Castle Warlock

Castle Warlock is a dark fantasy text adventure for the ZX Spectrum 48K, originally released in 1991 by Adventure Probe Software and authored by Ken Bond. You take on the role of a lone explorer drawn into the ominous castle of the evil sorcerer Warlock. Inside, you'll uncover hidden rooms, magical traps, arcane symbols, and a web of perilous puzzles. Gameplay follows classic interactive fiction conventions: exploring multiple locations, interacting with objects, and solving logical puzzles using a text parser.

Each room is described through moody and immersive text, providing clues and atmosphere as you piece together how to access deeper levels, disable magical barriers, and collect vital artifacts. The challenge lies in keen observation and experimentation—players must use keys, decipher inscriptions, avoid traps, and manipulate items within the environment to progress. No graphical frills accompany the experience, but the evocative writing and thoughtful puzzle design deliver a richly atmospheric sense of dread and discovery.

As a later title in the Spectrum adventure scene, Castle Warlock showcases solid writing, carefully constructed puzzles, and a creeping tension-building atmosphere. It stands as a memorable example of early 1990s homegrown text adventures for Spectrum fans seeking a focused, narrative-driven escape into dark fantasy.