The Tomb of Dracula

ZX Computing

James Walsh

The Tomb of Dracula has been written for the 48K Spectrum and, as might be gathered from the title, is an adventure type game. But fortunately it does not come into the category of 'Just another Adventure Game', as do so many others. Extensive use has been made of high resolution graphics and sound. The object of the game is to work your way through the tomb to find Dracula's treasure before the sun sets and he arises to follow you around. Even by day there are Zombies, Ghouls and Slime Pits to contend with. The tomb is large and complicated, hence it is possible to display a plan of the tomb. If you land on a staircase it may lead to the £500,000 Vampires Treasure and you will have won the game. More likely it will lead down to the next level of the tomb, where the rewards and penalties are greater. Wherever you go you will be able to collect stakes for future use. The graphics are good and the sound fun, which makes for a very enjoyable and exciting game. One that can be well recommended.

ZX Computing

Maria Savage

My first complaint about this tape was that I found it difficult to load. I've had few problems in this department before, but as the program is recorded on both sides of the tape I did manage to get the program operating eventually. The idea of the game is to find a secret treasure at the bottom of a staircase. A map is given at the beginning (the only time you are shown the map) and you find yourself in a tomb surrounded by vaults which contain pits of primeval slime, ghouls and zombies. Thirty moves are allowed before Dracula himself comes on the scene. You accumulate, if you're lucky, silver stakes which can help you ward off the attacks of the ghouls, zombies and even Dracula! Staircases can lead to either treasure or yet another level ad infinitum - if you stay alive that long. Unlike other adventures, there is no choice in encounters with nasties - if you haven't enough silver stakes to defeat them, too bad. The graphics vary from good to bad. Whilst understanding the need for an overall impression of the 300 vaults available, it would have been more enjoyable to have had greater detail on those immediately surrounding the player. However, the graphics are used well to give an impression of movement and good fight scenes with the various creatures you come across. The game comes with a fairly detailed sheet of instructions, and it does have a certain element of suspense, eg entering a new level and no map! Help - where are the zombies? The cassette is keenly priced at £3.95, delivery within 18 days. Finally, I must admit to finding the treasure very quickly - just luck or have they made it too easy?