Simon the Sorcerer 3D Preview

It seems that the coming period will offer less and less classical 2D adventure games we got used to in the last decade. It is not much of a surprise taken in regard that the 3D surroundings sneaked their way into almost all video-game genres, even into RTS (Warcraft III for example), which is highly inconvenient for 3D. This caused a lot of conflicting comments - some see it as a desecration of tradition and violation of the original concept, and others as desirable enhancement of an, otherwise, monotonous genre.

Whatever the case, the British Headfist Productions announced the publication of an interesting sequel of one of the most popular point & click adventures. Simon the Sorcerer appeared back in 1993. and the first sequel came two years later. Both games were a big success, and the third part of the game has beenn planed for several years. The whole story became interesting when the programmers turned from the original concept to full 3D surroundings. Of course, Simon the Sorcerer 3D will remain an adventure.

The plot is as follows: Simon is a teenager sent by Calypso the wizard into a parallel dimension so as to save the world from evil Sordida (the villain from the first two parts of the game). The parallel dimension is, understandably, inhabited by very peculiar creatures like barbarians, earthworms, gnomes, and other strange characters. The important characters are female warrior Melissa Leg, a naughty Golem, Simon's Fairy Godmother and the evil Sordid's dogsbody Runt - an interesting bunch, you must admit.

The new game promises much more wits and imagination. Simon became much more dingy, especially in communicating to other characters - he will often offend them giving inadequate remarks and sarcastic comments. Andrew Braizer, one of the designers, says that players will frequently find themselves in rather bizarre situations. After some half an hour play, you will have to chase down greasy gnomes to smear butter on them, and then hit them with dynamite (has Andrew gone round the bend)?

Exploration, communication and puzzles have been given much ore attention than in the last two parts. Communicating to other characters is of vital importance, and it has been made somewhat easier with the option to turn of the non-essential comments, which diverts the players' attention directly to the key elements of a dialogue. There will be over 60 characters to talk or argue to. There is absolutely no form of physical confrontation - hence, no violence (sounds like a 3D Grim Fandango?). The programmers also promised a non-linear story line with several endings. The course of the game will solely depend on some decisions the player makes on certain points, which he will be able to change when playing again. This will make the game last longer and more fun.

The Engine was developed by NDL, and we had a chance to meet it in the troublesome Prince of Persia 3D. The engine has been modified, so we should not worry about slow camera rotation or bad game-save system. The ambience will vary from open to confined spaces. Simon will consist of over 600 polygons that should provide neat and smooth animation. 3D sound support is expected, and some of the puzzles should even use it for a clue.

Taking all this in regard, Simon the Sorcerer 3D will be a whole family entertainment, as it should prove enjoyable to players of all ages. Come back soon for a full review of the game