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This
game makes a rather interesting comparison with the
two games we've just looked at. Like these, it's an
adaptation of a work of fiction, but the confines of
The Quill, (with which it was written) and the
fact that it is cassette-based, obviously pose limitations.
The
limitations are really on style as much as content.
Both Nine Princes and Perry Mason try
to live up to the originals by putting you 'inside'
the characters concerned. The Snow Queen, like
other British adventures, doesn't go in for much character
interaction (though you can, and should, kiss your grandmother),
but instead tries to recreate scenes from the original
story, together, of course, with some puzzles to solve
and objects to find.
The
story of The Snow Queen is simple. Gerda's childhood
sweetheart has fallen under an evil enchantment, with
a sliver of glass from a magical mirror embedded in
his heart. Held in thrall by the Snow Queen, he can
only be rescued by young Gerda, who sets out to find
him and release him from the spell.
The
Snow Queen is a Quill/Illustrator production and
the graphics are quite competently done. The game itself
I found quite difficult and had to resort in a hint
sheet even in the first few locations. You don't necessarily
have to know the original story to succeed, but it certainly
helps you get your bearings.
Those
of you who like fairy tales will probably get a reasonable
amount of enjoyment out of this release, but I hasten
to add that I think many adventurers, accustomed to
more blood-thirsty fare, may find it lacking in excitement.
The original magic of Hans Anderson's story is undeniable,
but how well it survives in binary medium is open to
question.
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