Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: M.A.D.
Master of Magic (1985): A Classic Dungeon Crawler
Master of Magic is a top-down dungeon crawler released for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum in 1985. Developed by Software Projects and published by Mastertronic, the game is known for its challenging gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative use of magic.
Gameplay
Master of Magic is a dungeon crawler in which the player controls a party of up to four adventurers as they explore a series of dungeons, fighting monsters, solving puzzles, and collecting treasure. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player can move their party around the dungeon by using the arrow keys.
The dungeons in Master of Magic are randomly generated, so each playthrough is different. The dungeons are filled with a variety of monsters, including goblins, skeletons, and dragons. The player must fight their way through the dungeons, using their weapons and magic to defeat the monsters.
In addition to fighting monsters, the player must also solve puzzles in order to progress through the dungeons. The puzzles range from simple riddles to complex logic puzzles. The player must use their wits to solve the puzzles and find the way forward.
As the player progresses through the dungeons, they will collect treasure. The treasure can be used to purchase new weapons and armor for the party, or it can be used to cast spells.
Magic
Magic is an important part of Master of Magic. The player can cast spells to attack monsters, heal their party members, or solve puzzles. There are a variety of spells available, each with its own unique effect.
The player can learn new spells by finding spellbooks in the dungeons. Spellbooks can also be purchased from merchants.
Classes
There are four different character classes available in Master of Magic:
- Fighter: Fighters are the strongest class in the game, and they are proficient with all types of weapons.
- Thief: Thieves are agile and stealthy, and they are skilled at picking locks and disarming traps.
- Mage: Mages are powerful spellcasters, and they can cast a variety of spells to attack monsters, heal their party members, or solve puzzles.
- Cleric: Clerics are healers, and they can cast spells to heal their party members and resurrect them if they are killed.
Each class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must choose the right party members for the task at hand.
Graphics
The graphics in Master of Magic are charming and colorful. The dungeons are well-drawn, and the monsters are varied and detailed. The game’s graphics are simple by today’s standards, but they are still effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Sound
The sound in Master of Magic is simple but effective. The game’s music is catchy and atmospheric, and the sound effects are well-suited to the gameplay.
Reception
Master of Magic was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative use of magic. Master of Magic is still considered to be one of the best dungeon crawlers ever made.
Legacy
Master of Magic has had a lasting impact on the dungeon crawler genre. The game’s innovative use of magic has been copied by many other dungeon crawlers, and its challenging gameplay has set the standard for the genre. Master of Magic is a classic dungeon crawler that still holds up today. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Master of Magic
Here are a few tips for playing Master of Magic:
- Choose the right party members for the task at hand. Each class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the right party members for the task at hand. For example, if you are going to be fighting a lot of monsters, you will want to have a party with at least one fighter.
- Use magic to your advantage. Magic is a powerful tool in Master of Magic. Use it to attack monsters, heal your party members, or solve puzzles.
- Be careful when exploring the dungeons. The dungeons in Master of Magic are filled with traps and monsters. Be careful when exploring the dungeons, and always be prepared for a fight.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Master of Magic. Experiment with different party combinations and tactics to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Master of Magic is a classic dungeon crawler that still holds up today. With its challenging gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative use of magic, Master of Magic is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
