IFReviewed by
Tom Zuchowski on 2006-05-06 01:28
MAIN PGM Version: 6
Extra Commands: WEAR, DIAL
Deleted Commands: none, no Save
Special Features: roving soldiers
Playing Time: 1 hour
Reviewer Rating: 7.0
Description: While sitting in a bar, you happen to overhear a conversation between two men sitting nearby. It turns out that these two work for Lord H.R. Bottomsmith, a man whose utter lack of scruples is at least as famous as his great wealth. As they talk, you realize that they are paid assassins, discussing an upcoming murder. They notice that you are listening!
As you leave the bar, you are hit from behind and knocked unconscious. When you wake up, you find yourself in a cheap hotel room. Beside you lies a dead body, and his blood is on your weapon! You realize that the assassins have decided to kill two birds with one stone, by framing you for the murder that they had committed!
The only way to clear your name is to travel to Lord Bottomsmith's castle, find the proof of this murderous conspiracy, and carry it to the local judge, before soldiers can arrest you. If they find you before you can get the proof to the judge, you'll hang!
Comment: The really unique feature of this adventure is the roving soldiers that are combing the town for your whereabouts. Like the description says, if they catch you, you die. They move from room to room and don't jump randomly all over the map. You can see them coming in time to get out of their sight. This feature was done well in a nicely realistic manner.
You have a couple of things to accomplish here. First and foremost is to avoid the guard. Next, you need to visit much of the town, looking for clues, companions, and supplies. Last, you have to travel to the castle and find the evidence. Good use is made of 6.0 features and I found little to complain about. The castle also has roving guards who move independently of one another.
There's not overmuch combat here, though you do need to dispatch the odd guard or slimy monster. The only puzzles are the finding of the embedded artifacts that you need, such as a torch. I give it a difficulty of (5). The roving soldiers were a really nice touch.
Used with Matthew Clark's kind permition.
Original review available at Eamon Adventurer's Guild Online website.
