The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

SAGA OF A SPY

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Types         : Text Adventures

Release Information        : 1987: SAGA OF A SPY, Robico, £24.95

Compilation Comprises   : 1. RICK HANSON, Robico

                    2. PROJET THESIUS, Robico

                    3. MYOREM, Robico

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Electron

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

Disc compatibility     : 1. Unknown

                    2. Unknown

                    3. Unknown

Instructions

Please see individual entries for each standalone title for complete playing instructions.

Review (Electron User) - "Superb Trilogy"

Regular readers will know I have long been an admirer of all Robico adventures and have player each of the Rick Hanson trilogy beyond exhaustion.

RICK HANSON, PROJECT THESIUS and MYOREM, which make up the trinity, have been released individually during the past two years. This package not only bundles the three games together with other goodies like a Robico pen, hint sheets and an adventurer's notebook but also offers a £5.00 saving on buying the games separately.

The accompanying documentation reveals the development of the Robico parser and adventure writing system and sets the scene for each adventure for those who are uninitiated to this super spy.

This 600 location marathon begins logically enough, with Rick Hanson - formerly titled The Assassin. As Rick Hanson, agent extraordinaire, you find yourself in a disused railway station at the start of another secret mission. What it entails, you don't know, but you soon find out, unless an enemy's bullet gets you first.

The red seat cover and bull scenario has now become a classic stumbling block for nearly all who have played this game.

In PROJECT THESIUS, you have been chosen to investigate enemy development in particle beam technology which threatens world security.

You begin your mission on a sandy beach, and your first task is to dry yourself and avoid the scrutiny of an enemy helicopter. I defy anyone to solve the Witherton village maze at the first attempt.

MYOREM is the third and most highly developed of the adventures, and for sheer complexity is my favourite. Tied, gagged and bound to a post in a dusty arena with a firing squad about to send you to your maker, you have only your thoughts to secure your survival.

And of all the marvellous puzzles you will be hard pressed to find one more enjoyable than the wooden hut problem.

There are a number of mazes, but each is quite individual in style and require careful mapping, though the mountains in MYOREM require a different technique.

Layered atmosphere and humour make offerings from most other companies pale in comparison. There are also literally dozens of exquisite chaining puzzles to think out and solve.

At £23.95, this isn't cheap, but after all, you're getting three of the best adventures available for the Electron.

Presentation ................... 10

Atmosphere ..................... 10

Frustrarion factor ............. 10

Value for money ................. 8

Overall ........................ 10

"Electron User Golden Game"

Pendragon, ELECTRON USER 5. 1