Acorn User


Colossal Adventure

Categories: Review: Software
Author: Stuart Menges
Publisher: Level 9 Computing
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in Acorn User #019

Treasure Trek

Colossal Adventure

This is an excellent adventure game. Byte for byte, Colossal Adventure was originally much longer, but not only have Level 9 shortened it to fit in a Beeb, they've also added rooms. The original was well over 40K but sophisticated data-compressors have been used to cram more in. Now it is 6DFF blocks long, 1 byte below the bottom of the Mode 7 screen. This program really does use all the Beeb's memory.

The idea of the game is to collect various pieces of treasure, such as a diamond and an emerald, and take them to a hut at a crossroads in the woods. Only when you have done this can you go to the endgame, where skeletons and fire await you.

There are a large numner of difficult problems to be solved in the game and, fortunately, Level 9 supplies an SAE, so you can get a 'free clue'. You'll need it! But don't use it up too early - there's a lot of things you'll have to work out for yourself (how do you kill the serpent?). There are eggs that disappear, clams that aren't what they seem, a troll who demands a piece of treasure that you must have, two nasty mazes...

Colossal Adventure

To complete the game you must have a wide mind and be able to think logically. You will need to connect things which you have found with things you meet (what's the pentacle for?). You also have to read carefully what the computer says.

There are more than 200 scenes, and Level 9 have obviously put in a lot of work to write it, and there are a number of thoughtful and witty remarks in the text (it is a text-only game with no sound).

Colossal Adventure is one of the best in its class. I would recommend it to any adventurer.

Stuart Menges

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