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Of the few Telarium (ex-Trillium) adventures I have played, Dragonworld is by far the best. One of the reasons I say this is because it was the first one in which I was able to play from beginning to end without having to go through one of those - dare I say it? - silly arcade games! That, for me, has been the downfall in other games in this series.

Then again, if Adventures with a quick burst of arcade action are your thing, you can take such a route through the game and that, I feel, makes Dragonworld just that bit special.

Just as in real life, there is no right or wrong way to go about things. Each time he plays, the adventurer may find new and better ways of solving the same puzzle!

In fact, in many ways, the game reminded me of Sorceror Of Claymorgue Castle in that you can use things you find in a multitude of different ways. Use the wrong item in the wrong place and you'll eventually come screaming to a halt, I hasten to add!

Most of the action takes place in Kandesh, a city typical of its time, even down to the bazaar where it is possible to meet a tailor who bears a remarkable resemblance to a certain cartoon Dungeonmaster - not that I watch it, of course!

It is even possible to take your good friend Hawkwind for a quick drink in the bar. He's a great guy, always on hand to offer advice or help in any sticky situation that might arise. (Just like the Adventure Helpline plus drinks, eh, Keith?)

Dragonworld has some really great graphics and, for once, much to my delight, I left them on the whole way through this classic - a first for me, I must admit!

Also, from time to time you are treated to a short burst of music to highlight reaching a milestone in your quest to free the last dragon in Dragonworld.

Right - now for some of the not-so-good points! One example is when I tried to cross the castle courtyard with a young prince I had rescued from the assassin's dungeon. I wanted to disguise the prince with an assassin's cowl and I found I could not do so without a spare one. But I was carrying five of them at the time! Not to worry, the problem was soon solved another way - remember that I said earlier there were many ways of solving a problem!

The other idea I'm not too sure about is having coded clues on the back of leaving a bag of sweets in reach of young kiddies, as far as adventurers are concerned! And, of course, the Commodore disc loading speed - or should I say lack of it - slows the game down.

I must say that Dragonworld is one of the better adventures I have played for some time, and should provide many hours of spills and thrills for adventurers of moderate skill. I can't wait to see what Telarium have to offer next!

Dragonworld is available on disc only for the Commodore 64 and Apple II series.