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As the mist cleared, I found myself in a windowless dungeon without so much as a rat for company. With more than a little difficulty, I finally emerged to find a slumbering guard who could teach my dragon a thing or two about light sleeping. Any movement on my part resulting in him launching himself from his cot and separating my head from my shoulders!

When, and if, you manage to pass this kindly soul you will find the many paths which criss-cross the island. Xaan is littered with jewels, shovels, beggars and the Hog in the Dark - which bites! The game accepts two word commands which will lead you through 180 locations before you find enough treasure to buy yourself a passage to freedom.

This is a traditional adventure which is very similar in style and format to the early Epic range (e.g. Castle Frankenstein). Acres of text have been compressed into this game and used to good effect. A teleprinter, which is to be found in the middle of a deserted plain, curtly informed me to go away as it is sitting there feeling surrealistic. Hands up all those who have never heard of Dali!

I have returned to this game every night for a week, convinced that tonight I will find the limits of the island, and so far I am still mapping! What began as an irritating game is becoming an obsession as I am beginning to realise just how much has been shoe-horned in. I have found so many objects to store and manipulate I'm becoming bemused. This game certainly has hidden depths in which you will wander for many an hour. Very professional indeed.