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In days of old when knights were bold, and intros were corny and overused, there existed a city known as Hillsfar, deep in the magical Forgotten Realms. Hillsfar was just like any ordinary city in a magical kingdom really. Lots of adventure, pubs, everyone had loads of money for other people to pinch. You know the sort of thing.

And you wanted some of that hero stuff, didn't you? Yes, you did. But you didn't seriously believe it was as easy as knocking on a few doors, pilfering the belongings of the innocent townsfolk, and getting plastered with the loot at the local ale emporium, did you? Even if you did, you were wrong, so ha hah to you, luvvy. Because being a macho hardperson with oodles of street-cred is a bit harder than that, believe it or not.

Hillsfar, the game, hoists you into the persona of just such an individual, in just such a place, in just such a period of time, like it or lump it. You do have a choice of personalities and occupations, be it an awfully lawful clergyman or a nasty, conniving pocket-rifler (That's a thief, to those not in the know, you know!) but the basic task is the same, if you can call staying alive, keeping generally out of bother and becoming fabulously rich and loved by the whole of the known cosmos basically.

There are a lot of different facets to Hillsfar. Although the main playing area is viewed in the same style as The Bard's Tale and US Gold/SSI's other AD&D licence, Pools Of Radiance, you can also do other wow amazing things such as pick locks (a rather strategic element, where you have to determine the correct order to use your lock picking tools in), partake in the searching of catacombs, sewers and other equally odious areas (viewed in Gauntlet-esque pseudo-3D), take on the toughest in the Arena of Death if your purse is a bit empty, or have a nice peaceful canter on your loyal horsie, out in the fields.

I thought that Pool Of Radiance was ace and super and stuff like that, so it probably comes as no surprise that I've got the same affectionate feelings for Hillsfar. Generally, more of the same, apart from a few differences, the most notable of which being the lock-picking sequence (which is a tad difficult at the beginning, but gets clearer the more you try it), and the way in which you can actually choose to fight in the arena, as opposed to being hurled into it under duress. Mind you, quite why any sensible fantasy character would want to deliberately risk a bad beating is beyond me.

Now this is the sort of adventure game I enjoy - one where there is absolutely no typing involved whatsoever. While the likes of The Bard's Tale series is very good, gameplay is channelled down one path, being just a walk around a three dimensional city or dungeon, and hit monsters affair.

Hillsfar, on the other hand, expands on this idea, and while still incorporating the same 3D graphical style of BT, has lots of other fascinating little sidelines which keep you interested - the arena contests, the horse jumping sequence, and the Gauntlet-like dungeoneering. Everything is backed up by impressive graphics and sound (even thought effects are on the limited side).

I liked it. It's a bit pricey, though, but then again it isn't going to interest a particularly wide range of gamers.

Presentation 82%
Readable instructions, as well as a colourful, superbly presented main screen packed with information.

Graphics 77%
Range from excellent 3D in the cities to pretty decent enough guv in the dungeons and arena.

Sound 56%
Not much, but what can be found is more than passable.

Hookability 75%
A bit of a faff on creating your own character, but plain sailing from then on.

Lastability 83%
Wide scope for long stints at the keyboard, with a multitude of quests and other things like that.

Overall 80%
More turkey escalopes, Morris?