets remained in Create-A-Wrestler. Thanks to @SimonPlumbe ! https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/04/wwe-smackdown-here-comes-the-pain-v1/
An earlier version of Mirrorsoft's Tetris with different graphics
A quick post the other day to highlight an earlier version of Mirrorsoft's Tetris for likely the #Amiga, #AtariST or #PC. Showing different background graphics, but the same tile design as the ST/Amiga versions. This was from a German magazine review. https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/03/tetris-v1/
Batman Returns (Atari Lynx) missing features
Bonus post for today. Just a quick unused materials/prototype post to highlight some features that were advertised for Batman Returns on the #AtariLynx, but never made it to the final game: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/02/batman-returns-missing-features-atari-lynx/
2:15
Earlier prototype of Super Hang On? (Commodore 64)
It seems an earlier prototype of Super Hang-On for the #Commodore64 was accidentally mastered as the final version. This version features larger bike sprites and fewer CPU players. An unreleased US version also exists: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/super-hang-on-v1/ Here is a link to the US edition entry of Super Hang On on the #Commodore64, complete with scans: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/super-hang-on-us-edition/
1:11
Unseen Dropzone 2 assets, International Karate prototypes and IK graphical assets
Check out never seen before screens from the lost Dropzone 2 on the #Atari and #Commodore64, along with a strange Arcade edition of Dropzone for A8. Also various International Karate prototypes and IK+ graphical assets from the late Archer Maclean: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2024/12/archer-maclean-a8-prototypes-and-unused-assets/ We have also produced a video which showcases the recoveries and findings of Dropzone 2, Dropzone Arcade and the various International Karate prototypes and IK+ graphical assets from the late Archer Maclean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRPajqm0xSY It is with huge thanks to Chris Wilkins for kindly allowing Archer's disks to be preserved and for us to showcase materials from his archive.
4:17
Unlocked 3rd prototype of Archer's Snooker game from 1990 (Atari ST)
With a huge thank you to Galahad, the code protection on the 3rd Snooker #AtariST prototype from Archer Maclean has been removed and you can now see it in action. Much more advanced and playable to a degree, with collision issues on some of the pockets. https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2024/12/archer-macleans-snooker-prototypes/
2:07
XMAS UPDATE 5 - Jimmy White Whirlwind Snooker prototypes and concept art
Today we reveal early prototypes of Jimmy White's Whirlwind Snooker, including early #PC tests, #AtariST protos. Also showcasing concept artwork + icons from the game - created by the late and great Archer Maclean: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2024/12/archer-macleans-snooker-prototypes/ We have also produced a video which showcases the recoveries and findings of the early Jimmy White Whirlwind Snooker prototypes, with some commentary by the monotone webmaster himself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkoBBTuyWik
XMAS UPDATE 3: IK+ design and development notes
Today Games That Weren't take a look at rare, never seen IK+ development documents from the archive of the late Archer Maclean, including ideas and graphical concepts that led to creation of the famous fighting game. #Commodore64 https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2024/12/ik-design-and-development-notes/ Alongside the IK+ development documents post on Games That Weren’t, we've also created a video with our usual socially awkward commentary, giving you a peek into the gems hidden in the scans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpK-6d_NTgY
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1:34
GTW Highlight No.3: IK & IK+ prototype recoveries (Commodore 64)
GTW Highlight No.3: Our annual #Commodore64 Christmas update saw various International Karate and IK+ prototypes recovered, with other Archer Maclean materials and many other games preserved for the first time. What will we have this year I wonder?
2:19
Alleykat rare non-playable Hewson demo for the Commodore 64
In addition to our Games That Weren't #Commodore64 update, we also have a very rare non-playable demo of Alleykat by Hewson that was likely sent to shops back in the day (thanks to Marco Das). Could it be possibly made playable, and could it include any content not featured in the final version?
