| CS SOFTWARE |
16K CASS. |
| 1
PLAYER |
32K DISK. |
You don't get many Graphic Adventures for 16K machines, so The
Search from CS Software was of considerable interest. First thoughts
were that the 'graphic' part would consist of ordinary characters
poked onto a Graphics 0 screen with the rest left to imagination but
that isn't what The Search is like. This becomes apparent as soon as
the game is loaded. Colour is used quite extensively and to good
effect to represent your surroundings and the various characters you
will meet and objects you will find. There are no high-resolution
graphics but then you can't expect that in 16K and without a disk
drive.
The game is a Fantasy Adventure where your quest is to find a magic
ring and return it to the blue castle from whence you start. Included
in the package is a letter from the High Wizard Moradoc - a nice touch
this - giving you the benefit of his knowledge of what you might find
on your travels. There are orbs for markers, mushrooms to eat for
strengh, a magic carpet to whisk you to other locations, treasure
chests and more specific items like keys, a chalice and the Great
Sword. The Inhabitants of the land are an untrustworthy bunch and keep
popping up at unexpected moments. You must decide whether to fight or
bribe them or try and talk. Only your intuition will tell you the best
course. There are over 100 screens for you to explore and various
locations such as the West Woods, Middle Marsh and the Great Dark
Forest. Overall the game is quite pleasing though seemingly difficult
to succeed at. There are one or two things which are frustrating such
as the slow speed your character moves and the fact that you have no
control in the battles which seem to be decided somewhat arbitrarily.
The game would certainly be improved if your character actually
'walked' about the screen as you moved him and if you could get more
involved in the battles.
There must be many owners with 16K machines who have not tried an
Adventure for they are few and far between unless you have at least
32K. For these people The Search might be an ideal start although
seasoned Adventurers would almost certainly find it too simplistic.
The Search is available by Mail Order from CS Software at £14.95
including postage or from selected retailers.
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