Three classic adventures have been gathered together, but they are not just re-issues of old text only games, but total re-workings. Now they all use the new Magnetic Scrolls 'window' adventure system that got its first outing in Wonderland (AF24, 70 per cent). Fish, Corruption and The Guild of Thieves are the games in question and they suit the new system well.
Fish is an off the wall sort of adventure, that was originally designed by none other than AF regular Phil South. It gathered a cult following during its run first time out and it really benefits from this system, as it brings a great graphic level to the whole affair.
Corruption is a tale that now feels a little dated, starring yuppies, Porsches and wine bars. The story is still as good as ever though, setting up a tale of dirty dealing in the City. It is filled out with a few notes from a Filofax and a tape. Neat extras that make the game finishable.
Guild of Thieves uses a more traditional setting, a fantasy world, where all the usual magic and fun are on offer to brave seekers of the truth.
The new system employed by Magnetic Scrolls is a shot in the arm, but it has limitations. It allows windows to be opened for the compass, the graphics, the text and map simultaneously. The downside is speed but adventurers have not traditionally worried about that. As a re-masters edition the Collection brings Eighties text games into the Nineties graphic age. At the price anyone who fancies some classic adventures to twist their mind up with logic puzzles should give a try.