~Dungeon Master II

RPG by INTERPLAY/FTL
--------------------

By Lu Richardson


The long awaited sequel to that wonderful pioneering RPG, Dungeon 
Master, is with us at last.  Boy, it took them long enough!

Well, I am sure you've all seen a demo of this, they've been going 
around for ages.  If you haven't, then let me tell you that this 
version is, technologically, only one tiny step ahead of the last 
one.  That is to say, the graphics are poor, the interface is 
exactly as before, and the movement of the characters rather 
awkward.  This is due to the fact that they have introduced a 
half-step, instead of the usual movement step by step.  As you can 
imagine, this can create problems when negotiating difficult areas.

The environment is dark and grim, and outdoors it rains a lot.  To 
make it worse, lightning can strike you at any time.  Indoors, it is
also very dark and menacing and not very well drawn, either.  In 
fact, you will recognise the graphics immediately if you've played 
DM.  Nothing has changed much.

As in the previous game, the manual does not tell you a great deal 
and you have to figure everything out for yourself.  You have no 
idea what to do with certain items.  Weapons and armour are 
difficult to fathom - which is better?  Your guess is as good as 
mine.  I never undestood the magic items in the previous game and I 
am not doing much better in this one.  Even when you cast a spell,
you are not always sure of what, exactly, you've achieved.

And, of course, you have to figure the spells, too.  This time they 
are even more complicated and, unless you have a great deal of time 
to spare in which to experiment, you'll probably finish the game 
without finding out the half of what you ought to know.  Remembering
each symbol is such pain - you have to play with the manual in your 
hand!  Add to that that you might need to cast a spell quickly to 
save the characters lives, and you get terribly involved with empty 
flasks, several clicks on symbols and what not, and all the while 
you are being thumped hard.

One thing is different - the monsters are legion, ferocious and they
never let up.  What is more, they regenerate and they even follow 
you around.  They are extremely difficult to kill, too, and they 
hassle you so that you have no end of trouble just exploring.  If 
anyone can complete this game without cheating, they deserve a medal.

Combat is direct except for some spinning contraptions which keep
moving out of the way, driving you insane in the process.  From the 
beginning, the whole thing is a bit over the top and, at the end,
completely impossible.  Now, most adventurers enjoy a good fight, 
but not when they don't stand a chance.

The puzzles are not very abundant and they mainly rely on quick 
reflexes rather than on deep thought.  I have probably walked past 
one or two not realising that I was meant to do something about them.

Having said all that, what with the current shortage of RPGs, we are 
in no position to complain.  Rather, let us be grateful for what we 
have, and enjoy this old-fashioned RPG as much as we can.  It IS 
exciting, it DOES grab you, it's just like the old DM1 but much
tougher - and no doubt you'll remember how hooked everyone got on 
that one... 

Copyright (c) 1995 Eurowave Leisure Ltd.
