The Lost Kingdom of ZKUL is a real-time adventure based in mythological times.
Many centuries ago, the dwarves of the mountain, who had lived in peace for centuries, were besieged by the men of Caras, from far in the South. The dwarves were all but beaten, driven back to their last refuge in the Domed City, when the great Wizard Taradon, summoning his final reserves of strength, led the dwarves in a last tragic assault.
The men of Caras were defeated, but at a heavy cost to the dwarves. Few survived that day, and those that did, remain there still, mourning their dead.
Of the Wizard, little is known, although it is said that he remains in the Domed City, guarding the last precious secret of the old civilisation.
Although the history of these days has now lapsed into legend, you have heard tell of adventurers seeking the Domed City and the great treasures said to be hidden in the dwarves' mountain dwelling. Some have returned empty-handed, with tales only of failure. Most have never been heard of again.
Guided by your friend Eldomir, you have travelled to where he believes you will find the ancient dwelling place of the dwarves.
As you approach the river, he bids you farewell, leaving instructions for you to bring any treasure you may find to the house in the forest.
[+] Users who have solved this game
Very large and intricate game. I have a packaged version of the game which runs the Hatari v2.3.1 emulator and the game's PRG file. This is definitely worth a look.
This is an excellent, well thought-out game with tricky puzzles and evocative scenery. Unfortunately, the authors saw fit to burden the game with an existential protagonist who goes walkabout in real time; at least the Hatari emulator has a pause option to freeze gameplay. Like Gorm and Weird Wood II this randomness detracts from the game play experience as the player character often wanders off a cliff, into a dragon's cave or somewhere equally annoying.
This game reminds me of Dungeon Adventure, the great game from Level 9 that I ordered through the post back in 1983. Like the latter game there is a face set into the mountainside and you can explore via the eye sockets and other features. It is definitely not for beginners.
As it is played in real time it is sage to pause the emulator when noting down features, map making etc. by pressing Fn F12 on the Hatari emulator (if you play the Atari ST version that is). The Sinclair QL version only seems to be available on a commercial basis from RWAP these days, as they appear to have bought the rights to Talent Computer Systems's output.