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Skelvullyn Twine is a suite of four 48K programs for all Spectrums in 48K mode. An introductory program is included within the package, which has been designed to set the scene, and gives a full outline of the game world and storyline. It's also got graphics.

I bet you're wondering what a 'twine' is aren't you? I must admit, that I had no idea either. To enlighten you: a 'twine' is a combination of objects or conditions which is as bizarre and contradictory as nature itself. I think it's something similar to spellcasting. The background story to this game had me itching to enter its wonderful world. The description is so detailed and atmospheric I won't try to give you the complete story, but rather just give you a little of the history of the game world.

A thaumaturgist (which I interpreted as a spellcaster) was allowed to train only one apprentice during his lifetime, but it was so hard to find pupils who could pass the guild's strongest entrance test that some never trained any, with the result that numbers dwindled down the years.

Eventually, only two thaumaturgists survived, a man and woman of great age named Anis and Tolaw. Their frail figures were last seen climbing painfully up a rock slope to Tow Cop, a group of standing stones in Kilver.

The mountains around Kilver were flaming with a light more brilliant than sunlight during that night, and the following morning, when one of the villagers dared to climb up to the ancient stones, all that he found was a tiny baby lying in the centre of the stone circle...

That should be enough to whet your appetite. I found the storyline fascinating, and very well written.

The second and third parts of the adventure can only be accessed by use of passwords.

STORE and RECALL give you ram save/load facilities which are essential at times as you can get killed off if you're not careful. EXAMINE is the most useful command of all with a logical response to nearly everything you input.

Skelvullyn Twine is available by mail order from Eighth Day Software, 18 Flaxhill, Moreton, Wirral, Merseyside L46 7UH. Written using the Quill, illustrator and Patch, this is undoubtedly the best budget adventure I have seen in a long time.

Impressive budget adventure. Buy it.