179. Escape from Horror Island
Author: Matthew J. Costello
Illustrator: Mike Harper
First Published: March, 2002 (April, 2002 cover date)
Length: 5 pages (pp 8-11 and 16; 42 sections)
Number of Endings: 4
Plot Summary: You are a contestant on a new reality TV show. You
must unravel the mystery of an island with a sinister reputation -- and live
to tell about it!
My Thoughts: While I'm pleased that a solo adventure was included in
this magazine, it's a shame they couldn't have managed a better one. Nothing
about it is interesting -- the game system is minimal (three stats plus an
unlimited inventory), the plot is dumb, the puzzles are few and simplistic,
the endings are all unsatisfying, and the whole thing is so short as to be
trivial. Sadly, this thing is going to be many people's first encounter with
interactive fiction, and it's not likely to put them in the mood for more.
Very disappointing.