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'Philosopher's
Stone'
Ariolasoft
£14.95 - Disk
only
1 Player
Keyboard
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Twentieth Century Royalty have never had it so
good - sitting back with their feet up sipping a glass of Bollinger,
making the odd Christmas speech now and again just to keep up
appearances whilst letting the Government mess up the running of the
country for them. Ah, what a life!
It wasn't quite so cushy in bygone days.
PHILOSOPHER'S STONE is a graphical adventure set in ancient times.
King Gieselher, wise ruler of Alkanien, has been poisoned by his
evil stepson in a bid to seize the throne. Messengers have scoured
the land in vain for a cure to save the old King and now, in
desperation, they have turned to you, a loyal servant who once
dabbled in the mystical art of alchemy. Can you help save the King?
Maybe it's not the done thing in adventure circles
but I'm going to put the cat among the pigeons by confessing that I
prefer graphic adventures to text only ones. It's been said many
times that you don't need graphics when there is good descriptive
text as offered by Infocom and the like, but I don't agree. Perhaps
I don't have a vivid enough imagination? In any case, I can't see
the sense in ploughing through line after line of text just to get
an image forming in your head when a picture does it for you
instantly. Anyway if, like me, you prefer your adventures with
artwork then PHILOSOPHER'S STONE will not disappoint you. The many
and varied picture scenes are bright, clear, full of detail and
remarkably similar to the type used in Activision's 'Mindshadow',
another first-rate adventure in my opinion.
The parser is of the verb/no variety, which I feel
most people comfortable with despite the claims some programs to
understand 'English' sentences. I've lost count of times I've typed
sentences into these programs only to be disappointed with the
replies. I always use verb noun inputs - yes, even with Infocom
adventures. Maybe that's why I've never actually completed one!!
A word here about the text which is done in bold
'Olde English' style - large black letters on a light background -
and is infinitely more readable than the terrible stuff used in the
early Scott Adams adventures. The program also features an
impressive title screen and even a catchy 'singalong' theme tune.
Plenty of extras for your money!
You begin the game in the comfort of your own home
deep in the heart of the walled city. A quick rummage through the
attic reveals a couple of useful items, including a book which gives
you a clue to the solution of all your problems - the Philosopher's
Stone. Only problem is how to find it!
Outside in the streets you are presented with yet
another major problem - how to get out of the city. You're in league
with the King remember, so his stepson has doubled the guard on the
main gate to prevent you from leaving. An alternative method has to
be found. And now your troubles really begin ......
This is poised to take over from 'Mindshadow' as
my favourite adventure. It offers a series of logical puzzles which
require smart thinking rather than a University degree in
psychology. It also gives clever, interesting replies. When you tell
it to 'TAKE object' it responds with things like 'How can I do what
is already done?' or 'I am sure it is safely stowed away' rather
than the usual boring 'OK' or 'Taken'. I like it's sense of humour
too. If you 'PLAY LUTE' to the guards at the gate you are
subsequently thrown in jail for disturbing the peace. That won't get
you very far, mind you, but you'll get a laugh from it if nothing
else!
This game is a whole lot of fun. I may only be a
novice where adventures are concerned but I know a good program when
I see one. Highly recommended.
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