Knight Lore is a computer game developed and released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1984. The game is the third in the Sabreman series, following on from his adventures in Sabre Wulf and Underwurlde. Unlike the earlier games in the series it used Ultimate's filmation engine to achieve a 3D look using isometric projection. In the game Sabreman has to find the ingredients for a magic potion. The game was written by Tim and Chris Stamper, the brothers responsible for the later creation of Rare.
Knight Lore was regarded as a revolutionary title and was the first game in the "isometric adventure" genre, by displaying a detailed 3D world using isometric perspective. It was extensively copied by other publishers, and was described as being the second most cloned piece of software after WordStar. Knight Lore received an overwhelmingly positive reception from the gaming press at the time of time of its release. The game's reputation survives intact to this day and it still receives acclaim as one of the most important and advanced titles of its era.
Although Ultimate Play the Game were primarily associated with European software publication, Knight Lore did reach Japanese players in the form of a conversion for the Famicom Disk System. A subtitle was added, Mashiro no Ookamiotoko or "Evil Castle of the Werewolf". It was published by Jaleco, and released on December 19, 1986.
-
Famicom Disk System cover.
Story
My journey's end is near; as the last few ebbs of daylight dance fleetingly in the cooling twilight, and then suddenly dart off to chase the red sinking sun.
Behind me I feel night's dark icy fingers slither up long looming shadows, hiding behind large mounds and boulders, watching my every move... silently waiting... For days I have journeyed from the realms of the junglewulf to "KNIGHT LORE" castle to seek the old dying wizard and ask for his help to free me from this deathly curse... For countless nights I have slept chained to trees to keep my deathly curse at bay, but now I am here...
My footsteps echo around the damp mossy walls of the large chamber, as I enter through the open main gateway, colossal doors judder open in an untouched groaning symphony, beckoning me forward on my quest.
I sense the old wizard's gaze playing upon me, encapsulated within the labyrinth of traps and tests, to keep out all but the most persistent of unwanted guests who seek an audience with the great wizard MELKHIOR.
Suddenly a cool blue mist starts to ebb forth from the cracks in the ancient stone-work. As it does so it begins to take form and become a powerful swimming swirling vortex of energy. Over all the noise can be heard the chanting and singing of long forgotten tunes, all sung in a blur of forgetfulness.
THE WIZARD'S OLDER NOW THAN ALL
HIS HELP YOU SEEK WITHIN THIS WALL
FOR FORTY DAYS YOUR QUEST MAY LAST
LOCATE THE POTION, MAKE IT FAST
THIS HIDEOUS SPELL UPON YOUR SOUL
TO LOSE ITS HOLD MUST BE YOUR GOAL
BEWARE, THE TRAPS FROM HERE BEGIN
THE CAULDRON TELLS WHAT MUST GO IN
TO BREAK THE CURSE AND MAKE THE SPELL
The mist suddenly ceases its action and dissipates as quickly as it came.
I drop to the floor and with full knowledge of the old wizard I begin my quest. Dimly lit torches light the massive stone walls, their tired flickering flames never seeming to penetrate the inky darkness for more than a few feet... crystalline Merkyls, hideous Hobgoblins, stand frozen on huge monoliths, glittering in the cool trembling moonlight.
Encapsulated by the old wizard long ago, they await their fate in an un-ending task of defence, silent and stony. This is to be their last everlasting fate as guardians of KNIGHT LORE castle, until the ultimate death of the old sorcerer... The moon has risen quickly and in the fullness of its cool blue light, I become a Werewulf...
My fate is now all too clear, I have but forty days and forty nights to find the old wizard and seek his help and magical instruction, before my tormented soul becomes forever a werewulf.