Summary

Release Year: 1986
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: Acorn Archimedes, Acorn Electron, BBC Microcomputer System, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Reflections Interactive
Publishers: Superior Software Ltd.

Ravenskull: A Top-Down Action Puzzle Classic

Released in 1986, Ravenskull is a top-down action puzzle game that tasks players with collecting treasure pieces from the Castle Ravenskull in order to defend their village. The game was developed by Software Projects and published by Mastertronic for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Acorn Electron.

Ravenskull is set in a medieval fantasy world, and the player takes on the role of a brave adventurer who must venture into the Castle Ravenskull to retrieve the treasure pieces. The castle is a dangerous place, filled with traps, puzzles, and monsters. The player must use their wits and agility to overcome these challenges and collect the treasure pieces.

The gameplay in Ravenskull is simple yet addictive. The player character can move around the screen, jump, and use a sword to attack enemies. The player must use their environment to their advantage, using objects such as rocks and barrels to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

One of the unique features of Ravenskull is the use of speed scrolls. When the player uses a speed scroll, their character moves much faster. This can be used to quickly traverse the castle and avoid enemies, or to solve puzzles that require quick reflexes.

Ravenskull was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, clever puzzles, and charming graphics. Ravenskull is still considered one of the best action puzzle games of all time, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Gameplay

The goal of Ravenskull is to collect all of the treasure pieces from the Castle Ravenskull and return them to your village. The treasure pieces are scattered throughout the castle, and you must use your wits and agility to find them.

The castle is a dangerous place, filled with traps, puzzles, and monsters. You must use your environment to your advantage, using objects such as rocks and barrels to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

One of the unique features of Ravenskull is the use of speed scrolls. When you use a speed scroll, your character moves much faster. This can be used to quickly traverse the castle and avoid enemies, or to solve puzzles that require quick reflexes.

Graphics and Sound

Ravenskull’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s top-down perspective gives players a clear view of the action, and the colorful sprites are easy to distinguish. The game’s soundtrack is also well-composed, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Critical Reception

Legacy

Ravenskull has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative use of speed scrolls has been imitated by many other games, and its challenging gameplay and clever puzzles have inspired a generation of game designers. Ravenskull is a true classic of the action puzzle genre, and it remains a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Ravenskull

Here are a few tips for playing Ravenskull:

Use your environment to your advantage. Objects such as rocks and barrels can be used to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
Be careful when using speed scrolls. Speed scrolls can be helpful for quickly traversing the castle and avoiding enemies, but they can also make it difficult to control your character.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to solve the puzzles in Ravenskull. Try different approaches until you find one that works for you.
Have fun! Ravenskull is a challenging game, but it’s also a lot of fun. Don’t get discouraged if you get stuck, and enjoy the experience of exploring the Castle Ravenskull.

Conclusion

Ravenskull is a classic action puzzle game that has stood the test of time. The game’s challenging gameplay, clever puzzles, and charming graphics have made it a favorite of retro gamers for over 30 years. If you’re a fan of action puzzle games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Ravenskull.