DARK WOODS 2

            Written by Jocke The Beast Version 1
     available for the PC (written in QB version 4.5).
      Available from:  http://jockethebeast.qbrpgs.com

                 Review by Richard Batey

"A small, ASCII based adventure-game that I hope you'll enjoy."
So starts the introduction to the game by Jocke himself and that
is what you get, though don't be misled by the term adventure-game
because this is not a text adventure at all, nor is it a
role-playing game either.  Instead what you get is a game where
you move your character around the screen in order to complete a
set mission for that screen.  The good news is that the game is
not in real time (so no quick reflexes required) but rather moves
are made in steps, thus giving you the opportunity to think as
long as you require.

To describe the game is not easy but if you think of the game as a
one screen war game and you won't be far off.  Your character is
represented by a blob on the screen (this is an ASCII game after
all) with the only other characters in the game being other blobs
that represent Orcs and Trolls.  Generally, once you have made a
move they will advance one place nearer to you unless you can
dispose of them.  If they move onto you then you have died, game
over.  You can kill them, though the Trolls can only be killed by
arrows you pick up throughout the game, and you are awarded points
for doing so (Orc: 30/20 (sword/bowshot) points, Troll: 50
points).  There is various terrain on the screen (mainly trees and
scrub, the game is set in a woods) which you can use to good
effect to block the baddies.  On later levels the terrain plays a
vital part as there are so many baddies that they would overrun
you very quickly if it were not for the fact that you can hide
behind a tree or two.  The sound is PC speaker only I am afraid
though the game uses it well.

The missions themselves are fairly simple ones including such
examples as simply exiting the screen, killing all the baddies on
screen, obtaining a magical item etc.  It is fair to say that
there is nothing too complicated to cause you any problems.  You
will also find various treasures scattered about the screen which
are worth differing amounts (Gold: 10 points, Jewels: 20 points)
if you pick them up.

There are eleven levels for you to complete and you have the
option of continuing the game if you do die thus saving you the
bother of having to play the same levels over and over again,
which is nice.  This will mean that you will be able to complete
the game in under one hour so is ideal for a short spell on the
computer.  The fact that you score points throughout the game also
means that it is possible for you to record a high-score and try
to beat it on subsequent plays.

There is also the option of making custom levels for other people
to play but I did not investigate this feature not having the
curiosity to see how it works, but the option is there if you are
so inclined.

All in all I quite enjoyed this game, it is simple to play and
quite fun whilst you do.  The longer-term appeal will not be there
but I do recommend it for a nice and easy game that will satisfy
you in the short term.
















                              - o -