Games, v8(2)

~1 minute read

Feb 1984

Games & Books

Enchanter

Roe R. Adams III

Enchanter (Infocom, on disk for Apple II/II+/IIe, Atari 800/1200XL, Commodore 64, CP/M, DEC Rainbow, IBM PC, TI Professional, TRS Model III; $40-$50)

This text adventure was written by Marc Blank and Dave Lebling, authors of the classic Zork Trilogy (reviewed in December 1983 Games). While many players will think of Enchanter as Zork IV, it is actually the beginning of a new trilogy. Unlike Zork, where the player is a mere adventurer, this game grants you fledgling magic powers to help you find and destroy an evil warlock. At the beginning of the game you are given a few basic spells and a “book” (part of the program) in which you can "write” (type in) new spells that you find on scrolls in secret locations as you explore the game’s world. Once a spell is written in your book, you can use it over and over. Some spells, however, are too long and complicated to be entered in the book, and thus may be used only once.

Enchanter has its funny moments. Veterans of Zork will appreciate such allusions as the sequence in the Hall of Mirrors where the image of a bedraggled soldier (the Zork adventurer) appears, and the sequence where you finally get to enter the black demonic temple that was glimpsed in Zork III. (Look who’s about to be sacrificed on the high altar!)

The puzzles the player must solve in Enchanter are consistent with Infocom’s high standard; some of them are extremely tough. This is an impressive start for the new trilogy, and a must for all adventure gamers.

This article appeared in
Games
Feb 1984

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