The Immortal

A thinking man's Diablo!

I have always found something appealing about exploring a monster-infested dungeon - and this is one of the best and most unique. Designed by Will Harvey and programmed by Brett G. Durrett, The Immortal offers a challenging experience but only if you survive long enough to see what's around the next corner.

We are a wizard who has been asked to help another in a spot of bother. He is called Mordamir and somehow thinks your name is Dunric, which it isn't. Will you still help him? Of course, you will, even though we later find out this means exploring creepy dungeons infested with hideous nasties intent on your demise.

Are you still feeling brave? Stop. Don't lie. Be absolutely sure before accepting the challenge this brutal adventure offers. If you're still here, then it's time for clean underwear as we venture forth into the realms of myth, sorcery, and cruelty. (Some of you might be laughing at my obvious overreaction? Tut...Tut...Tut)

Okay, let's check out a few screenshots of the sinister troubles ahead...

Do you think it's safe walking around down here? Well, you shouldn't!!

Learn how best to battle to defeat your foe. And why not chat with the locals?

That's some drop there. Best watch your step or come back later?

Welcome to a dark place with monsters and lots of traps!

The Immortal is a scrolling isometric adventure set within a creepy labyrinth of unforgiving pitfalls and ghastly horrors. I cannot stress that enough, right from the start too. These harsh characteristics will torment even the most experienced adventurer so you will witness the bloodiest of deaths at a most frequent rate. Never have I played a game like this with so many hidden traps so grab a pen and paper to make notes.

Lurking within the labyrinth are trolls, goblins and other scary creatures that want you dead. Some have exquisite names like The Shades which you soon encounter. These are a life form that hides in the darkness, only casting a faint shadow near a firelight. Are you scared yet? You should be, this is callous and ruthless.

As you can imagine, The Immortal isn't a game you can rush through. Its design dictates a need for a determined player with patience. One who will fall victim to many gruesome deaths to learn the ropes each level provides. Don't underestimate it - grab that pen and paper to make notes, you'll need them. Trust me.

This game makes my skin crawl so I'm pausing the reading for another screenshot...

Hey, I hear there is a prince in Persia who would love one of these carpets!!

You will die and die and die!

Each room is unique and has its own battles, treasures, and pitfalls - so think first, be vigilant and always on your guard. The good news is that you can often avoid a confrontation by being stealthy, but brave warriors can always use their weapons or conjure magic spells to beat their foes. Expect your endurance to be tested to the full by each level's cruelly hidden traps. Argghh, there are so many bloodthirsty traps!

Careful exploration is the key to success. Take your time but also make sure to examine everything. Who knows, an item may help later? A slain victim is a great place to find cool stuff (Hey, what's better than plundering a dead corpse?). Finally, don't forget to rest, if you see a straw bed then take the time to catch up on your sleep and enjoy forty winks. This restores health and might even produce an enlightening dream.

Sadly, there is no instant save function. Instead, successful wizards are awarded a certificate, ie level passwords. Yes, this might appear disappointing but the levels aren't overly massive. Plus it forces you to tread carefully and be a better adventurer. Oh, cheaters skipping levels will soon realise the error of their ways!

The thing with monsters is that they hate equally as you can see in this next screenshot...

Even the monsters appear to hate each other. Let's watch them fight!

Aesthetics

All visuals are by Michael Marcantel and Ian Gooding and are excellent. They've helped to create a dungeon of horrors using a dark and creepy design. Each room looks the part plus all monsters are ghoulishly drawn with good animation. I wonder how much inspiration was later taken from this old game?

Spot effects are used for many actions and various pieces of chip music by Doug Fulton feature throughout the levels. Some dislike the tunes for a game like this whereas others enjoy them. You can run with sound effects only but I fear you will be missing out on much atmosphere if you do. I say leave the music on.

Okay adventurers, it is time for the final screenshot and it's a surprising one...

I never expected a boat ride - whitewater madness style!!

The CryptO'pinion?

The Immortal is groundbreaking due to its gripping storyline, eerie atmosphere and captivating deeds. Mix in a style employing exciting action and a fascinating storyline and it's apparent why I love it so. An extremely excellent game that will provide hours of agonising pleasure as you uncover its many secrets.

The Immortal is cruel, so very cruel. Yet it's also one of the best horror adventures for the Atari ST!!

Download for floppy & hard drive.