Previous Next

There are lots of good role playing budget games around these days and not a lot to differentiate them. Hero Quest stands out 'cos of its detailed graphics and a wicked multi-player option.

Converted from a best-selling board game, Hero Quest gives you and three of your mates the chance to become a dwarf, barbarian, wizard and elf wandering around a dungeon in a series of fourteen quests. Each character has different attributes - the dwarf and barbarian do all the rough stuff while the wizard and elf are much better at spell-casting.

You move around in the game by spinning a coin, which, when stopped, determines the amount of moves you can make. After your move, you can perform one other action, like fighting or searching for treasures or hidden doors.

Combat involves rolling up to three die - the number of die thrown depends on the characters involved - and trying to overcome your opponent's defence. You can also cast spells by selecting which one to use and who to use it on. While you concentrate on carrying out the special task you've been assigned, it's a good idea to pick up potions and extra gold to help you.

As you complete the tasks you get more money that you can spend on nifty equipment which sets you up for the next outing. As you pick up more and more dosh, your appetite for monster-bashing increases proportionally.

The characters move around the dungeons in a slightly stilted fashion, but this is a small grumble. In trying to recreate the genuine board game atmosphere, potential animation sequences have been sacrificed in favour of short text descriptioons - for example, you are simply told when a huge stone block falls on your head.

If you feel like taking the plunge and exercising some naked aggression, you can't go far wrong with Hero Quest. The game works because it is simple in concept and in its execution, instantly playable and addictive. Great if you want to discover the joys of multi-player RPGs.

1. Very detailed graphics, easy control system and absorbing gameplay all add up to a hit board game conversion.

1. Scenarios can get repetitive. An annoying soundtrack detracts from the atmosphere.