Curse of the Seven Faces

Curse of the Seven Faces is an interactive fiction video game published by Classic Computing for the ZX Spectrum in 1984.[1] It was re-released later in 1985 by Imperial Software.[2] The game was included in a compilation titled Assemblage in 1986 with three other games. It was published by Artic Computing.[3]

Curse of the Seven Faces
Title screen
Developer(s)Alan McDonald
Peter Galbavy[1]
Publisher(s)Classic Computing (1984)[1]
Imperial Software (1985)[2]
Artic Computing (1986)[3]
Platform(s)ZX Spectrum
Release
Genre(s)Interactive fiction
Mode(s)Single-player

Gameplay

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The objective of the game is to retrieve four objects from an evil wizard: his spell book, staff, hat, and cloak.[2] The game had a unique save system at the time: the user has the option to save the game to memory instead to the tape. This was faster than the normal save system.[1]

Reception

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Computer and Video Games wrote: "A variety of original locations, and some surprise ways of finding new exits, combined with well-written and fairly lengthy descriptions to make an interesting game".[2] Crash said the plot was "weak and thin" but the location descriptions "are really quite impressive".[4] Sinclair User called the game "disappointing but attractively produced".[5] Your Spectrum gave a negative review and was unimpressed with the parser: "Once you've read 'You Cannot Do That' and 'Nothing Exciting Happens' for the umpteenth time in a row, you begin to believe it — nothing ever exciting happens!"[8] Personal Computer Games called it "an enjoyable adventure".[7] Popular Computing Weekly called it "an extremely well-crafted Adventure".[1] Assemblage collection received four out five stars in Sinclair User.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Bridge, Tony (19–25 July 1984). "Tony Bridge's Adventure Corner". Popular Computing Weekly. Vol. 3, no. 29. Sunshine Publications. p. 38.
  2. ^ a b c d e Campbell, Keith (August 1985). "Adventure Reviews - Curse of the Seven Faces". Computer and Video Games. No. 46. Future plc. p. 100.
  3. ^ a b c Gilbert, John (January 1986). "Spectrum Software Scene - Assemblage". Sinclair User. No. 46. EMAP. p. 120.
  4. ^ a b Brewster, Derek (February 1985). "Derek Brewster's Adventure Trail - Curse of the Seven Faces". Crash. No. 13. Newsfield Publications Ltd. pp. 102–103.
  5. ^ a b Price, Richard (April 1985). "Spectrum Software Scene - Curse of the Seven Faces". Sinclair User. No. 37. EMAP. p. 32.
  6. ^ D.N. (5 February 1985). "War games galore - Curse of the Seven faces". Home Computing Weekly. No. 98. Argus Specialist Publications. p. 38.
  7. ^ a b The White Wizard (February 1985). "Adventureworld - Curse of the 7 Faces". Personal Computer Games. VNU. p. 83.
  8. ^ Gifford, Clive (April 1985). "Spectrum Adventures - Curse of the Seven Faces". Your Spectrum. No. 13. Sportscene Specialist Press. p. 26.
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