Return to Blacktooth: Head Over Heels Sequel Announced for Amiga and Atari ST After 36 Years

Return to Blacktooth: Head Over Heels Sequel Announced for Amiga and Atari ST After 36 Years Retro gaming fans have a reason to celebrate as Thalamus Digital Publishing and Atari have jointly announced 'Return to Blacktooth: A Head Over Heels Adventure,' a sequel to the iconic 1980s title 'Head Over Heels.' Developed by Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond and originally published by Ocean Software, Head Over Heels is widely regarded as a pioneering isometric arcade adventure, leaving a lasting mark on platforms like the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Commodore Amiga, and Atari ST.

This announcement comes after an extraordinary 36-year wait, injecting new life into a beloved classic. Colin Porch, the developer responsible for the Atari ST port of the original game, has relentlessly pursued his passion project since 1989.

Having worked quietly for over three decades, Porch is now bringing his vision for a sequel to fruition with the help of Thalamus Digital and Atari.

In a press statement, Porch's enthusiasm for the project was unmistakable.

'It's hard to convey just how thrilled I am,' he remarked.

Reflecting on his journey, Porch added that the project has been a significant part of his life since working on the original, emphasizing the care taken to preserve the spirit of the classic while introducing modernized features.

"Over more than 30 years, I've introduced a range of new elements to evolve the gameplay while holding on to what made the original special.

Players can expect logical, mind-stimulating puzzles that reward strategy over reflexes—challenging yet fair." The new title, Return to Blacktooth, is described as a 3D isometric arcade adventure, offering over 350 rooms spread across five distinct worlds, two playable characters, a variety of enemies, and visuals designed to harness the full capabilities of 16-bit platforms.

According to Thalamus Digital, Porch has meticulously added new rooms, innovative level designs, and fresh gameplay mechanics to deliver an engaging and contemporary experience for both returning fans and newcomers. Andy Roberts, founder and CEO of Thalamus Digital, echoed the excitement surrounding the project.

"As a devoted fan of the original Head Over Heels, I felt it was imperative to deliver Colin's long-awaited sequel to its dedicated community.

This project is a testament to passion and reverence for gaming history, and working alongside Atari has been a remarkable collaboration," Roberts stated. While initial versions are set to release on the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST, Thalamus Digital has plans to expand the game’s reach to other classic and modern platforms.

These include the Atari Jaguar, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, ZX Spectrum Next, as well as PC and contemporary consoles, ensuring that a wide array of gamers can experience the sequel. Return to Blacktooth is scheduled for release in Q4 2025, further strengthening the continuing legacy of Head Over Heels.

For players longing to revisit the challenging puzzles and unique world of the classic, this long-awaited sequel signals a triumphant revival of retro gaming’s golden era.

Atari Amiga Thalamus Digital Atari ST Colin Porch Andy Roberts Head Over Heels Return to Blacktooth Ocean Software ZX Spectrum Commodore 64 Atari Jaguar Bernie Drummond Jon Ritman