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Hell's Temple is a large and complex adventure that claims to 'set a new trend in adventure programming'. It is not recommended for beginners - indeed, the cassette case tells us that 'parental guidance is recommended for children under 16', which seems a bit strange since the average 14-year-old is likely to be more experienced than his/her parents in dealing with programs like this.

Hell's Temple is set 'in the time of the dark ages when witchcraft, sorcery and fear ruled mankind'. The player takes the part of an adventurer, one of a 'strong and gallant breed who fight against the power of evil'. Being stupid as well as strong and gallant, the adventurer decides to go adventuring in Hell.

The program comes with a 'Hell's Temple Survival Scroll', which provides hints on how to deal with the hazards ahead. A constantly updated status report lets you know how deep into Hell you have penetrated, and shows your strength, spellpower and amount of gold held.

If you wish to stop the game for a return at a later date, exits are provided. At each stage of the game, a 3D view of the temple catacombs is given - typing R, or F will turn you left or right or move you forward.

On the threshold of each room, the player has four choices: to go inside, to leave, to use the HELP function (this tells you your opponent's strengths but uses up one spell), or to use DETECT (this allows you to see beyond the door to check for monsters, illusions, and treasures - it also uses one spell).

If a monster confronts you, you may fight. use a spell, bribe it, or retreat. There are 75 monsters, any of which may kill you. Occasionally the Gods will be so impressed with your bravery that they will reincarnate you (minus any wealth you might have, which the Gods keep as a fee for their services!). The Survival Scroll warns against venturing far from the upper levels until considerable strength has been gained.

Along with the Scroll comes an invitation to join "The Hell's Temple Fan Club", which will allow adventurers to correspond and exchange hints and tips.

I am still a long way from completing Hell's Temple, but what I've seen I've liked. There are some nice graphics and, all in all, this is one of the better pieces of Oric software to appear so far.