Sword Of Kadash (part one)

Fortress Of The Dragon

For almost a decade, I've tried to play as much of a game (as possible) before attempting to write a humble review. In light of that revelation, I'm going to do things differently for the next game and will post here as I progress. Hopefully, I won't get stumped and give up - yikes, that would be embarrassing!

Without further ado, here is possibly the first episode of a mini-series for what appears to be a modest-looking action RPG. It's called Sword Of Kadash and was originally released on lesser computers back in 1984/5 before finding its true home right here on the Atari ST in 1986, thanks to Dynamix/Polarware, Inc.

It was developed by Kenneth L. Hurley, and if that name sounds familiar, then maybe you came over to the Atari ST around the same time as I did? Ie - do you remember the graphical demo 'Monarch'? That animated screen was mind-blowing, and I couldn't get over the impressive power of my new 16-bit computer!

Anyhow, enough waffling by me. Yes, you guessed it, it's time for some funky screenshots...

Update: part two of my gripping playthrough is ready to view!

The start screen is one of the prettiest in the game, with a lovely tree.

Hey, don't rush off before looking around ;)

Also, you might wanna change the controls as the joystick works best.

Ah, you started off well, I see! This is the screen that proves just how sneaky the game can be. Wait, what was that flickering that I saw? Did you see it? Well, I think you should go and investigate that flickery wall...

Yeah, a secret room with a couple of weapons. Wait, I'm getting that sneaky vibe again!

Which weapon shall you pick up? Hmm...

What is this game about?

The story is a little silly, but let's hear it. Okay, you are a traveller looking for your fortune in Persia, but the local thugs have other ideas. Captured, you have one option to free yourself: enter the Fortress of the Dragon to find their sword. You've guessed it, that is the Sword of Kadash, which is guarded by a dragon called Aladag. A myriad of rooms are waiting to be explored, but beware of the many hidden dangers!!

Upon loading, I'm instantly reminded of the Apshai games due to (ahem) modest visuals and top-down display style. Getting around is easy thanks to effortless joystick controls - you did change them, right? Anyhow, you're immediately thrown into the thick of it with the opening rooms offering a glimpse into the type of dangers that lie ahead - hidden secrets, dodgy weapons, traps, and strange monsters.

It pays to be cunning, with each room a festival of trickery and monsters. Screenshot time...

There are many types of treasures, and here I can see a chest. But it's a room full of nasty critters that are also incredibly tough to kill. So, shall we waste effort killing them for a chest? Or leave it and scarper?

Hmm, I've already got a sword, which is a fantastic weapon, but this room has lots of daggers and picking them up provides experience. Be careful, one of them might be booby-trapped? What shall you do?

It's now that you should use magic to nip down and grab that scroll.

Let's just hope that there are no traps!

So what's my plan?

Inside the dungeon are many places with traps, treasures, and bizarre monsters just itching to be slaughtered. My progress is slow, but the adventure is addictive and gratifying. What appears to be a humble game isn't. Most monsters are bigger than me in size and strength, but I shouldn't feel the need to fight all battles; sometimes it's best to grab the loot and run. Then again, that will probably be boobytrapped!

So, the plan is simple and one that I'm sure you've already guessed? I desire to completely map the Sword of Kadash. I've already begun this monumental task, and it's made playing the opening rooms so much better. Plus, it's now easier to identify traps, hidden walls, and cursed items. 80s-style gaming! ;)

Mapping is fun but time-consuming, so don't wait up! Hey, do you want some more screenshots...

Sword of Kadash has a cruel design to be learned by the player bit by bit. I say it all the time, but I don't think you can get anywhere without making notes to remember the different pick-ups. Argh, many are cursed!

I found a hidden passage! However, an invisible wall to my left is blocking me.

Wanna grab the loot and leggit back down the passage we discovered?

Doing so, these two goons appear.

That invisible wall was cool, but we must now run!!

The CryptO'pinion?

I hope you have enjoyed scrolling through what I hope is the first of "many" articles about my progress. This game is indeed huge, but there appears to be a method in its madness, thanks to the way XP and hit points are earned. Additionally, the design seems focused on replayability, meaning you'll die often, encouraging you to take notes while exploring the fortress to help progress further in future attempts.

Download it and see where the adventure takes you - let me know in the comments below.

I'm heading back into the dungeon, but before I go, do you want to see what I've mapped so far? The image below is just a thumbnail, so click on it to view the hi-res image! Part two coming soon...