Cireneg's Rings
Release type: Demo game
Release date: 1993 (original release)
Levels: 12
Author: Don'Pan Software
Related games: Dusk Rose
This game is substantially influenced by Dragon Warrior. One problem with Cireneg's Rings, as with Linear Volume and Explorer Jacko, is a lack of support in RSD's engine for text overlays. The game never really compensates for the missing feature, which creates a sense of aimlessness in the play narrative; it is never clear where to go or what to do, and why.
There are two very similar versions of this game; one featuring an acquaintance from the developer's home town, and an edited version for public consumption.
The latter was eventually folded into the 3.0 CD release of Game-Maker. As with Barracuda, the version distributed with Game-Maker has a few corrupted files.
Contents
Story
Aderack Enoob is what you are called, and your homeland is - was - called Roant, until the Evelsherk Zachan arrived. He conjured up monsters too fearsome to speak of and soon became ruler of the land.
Needless to say, he also took the princess, Dusk Rose, with him to his empiric fortress. The people now hide inside towns, the bravest joining clubs of warriors, who go on raids, destroying every monster in sight. You are one of these - the best and most celebrated one.
The king called you a few moments ago. You weren't told why you were summoned, but it's not hard to guess - popularity is not always all it's cracked up to be. You arrive at the king's chamber. The guards let you in without a question.
When you approach the throne, the king begins to speak. He tells you what you thought he would, that you have been cosen to destroy Zachan. You begin to protest, as you know you are not powerful enough for the task, but the king signals to stay your lips. He begins to explain his reasons.
Your ancestor, Cireneg Hugwoh, defeated the Evelsherk once before, using five magical rings. As his descendant, you are the only one who can wield these rings. You must locate them, as well as the very helmet, armor, and shield he wore, else you would be killed instantly by Zachan's evil Magic.
In addition, while Cireneg used the rings to defeat Zachan, he dealt the final blow with a lightning sword he crafted. This is also necessary for your journey.
As you process this data, the king mumbles to a robed old man who you hadn't seen before. The man points his index finger at you and mumbles some gibberish. A strange feeling comes over you, and a couple bolts of electricity wander up and down your body for a moment.
The elderly figure reports to you that your powers have been increased threefold and whenever you are in an immensely dangerous situation, you would grow to fully thrice your current size and would be able to cast spells so powerful that any other mortal man would die casting them. You don't know the words or gestures to them, though, so you must find books in which these are written. In addition to this, you have been given minor telekinetic powers, and are now able to swing a weapon merely by thinking about it. You are dismissed abruptly, and are asked to leave.
Instructions
- Up Arrow: Walk upwards
- Down Arrow: Walk downwards
- Left Arrow: Walk left
- Right Arrow: Walk right
- <SPACE>: Attack
- 1: Lightagin spell
- 2: Watagil spell
- 3: Earnimor spell
- 4: Fironimar spell
- P: Pick up item
- D: Drop an item
Credits
This was done almost entirely by Eric-Jon Waugh. Seth Brown provided about half of the voices and the overall idea, plus he looked over the project the majority of the time, so he belongs here as well.
Tips
The game offers little direction, either verbally or in its actual design, so it can be very difficult to get started. Here are a few suggestions.
- From the King's chamber, walk left and up. A very long corridor will take you to the right, and out of the castle. When you exit, immediately turn around and re-enter. You will find yourself in the town adjoining the castle.
- Enter the weapon shop near the entrance and buy yourself a dagger.
- Leave the town and wander the nearby area, hunting monsters and collecting money. Keep it up until you have enough to buy a stronger weapon, maybe a magic book, and plenty of health. Ignore the armor; it does nothing.
- Next, think about tackling the first cave. The cave can be treacherous, and some parts require brute force. Before you enter, you should try to build up dozens or hundreds of hit points.
- When you are strong enough to tackle the local monsters, move on to the next continent and the next town. Explore each, particularly the town, thoroughly.
- Continue in this way, building up your supply of health and money, trading up to better weapons, and moving forward to new places.
- One of the best and quickest ways to soak up hit points is in the hot springs -- if you have the money.
- Along your journey, keep an eye out for anything out-of-place. You're looking for four special rings that grant you access to the final dungeon.
- Even when you have all of the rings, think before entering the dungeon. Do you have enough power? Have you the best spells and weapons?
- Remember to save constantly.
Links
Downloads
- Cireneg's Rings (745.4 kB)
- Roant World Map (325 kB)
- Town 1 (Royal City) Map (193 kB)
- Cave 1 (Northern Cave) Map (69 kB)
- Town 2 (Sylvana) Map (261 kB)
- Cave 2 (Western Cave) Map (66 kB)
- Town 3 (Mirewell) Map (183 kB)
- Old Well Map (21 kB)
- Old Castle Map (95 kB)
- Town 4 (Bastion) Map (151 kB)
- Zachan's Dungeon Map (116 kB)
