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The Lost Crystal has been more than two years in the making and supposed release dates have come and gone. However, the wait was worth it. This is one of the best text adventures I have ever seen.

It is offered in a superlative manner, with two cassettes packaged with help and instruction booklets in a scintillating presentation box. The screen shots on the insert give an indication of the marvellous graphics ahead.

The documentation helps set the scene for the 400 location magnum opus which follows. "The Rainbow Crystal which has protected the people of Zaloria for many years," (from the hideous Bogle and his marauding Morgs), "has been struck by a mysterious bolt of lightning and shattered into seven pieces".

You have been chosen to recover the seven crystals and find a way to recreate the Rainbow Crystal and so restore peace to the Freelands.

You begin this massive jaunt standing to the south of a large windmill. An exploration of the mill and its storehouse should let you solve these early puzzles which are really just beginners' fare. Though you may get a shock when the milkman knocks for his money. Don't forget that "Milk has gotta lotta bottle."

In part two, the going gets tough and I had to resort on at least one occasion, to the excellent help book.

Careful progress through the many twisty passages (don't worry, it isn't a maze) and assistance from the strong but cowardly Miller should help you to overcome these hurdles. But, don't waste that coin.

The Bogle is soon encountered and the poor Miller must be sacrificed to save your own skin. Who said that Epic was heathen?

The third part is the largest and most difficult and involves cunning manipulation of objects, some excellent chaining puzzles and the start of your collection of lost crystals.

You will now discover the use for that sail pole you have been carrying since the beginning of the game.

A secret passage will reveal a princess who is really a trading post for some of the possessions you are carrying.

In part four, you become involved in a titanic struggle to rescue Merlin. You must defeat the hydra, a dragon and a vampire before being reunited with an old acquaintance. The end is both spectacular and amusing.

My only criticism of the game is that the colours are sometimes a little garish. The puzzles are, on the whole, logical and typical of the Epic style of construction. The most important character in the game - besides yourself - is the Miller, who demands sympathy and affection. I adored his comments at various stages of the game and his muscular help is required on more than one occasion.

This is a rare adventure which has a lot to offer the beginner and expert. A whole new experience which must be savoured and an adventure which I whole heartedly recommend.

Pendragon