I know many Amiga Flame readers will already be aware that Trapped has been out for a long time but UK readers will not be as it never got released or reviewed in the UK. That has now changed with Islona getting the go ahead to distribute it throughout the UK. The questions really needs to be asked why this hasn't been done earlier with it certainly being one of the most impressive games I have reviewed so far. Trapped has already been reviewed in Germany with it being descibed as 'The RPG of the Year', (that would be 1996).

The story to Trapped goes like this; Tarnak has finally been defeated andthe curse of the demon lifted, saving the population of Kaldrion. Tarnak's Coffin has been perserved.

Centuries have passed with the land of Kaldrion being prositeries. But the Ancient scrolls say that the evil one will arise with the only way of stopping him, is to collect the twelve divine symbols to form Talmar's Wheel. This will ban Tarnak in his own world. To find the symbols before Tarnak arises, you have to go to the catacombs of the gods. And you aren't the only the one in the catacombs.

Don't rush in if you want a piece of the action as you will only end up in a state of confusion. The manual on the CD is cramped full of instructions and my own advice is to write down the important keys to help you along. Eventually you'll gradually learn the keys and it'll be second nature.

There are many keys to learn and menus, from F1 to F10 being menus for Maps, Character information, scrolls, items, spell casting, options and a spell book to pick the right spell needed. 1 to 6 on the keyboard controls the weapons to want want to use but of course you have to find them to use them, weapons include a Dagger, Sword, Morning Star, Hammer, Pike and a War Axe to chop yor enemy into shredds each having there own good points and bad points depending on the character you choose.

There are four characters to choose from the Dwarf, Knight, Hunter and the Fighter. As you have read above some characters are good with certain weapons than with others, such as the Knight being good with a Morning Star because he has been trained to use it.

Throughout the catacombs you will pick up items on the way such as new weapons, potions to help repair health, armour, strength and speed of movement. Spells can help you along the way with a spell called Magic Map showing where everything is, another Monstor Fear causes the enemy to run away from you. Picking up a Candle brightens up the room but of course it gradually decreases in brighteness. The game has been cleverly designed to make it as real as posssible and it succeeds.

The mazes are complex and well designed with stairs and teleports making each level massive in size and filled with all sorts of enemy with nasty surprises in the case of the teleport, be well prepared. One creature reminded me of the small face sucking Alien in Aliens the film, it can be scary at times and full of tension.

Trapped is a very well constructed RPG game and in 1996 it was described as being the Best RPG of the Year but really I would have to point out that it is still the best in 1997. Perhaps it can be beat by it's sequel Trapped 2 which should be out by the end of the year but I would highly recommend this game to anyone until then.


Graphics 90% - "Very detailed graphics that helps to build up the tension"
Playability 85% - "Plenty of action with controls that can take time to learn"
Sound 84%- "Nice sound effects throughout"
Addiction 88% - "Keeps you busy all the time"
Lastability 90% - "Can be tough but it only helps you to enjoy it more."

Overall 87%
"Scary tension building action that will keep you hooked"

If you want to get the game check their web site for full details or you'll find it in the shops:-

• Oxyron

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