(C) Elfimov Konstantin
(C) Music Batsan Roman
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ROBIN OF SHERLOCK
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DELTA 4 SOFTWARE 1988
Presenting the adventure game ROBIN OF SHERLOCK, I want to say right away: this program will require the player to have quite a good knowledge of the English language. Of course, you will be able to play, satisfied with a simple translation of the location descriptions, but believe me, you will not get true enjoyment from the game, as various jokes and dialogues, which also contain a lot of humor, will remain unnoticed.
The very title of the game suggests various thoughts, and from the very first steps in the game, it becomes clear that this is a parody (it seems that DELTA 4 has succeeded in creating such programs, just remember the game BORED OF THE RINGS). So, wandering through the game space of the first part, you may encounter well-known characters from various books and adventure games: DOROTHY (a character from the book "WIZARD OF OZ", which in Russian was called "The Wizard of the Emerald City" and the girl's name was ELLY), DEAD WATSON (and this, of course, is the well-known companion of Sherlock Holmes, who seems to have been killed by someone), if you call on the phone, you will hear the dissatisfied voice of Inspector LESTRADE (also a character from the stories about Sherlock Holmes), a few more friends of ROBIN: WILL SCARLET, LITTLE JOHN, NAZEER, and of course, his girlfriend MARIAN. Sometimes a RAIDER OF HELL will run up to you, who in this game is not dangerous, unlike the programs THE HOBBIT, LORDS OF THE RINGS, and BORED OF THE RINGS.
NOW, a little about the goals of the game.
In each part, you will have to unravel various crimes, and most likely you will have to move from one part to another more than once, and the items collected in one part may be useful in another. So don't despair if you no longer know what to do in the first part, and there are still many unused items left.
Now a bit about the features of the program. I still don't know how to properly record the situation in the game, and I adhere to the following method: in the first part, there are at least two exits to the second. Finding them is very easy; when exiting to another part, you will be offered to save the game, after which the loaded situation is suitable for the second part, and when you want to load it in the first part, then, starting the second, enter the name of the load from the first program when prompted for the file name. Then, in the very first location, go back (most likely to the north) — this is the exit to the first part, here you will be able to save the situation that can be loaded at the beginning of the first program. But don't despair; the program provides such useful verbs as RAMSAVE and RAMLOAD — saving and loading to memory. Now about how you will communicate with the characters (without this, no crime can be unraveled). Type the command TALK TO (character's name), press enter, and in the next line write everything you want to say to him. Usually, this is: HELLO (to greet) and ABOUT (a request to tell about the crime). During the game, you can use the verb LISTEN (to listen) and such a rarely used verb as REDIAL (to redial). As you know, from the very beginning, you have a wireless phone, and you call LESTRADE, who will mostly ask for more evidence. The program understands abbreviations up to four letters. And I also want to say that the program understands a lot of swear words, so if you try to express yourself obscenely, you will see the message SWEAR NOT and something else. You can find out your score in the game with the command SCORE.
And now, those who love to complete adventure games from start to finish on their own, I ask you to turn the page further. Well, for the rest, I will try to tell you how to solve one of the crimes in the first part of the game.
To begin with, I recommend taking the lamp (AN OIL LAMP) in the location COMFORTABLE MOSSY HOLLOW. You will find it by going south and then east from the starting point. It should be noted that the lamp is a very useful item, and now you will be able to see at night. On the way to the lamp, you will most likely meet a priest. Honestly, I don't know why he is needed in the game, except for a joke. If you stand in this location for a while, you will see and hear something. Next, I advise you to go to the river — to the west bank of the river (WEST BANK OF THE RIVER). There you can get a lighter (DISPOSABLE LIGHTER). Those who have been to the women's convent (CONVENT) probably already understand why it is needed. I want to say that making a map in the game won't hurt, as it is very easy to get lost in Sherwood Forest. For this useful activity, I recommend taking a larger sheet of paper, as the locations in all parts are interconnected, and there are about 200 of them in total. While you wander through the game space, collect the items you come across. Many of them in this part may not be needed, but they will most likely be useful later. So, now you can head to the convent. In the location WINDSWEPT STRETCH, pick up the nun's habit (NUN'S HABITE), and now you will be allowed into the convent (provided that you give the nun a light) — this is the location ENTRANCE LOBBY OF THE CONVENT. And there, going up to the office of the head nun (MOTHER SUPERRIOR'S OFFICE), inspect her desk (EXAM DESK), finding a letter (LETTER), you will receive the first evidence. Going into the forest to the east of the village (SMURPH'S VILLAGE), you find a gnome (GARDEN GNOME). It seems that he is also connected to the crime. Now you can go to the location THE EDGE OF THE SMURPH VILLAGE, where there is a suspicious window into a house from the village. Previous attempts to enter it showed that the godfather (GODFATHER SMURPH), who is there, is hostile. But by eavesdropping on an interesting conversation (LISTEN), we get another clue. And now you can call the inspector (REDIAL LESTRADE), and he will no longer dare to ask for more evidence. Thus, you will expose the nuns and the godfather in dirty deeds and bad behavior.
In the first part, you can also do something else, for example, buy a ticket at the station (DINGY TICKET OFFICE) using a credit card (CREDIT CARD), as well as do something interesting with MARIAN. I think this information is quite enough for a start, and then play on your own, or it will be completely uninteresting.
Contents of the publication: Adventurer #02
- Guests
Interview with SURDAKAR GROUP discussing their origins, notable projects, and future plans in software and game development.
- Modifications for PENTAGON 128
The article presents modifications for the PENTAGON 128 computer, including a keyboard fix to prevent accidental key presses and a joystick improvement for multi-player gaming. It also describes a stereo DAC development for enhanced sound quality with the AY 8910 audio processor. The author encourages programmers to create software supporting this DAC.
- Interface
The article discusses the ongoing engagement and challenges faced by the Adventurer magazine team, particularly in fostering contributions from readers. It highlights the importance of clarity in language and communication for potential contributors. The piece also provides game tips for several ZX Spectrum titles, emphasizing community support and collaboration.
- Interface
The article discusses the role of hackers in the SPECCY community, highlighting their contributions to software development and maintenance. It contrasts ethical hackers with those who engage in software piracy, illustrating the importance of hackers for preserving the legacy of ZX Spectrum. Ultimately, the author defends the positive impact of hackers on the gaming scene.
- Novella
This article presents a sci-fi novella detailing an interstellar conflict where Earth faces a malevolent alien race. A skilled coordinator must navigate through alien territories using robots to secure resources and defeat enemies. The story highlights strategy and exploration in a galaxy fraught with danger.
- Review
The article reviews various games from CODEMASTERS and others, evaluating them based on graphics, sound, and playability. The review highlights the evolution of game quality and the significance of user feedback in shaping perceptions. Overall, the article emphasizes the ongoing development in the gaming landscape.
- Experience Exchange
The article discusses essential assembly programming procedures for ZX Spectrum, aimed at beginners. It outlines several crucial routines, including memory clearing, screen commands, and mathematical operations. The text provides practical examples to enhance understanding and application of assembly language in programming.
- Advertisements
Article presents advertisements and calls for collaboration in the ZX Spectrum community, inviting programmers, artists, and musicians to contribute. It highlights the acceptance of any ZX Spectrum-related materials, along with details on available software and hardware for sale. The issue emphasizes the importance of participation and partnership among enthusiasts.
- Presentation of ROBIN OF SHERLOCK Adventure Game
The article presents the adventure game ROBIN OF SHERLOCK by DELTA 4 SOFTWARE, emphasizing the need for a good command of English to fully appreciate its humor and dialogues. It highlights game mechanics, including item collection, character interaction, and the interconnectedness of game parts. The text also offers tips on navigating the game and solving crimes within its storyline.
- Presentation
Авторская презентация игры 'МИНЕР', аналог MINESWEEPER для ZX Spectrum, с подробным описанием игрового процесса и особенностей управления.
- System Overview for ZX Spectrum
Overview of various utility programs for ZX Spectrum, including disk utilities and graphic editors, discussing their features and shortcomings.