Gateway to Apshai
It
The first game to be reviewed on Kalteldur, which isn´t a ZX Spectrum game. This game has been fitted to formats like the ColecoVision and the Atari 400/800, the version I will be talking about would, of course, be the best one which was out on the Commodore 64. This is ALSO one of the first roleplaying-games inspired computer games my too-young virgin eyes laid down upon... that was back in the mid-eighties, and I was around 8-10 years old.
It´s a groundbreaking pioneer when it comes to action-based RPGs, in lots of ways being a godfather for games like Diablo (and the rest)... A simple game with lots of thrills really. You are a warrior. The story of the game goes as follows :
The player's character is summoned to the chambers of an old priest called Merlis, who informs him that he is the son of the greatest warrior of Apshai, and that it is written in the prophecy that only he can reclaim the fabled Temple of Apshai and rid the land of its monsters and curses. This game covers the Gateway to Apshai, which they have to clear in order to reach the Temple of Apshai.
You start as a warrior seeking riches and thrills. Armed only with a dagger, and wearing only a leather armor for protection. You'll progress into the murky dungeon collecting coins for points, door keys for locked doors and of course better weapons and armors. You will encounter critters like rats, bats, slime, goblins, vampires, ghouls... and an evil wizard!. When you reach level 8, the level just repeats itself until you die! Doom is certain for everyone!.
I loved this game as a kid, one of the first action orientated games with an element of curious exploration. The thrill of moving into an unknown part of the dungeon and looking face-to-face with a new critter...with a treasure behind it of course. It also pioneered a sense of strategic survivalism, when you´ll use your healing potions and the sense of strategic exploring the perils hidden within. And just have a look at the AWESOME game box-art!. I mean seriously!. I loved the artwork which Epyx made. So what are you waiting for?!. Install that emulator and download the damn game, it´s great!.
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