Sinclair User


Dragonfire

Author: Richard Price
Publisher: Cheetahsoft
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Sinclair User #32

Dragonfire

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! Coming at you every which way too in Dragonfire as, in the persona of Prince William, you attempt to cross the drawbridge, enter your castle and rescue the valuables in the Treasury.

The fortress is guarded by a powerful dragon who has clearly dined too well on chicken vindaloo and the fireballs fly thick and fast. Young Willy can be made to jump, duck and run towards the gate and, if he makes it, enters the second screen. That depicts the strongroom where the flatulent reptile lurks.

Willy must then collect items of value and escape once again avoiding incineration. If successful he returns to the drawbridge and begins all over again, only this time the action is faster and yet more dangerous. There are four levels like that, each apparently using the same screens.

The game is fast, challenging, with good strong graphics and clear displays. It is pure arcade and the storyline is minimal. All you need are fast reactions and the urge to play again and again. To begin with the program is exciting and difficult but with only two screens, the thrill soon wears off. That is a serious limitation on what is basically a well-designed game and is bound to reduce its permanent appeal.

Richard Price

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