Computer Gamer


Valkyrie 17
By The RamJam Corporation
Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Computer Gamer #15

Valkyrie 17

Whilst waiting for the sequel, 3 Days In Carpathia, to be finished, Ram Jam and Ariolasoft have decided to re-release Valkyrie 17, a spoof spy adventure with graphic accompaniment.

The story starts when you receive a strange coded message on your answerphone one day. "The Red Kipper flies at midnight". After a few days investigation, which involves secret German beam weapons amongst other things, you decide that further action is required. To this end, you take yourself off to the Hotel Glitz overlooking Lake Bruntz and it is here that the game starts.

Who is the blonde lady in the bar and why is she wearing a wig. What are you supposed to do in the ladies' powder room! What on earth would you need a stethoscope for, if you can work out how to get it and just how do you get out of the hotel without getting killed?

Not every one of the one hundred plus locations is illustrated, and those that consist of simple line drawings. Text input is very precise and frequently frustrating. The plot itself is very jolly but the whole thing looks dated and presentation is poor. I think it's a bit of a cheek re-releasing at full price and my feeling is that it is about 5-6 pounds too expensive - it would have made a great budget game.