★ AMSTRAD CPC ★ GAMESLIST ★ SHERLOCK HOLMES IN THE CASE OF THE BEHEADED SMUGGLER (c) THE ADVENTURE WORKSHOP ★ |
The Case Of The Beheaded Smuggler is one of those games that Is a rarity these days, one which Is aimed at the novice adventurer. Some people may take that to mean that the game is simple and that there Is nothing much to It, but they would be very wrong to draw that conclusion. You play the part of Sherlock Holmes. The story-line is that you were visited by your close friend and chronicler, Dr. Watson, In time for him to hear the latest mystery which has come to your attention. Holmes is in conversation with Mr. Victor Wathley: at his invitation, Wathley describes events concerning his uncle, Mr. George Wathley. Mr. Wathley is, it seems, a rich man. He has made his money in the past year by smuggling various articles within the cargoes of tea which his ships carry. However, of late he has become reclusive and ill-tempered. Victor Wathley Is certain that someone has an unfair hold over his uncle, and that he may be being blackmailed. He requests the aid of the legendary Sherlock Holmes in solving this riddle. He excuses himself, as he has business to attend to, but promises to meet you at Wathley's home. With Watson by your side, you journey to George Wathley's home, where he has secreted himself. Victor Wathley meets you at the station and together you reach the house. Rut all is not well. The decapitated corpse of Mr. George Wathley lies upon a path just outside the house. Victor Wathley immediately runs off to summon the local constabulary - but not before chiding Holmes for being too late, and no good. You, as Sherlock Holmes, the world's greatest detective, must solve the mystery of Wathley's death by discovering the motive, the murder weapon, and the murderer. The game runs under CPM, is disc only, and Is In two parts. It supports Ramsave and Ramload, and offers resurrection at the last saved (or ramsaved) position, should you manage to get Holmes killed. As I have already said, the game is aimed at novice adventurers, but more experienced adventurers shouldn't let that put them off. The game is well-written and has lots of atmosphere. Personally, I am a Sherlock Holmes fan and was a little unsure about how faithful to Conan Doyle's writings this game could be. I was pleasantly surprised that it has been very well put together, and obvious mistakes have been avoided. ("Elementary, my dear Watson." for example, would have devotees of Sherlock Holmes grinding their teeth in fury.) Some of the problems set are easy to solve, or the solutions are fairly obvious; but in one or two places the solutions are slightly more difficult. You may TALK TO and QUESTION characters that you meet. It is best to do both, since they may not yield the same answers. The whole process of piecing together how And why the crime was committed has been very well handled. It is an idea to make a note of any addresses that you find In Part One, because you will need to visit them in Part Two. Part One (the murder scene) sees you having to search the house and land for clues which may be of some use. In one or two places Watson may have something of interest to add, so it's an idea to talk to him fairly frequently. There are several objects which you will need to find and use in order to unlock some clue or other. Some of these objects are hidden, so you need to make certain that you've examined everything. There is a weight limit, so If you don't think you need an object later on, don't bother getting It. It's always an Idea to examine It, you may find some information which Is of use. Part One finishes with you on the station platform waiting for your train back to London. This is the starting point for Part Two, and your investigation continues In the capital. To sum up the game, I have to say that it is a very neat adventure. It succeeds in its aim superbly. If you are a novice adventurer, then this is the game for you! More advanced adventurers will, I am certain, find the game full of atmosphere, and a worthwhile purchase.. Reviewed by Phill Ramsay, played on the Amstrad CPC |
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