The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

ABYSS

Professional, Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Strategy/Educational Arcade

Author             : P. Martin

Standalone Release(s)   : 1983: ABYSS, CCS, £5.99

Compilation Release(s)   : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Electron, BBC B, B+ and Master 128

Supplier            : CASES COMPUTER SIMULATIONS, 14 Langton Way, London SE3 7TL

Disc compatibility     : ADFS 1D00, CDFS 1D00, DFS 1D00

Instructions

Far away from here, in a hidden gorge through the Mountain of the Golden Lion, lies the forgotten ABYSS. Forgotten, that is, until now - when brave and sometimes foolhardy adventures strive to cross it. You are one of this elite band whose sole aim is to destroy the many evil monsters that lurk in the shadows, waiting for the next meal to come strolling across one of the many bridges in the ABYSS.

ABYSS is an unusual adventure game. It requires the player to undertake a succession of mental tests, aptitude tests and arcade games. To achieve your goal, which is to get to the end of the trail, you must complete every test correctly. The tests are randomised as to type and difficulty. The player can be lucky and have a succession of the easier tests. However, to achieve his goal, he will have to prove his intellectual prowess and be able to get the more difficult tests correct as well.

After each test, you return to the matrix and proceed to the next stage. To reach the next step you have to cross over rickety bridges. If you are unlucky the bridge will fail and you will be plunged into the ABYSS - never to be seen again!

The game is excellent fun to play as some of the tests are very intellectually challenging whilst others are inane! Because of this, the game appeals to all ages. At times, the game appears to be infuriatingly simple - yet because many of the tests are played against the clock - the game builds up to a tremendous excitement amongst the players.

The game is for one player. However, it may be played by two or three players alternatively, each competing to see how far down the trail they can get before being pitched into the ABYSS!

The rules are simple, the tests are not!

Instructions' Source   : ABYSS (Cases Computer Simulations) Inner Inlay

Review (Electron User)

ABYSS is described as an unusual adventure game, requiring you to undertake a succession of mental tasks, aptitude tests and arcade games. To achieve your goal, which is to get to the end of the trail, you must complete every test correctly. The tests are randomised as to type and difficulty so you can be lucky and have a succession of the easier tests.

However, to achieve your goal you will have to prove your intellectual prowess and be able to get the more difficult tests right as well.  After each test you return to the matrix and proceed to the next stage. To reach the following step you have to cross over rickety bridges. If you're unlucky the bridge will fail and you will be plunged into the abyss.

It is a game for one player, the rules are simple and no problems were experienced in loading. The front of the cassette is labelled CCS adventure games, but to my mind this not really an adventure game.

As an adventure freak I was bound to dislike this program, since I had obviously expected an adventure. However having said that I could  find no technical fault with it. It's a capable program, but not the adventure it purports to be, being more of a quiz than anything else.

Merlin, ELECTRON USER 1.12