Amiga

Dungeon Master

Simple, old style plot As roleplaying games go Dungeon Master has a fairly simple story with minimal plot development that is generally in line with other games of its time. You start at ground level and make your way down through the dungeons to the deepest darkest level to rid the labyrinth of the evil sorcerer. In the process you must fight an array of successively more ferocious monsters, and negotiate more and more devious obstacles of the open pit, locked door and flying fireball variety. Many of these are still a lot of fun and very careful observation is called for.

So there is plenty of searching for keys, and plenty of button pressing and lever pulling as you progress. With a bit of luck there are also many, many 'treasures' to find such as fantastic armour and better and better weapons. Also, to cast spells in this game you must learn the correct symbols, so you must also be on the look out for scrolls to increase your magic repertoire.

This has to be the most amazing game of all time, anywhere, ever – For now anyway. The first person perspective ensures an incredibly realistic atmosphere – you just can't help really getting into the feel of walking through damp, echoing caverns searching for ghosts. You can touch everything, try to move everything, use an object you come across, drink water, throw things and even eat some of the monsters you've killed. The puzzles are incredibly devious, the spell system is really flexible and the need to practice magic and spells gives the whole thing that extra-special depth.

What makes Dungeon Master really special (apart from marvellous 3D graphics and eerie sound effects) are the puzzles. Time and again you'll get completely stuck and will have to sit, ponder and think hard before the answer to a riddle becomes clear. Dungeon Master is one of the all-time classics. Like Elite, you'll just keep playing it - and believing in the whole dark world that resides in your machine.

FTL have gone all out to provide nearly everything to do with classic fantasy RPG all in one game. They have easily surpassed themselves, but it is unbelievable just how good a job they have actually done and how it all works. There is something in the game for everyone, with action, adventure, fiendish puzzles and great depth. Dungeon Master oozes atmosphere and shouldn't be missed by any self-respecting RPG fan.