Durell Software

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 Though not nearly as prolific as other software houses of the 1980's, Durell were memorable for a few reason's.

Based in Taunton in Somerset, the games produced by Durell were most prominent on the big three computers of the day, Spectrum, C64 and Amstrad, although not confined to them completely, they also made an Acorn exclusive, and dabbled with a release for C16/Plus 4, however their early success was on the Tangerine Oric.

The two main programmers were Mike Richardson and Clive Townsend.

One feature of note for the Durell games was that they came on a bright blue cassette, this was to help combat piracy, which was rife on the home micros, the inlay would offer a £100 reward for information leading to any arrests.

List of games:

  • Galaxy 5 (1983) Oric
  • Lunar Lander / Asteroids (1983) Oric
  • Starfighter (1983) Oric
  • Scuba Dive (1983) Spectrum, Oric
  • Harrier Attack (1983) Spectrum, Oric, Amstrad 464
  • Jungle Trouble (1983) Spectrum
  • Lunar Landing (1984)
  • Combat Lynx (1984) Spectrum, BBC, Amstrad, C64
  • Mineshaft (1984) BBC, Electron
  • Critical Mass (1985) Spectrum, Amstrad, C64
  • Saboteur (1985) Spectrum, C64, C16, Commodore Plus 4, Amstrad
  • Deep Strike (1986) Spectrum, C64, Amstrad
  • Fat Worm Blows A Sparky (1986) Spectrum
  • Thanatos (1986) Spectrum, Amstrad C64
  • Turbo Esprit (1986) Spectrum, Amstrad, C64
  • Chain Reaction (1986) Released 1987 by Elite
  • Saboteur II - Avenging Angel (1987) Spectrum, Amstrad,C64
  • Sigma 7 (1987) Spectrum, C64, Amstrad
  • Spitfire (1989) Spectrum, Commodore 64 (Released by Elite)
  • Death Pit (Unreleased officially) Spectrum



Rather unusually Durell still exists, they now make administration and accounting software for independent financial advisors. 

Software Products

Scuba Dive

Scuba Dive
1983
Easter’s just around the corner and that means it’s time for an egg hunt!...

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Harrier Attack!

Harrier Attack!
1983
Easter’s just around the corner and that means it’s time for an egg hunt!

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Dam Buster

Dam Buster
1983
Dam Buster is a side-view single screen action game about the 614 RAF bombing squadron in World War II.

Manufacturer : Camsoft
Type : Software - Game

Harrier Attack

Harrier Attack
1983
No doubt inspired by the Falklands conflict the previous year, the game has the player take off from an aircraft carrier and fly over an island to knock out the enemy forces, while avoiding flak, ground fire and enemy aircraft.

Manufacturer : Durell Softwares
Type : Software - Game

Harrier Attack

Harrier Attack
1983
Side scrolling aerial combat game in which players must avoid attacks from anti-aircraft weapons as well as enemy fighters.

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Mineshaft

Mineshaft
1984
Side scrolling aerial combat game in which players must avoid attacks from anti-aircraft weapons as well as enemy fighters.

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Harrier Attack!

Harrier Attack!
1984
The aim of the game is to take-off from the aircraft carrier, and fly towards the enemy island.

Manufacturer : Amsoft
Type : Software - Game

Durell Big 4

Durell Big 4
1984
On the Spectrum, Durell produced some of the finest and best selling games on the system, this compilation was one of the most successful, containing four of their best titles, Combat Lynx is a comba...

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Combat Lynx (Large Box)

Combat Lynx (Large Box)
1984
This was an action battle simulation, with technical support from Westland Helicopters, who made the Lynx Helicopter.

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Combat Lynx

Combat Lynx
1984
This was an action battle simulation, with technical support from Westland Helicopters, who made the Lynx Helicopter.

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Critical Mass

Critical Mass
1985
...

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Turbo Esprit

Turbo Esprit
1985
......

Manufacturer : Durell Software
Type : Software - Game

Operation Hormuz

Operation Hormuz
1990
...

Manufacturer : Alternative Software
Type : Software - Game

Operation Hormuz

Operation Hormuz
1991
Harrier Jump Jet arcade action, as you take control of the craft to destroy targets around the middle east.

Manufacturer : Alternative Software Ltd
Type : Software - Game


 

Durell Software

 

 

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