Previous Next

This program comes from the same stable as the recent bestseller Gremlins, and looks set to cap that program's success.

The program is subtitled "The Touchstones Of Rhiannon", and, as you would expect, this is the main theme of the adventure.

The program has you playing the part of the hooded man - the fugitive - the one chosen by Herne to be his son and lead the English against the evil Normans. You are Robin Hood.

Your guardian is Herne the Hunter, lord of the Trees who, just as in the television series, will appear before you periodically to offer you guidance.

You start the game, along with your companion Much, as 'guests' of Sir Guy of Gisburne in Nottingham Castle. Here is where the trouble starts, as getting out of the jail is fairly tricky, and takes a lot of thought. When a game is difficult from the start, it can often be off-putting to all but the most determined of adventurers, and they often give up on the program there and then, but thankfully Adventure International has had the good sense to include help for this tricky first stage (in coded format) so that such an occurance will not take place - which is just as well, as this is a crackingly good adventure.

In similar mould to Gremlins, Sherwood uses high-res colour graphics to illustrate its locations. I must admit to not being a fan of graphics in adventures, preferring the mind to make up the picture, but with this game I am prepared to make an exception as the graphics are truly superb and greatly add to the atmosphere - and this program has plenty of atmosphere!

The program has a good sized vocabulary, and can understand some fairly complex multi-sentences. For instance, sentences such as "GET THE ARROW FROM THE BAG" are possible.

To sum up then, Robin Of Sherwood is an excellent game - one of those most enjoyable and atmospheric adventures I have played all year. It has good location descriptions, an enthralling plot, and stunning graphics. And at £9.95, it is fairly priced. This will be one of the year's best-selling adventures. Highly recommended.