Chaos - On SynTax PD 549
             (Spellcasting game for ST, 1 meg)

                     c/o Steve McGuire

This is a game in which a band of wizards battle it out in an
arena to find who's the best wiz that ever there was; the winner
gets to be shop steward of the local pointy hat wearers guild, or
something.

Apparently, this is the most recent incarnation of an old speccy
game, but since I didn't have one of those revolutionary machines
it's a new one to me.

Up to eight protagonists may join in, and any or all of them can
be human or computer controlled. The level of each wizard is
chosen and a set of spells with which to do battle are assigned.

The game is turn based with each wizard taking it in turn to
select what spells to cast and what moves to make.  Spells can
conjure creatures who can either fight for their creator, or
alternatively, act as a steed to give the wizards greater
mobility.

Spells can also provide invulnerable castles; grow magical
forests; invoke lethal swamps, and all sorts of other wizardly
fare for your entertainment or woe.  The more powerful the spell
then the harder it is to successfully cast.  When conjuring a
creature you have to specify whether it is real or illusory.
Illusions can always be cast successfully, and act exactly like
the real thing, but they can be dispelled by disbelieving
opponents.

By far the most notable aspect of this game are the terrific
sampled sounds which are used to great effect to add atmosphere to
the proceedings, and that atmosphere is light-hearted to say the
least.

Everything has a well chosen sound effect, and they are funny to
boot. Creatures stomp, wings flap, victims scream, victors gloat,
swords clash and swamps slurp!  If you have the available memory
then make sure that you get the 1mb version which has over 50
samples in it. The half-meg version is perfectly adequate for a
good game, though.

This game is an excellent romp whether you are up against "real"
opponents, or just sitting back with a coffee whilst 8 computer
controlled wizards blast and hack each other to bits. This is real
entertainment and no mistake.

The graphics are simple, but clear and functional; they are more
in the line of Ultima IV than Serpent Isle, but the fun factor
overcomes any visual drawbacks. The sound effects are great and
the gameplay is definitely in the style of an old-fashioned RPG
board game.

Highly recommended as a non-cerebral pastime.

It's a load of warlocks, and I'd order a copy now.
                              - o -