Master of the T-Zone
Niki has it rough. He's been committed for saying he sees ghosts, and manages to escape only to find himself trapped in the underworld. Not in the sense of the afterlife, mind you - just a world underground with spirits.
Niki must trek to meet the ruler of this world and in doing so, will learn that there's more to his seeing ghosts than he thought...HE IS THE T-MASTER who can call spirits, good or evil, to fight with him. What adventures await him?
Or that's what we are promised in part 2. CLASSIC ZZT BIT HERE, FOLKS
What we have here is a regular ZZT action game, with some dark mazes (timed and not) and key/door fetch puzzles. A bit too many flashing colours. All fairly ordinary but not boring or unbalanced, until we get an unexpected swerve at the ending (hope you saved) that will have you hunt for a way to the 'true' ending.
A pity part 2 was never completed, released or preserved. There's the base for a good low-key horror game here and the gameplay mechanics that come with being the T-MASTER would have been interesting to see.
Ah, yes. The music is not good (and loops). Play the game muted.
The game has numerous spelling, capitalization, and gramatical errors. The music was really really annoying, and what the heck am I supposed to do at the end when I talk to the lady? I can't even go out the way I cam in on that board... I'll give it 1.5 out of 5 though because it wasn't too bad.
This is the first release for Quindo. The premise is pretty weird, but the story does have a pretty cool twist after all is said and done.
The first thing I think Quindo needs to do is create some order in his rooms. Many of the boards seem carved out of a wall of normals. Evenness and symmetry is something to aim for. There is very little distinction between caves and outside world. Is that red board a cave or is it outside? It's hard to tell frankly. How do I even know it's a cave? Well, I do because I'm smarter than most, but you need to assume that your game will be played by people more stupid than you are. These people need hints. Objects that simply give a description when touched. "It's a stalagmite." something like that.
Colour choice needs to be considered too. Grid designed boards made with each bright colour doesn't really tell me much about where I am of why i'm there. I want some grey and brown rocks, and yellow sand, and green trees. Try using fakes as floors to improve how areas look.
Still with all that ranting, I was interested enough in the game to play it through.
I hope he keeps the promise he made in the graveyard. :)
