The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

ENTHAR SEVEN

Professional, Originally Released On DFS 1900 Disc Only

Game Type          : Mammoth Text Adventure With Mode 0 Graphics

Author             : Unknown

Standalone Release(s)   : 1988: ENTHAR SEVEN, Robico, £15.95

Compilation Release(s)   : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Unknown

Supplier            : ROBICO, 3 Fairland Close, Llantrisant, MID GLAMORGAN CF7 8QH

Disc compatibility     : CDFS 1900, DFS 1900

Instructions

Instructions currently unavailable.

Review (Electron User)

"Ignoring the angry shouts, from the large, red faced man, charging down the corridor, you stepped through the veil of light, into the gleaming teleport cubicle and slammed your fist into the button! The rings of light, embedded in the floor and ceiling, pulsed energetically, and you braced yourself for the uncomfortable moment when your body would be torn apart, atom by atom, to be reassembled, moments later, on the Flight Deck of an Interplanetary Space Hopper orbiting a small, Earthlike planet called Enthar Seven. Let the adventure begin!"

First the good news: ENTHAR SEVEN is now available for the Electron. Now the bad: Only if you have an AP4 disc interface from Advanced Computer Products or any other DFS compatible with BBC Micro.

I had a slight problem getting started. I happen to like a leisurely beginning to an adventure game, and ENTHAR SEVEN doesn't exactly provide it.

I found myself in a planetary orbiter with a rapidly decaying orbit. The warning lights were flashing and I had some tasks to perform in order to get out intact. I tried to begin preliminary exploration, ignoring the problems, and got killed far too often for my peace of mind.

Just before total paranoia set in I thought of trying STAND, and the situation improved a bit - for a while. After I had finally calmed down I got myself out of that dratted orbiter and into the Command Centre. Then the game began in earnest...

I for one like the sheer complexity that the program presents. It's a game to load and then spend time with a map considering what item in what level will help you with a problem. After far too long I discovered that bats intent on killing me didn't need garlic, but something a lot more scientific and logical (and me with a 98 per cent pass mark in a logic exam in the dim and distant past).

There are the obligatory mazes. Though I hate them I must admit I really enjoyed getting the better of that Securibot and the rubbish heap.

One maze, in the cavern area, had me foxed - it's a twisty affair that normally would be mapped by dropping things. The trouble is that a creature shoots out and gobbles up everything you drop.

The answer to this problem is totally logical, and the clue for how to map the maze is clearly supplied in the location descriptions.

ENTHAR SEVEN really is a big game with over 450 locations. I have been fried, frustrated, irradiated and thoroughly put into my place. The puzzles are good, the descriptions and atmosphere superb, the backup help is readily available.

If this standard is maintained, Robico is going to be well worth following and I would recommend that you buy all it publishes.

Sound ........................... 9
Graphics ........................ 9
Playability ..................... 9
Value for money ................. 9
Overall ......................... 9

Mad Hatter, ELECTRON USER 3.12