This is one of those games that should be right up there with or past Mission: Enigma as the be-all end-all of ZZT games, but never really gets the attention it deserves. For shame!
The story of Ned the Knight is, quite simply, about a fellow named Ned who has to complete three tasks to become a knight. The plot isn't the major factor of this game, however... the nice graphics, fun gameplay and impressive programming are what really shine here. The humor is always fairly sharp in every situation, and the whole thing has the feel of an animated cartoon.
The graphics are excellent, with bright colors and lots of little details, a welcome change from the overblended graphics of today. The music is nicely done, with a trademark Snake Brother theme, and several well-done melodies. The programming is simply amazing, with lots of falling trees, axes, and a great sword-style combat engine. The boss fights are all impressively done, and not just simple 'shoot the insanely fast little smiley who shoots stars' types. I gaped when I first saw the crocodile with an animated tail, and was impressed with the timing and precision it required to take him down with a series of ricochets.
As it stands, I have still not finished this game. It is possibly my all-time favourite and worthy of the download of the month many times over. So get it. Now!
-bongo
