C&VG


The Amstrad Pentacle Adventure Creator
By Interface
Amstrad CPC464/664/6128

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #48

The Amstrad Pentacle Adventure Creator

Not an adventure game, but a book consisting mainly of the adventure generator program listing in Basic. The program allows the user to enter location and object descriptions, together with exits, monsters, strength, etc.

The would-be adventure writer is given options to specify the number of locked doors between locations and where they are to be placed, the player's starting strength and the weight of each object. Many monsters must be killed and treasures collected before the game is won. An object can be classified as weapon, treasure or unlocking device if desired. There is also a magic word facility and a jump command that can rapidly transport the player to a remote location.

Valid verbs are built into the program and are rather limited in scope. They consist of Take, Drop, Lock, Unlock, Kill, Wait, Read, Help, Quit, Inventory, Score and Jump, so it can be seen that a game built using this program will consist mainly of fighting monsters and not contain subtle problems.

The creator listing is accompanied with instructions on how to use it and some advice on how to get the most out of it. A sample adventure is provided in data form that can be input to the program.

The print used for the listing is quite large and easily legible, so it should not deter those who have the patience to type in relatively long listings. The textual part of this book is well written and easy to follow.

I think the The Amstrad Pentacle Adventure Creator represents good value at £2.99.