ukpetdSpace Cadet
Posts : 176
Joined: 27 JUL 2007
Status : Online | THE RIDDLE OF MASTER LU
This is a DOS game from 1994 released by Sanctuary Woods. It had to be played under DOSbox on my Win XP machine. Current DOSbox version 0.72 works well.
I first played this game about 10 years* ago under win95. It had problems at some points which were cured by increasing the files= entry in the config.sys file. Under DOSbox it ran without problem once the cycles = entry in the DOSbox config file was set below 10000. Above this figure there were timing problems and the game froze occasionally.
The game is a true point and click adventure. It is had amazing graphics for it’s time which are still pretty impressive. The Emperor’s tomb is well worth seeing and admiring.
The story is set in 1936. It follows the efforts of an adventurer, Robert Ripley, who runs an odditorium [housing a display of unusual objects] in New York. He is drawn into tracking down the tomb of the first Emperor of China in competition with other unscrupulous persons. The narrative does hold interest and has the odd unexpected twist. And yes, you do get to save the world!
Control is straightforward, mouse-driven and works well.
The puzzles are exceptional. There is some pixel hunting (Baron’s billiard room, terracotta soldier hall in tomb) but generally is fair. The puzzle under the billiard room is ingenious, complicated and logical. The bridge approach to the Emperor’s tomb is likewise ingenious and logical. There is one maze, which can be solved using logic and mapping out the passageways. I recommend a walkthrough for this maze as it does take a long time to explore thoroughly.
There are several action videos, where the correct action has to be taken otherwise a headstone with RIP appears and a second chance is given. These are tricky to work out, first time around, but not too taxing.
The game has many cut scenes, some are spectacular like the hut explosion.
The music is appropriate. I liked the introduction music which plays when the menu screen is shown. Incidental sounds are also well done.
Acting is reasonable. I was not annoyed by the voices, though the script may have been improved by chopping some of the more lengthy passages.
During the course of the game you visit, New York, Easter Island, Beijing, Sikkim, Mocha Moche. These venues (or similar) have been incorporated in many subsequent games, but the puzzle level in this game keeps it from being just one of the pack.
Overall verdict. Well worth the effort. This really is a classic.
* Did I remember the solutions? Not at all, but apart from the maze which I cheated, I was able to work the answers out.
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