CASTLE MASTER (INCENTIVE 1990)
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We once again take our hats off to INCENTIVE.
The game we will discuss this time was released three years after the well-known "DRILLER" (see "DRILLER", "SPECTROFON" N1, 1994). Many know the program "CASTLE MASTER" as "PRINCE NEILSON" (in the Italian version of the game). In principle, it is the same. The Russian version of the game could just as easily be called "IVAN THE TERRIBLE" or something like that. In the "APPLICATION" we offer you the English version of the game.
It can now be said for sure that a three-dimensional "colored" maze can look quite good on the "Speccy". And it's no surprise that INCENTIVE continued to release three-dimensional puzzles, using the graphics and codes from the "DRILLER" program. By the way, "CASTLE MASTER" has a sequel - "THE CRYPT. CASTLE MASTER 2". In upcoming issues, we will introduce you to this game as well.
In "CASTLE MASTER" you play as a prince (princess) searching for your significant other, who has been kidnapped by evil forces and imprisoned in a mysterious castle lost in the mountains. Your task is to find and rescue your love.
Along the way, you must destroy as many ghosts as possible that inhabit the castle. Don't forget that the castle is full of treasures and jewels. You will earn points for the keys you find, the treasures you collect, and for the ghosts you destroy.
HERO CONTROL
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In the main menu, you can choose the type of joystick you will use. If you choose the keyboard, you can control the hero's movement with the cursor keys or the combination: Z, X, O, K, 0.
Additional control keys:
P, L - change the hero's view direction in the vertical plane (P - up, L - down).
A - multifunction key. Used to pick up an item, read an inscription on the wall, or open a door with a key.
B - toggle the crosshair on/off.
SPACE - switch the main keys for controlling the crosshair. Works as a toggle.
W - select "walk" mode.
R - select "run" mode.
C - select "crawl" mode.
U - turn 180 degrees.
SS + Z - turn 90 degrees left.
SS + X - turn 90 degrees right.
SS + P - look up.
SS + L - look down.
I - access the information menu.
Z - turn left.
X - turn right.
These keys duplicate the keyboard controls.
INFORMATION MENU.
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Three more control keys are used here:
S - save the state to disk.
L - load a saved game.
Q - quit the game.
The menu provides information about mission progress:
KEYS COLLECTED (number of keys collected)
SPIRITS DESTROYED (number of ghosts destroyed)
STRENGTH (strength)
SCORE (points)
A few words about the main game screen.
The physical state of the hero is displayed as a bar. When only one griffin remains on the screen, your hero dies and the game ends. Below is a window that displays the keys found by the main character.
In the upper right window is an unusual indicator. This indicator shows how close your hero is to victory. At the beginning of the game, the yellow stone is positioned exactly in the center. As you complete tasks, the stone begins to shift to the left. If your hero does not make any progress toward the goal for a long time, the stone gradually shifts to the right. When the stone reaches the right edge of the indicator, the game ends unfavorably for you. If you complete the game 100%, the stone reaches the left edge of the indicator. For those who appreciate precise definitions, this indicator reflects the ratio of the time remaining until the end of the game to the points scored.
Below the indicator is a message window. Most of the time, this window displays the name of the room in the castle where the hero is located.
So, the game begins. You stand before the castle.
Behind you is a long journey. You have a backpack with stones and a sling. It should be noted that you are quite skilled with the sling and do not need a bow or sword. You have plenty of stones, so there's no need to conserve them. The entrance to the castle is closed. But you simply must get inside. Let's go around the castle.
We find a small house. The door is locked. It seems we are not expected here at all. What if we try to sneak into the house through the window? We approach the window and... Oh! There is some strange inscription here: "YOU ONLY NEED TO PLACE THE STONE IN THE RIGHT PLACE..."
How strange! But without a doubt - this is a hint. And it seems clear now how to get inside the castle...
We think it's not worth continuing further to avoid spoiling your mood with boring hints. Once you make your first discovery, the game will captivate you so much that you will forget everything else in the world. You will spend days worrying about your noble hero, solving various puzzling tasks together with him, of which there are plenty in this interesting game.
A few tips:
Thoroughly inspect all rooms: keys to doors may be hidden in the most unexpected places.
Ghosts are destroyed with a precise shot from the sling.
Read and analyze the wall inscriptions. They usually contain hints.
When you hear cries for help (HELP ME! HELP ME!), know that you are on the right track.
P4 Shooting and action game enthusiasts need not worry: this game is intended for those who enjoy using their brains from time to time.
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Contents of the publication: Spectrofon #03
- Экспертиза
Critical review of the strategic game 'GENGHIS KHAN' for its lack of historical and geographical accuracy. Provides gameplay mechanics and strategic tips, including unique missions. Discusses features such as army management and collecting magical elements.
- Дебют
The article reviews the game 'ZZZZ' by MASTERTRONIC, highlighting its innovative interface combining text commands and icons for easier gameplay. Despite some interface flaws, the game's humor and unique narrative elements are praised. A detailed walkthrough of the game's opening scenario is provided.
- Дебют
Review of the game Castle Master by INCENTIVE, focusing on its 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics on the ZX Spectrum. The player navigates a labyrinth to rescue a kidnapped lover, combating ghosts and collecting treasures. Detailed controls and gameplay tips are provided.
- Экзамен
Article presents a challenge question about the 'CASTLE MASTER' game. Prize for correct answer is an uncopyrighted issue of 'SPECTROFON'. The magazine seeks answers to previous issues' questions.
- Обзор
Discussion of the rivalry between Spectrum and Amiga users. Overview of new Spectrum-compatible games and their features. Insight into hacking culture and influence on gaming.
- С миру по биту
Discussion about reader feedback on the ABS program and magazine distribution. Explanation of ABS program integration and challenges in game creation. Considerations on magazine content and reader suggestions.
- Архив
Review of retro game 'GREAT BRITAIN LTD', highlighting its strategic role-play as UK Prime Minister in the 1980s, focusing on politics, economy, and elections.
- Система - Павел Никитин
Detailed guide on using TR-DOS functions in assembly for ZX Spectrum. Focus on track formatting and a disk reading driver without TR-DOS system variables. Includes code examples and practical tips.
- Реклама
The article provides information on how to acquire the 'SPECTROFON' magazine, invitations for collaboration, and various hardware offers.
