Citadel of Chaos (Fighting Fantasy Classics)

Warlock of Firetop Mountain is the most famous Fighting Fantasy, but everyone knows Citadel of Chaos is by the most fun among this RPG text-adventure with stats and dice-rolling combat. Citadel of Chaos lets you start with a selection of spells, and it feels like a fun little adventure. If you can't stand reading your game, this isn't for you, but this is the one to play among the old-school classic Fighting Fantasy games.

Trash. Game simply becomes a VERY long trial and error, bookmark restart-fest. Instead of having multiple ways to win, there is only one and you will just continually die until you pick the right path. It's really, really terrible in that regard.

Well I'm basically reviewing the original 1983 book here, though I do remember a few differences in the original text. No colourised drawings this time, which is acceptable. My main interest in these adaptations of gamebooks is, they take away the effort of page turning, dice rolling, adventure sheet editing etc. and they can also make sure you don't cheat. Citadel of Chaos is a favourite of mine even though it has some obvious faults i.e it's very short and has a rather too narrow correct path to the end. But there are interesting opponents/encounters from the dog-ape and ape-dog at the citadel gate, right up to the dark, mysterious Balthus Dire himself at the apex of the citadel. The magic use makes it good too, you often have alternatives to the sword-fight to the death and can use them to dodge opponents. Russ Nicholson's art is very good and gives the book mystery and danger. Now I think Balthus Dire has a bit more depth than Zagor the Warlock from the first book. He is a warrior-sorcerer like yourself. The battle with Dire in his private chamber has stages to it, he tries different ways to thwart your assassination attempt and there is even a bit of a war of words. Of course, you also pit your magic against his.

[h1] The second published story but one of the best! [/h1] It's a joy to be finally able to play this great adventure by Steve Jackson (co-creator of the series). As it was said a million times, he was the most audacious author of the creators' duo, adding magic, going to space, going to hell (XXth Century), going with super powers, going havoc and going epic (Sorcery style). This book still holds up very well even now. Its story isn't convoluted or crazily complicated (or deep) as the later books but at least you have a nice setting with a great villain. No spoiler but the inclusion of Magic spells along with an tense and incredibly well structured final battle makes this adventure one of the best of the series! It's actually not too complicate and you can easily get some game over paragraphs if you don't have the required items but the true way also can be done with so-so stats! In conclusion, I highly recommend this adventure, it's excellent and not too frustrating making it excellent for new comers or kids. It really has a few memorable moments as well that you will always remember even 20 years later (hopefully!).

Dark Souls: Ganjees Edition.

Fun.