THE MAGIC ISLE (A LEGACY FOR ALARIC 2) By Palmer P. Eldrich 48k Spectrum game Reviewed By Gareth On Sam 512K ________________________________________________________________ 'THE MAGIC ISLE' is the sequel to 'A LEGACY FOR ALARIC' (which you may have played as it's been available from FB PD for a while now). The game sets off where the first one ended, so it's pretty vital that you've played the first one. In case you managed to miss it ZENOBI have thoughtfully included a copy on the B-side of the tape. You play an adventurer (you shouldn't have too much bother fitting into the role!) who has been set the task of rescuing some poor prat called ALARIC just so he can claim his legacy. MORE >>>> The game starts with you in a rowing boat surrounded by a huge array of objects (the ones you had to collect in the first game!) It's very bewildering to have so many objects available at the start of the game, especially when you're an adventurer who's used to starting with nothing, but you can luckily stuff them in a very large (and useful) bag until you're ready to take them all in. And so you leave the boat and wander about the isle (where the adventure takes place). The game is very tongue-in-cheek and humorous. You come across a staff stuck in some sand and when you try to take it you are told that "it's difficult getting staff these days"! Elsewhere, you find a ladder which is black in colour and are informed that it had a TV series named after it. Then there's a statue of a spellcaster made out of sand - Yes, it's a 'sand witch'. When you try to eat it you are told, 'You can't do that, but at least you got the joke.' The game seems a bit undecided on whether to be completely humorous. On occasions you come accross things that don't seem MORE >>>> to fit in amoung the killer-butterflies, incredibly intelligent sword and rope, and weird mug. Things like the rather scary hands which come up from the ground and grab at your legs!. Overall, I am undecided about 'THE MAGIC ISLE'. It wasn't quite my cup of tea, though if you treat it as a two part game (ie. ALARIC Pt2) you won't be disappointed. I look forward to see the next Palmer P. Eldrich game, if only to see in what direction he takes his humour. ________________________________________________________________ AVAILABLE FROM:- ZENOBI SOFTWARE, 26 SPOTLAND TOPS, CUTGATE, ROCHDALE. LANCASHIRE. OL12 7NX. PRICE:- `1.99 (48K Tape), `2.99 (+3 disk) [Comes with 'A LEGACY FOR ALARIC' FREE!] ________________________________________________________________ MORE >>>> SOFTOGRAPHY:- Palmer P. Eldrich Very little is known about the mysterious Palmer P. Eldrich, though certain sources have hinted that his first name may be Richard. 'A LEGACY FOR ALARIC' was originally a B-sider on the 'RETARDED CREATURES & CAVERNS' game, though it has since appeared via FROM BEYOND PD. 'ALARIC' and 'ISLE' are also available on a BALROG BIG DISK (+3 format only) with PHOENIX and the UNBORN ONE. *** --- ***