Zenobi Software
£1.99 (tape)/£2.99 (disk)

Those of you who've been adventuring for a while may remember an adventure called Kobyashi Naru. It was played via an icon interface, unfortunately not to many people's liking.

But here are two bits of good news: firstly, a sequel has emerged, written by Clive Wilson and, secondly, it's been produced using PAW so play follows the more conventional text entry format.

The story goes something like this (cough): you find yourself in the land of Ygor. Things have changed since the days of the original game and the Ultimate Trial. The Etherions hold sway, an odd race who've changed the Naru into the Ag'Kwo, changing the Trial for anyone who wishes to dabble with the ultimate.

The task? Well, in a similar vein to the original, you have to find four artefacts hidden by the Etherions, in four different worlds, before your time runs out.

This is one tough game! You begin the task with a monitor and four buttons in front of you. Scan the monitor for a quick clue and hit a button to be whisked to an area. Initially, trial and error connects the initial monitor-clue with the correct area.

Then you can start in earnest. However. progress is slow, although very satisfying when its made. Location descriptions are brief; the game in general is conservative in its gloss - probably because, in effect, you have tour games in one.

So, it's difficult, it can be frustrating due to an unforgiving linearity to the design. However, perseverance leads to satisfying rewards.

Title: Kobyashi Ag'Kwo
Price: £1.99 cass
Publisher: Zenobi Software, 26 Spotland Tops, Cutgate, Rochdale, Lancashire OL12 7NX Software
Reviewer: Tim Kemp

The second of Clive's games is the follow up to one of his Mastertronic titles. The title doesn't refer to a place, person or indescribable thingy. It is, in fact, a test that immortals must go through to prove that they are worthy of being an immortal.

Your game objectives are simple; find a measly four objects that are hidden in four different zones on the planet. Although you're an immortal, you're the first to face this new trial of skill, stamina, wit and intelligence. Despite having a name that suggests life everlasting, you'll certainly suffer a few deaths in the course of the game, most of which are of the sudden variety. Never mind, at least you learn a little bit more about the game every time you perish.

To get the ball rolling you have to beam down into a specific zone. Once things are up and running, collect all the objects you can and use them at a later date (maybe in other zones too). Whilst happily adventuring you'll be kept informed of your progress by a small red box at the top of the screen. There you'll find the amount of credits you've amassed, your stamina level, a timer and, most important of all, a counter showing how many of the four artifacts you've successfully collected. Clive seems to have a flair for writing evocative location descriptions and matching objects with the general adventure setting, so nothing looks too out of place. He also manages to cram in a lot of helpful messages which, should you find yourself doing the wrong thing, always prod you in the right direction. Everything you come across, or find after a search, should be thoroughly examined. Nine times out of ten there's loads more to be found out from an extended perusal of surroundings and objects. For the most part the game contains no graphics. But when you examine certain objects and characters, your eyes will be assailed by highly stylised graphical representations of the examined items.

You can make swift progress. which seems to suggest that the game will be a walk over. But, 'cos it's so easy to miss an object, that's not the case. You'll think you're doing well and are coming to the end, only to discover that you are nowhere near to scoring the magical 100%. Kobyashi has a good story, good measured gameplay and some refreshingly tough problems. The usual Zenobi price of £1.99 makes it all the more attractive. A good buy all round!