Dungeon of Yair is a multi-level maze adventure game written completely in machine code. Ymir requires 24K of RAM, and versions are available for the 1500 with a Hunter Board or other 8-16K RAM, OR for the 32K 1500 (with 16k RAMpack). Ymir is true HI-RES, using a HI-RES technique which works only with the 1500 (NOT the 1000 of ZX81). A version for the ZX8/TS1000 is scheduled for release in the near future.
WHAT IS THIS YMIR?
Upon loading (in 2 parts), a 64 column cover screen displays the Cast of Characters, and control keys. The object of the qame is to successfully make it to the 7th level of the maze, retrieve the SWORD OF KASLO, and return it to your village. The game operates in the traditional form of the genre: you have a certain number of Hit Points (damage you can sustain), based on your Experience level, healing rate, and on what spells and potions you have at your disposal. On your journey, you will encounter 16 different types of monsters, lamps, mystery chests (which can be either very good or very bad), pits, ceiling holes, stairs up and down, gold (which is ‘cashed in’ for Experience Points at the Temple of Asylum on each level), and an Oracle, who can hand out useful gifts, Bake suggestions, and punish impudence.
There are also several types of Spell Vials, which say be simply found in the maze, or in a mystery box, or handed out by the Oracle. These include Teleport spells, Rejuvenation spells, Healing potions, Drift spells, Shield spells, etc.
The playing screen is very impressive, with hi-res UDGs for all the monsters and objects. The maze ie revealed only as you travel through it. As you proceed to lower levels, monsters become more difficult to cope with. Monsters are in constant action, which starts randomly and takes on sore evil intent as the game progresses! Critical information is displayed throughout the qame on the bottom line of the screen. A FAST-SAVE with autoboot reloading permits the qame to be saved in progress at any time, and reloaded in 70 seconds. I have found the fast save/load to be very reliable.
Conclusions: I must confess that I was very skeptical when I first loaded YMIR, since I’ve never been a D&D-type game aficionado. (“OK, I’ll load Fred’s new game, just to be polite…”) My skepticism quickly turned to interest, curiosity, frustration, fascination, addiction. The graphics and animation are excellent (the little man bends over when you pick something up!), and the presentation of auxiliary screens (progress reports, etc.) is snappy and eye-catching.
Dungeon of Ymir is, in the words of its author, “easy to play, difficult to master”. I’m hooked, and I have yet to live past the 3rd level. This game has even made me late for work. Dungeon of Ymir is five-star software: a MUST-HAVE.
You’ve really done it this time, Fred!