Item - Quest for the Demon Gate

This book follows the same basic format as the previous two; it's a mostly well-written but highly linear adventure that's blatantly inspired by Advanced Dungeons & Dragons but which still manages to include some fairly fresh twists on very familiar ideas. From a gameplay perspective, this is marginally better than its predecessors thanks to the fact that the reader controls the actions of a cleric. This means that at several points during the adventure, spells have to be chosen, so even though the storyline itself doesn't give the reader much choice in what happens, the spell selection adds some strategy to the proceedings and reduces the number and length of tedious combats. As in the previous book, when the reader fails, the book suggests making the next attempt a little easier. Rather than increasing a skill level, though, this book proposes adding an extra healing spell to Alynn's repertoire. In terms of storyline, the book is fairly short on plot, consisting mainly of one battle after another, but it is made interesting by an effectively creepy portrayal of the undead and a conflict based on the reader's eventual indecision over which of Alynn's companions can be trusted. Of course, this conflict would be more interesting if more actual decisions were based on it, but at least it keeps the pages turning. There is some continuity with the previous volumes; the Mistwall and the Darklord are prominently featured, and there's even a cameo by Talien, hero of the first adventure. Ultimately, in spite of its good points, the adventure is pretty forgettable; still, it's above average for its type, and if the linearity isn't a major deterrent, it makes for an enjoyable evening or two of reading.

More reviews by Demian

[Rating: 2/10]
[Recommended? NO]

There's something particularly refreshing about epic fantasy when it's been done right. When a work comes along that understands the genre well and is written with a greater purpose from the very beginning, the efforts often pour through and are evident in the finished product. Bill Fawcett's SwordQuest series takes the very best qualities of fantasy gamebooks and allows them to shine, but something imperceptible is missing from "Quest for the Demon Gate"... and that's a real shame, because the potential in this story is remarkable.

The ever-promising, flashy sword-and-sorcery feel of the story's setting is reminiscent of the best works of Robert E. Howard, Clark Ashton Smith and Tanith Lee, just as epic glimpses of this otherworldly scope are evoked in the narrative's finer moments. Where this title loses its way is in the mechanical details; the occasionally refreshing use of tone and emotional resonance is never allowed to fully shine because of the way the experience was designed to read. In theory, interactivity should boost the quality of the reader's abilitiy to become immersed in the story, and in practice, the gameplay system should never get in the way. I was disappointed that "Quest for the Demon Gate" never overcame its unbalanced combat system, inconsistent production values and odd relationship with the law of conservation of detail, to which I wish Fawcett relied less on the conventions expected on him in making the story "suitable for use" with the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop roleplaying game. Was the book composed as fuel for the imagination of further stories? Was it meant to be a deliberate tie-in/cash-in? Were the conventions originally drafted up for this story intended for a product of greater/different scope? Readers are likely to encounter these and other questions after (and while) playing, and there sadly aren't any answers to offer. This book aims high and misses the bullseye, that's for sure - this is a combination of odd-length passages, faulty results from the combat/gameplay system(s) and overall sense of ephemerality derived from the unattuned marriage of too many rules with an otherwise salvagable story.

Do I recommend this adventure? In a sense, I believe it to be highly underappreciated, historically important and well-defined as an interactive experimentation which could be studied for its merits and its misaligned qualities. This is a decidedly mixed experience which I cannot outright call a satisfactory one, and thus I am hesitant to call it an essential classic. Despite this, there are enough peculiarities the right reader can appreciate between the lines, and there are some genuinely bright, creative sparks of potential. Ultimately I recommend using one's discretion when discerning the value to be found here - the endlessly uneven passages won't live up to their promising potential, but that doesn't mean there aren't occasional glittering jewels scattered throughout... only problem is, some of them are be fool's gold. ^^

(Mysteriously disappears into the shadows.)

More reviews by Shadeheart

As the only Swordquest book I own, I re-approach it without the context perhaps afforded by reading the entire series in order. As a child, I remember viewing this book as incredibly complex and quite an "adult" alternative to FFG, etc. Reading it as an adult, I can say it does add complexity, but with no resulting "value added" in my book. Sure, there are the occasional checks against stats to climb a wall, or resist disease, etc., but that doesn't add much. The spell system is basic and consists of choosing 3 spells per day from a list. The book, as mentioned by Demian, fails to mention how many spells you get per day until well into the book.

The author is an average writer overall, but has moments of exceeding clarity, evocation, and excitement. He excels when describing undead, death, and morbidity.

The plot centers around a cleric, Allyn, whose monastery is ravaged so that the Darklord may recover an Ankh which can open a Demongate. Allyn's motivation amounts to recovering the ankh to save civilization, avenge his fallen brethren, and well, you know.... appear manly to his lady interest found on his travels. Sensuality is alluded to by the way, an interesting touch.

Unfortunately, most choices center around rather mundane items or battle. As mentioned, multiple opportunities for meaningful choices to be made are bypassed as you are carried along the path by the author.

There is one situation where death is inevitable unless you managed to find a magical weapon previously.

Section 78 leads to section 119, inexplicably, creating a non sequitur, and making continuation of the adventure confusing. As it turns out, the correct section to turn to appears to be the next in line, 79.

Very battle heavy book. Many pluses and minuses to keep track of in battle. Reference to the main character is in third person, which I personally find more difficult in terms of interactivity. The author also refers to the main character and travelling companion as "the two humans" at times.

However..... redemption is found in occasionally inspired writing, especially later on in the book, as well as some insight into your character's psyche, and a workable plot. Toward the end of the book, some very interesting ideas are introduced and the writing is enthralling at times. The book deals with the concept of religion and sacrilege in interesting, respectful ways as well. By the end of the book, I was completely absorbed.

1-10: 7.5

More reviews by utfanatic