Pandora's Box

An intriguing blend of classic puzzles and full-blooded arcade action. Over 200 screens of stunning artwork and game play of the highest quality will appeal to the dedicated adventurer or arcade fanatic.

Prologue
Since ancient times a fastened box has symbolised the danger of our curiosity. This box has been opened and an entire kingdom has been poisoned by the evils unleashed. The beast that lurked within is free and seeks the souls of men, possessing them and devouring them at will. Feeding upon misery, it profits by treachery and corruption, and in doing so brings the burden of its evils upon the land. As the finest sorceror in the kingdom you must overcome the black magic and confine the curse once again to the only dungeon strong enough to contain such furious depravity - Pandora's Box.

Quest
The powerful Panmetric graphics system allows you explore complex rooms and stunning landscapes whilst still having plenty in reserve to handle frenzied battles. At first only armed with a keen wit you must acquire knowledge and magical weapons as the adventure gives way to arcade action. Exploring the length and breadth of the land you could conquer a world of magic or die in obscurity.

Technical Information

The Game

Swearing once again to the covenant of the brotherhood, the evil black mages opened the final seal and released the beast from the confines of Pandora's Box. Summoning the powers of the beast, the mages cast terror and fear over the land, gathering together dark forces with which to rule their domain. From your village, you, the sorceror Merlin, have seen these troubles arising and pledge to stop their wickedness by closing Pandora's Box. To do this you must gather together the four amulets which bind to form the seal of the box. But take heed, your enemies are strong, and magic alone may not be enough.

Game Controls

The following keys can be redefined by pressing 'R' while viewing the high score scroll, but the default set are as follows:

A - Up left, " - Up right, Z - Down right, / - Down left, SPACE - Jump

RIGHT ALT - Activate. This uses the object that is currently held in the inventory hands icon on the information banner. E.g. fire weapon, insert key, drink potion, read parchment or magic book etc..

LEFT & RIGHT CURSOR KEYS - Inventory Selection. You may carry up to eight objects at one time. These keys will change the object selected in the inventory hands icon on the information banner.

UP CURSOR - Pick up item. To pick up an item, move next to it and press the pick up key. If you are unable to pick an item up, you are either holding eight items already, or you do not need it to complete the adventure.

DOWN CURSOR - Drop item.

The following keys are permanently defined:

F1 - Load old position.
F2 - Save current position. Use a blank formatted disc to save your current position in the game. You may save at any point during the game.
CTRL+F12 - Return to High Score Scroll, end game, suicide, pop your clogs, kick the bucket, buy the farm, throw a seven, start pushing up the daisies.

Using Items

Different items may have various uses or none whatsoever. For example:

1. Daggers and other weapons can be thrown or fired at people. (Don't try this at home. Stunt doubles are used in this game. Their professionals, you're not.)
2. Objects can be inserted or poured into other objects. (For instance a key into a lock). To do this, select the key in the hands icon, then walk against the lock and press ACTIVATE.
3. Buying items. In order to buy something from a trader, walk up to the counter or stall and press ACTIVATE while holding the item you wish to trade in your hands icon. If the trader agrees that it is a fair deal, the purchased item will appear in the hands icon. Otherwise he'll tell you where to stick it.
4. Mixing spells. Spells may be mixed in cauldrons that can be found mainly in the forest regions of the land. To mix a spell, you must stand on the cauldron and DROP the correct ingredients into it, in the correct order. If you have successfully mixed a spell, the cauldron will disintegrate, as only cauldrons know how, leaving behind a mystical item.
5. Levers and switches around the land may be pressed or pulled by walking into them, and others by hitting them with a weapon or spell.
6. Merlin's Magic Book for Beginners. This object can be found in Merlin's study and contains useful information. When the book is ACTIVATED, the pages may be turned by clicking on the left and right icons using the mouse or by using the left and right cursor keys.

Energy

As in the real world, or so we're told, Merlin only has one life. Under his huge white beard however, is hidden a 6' 4" body builder, which means he can withstand quite a few stabs in the back or punches in the face. (Please don't go out and punch little white bearded old men in the face to test this theory - if you know what's good for you.)

Anyhow, Merlin's current physical prowess is displayed on the information banner at the top of the screen. As you lose energy, blood runs slowly towards the skull, finally resulting in your timely and painful demise. Energy may be regained slowly with rest and relaxation, or lost quickly through being repeatedly beaten about the head or throwing yourself from high places.

Handy Hints

1. Parchments may hold useful information. On the other hand, they may not.
2. Don't take it out on your computer if you're frustrated.
3. Equally, don't assault any household pets if you're frustrated.
4. Feel free to abuse members of your family if the above circumstances apply.
5. Making new and more powerful weapons may help your quest.
6. Eat a healthy diet.
7. You may be rewarded through performing errands.
8. Don't think about the grim sound that scraping your fingernails down a blackboard makes.
9. Magical weapons may be recharged.
10. Brushing your teeth regularly helps fight gum disease.
11. Killing ducks may be profitable, and it's fun.
12. Send large envelopes packed with money to :

Loading

1. Insert Pandora's Box Disc 1 into drive 0.
2. Double click on the !Pandora icon through the desktop. The game should then load.

If you have any loading problems:

1. Switch off the computer.
2. Make a cup of tea.
3. Keeping your finger held down upon the 'R' key, switch the computer back on again, and release the key when the Desktop appears.
4. Now try loading the game again.

Game Credits

Coding by Chris Fludget & Stuart Fludger
Graphics by Andrew Jackson
Additional Graphics by Chris Fludger
Title Music by Simon Carless

Specifications

256 colour, mode 13 graphics. Approximately 789 million frames per year.
Over 200 lovingly moulded screens.
Panmetric 3D Graphics System. 1400 individual sprites, handcrafted in Switzerland, totalling 2.2Megabytes. 140K of beautifully conceived ARM code including intelligent enemy tracking systems.

It's better than the real world, honest.