Laura – A Modern Classic on Atari XL/XE

Laura is a captivating puzzle-adventure game released in 2016 for the Atari XL/XE computers. Created by the Polish group ArSoft Corporation, the game blends arcade-style logic with adventure elements, all packed in a highly polished 8-bit aesthetic.

Game Overview

You play as Laura, a young explorer on a quest to recover magical masks hidden in a series of mysterious temples. Each mask you collect unlocks the next stage, bringing new puzzles, enemies, and traps. The game is presented in a top-down perspective and demands quick thinking, sharp reflexes, and clever strategy to overcome obstacles.

Development Team

• Programming & Concept: Arkadiusz “Larek” Lubaszka
• Graphics: Paweł Szewczyk
• Music & Sound: Bartłomiej Wieczorkowski

Gameplay Features

• Classic top-down exploration with puzzle-solving elements
• Beautiful pixel art and smooth animation
• Engaging chiptune soundtrack
• 64 KB RAM required (runs on standard Atari XL/XE)
• Joystick-supported controls

Physical Release & Extras

Laura was made available in several formats: downloadable disk and executable files (.ATR, .XEX), as well as boxed physical editions on cassette and cartridge. The cartridge version included 32 additional levels, accessible via the SELECT key.

New Adventures of Laura

In 2018, a follow-up titled New Adventures of Laura was released, featuring brand new levels crafted by the original creators and fans. This extended the lifespan of the game and reinforced its status as one of the most refined modern titles for the Atari 8-bit scene.

Legacy

Laura is considered a benchmark of modern 8-bit game design. Its clever mechanics, crisp presentation, and professional execution show that even decades after their peak, classic platforms like the Atari XL/XE can still surprise and delight retro gaming fans.

Whether you're a long-time Atari enthusiast or just diving into the retro world, Laura is a must-play experience that proves passion and creativity know no hardware limits.