If you have ever played one of the many Infocom text games popular in the mid-1980s, you will enjoy Spellbreaker. The story begins at a conference of guild members discussing problems with the magic they use to earn their livelihood (and as you are an enchanter yourself, by which you are employed as well) when suddenly the room is thrown into chaos and the guild members are turned into newts, frogs, and other amphibians. A shadowy figure slinks out of the room and the adventure begins in earnest.
If you have ever played one of the many Infocom text games popular in the mid-1980s, you will enjoy Spellbreaker. The story begins at a conference of guild members discussing problems with the magic they use to earn their livelihood (and as you are an enchanter yourself, by which you are employed as well) when suddenly the room is thrown into chaos and the guild members are turned into newts, frogs, and other amphibians. A shadowy figure slinks out of the room and the adventure begins in earnest. While the adventure is very challenging, like all Infocom games, it is frustrating as well. In an effort at the time to sell hint books, the game provides no help at all, instead recommending that you purchase a hint book. Expect
a strangely connected storyline as well. As in Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy (another Infocom text adventure), the story is disjointed, and you will find yourself jumping around. A few helpful hints:
- Use the spell blorple often; you may find certain items to provide transport around the game through the use of the spell
- If you are unable to cast a spell, you must first memorize it (your list of spells can be found by looking inside the book). As you tire or cast spells, you will forget them and need to memorize them again. From time to time, you need to rest to stay on top of your game.
- You can die a limited amount of times before you lose (three, to be exact). There are many points within the game where you need to exit quickly or act quickly or you will die. If you are in doubt, save the game first using the “save” command (you can restore games using the “restore” command).
- Pick up anything and everything. You may need items you thought were worthless later on in the game. A quick way to pick up items is by using the “take all” command, which will take all items in a location. Also, be sure to use the “examine” command liberally; often an item will give up its secrets after it has been examined (you can alternatively use the “look” commands, such as “look in…” “look at…” etc.
This is a great game if you have the patience and perseverance. While it is not as well done as other titles in the genre (e.g. Zork series, Planetfall), it is still a game which will keep you thinking and in some cases cursing. It is worth the time and effort.
