Previous Next

The rush of new software blood into the Electron continues with this first release from Lee Software. Although In Search Of Atahaulpa is written using Gilsoft's The Quill utility, I am quite impressed by the breadth of imagination and complexity of puzzles displayed by the author, Anthony Lee.

Atahaulpa was the last Inca ruler of Peru. In 1532, shortly after he took the throne, Francisco Pizarro - a Spanish conquistador - and his men landed in Peru, ravaged the countryside and dethroned Atahaulpa. Many valuable artefacts were lost during this period, including a gold statue of the Inca king.

The adventure is set in more recent times after the location of the statue has been discovered by a Brazilian archaeologist. Subsequently, you have been hired by the National Geographic Society to recover the statue, but you are not the only person in pursuit of this priceless treasure.

Load the tape and within a minute you are presented with five pages of informative loading screens which set out the scenario and help create atmosphere for the undertaking which follows. After a couple more minutes you begin your quest in earnest as you find yourself standing in a small Inca market town.

A thorough investigation of the area is recommended by using the routine E, W, N and S movement commands. I would also suggest that you try entering some buildings, reading the signs and waiting at significant points. One of the early problems you will face is how to retrieve a book from the library. Try waiting at the librarian's desk until she returns, and keep your eyes open.

Perhaps the most perplexing problem is how to get rid of the swarthy stranger who dogs your footsteps. The answer is linked to the discovery of the book and is by no means simple. Perhaps Jules Verne was right and a spot of ballooning could help.

Later in the game you will have a crevice to enter and a crevasse and river to cross. Each requires logical thought and specific action if you are to succeed and survive. There is also an excellent forest maze which needs mapping in an off-beat manner, and a spider and some vicious ants to avoid.

The creation of atmosphere and a good parser are limited by the usual restrictions of The Quill. However, Anthony has succeeded in presenting us with a real teaser of an adventure - some of the puzzles defy instant solutions - at a real bargain price. Order Atahaulpa today.

In Search Of Atahaulpa is an interesting adventure, and is slightly different from the more usual trolls and goblins scenario. The puzzles are clever and the text is quite atmospheric. For a first attempt, Lee Software has come up with a commendable game.

Pendragon