Exile 2 / Crystal Souls
            (RPG on SynTax Disks 1178a/b for PC)

                 A preview from Vic Horsley

This is my first attempt at this type of reviewing and not a
complete one, as I've only proceeded a little way into the game
but as I found it so enjoyable, here goes.

Exile 2 is a fantasy role playing game of Dungeons and Dragons
type. It is the second to carry this title though the games are
not really connected. Played through Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 it
loads smoothly and I have found no problems with the running of
it, a shareware game which allows you to play a couple of levels,
before you have to send your money off to obtain a key to
continue. At this stage I will point out that the levels are
massive and that this may to some seem like a complete game.

The layout of this game seems a little confusing at first but
after a few trial runs it all falls into place and becomes very
addictive.  The screen is sectioned into three parts with the left
hand half being the viewing area, the top right hand half being
the stats and below a message area, above and below this are two
tool bars with various options and commands, they are all simple
to understand but on first appearances don't seem so.

The action takes place underground in a land called (you've
guessed it) Exile!  People have been sent here for various
reasons, by a corrupt regime who send them via a one way
teleporter. There is or was no way back, now a way may have been
found. Your job is to help find that way.

At the start you are the leader of six, a team which has been
picked for you though they can be changed along with the stats if
preferred. it is advisable not to change the first time, they are
evenly balanced and the early moves need to be learned.

From the fort where you begin the commander gives you your first
task, to kill a tribe of non humans who have been attacking them.
The non humans live in a cave (a very large cave) to the east. It
is not advisable to go to this cave right away as you would not
last the battle. Build up your stats by roaming about fighting
small battles, visiting towns and homesteads, generally having a
good time. You will also collect money enabling you to buy better
equipment. This is the theme of the game and the way you should
go.

A nice few touches in this game are a built in hints and tips
section plus various maps which update as you go along, there is
also a manual which can be printed out if wished.

I know of one way you can obtain this game if fancied and that is
to buy the September 1997 issue of 'WHAT PC', it's on the cover
disk, it will set you back œ2.95! Well worth it.

@~Or you can get it through the SynTax library. I have also added
@~Exile III recently ... Sue


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