Adventures in Melgratta
Release type: Shareware
Release date: 1992
Levels: 5
Author: Sherwood Forest
Registration bonus: Free game + current catalog
Registration price: $15
Related games: none
Melgratta is Sherwood's apparent attempt at something between Zelda and Gauntlet, perhaps by way of Richard Garriott -- and, perhaps, an attempt to capitalize on the brand's namesake. You're a quaint medieval forest adventurer, complete with tunic and green newspaper cap with a feather. The idea is to wander through a convoluted yet somehow empty countryside, collecting treasure and stumbling upon the right path to the next level.
The character has a limited supply of ammunition, which is replenished by picking up arrows around the countryside. There is also a more powerful attack, which necessitates that one find and pick up a large spear item. Firing can be a bit of a chore sometimes, as at point blank range the arrows often pass through enemies.
As is typical in Sherwood games, it can be difficult to figure out where to go or what to do. Every level is set up more or less like a maze, which is further complicated in that it is not immediately obvious what is and is not a wall. Further confusing the issue, collectible objects are often placed behind impassible barriers. Later levels take the player on all manner of further challenges -- platformer stages, overt mazes, and whatnot.
Contents
Story[edit]
Welcome to the magical land of Melgratta. In this place beyond the realm of reality you will find all sorts of creatures, such as fairies, elves, and wizards, just to name a few.
But beware! The forests all full of thieves, that will try to steal gold and other treasures that'll be able to be found laying around in the woods.
There are many lands to be found in melgratta. There are forests, rivers, swamps castles, and caves, just to name a few.
Good luck with your exploring, and please enjoy your stay with us in Melgratta.
Instructions[edit]
You control the movement of your character by using the four main arrow keys. You can pick up arrows by being on top of them. Once you have an arrow you have 50 shots and only 50, so try to conserve them. You shoot by pressing the spacebar.
You will encounter two types of plants: yellow, and purple. The yellow plants will cure you if you touch them. This is good. The purple ones are poisonous, so it is wise not to touch these.
After about two minutes, the wizard will appear in field #1. Walk into the spell he is casting, and you will be put into field #2. In this area, wait until the castle's drawbridge is lowered and you can get in the castle.
In the castle you must jump over the barrels. To do this you push the "7" or "9" key on the numerical keypad, depending on which way you are facing. Don't stay up in the air too long, or an arrow will hit you.
When you find the exit to the castle, you will be in the dense forest, a maze of trees and plants. Like in the first screen, the yellow plant will help you and purple will hurt. Also look out for shaky ground, that will also cause damage. You must also find the magic lance in the forest. It is the only defense you have against the dragons in the Lost Woods of screen five. You pick this up also by standing on it and pressing the "Z" key.
You get to screen five, the Lost Woods, by jumping in the magic pool. Jump into the pool to be transported to the Lost Woods, where you must find the hermit's cave and then win the game.
Credits[edit]
Adventures in Melgratta is one of the many games from Sherwood Forest Software. The people who bring you this game are Rob Sherwood president, owner, and the guy with the short hair. And Dan Whalen, art director, techno guy, and the one with the long hair.
Any similarity between any person or character in this game and any person or people in real life is purely a coincidence, and not intentional.
Availability[edit]
Available on several shareware compilation CD-ROMs, including:
- Public Software Library's PSL Monthly: November 1993 (1993),
- The Chicago Computer Broker's Games 1994 (April 1994)
- Gold Medal Software (1994),
- Software Vault: Platinum (1994), and
- Softkey Entertainment Pack (1996).
Archive history[edit]
Adventures in Melgratta was added to the archive on August 1, 2010. It was located on one of several shovelware CD-ROMs hosted on cd.archive.org (see #Availability), during ongoing research for the Game-Maker Archive article series at DIYGamer.
Links[edit]
Interviews / Articles[edit]
Listings[edit]
Misc. Links[edit]
Downloads[edit]
- Adventures in Melgratta (139.6 kB)
- Level 1 map (396.5 kB)
- Level 2 map (402.0 kB)
- Level 3 map (66.0 kB)
- Level 4 map (335.9 kB)
- Level 5 map (408.7 kB)
