Westen House EX

The isometric MSX1 adventure game Westen House from Brain Games is finally getting a physical release, and here's your chance to grab a copy. Released on a fully boxed MegaROM cartridge, the game is stuffed with even more puzzles, rooms, music, and excitement to guarantee plenty hours of game play.

In the earlier days of computer gaming, there has been a good amount of isometric viewed games. These are the type of games that are presented in a pseudo 3D rendering, either in screen-to-screen or scrolling fashion. Good examples of such MSX games are Gunfright, Head over Heels, Batman, Alien 8 and L' Abbaye des Morts. While you might think is typically an 80's style, game developer Brain Games recently released a game molded through an isometric form as well. Released for free, the 2021 game Westen House became an instant hit in the scene.

Looking at the developer's MSX games page, you'll notice an impressive list of high quality MSX1 releases. Most of them are even first-prize winning MSXdev entries. The game Westen House is the most recent title in their portfolio and is based on an alternate ending to Bram Stoker's Dracula novel, where one of the characters - who is supposed to die in the novel - is actually still alive. The events as depicted in the game happen about one or two years after the end of the novel. Originally released in 2021 as a free digital download version, the game gets its deserved physical release as Westen House Ex.

Brain Games took the game to an even higher level and extended it for this new release. Compared to the original version, Westen House Ex contains a map that is 50% larger, and includes even more puzzles, enemies, and many more secrets to unveil. It features a fresh PSG score by Gryzor87 and a brand new option to save your progress in-game while the MSX is powered on. Also, the game supports both English and Spanish language which is selectable at the game's start. If you've played Westen House before, you'll find that this new "Ex" version takes you to new places and fresh nightmares.

Westen House EX is a 128KB Mega ROM cartridge, fully compatible with the MSX1 standard. The cart is presented in a full color box with deluxe magnetic locks, including a manual and some other extras. The box, cover, and manual has been designed by Sirelion, while the cartridges are being assembled by Pablibiris. The whole package will be delivered at your doorstep for 35 euros (ex shipping). To reserve your copy, send an e-mail to Santi from Brain Games with the subject "Westen House EX reservation", "I want a copy of Westen House Ex, now!", or "Pleeeeease gimme, gimme, gimme WHX!".

Relevant link: Brain Games Westen House Git page