CLEAR-UP IN CLOGGIELAND (Shareware)
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                Author: Harold Dixon

         Reviewed by: Philip Richmond on an Amiga

"Cloggieland" is a text only adventure for the Amiga.  Set in the
north of England, it concerns a courageous "cloggie" who has to
use all of his wits to rescue his bride-to-be from the clutches of
an evil Rendle witch who has imprisoned her in the Dark Satanic
Mill across the Bibble River, deep in Cloggieland.

The author has given the game an authentic regional flavour,
basing it on the characters, towns and local dialect of the area
where he lives (Colne, Lancashire). Much of the warmth, native
humour and philosophy that is inherent in this part of the country
comes through in the location text, messages, and in conversations
with local inhabitants.  There is much to like about the
atmospheric descriptions.

Dressed in his cloth cap and clogs our hero, who is quite clever,
but occasionally foolish, must gather together the four elements
needed to blend a potion, which wise men have told him will lift
the spell on his betrothed. He also needs to discover a magic word
to use in conjunction with it.

There is a small village to be explored, and lifelike characters
who move about, frequenting the local public house often. Talking
to them is a good idea to gain cooperation and advice, whilst
offering to help them out will usually result in some material
reward. Be careful when sampling the local brew, though, it's fair
strong stuff!  Buying the boozy shopkeeper a pint might loosen his
tongue a bit and disclose some pointers on how to proceed.  A
mischievous imp will appear on the scene occasionally to help or
hinder matters, while the handsome, green elf seems less
meddlesome and can be quite helpful.

There are various puzzles to be solved. For instance:  How does
one cross the swirling Bibble River, defeat the dragon, climb the
tallest tree in the land, neutralize a dark forcefield, and
capture a prize bull??  Our cloggie must get his brain cells into
gear and use cunning and logic to overcome the assortment of
obstacles.  Sometimes the most obvious and simplest inputs will do
the trick.  A rope is a necessary item for his inventory, but can
he find it? And how to get past the robot sentry guard?  These two
puzzles, alone, will set you thinking...  Needless to say, a full
solution is available from the author, should the going prove to
be a little tough.

The game understands two word commands but longer phrases will
sometimes be necessary to be typed.  The game understands "it",
"them" "all" and "all except" and you can have multiple commands
in one input using "and", "then", a comma or a full-stop.
Examining and searching items will prove fruitful.  There are
brief/verbose commands, and "exits" will hide or reveal the
compass directions. Supports Ramsave/load.  The fact that there
are no graphics or sound effects does not detract from what is
essentially an intriguing and, at times, highly amusing tale. The
well-written story easily compensates for anything lacking in that
department.

I would describe "Cloggieland" as a challenging quest.  One should
not expect to solve it quickly or during one game session. There
are the gratifying results of amassing points and making headway,
and, once completed, the game comes to a satisfactory conclusion,
making it a worthwhile addition to your text adventure collection.
Good game!

The full version of "Cloggieland" is available for just 3 pounds
by cheque/PO from:  H Dixon, 62 Windsor Street, COLNE, Lancashire.
BB8 9LD.








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