Lemmings (1993-)

• Developer: DMA Design

• Publisher: Psygnosis

• Genre: Puzzle

Lemmings for the Atari Lynx was developed by DMA Design and released in 1992, with Psygnosis serving as publisher. The game was a handheld adaptation of the hugely popular 1991 puzzle title originally released on home computers such as the Amiga and DOS systems. The Lynx version preserved the core mechanics of guiding lemmings safely to their exit while adapting the gameplay and visuals for the handheld’s screen and controls, making it a notable addition to the Lynx library.

The game challenges players to save as many lemmings as possible by assigning them various skills to overcome obstacles and reach the exit. Its inspiration came directly from the original computer game, focusing on strategy, timing, and resource management. Each level introduces new hazards and increasingly intricate terrain, requiring players to plan carefully and react quickly to ensure the lemmings’ survival. The combination of logic, quick thinking, and experimental problem-solving made the game both challenging and engaging.

Gameplay on the Lynx featured a side-view, scrolling environment that allowed players to observe the lemmings’ movements and interact with them in real time. The handheld’s hardware enabled smooth animation of the lemmings and responsive controls for assigning skills such as digging, building, or blocking. Audio included brief sound effects for lemming actions and light background music that underscored the tension of each puzzle without distracting from the strategic gameplay. The clear visuals and responsive interface helped maintain the addictive quality of the original game on a portable device.

Lemmings did not have a prequel, though the series would later continue with titles such as Oh No! More Lemmings and Lemmings 2: The Tribes on other platforms. Promotion for the Lynx release was handled through Psygnosis catalogues and gaming magazine previews, highlighting the puzzle-solving depth and portability of the game. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising its faithful adaptation of the original mechanics, the clarity of the Lynx visuals, and the challenging puzzles, though some noted that managing large groups of lemmings could be tricky on the smaller screen. Over time, the Lynx version has been remembered as a strong and engaging portable puzzle experience.

Images from MobyGames