Halls of Dungeon Death

An eerie mist pervades Dungeon Death where legend says there is a solid platinum crown embedded with sapphires and diamonds. Even if you 're not into "Dungeons & Dragons" games on a regular basis, you will enjoy this program because it combines D&D qualities with the fun and challenge of Adventure games and some super graphics. It also includes such D&D basics as hit points, experience points, armor class, weapons and, of course, monsters.

Your goal is to retrieve the crown. This is no easy task since the crown is buried 12 levels below the surface. Each level is infested with evil creatures and traps. When a monster is encountered, you will decide whether to fight or run. Your odds of escaping are better if you take off before any blows are exchanged. If you choose to fight, you are asked if you want to thrust, parry or attack with a normal blow. A monster's chance of hitting you is affected by your armor class.

You gain experience points for killing monsters, advancing in ability as you collect experience points. There are enchanters on some of the levels. Resembling robed wizards, the enchanters will restore some of your lost hit points for 2,000 gold pieces or enchant one of your weapons for 5,000 gold pieces. Enchanting is a magical process that ncreases the power of a weapon.

You will find the following commands helpful as you make your way through the dungeon:

(I)nventory - Lists what you are carrying, as well as hit points and experience.

(G)et - To retrieve the object on which you are positioned.

(D)rop - To place an object. You must not be standing on an object at the time.

(C)hange - To trade the weapon in your hand for another.

(O)pen - To open a door, but you must have the correct key.

(S)earch - To check the area in your immediate vicinity for pits, secret passages and rooms.

As your quest begins, you are in possession of a sword, a healing potion, and a magical bag that enables you to carry as much gold as necessary. The potion and the bag were given to you by an old wizard who offered the following advice: "Remember, on the first level past the bones lies that which will help carry you deep into the dungeon."

After the introduction is loaded, type RUN. The credits will be shown while -machine language subroutines for the main program are loaded. It is a good idea to leave the Play button on your tape recorder on at all times. Also, be sure to unplug your disk controller.