Sorcerian: Dragon Slayer V, PC

Sorcerian is the fifth instalment in the Dragon Slayer series. It was originally released in 1987 – in Japan – for the PC-88, and the MS-DOS version was converted, localised into English and published by Sierra On-Line in 1990.

The MS-DOS version of Sorcerian uses a weird 640×400, high resolution graphics mode. I’m not entirely sure what this mode is, but it looks like some kind of 80 column display mode used for word processors. Also: I’m not sure how many colours this mode can display on screen at the same time, but if I had to guess, I’d say sixteen. This unusual display mode results in some very indistinct character sprites, and slow, jerky scrolling. Which is not what you want in a scrolling action game…

Before you can start a game, you must first create a set of characters; take them shopping to buy weapons and armour, then form a party. There are four classes of characters: fighters, dwarves, elves, and wizards, and sixty different occupations to choose from (each occupation giving them a monthly income as time passes). Fighters and dwarves can use melee weapons, wear armour and carry a shield. Elves and wizards use a staff (instead of a weapon), wear a robe (instead of armour) and wear a ring (instead of carrying a shield). Characters can also buy potions, enchant weapons, train and do various other things in town before setting off on an adventure.

It’s a good idea to save your characters once you’ve been through the rather long-winded process of setting up your party, because if they die while out adventuring (very likely), then you lose them permanently without a save. Saving a set of characters at least allows you to re-load them and try again if you fail on a quest.

When you’re ready to go, you then choose “Start Adventure” and can select between fifteen different quests, split into three banks of five. You’re given a short introductory text message explaining what each adventure is about, and what the aim is, and then you’re left to your own devices to complete it. Each adventure takes place in a scrolling landscape, with platforms, doors, enemies, treasure chests, traps, puzzles and the occasional boss battle. You effectively control the lead member of the party, and the other members trail behind, basically mirroring what the leader does. Fighters and dwarves attack when you press Space, and magic users fire their magic when you press Return. If you want to pick something up, or enter a door, or speak to someone, you have to stand directly in front of it (or them) and push up. This can sometimes be problematic because standing in the wrong place and pushing up will just cause the entire party to jump.

There are other quick keys that can be used while in-game. Pressing ‘E’ for example will bring up the equipment list. Pressing ‘S’ allows you to change the speed at which the game runs, but – to be honest – you’re best leaving it at the default setting, because it’s easy to run it too slow or too fast.

An unusual feature is Sorcerian‘s use of time. Each new character begins at age sixteen, and every time your party returns to base from an adventure, one year passes. When a character reaches a certain age, they will retire, and you’ll no longer be able to use them. You can also advance time from the main menu, without taking anyone out, but I’m not quite sure why you’d do that.

Sorcerian is an interesting idea, but the execution lets the game down. The graphics, IMHO, are terrible. The scrolling is abysmal. The controls are just about bearable, and the character creation process is clunky. On the plus side: the music is quite good, and the multi-adventure idea is neat. On balance, though, Sorcerian is very disappointing.

Dragon Slayer series on The King of Grabs:
Dragon Slayer (MSX), Dragon Slayer (Game Boy), Xanadu: Dragon Slayer II (MSX), Faxanadu (NES/Famicom), Romancia: Dragon Slayer Jr. (MSX), Romancia: Dragon Slayer Jr. (NES/Famicom), Dragon Slayer IV: Draslay Family (MSX), Legacy of the Wizard (NES/Famicom), Sorcerian: Dragon Slayer V (PC), Sorcerian: Dragon Slayer V (MSX), Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes (PC Engine), Xanadu Next (PC).