Silvern Castle, fantasy RPG

[finksterj@my-deja.com]

Hi, my name is Jeff Fink and I'm the author of Silvern Castle, the new
fantasy role-playing game for the Apple II that was first demo'ed by Max
Jones of Juiced.GS at KansasFest '99.  My purpose in posting this is
threefold: first, to let everyone in csa2 know about Silvern Castle and
generate some feedback and sales; second, how to get it and start
playing; and lastly, to thank everyone in the A2 community that helped
Silvern Castle come to life.

(1) So what is Silvern Castle?

Silvern Castle is a fantasy RPG that looks and feels very much like the
original Wizardry.  In fact, I wrote it as a challenge to the authors of
Wizardry who said a that a game like it could never be programmed in
BASIC.  As such, it does appear to be a Wizardry clone, albeit with much
more depth, including a fresh new scenario.

The first scenario, "The Lost Crystal Orb" pits your party against
hundreds of monsters, fiendish traps, and a large 27x27 maze.  To help
fulfill your quest and defeat your nemesis, the evil wizard Drachma,
your party will have to gain experience and skills, find magical
devices, and acquire spells.

Later versions of Silvern Castle include additional scenarios, including
"Shades of the Past" and "Time Master".  But only registered users can
unlock these additional scenarios and discover their secrets.


(2) I can't wait to play!  Where can I get it, and what do I need to
start playing today?

First of all, Silvern Castle is up to v5.0 currently.  As it runs under
Applesoft, ANY Apple II running at least ProDOS v1.8 with Basic.System
v1.5 or GS/OS system 6 can play it.  A 3.5" or hard drive is also
required.  However, versions before v4.0 can also be played on 5.25"
disks.  An accelerator helps too.

Second, only v1.0 is a stand alone program.  All later versions are
upgrade packages that require v1.0 to have been installed previously.
However, once you install v1.0 you can always upgrade to the latest
Silvern Castle version directly without having to install any
intermediate versions (i.e. you can install v5.0 directly on top of v1.0
without having to install versions 2-4).  The install procedure is very
simple and is documented fully in each upgrade package.

Third, the manual is included on-disk for viewing from within Silvern
Castle or can be printed.  If you have played Wizardry or similar RPG's
you can probably jump right in without even reading the instructions.

BTW, for those you send in their $15 shareware fee, you will be given a
password to allow you to get an important talisman (you cannot win
without it).  In addition, registered users can access the underwater
cavern in the moat, and will also be able to access the 2 additional
scenarios, including future ones without charge.  One more thing, you
can avoid the annoying ambushes and the deadly shareware patrols past
level 6 with payment-just my way to "encourage" people to pay the
shareware fee!

A copy of the installation instructions can be found online at:
http://www.grin.net/~cturley/gsezine/gs.worldview/v2000/feb/articles/jef
ffinksgames.htm

That said, you can download Silvern Castle v1.0 and the latest v5.0
upgrade from the following URL's:

Trenco:
http://www.gno.org/pub/apple2/prodos/games/role-playing
ftp://www.gno.org/pub/apple2/prodos/games/role-playing

Delphi A2 Forums Database Library

Ground:
ftp://ground.ecn.uiowa.edu/apple2

Asimov:
ftp://ftp.apple.asimov.net/pub/apple_II


The following sites contain reviews, hints, and user comments:

Delphi A2 entertainment forum:
http://www.delphi.com/apple2

Juiced.GS
Oct 1999 issue contains a review by Ken Gagne
Jan 2000 issue contains a review reply by me
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs

comp.sys.apple2 (csa2)


For those who prefer disks, you can get them from Juiced.GS:

Friends for Life CD: contains SCv1.0, v2.1, v3.0, v4.0, v4.1
Shareware '99/Summer collection: v1.0, v2.1
Shareware '99/Fall collection: v3.0
Shareware 2000/Winter collection: v4.0
Shareware 2000/Spring collection: v4.1, v5.0
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs


(3) Lastly, I wish to thank the following people for spreading the news
about Silvern Castle.  My apologies for anybody I missed.

Max Jones, publisher of Juiced.GS
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs

Jeff Blakeney, dean of A2 university on Delphi:
http://www.delphi.com/a2pro

Charles Turley, publisher of GS WorldView
http://www.grin.net/~cturley/gsezine/gs.worldview

Eric Shepherd, publisher of A2central:
http://www.a2central.com

Lyle Syverson, editor of The Lamp!  Back issues at:
http://lamp.sheppyware.net

And all those who took the time to send in their shareware fees-thank
you, the A2 torch would not burn so brightly without you.

Sincerely,

Jeff Fink
email: finkjsc@yahoo.com

Note:  You can probably also find my other shareware release-a
collection of 4 games including Demon Ball, Asteroid Miner, Apple Poker,
and Rice Farmer from the aforementioned sites.

II Infinitum!



Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.