SONG OF TALIESIN - Zenobi Software œ2.99
  (Emulated Spectrum text adventure for PC, ST and Amiga)

                   Reviewed by Mal Ellul

This adventure is full of atmosphere and really makes you think of
myths and magic.  Your soul is held by the Hag Ceridwen and your
task is to find the Spell Bond to free yourself and regain your
true form again.  You start off in her cottage and straight away
you feel as if you are back in ancient times.  You are with Arwan,
who is old and dumb.  Your job is to tend the cauldron and some
drops fall on his lips.  The first thing you should do is listen
to Arwan as this sets you off on your adventure.  You really do
have to look around and I would suggest climbing a piece of
furniture before you can get too far.  In this adventure you
really have to look around carefully and pay attention to
everything you find.  Once you find the crystal, check that recess
again!

Having given the crystal to Aranrod, you can now venture into the
town.  Here the adventure really starts to open up and you can
start to wander around a bit.  Falling down a hole is not the bad
news it first seems.  Call for help and examine the animal your
rescuer brings with him to find a useful object.

It is best to greet everyone you meet as this will get you much
needed help.  Also spells are hidden in objects so don't discard
anything in a hurry even after you have used it, examine it.

There are quite a few characters to meet in Part One, and quite a
few problems to solve.  Some are quite tricky and require a bit of
thinking and a lot of examining.  Some problems require more than
one person, so help someone who looks as if they need it!

Part two starts off with a slightly different feel but the
problems didn't get any easier!  It's definitely hair-pulling
time!  I must admit I found the going slightly rough but felt
great when I actually solved something only to find another
hair-puller waiting for me.  Again there are hidden objects but
not as many characters.  Although you see quite a few, you don't
actually interact with them, just check what they leave behind!  I
won't go into too much detail but you need to keep your wits about
you to work things out in the right order or all will be lost!

Overall, I really enjoyed this adventure and found the atmosphere
riveting, but I have to say, this is NOT an adventure for
beginners.  However, if you're prepared to think long and hard,
solving the problems really gives you a buzz...until the next one!
For a serious adventurer, I would say...order it immediately!!

This adventure is available from Zenobi Software for œ2.99 and is
worth every penny.

@~Contact Zenobi at 26 Spotland Tops, Cutgate, Lancs. OL12 7NX




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