Replay Review * Replay Review * Replay Review * Replay Review THE LOST DRAGON! By Tom Frost 48k Spectrum game reviewed by Gareth on Sam 512K ________________________________________________________________ 'The Lost Dragon' isn't exactly a new game (hence it's appearence as a 'Replay Review'), but it's Tom Frost's most recent game on his Tartan label. I got my copy at the 2nd Probe Convention in an effort to find out exactly what went on the 1st time round... 'Dragon' was easily transferable using 'SC-SPECLONE' and upon reloading from disk and answering the prompt I was greeted by the now familiar Tartan split-screen display. Because, for once, I'd read the instructions I could tell that on the right was an uncontrollable adventurer standing in the convention hall, whilst I was on the left. Confused?. Ahem - Well here's the plot... MORE >>>> Basically, a wizard has snaffled the dragon due to be presented at the awards ceremony and it's up to you to get it back. For some strange reason the wizard lives on the third floor of the hotel (Maybe they offer good rates to spellcasters?) and it's that floor that you'll have to enter if you want to have any chance of getting the dragon back. The wizard gives you a bit of a helping hand himself in the form of a telepathic pill and three spells (Never let it be said that wizards aren't sporting chaps!). The telepathic pill proves rather useful as you grab a poor unsuspecting punter, shove the pill down their throat and get them to watch the proceedings in the convention hall (displayed on the right) - This gives you an idea of how long you've got left. So off you go, wandering round the hotel until you come to the lift where you find that there's no button for the third floor. Hmm... You also find a rather nifty looking box outside, but the doorman won't let you enter the hotel with it! MORE >>>> There's plenty of locations to explore, with several rooms, floors and even the infamous bar! To make things easier on the mapping you're given the option of entering the EXPLORE mode which stops the clock and allows you to waltz around to your hearts content - You can't actually GET anything in this mode though, but it's very useful. As you'd expect in a Tartan game, the emphasis is on devious problems rather than brilliant text. The responses tend to be a bit short and abrupt half the time and the examine messages leave a lot to be desired. But all that is more than made up for by the rather witty 'Convention Report'. Familiar names keep cropping up (even a certain Mr P. Glover makes an appearance) and I've played the game several times just to read the report!. Tom Frost has made a name for himself through producing solid puzzle filled adventures and 'The Lost Dragon' is a perfect example of his games and as such should be enjoyed by all ages of players. MORE >>>> At the 2nd Probe Convention Tom Frost warned that he might just 'spill the beans' on that times 'get together' - Let's hope that many a true word is said in jest and that he does. Come on Tom, Write another!. ________________________________________________________________ Available from: TARTAN SOFTWARE, 61 BAILLIE NORRIE CRESCENT, MONTROSE, ANGUS, SCOTLAND. DD10 9DT. Price: `2.95 (Spectrum 48k tape) ________________________________________________________________ SOFTOGRAPHY:- Tom Frost... Started out writing adventures for the ZX81 before transfering to the spectrum and earning himself a reputation for solid value for money titles. His claim for fame must be the fact that he was the first person to complete the infamous 'KET TRILOGY', thus winning him a video recorder. MORE >>>> He also is reputed to have the power to 'evaporate' bottles of scotch! At the moment Tom is busy transferring some of his Spectrum adventures accross to the Amstrad (Never heard of it!). His list of adventures is far too long to include here, but the games worthy of your attention include the 'DOOR' games (Red Door etc), THE GORDELLO INCIDENT, THE SPY TRILOGY, DOUBLE AGENT, PRINCE OF TYNDAL, SHIPWRECk, CASTLE EERIE, CROWN OF RAMHOTEP, and PROSPECTOR. *** --- ***