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Many moons ago, as the mists of Death swept across the plains of Threngg and the sacred sponges of Zarb were immersed in the Custard of Kazzarak, your wise old Master, Mordamir, did a runner. Yep, vanished, he did. You haven't seen hide nor hair of the old git since.

Of course, there are plenty of places he could be. Take that massive castle over there. No one ever comes out alive, so it's possible that the senile old goat's kipping in its bowels. Better go and check it out, then, hadn't you? The game starts with you actually inside the castle. You've got a 3D isometric view of each room, which makes movement and physical alignment a bit tricky at first. But once you've got the hang of it, you're fine. As you wander around the castle, you come up against two sorts of problems. The first problem is the guards - lizardy type bods who wade straight into the attack. You carry out combat manoeuvres by moving the joystick violently in what you hope are the correct directions for jabbing, stabbing and lightly grazing. A vitality bar at the top of the screen tells you how well you are. You only get one life, so it's important to be careful.

The other problem is the puzzle. You can't go anywhere. Some places are blocked until you've sussed out how to get through them. Keys are needed for locks, maps for tricky spear-infested paths and torches for dark areas. Luckily you can hold a huge inventory, and there are many useful items to collect.

As you search for Mordamir, you meet all sorts of creatures, most of whom try and kill you. Those that don't insist on speaking (in speech boxes) a weird Middle English dialect that only Chaucer could have understood. Never mind. That's fantasy for you.

The Immortal is more simple to understand than most official Dungeons and Dragons adventures. It's quick to get the hang of, but some of the tricks and traps make it tough. This is exactly how a graphic adventure should be. Graphics are small but well-animated and fights are handled especially well. The peripheral graphics such as the objects which pop up in your inventory are all done with style and atmosphere.

The game tries not to be cartoony but goes for the mystic look. It doesn't work perfectly, but the general effect is good enough. If you're a serious fantasy fan, The Immortal is a good solid game to try. Journey for many moons across the swamps of Ysggtth to Whsmyth to buy it.

1. Not as exciting as Dungeon Master or Captive.
2. Easier and quicker to get into than Shadow Sorcerer.
3. Simple controls and tough puzzles make it playable.