Spellfire The Sorcerer

Yeah, we're a wizard!

Spellfire is a scrolling platformer developed by Dave Semmens for Code Masters and is set in a time long ago: a time of myth and legend when knights patrolled the woodlands and magicians were the cool guys. We're a wizard called Willy and our beef is with an emperor who is holding captive (wait for it) Fifi The Fairy in his tower so our valiant quest is to rescue her.

Fifi can only be rescued from the dark fortress by collecting ten magic eyes that are scattered across the levels. Yup, it's the usual quest through lands filled with monsters and demonic guardians. Will you help Wizard Willy?

Come on, I know you will so let's check out the first screenshot from the game...

The graphics are great but sometimes it feels cluttered with umm too much going on?

It all sounds incredibly original, right?

He begins his journey in a forest that leads to the castle where she is imprisoned. This is a great start which introduces us nicely to the gameplay mechanics: our hero can walk, leap, climb trees, shoot fire bolts and even mash up magic spells using a rather large cauldron. Health status is displayed at the top of the screen and will decrease if you happen to touch enemies or a dangerous object. Gold coins can be collected (after a kill) and these are used as currency inside a cauldron that can mix magical power-ups, ammo, or health.

Collecting the magic eyes allows us to battle the first guarding boss - a wasp-like critter who isn't exactly intelligent and therefore makes for an easy kill. This grants us access to the castle via the dungeons which are creepy but the guardian is a bit of a bonehead (you will see why). This castle takes us deeper into our quest but continues with the same theme, with lots more tricks and traps to fool you. I really am enjoying this journey!

This ain't no rushed port and the quest is massive so let's celebrate with another screenshot...

The first boss is a giant wasp who is a bit dumb and quite easy to kill. I like bosses like that!

Aesthetics

Spellfire has some stunning visuals and I love the contrast between the lush nature and medieval environments. Sadly, it can feel a little cluttered and I dreamt of a background without so much going on. However, the game is very colourful using a gradient sky which is gorgeous. I also liked the erupting volcanos and awesome skeletons when raised from the dead. Everything you see is complemented by smooth scrolling that never lags and keeps up with the pace.

The audio is almost as impressive and can be set to chip music or effects. Whatever you decide, you will love it.

Isn't it great when something looks and sounds as great as it plays! Screenshot time...

Watch out for tricks that will catch you out which makes for great replay value.

The CryptO'pinion?

I have enjoyed playing Spellfire The Sorcerer which reminded me of a cross between Stormlord and Chronicles of Omega. It's very easy to get into so instantly entertaining with good levels, excellent monsters and power-ups that work nicely. However, I did feel that the screens were a little too (visually) cluttered albeit very, very pretty.

I'm grateful this isn't a lazy Amiga port and one which plays every bit as good as it looks. Code Masters released what I can only describe as a hidden gem that will appeal to fans of the genre. Not perfect but a fantastic platformer!

Grab the HDD version @ 8BitChip or disks @ Stonish.