As the psychiatrist Mikalina Efros, you are entrusted with the search for your patient, Samuel Gregors, who disappeared along with a set of secret plans. In addition to an interesting gimmick, the game features a rather well-developed setting (it seems the author had got a pretty clear picture of the game world in his mind when he was working on it), and some nice bits of characterization in descriptions. Unfortunately, the work haven't been completed properly; while the story requires a lot interaction with NPCs, the latter aren't always adequate (for instance, there's a teller who, according to the game, is inanimate). Also, "The Case of Samuel Gregors" is a pretty good illustration for the fact that a sloppily implemented menu-based conversation system isn't any better than a shoddily implemented traditional "ask about/tell about" system. You might find some of the puzzles a bit obscure, especially in the beginning phase of the game; later on, the gameplay becomes more directed - to a no small degree because of the gimmick mentioned above. All in all, this work isn't flawless, and it's probably not to everyone's taste, either; still, you should give it a try - it has certain charm, and there is a reasonable chance you're going to like it.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Valentine Kopteltsev (26 Dec 2003)

SamuelGregor.sol (2.52 KB)

solution

SamuelGregor.z5 (91.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

Look at the release year (1988), and you will have a pretty good idea of the game. Yes, it features a crude two-word parser you sometimes have got to fight with, minimalistic descriptions, and primitive characters. To make things worse, it's a religious game. Therefore, the author constantly tries to convert the player to Christianity, and you might find his blatant and clumsy attempts rather naive (or annoying, if you are less forgiving). Furthermore, the religious theme stipulates that some of the puzzles can't be solved without a reference to The Bible, so that you better keep it handy during playing (if you don't know it by heart, that is). Alternatively, you could use the wonderful walkthrough by David Welbourn (see the link below); I only can take my hat off to him with admiration - if not for him, I'd probably still wonder how to get past the axemen. However, with all the game's sins and faults, it had at least one puzzle that was satisfying to solve. Together with the fact that (as far as I can tell) it's impossible to make it unwinnable, or to die (well, OK, there is one way to do that, but really, one have to do it on purpose; and at some points, you loose all your posessions, but after that, you can collect them again) it earns the game's rating an extra star.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Valentine Kopteltsev (26 Dec 2003)

kingdmgm.zip (89.21 KB)

MS-DOS executable

The author uses his one-room game to scoff at a mentally handicapped person. While, from the technical point of view, he demonstrates quite remarkable writing and programming skills in doing so, the target choice for his jeer seems inappropriate, to put it mildly. Thus, if things like, say, kicking people who can't defend themselves in the teeth don't belong to your hobbies, avoid this game at any rate.

Rating: *

Reviewed by Valentine Kopteltsev (26 Dec 2003)

lardo.z5 (64.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable

This game spins around two tightly entwined themes - mythology of Ancient Greece, and cats. It is done very solidly, with well-constructed puzzles, and an interesting plot. Don't get irritated by the fact that this review's tone isn't as expressive as it might have been - MythTale is definitely worth playing; the thing is, I just prefer dogs;).

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Valentine Kopteltsev (26 Dec 2003)

mythtale_walk.txt (1.79 KB)

solution

MythTale.z5 (207.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

This one makes quite an effort to look like an amateurish work, but honestly, I don't believe it is; it rather appears to be a very competently done parody on a badly implemented horror story. Thus, it features a set of puzzles one might expect to encounter in this kind of game (including a maze, which, however, isn't too cruel), oh-so-frightful characters, and exaggeratedly tasteless text formatting. You may (and almost certainly will) have ambiguous feelings about The Scary House Amulet; in any case, don't take it too seriously - it doesn't seem as it was meant to be; in fact, I think it represents one big joke.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Valentine Kopteltsev (26 Dec 2003)

shamulet.z5 (72.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)