Shannara (video game)

Shannara is a computer game released in 1995 for DOS and Microsoft Windows. It is based on the Shannara series of books by Terry Brooks.

Plot synopsis

You are Jak Ohmsford, son of Shea. Your adventure starts in Shady Vale where you meet Allanon. He tells you of the horrible Warlock Lord's return. So you set off into the Land of Shannara. On your journey you meet familiar friends, horrific enemies, and some surprise characters from the books. Although the story contains characters from the novels, it isn't based on any of them. It takes place after 'The Sword of Shannara' and before 'The Elfstones of Shannara'.

Gameplay

Object of the game

The game is divided into two parts:

• First, you must find the Sword of Shannara.
• Second, you must travel to each of the Four Lands, to recover four magical artifacts needed to repair the Sword.

Puzzles

Shannara is an adventure game, and is puzzle-based. While the puzzles can be quite interesting, most reviewers of the game complain that they are too easy. The game will usually take about 10 hours to complete, significantly less if you have read the Shannara books.

Combat

Shannara does feature some combat, though it is lacking in many ways. You do not actually control the action - you can only select who you and your companions will attack, such as the weakest, strongest or the leader. You and your companions can also use magical items. There is no character development and no way to select weapons. This makes some of the combat very difficult; many players cite a battle with orcs as being unduly challenging.

External links

• Shannara at MobyGames
• Review for Shannara at justadventure.com