The Black Cauldron

The Good
This was the first game I ever got for my PC - I was 11 at the time and had been fascinated by the Disney movie of the same name. For an 11 year old boy, this game was awesome - great cartoon graphics with cool animation, loads of fantastic screens to explore, mazes, arcade sequences, sword fights, a great storyline and intuitive, simple controls. I spent the first couple of days not knowing what to do, so I just went around and explored, and it was great - a superb introduction into the adventure gaming world.

The best parts of the game are trying to get into the marshes of Morva (via the swamp), swimming through the alligator infested castle moats, the colourful characters and the secret passages in the castle. Once I finished this game I replayed it about 5 times, just exploring every nook and cranny, and trying to find all the hidden extras that I missed the first time.

There are multiple solutions to most problems also, which deviate from the movie storyline, but reward the player with more points for thinking for themselves. This gives the game a great replay value, much more than most other Sierra adventures of the time and makes up for its length somewhat.

The user interface was ahead of its time, predating the point and click interfaces used in modern adventures by 4-5 years. After enjoying this game so much I got all 5 books in the Chronicles of Prydain series (the movie/game was based on these) and have read them all at least 6 times since then (I'm 26 now).

The Bad
I only had CGA graphics at the time and had to put up with the nasty colours while drooling at all the 16 colour shots all over the box. I couldn't understand why California Games and Moonbugs could make my PC look like it had an EGA card while my favorite game had only 4 nasty colours. OK so there's not much wrong with it - even playing it now I get all nostalgic and it takes me right back.......The only real issue is that once you get into it you can finish it in a couple of hours. But this game was intended for younger audiences, so the length isn't too bad.

The Bottom Line
A great, colourful game that is absolutely brilliant for kids to get a taste of adventure gaming. It has the essence that all the great adventure games have had, and that is that if you want to, you can just wander around lush environments exploring and enjoying the sights, while meeting other game characters who are actually interesting and likeable. You're not really restricted that much either. The non-linear paths through the game make it that much better, rewarding people for trying out different things. A very under-rated game!

The Good
I loved this game, it was the first sierra game the was ever purchased for me and actually the first Sierra game I ever owned. I was around 9 or 10 years old and I got it at Radio Shack for 49.99 as a gift when it first came out and I instantly fell in love with it. The atmosphere the game produced is that of a dark one in my opinion. You start out near your little cottage in the wilderness and the wilderness just seemed to have a dark and sinister kind of feel to it. Especially the farther you wander west in the woods! If I remember correctly, since it was designed for kids to play, it didn't have the typing interface as the other Adventure games had. You used the F keys to execute different actions. It was rather nice being a 10 year old not having to type commands over and over. The game was as entertaining as any of the other Sierra series. For 1986, the graphics were very impressive... the sound was industry standard for the time. just blips and beeps. An enjoyable Disney/Sierra Adventure game that should not be overlooked.

The Bad
Some of the "arcade" style sequences in the game were a bit tricky (e.g. climbing the rock faced wall.) Made you resort to the save n' load tactic to pass the sequence. Other than that, its an amazing piece of software from Sierra.

The Bottom Line
A classic. Definitely worth a play for classic adventure fans. Has a great atmosphere and environment that will keep this title in the minds of many for decades to come! Absolutely worth a try!

The Good
Black Cauldron brought the beloved Sierra 3D games of yesteryear to a more "kid friendly" audience. Ironically, those "kid friendly" features were so well implemented that they became a staple for later Sierra 3D adventure games.

The Black Cauldron eliminated the need for text commands. It gives the player a list of options to work within the scene, eliminating the need for guess work. That's not to say that one can't attempt to try things, but if the player would rather point and click, then that's your prerogative.

As with other Sierra games, the graphics were a great way to showcase one's computer. The game offered a full 16 color spectrum versus so many games that merely offered the white, green, purple, brown configuration, and being based off a Disney property with Al Lowe's (yes, of "Leisure Suit Larry" fame) full access to the film's backgrounds, the game still has some classic charm to it.

The music is accurate, being cheerful or moody as the scene requires, and the characters from the book and film all make an appearance, with wonderful animation. Some join along with you and help. Others hinder.

The game also allows the option to play exactly how the movie went, but there are also ways to achieve multiple endings, and do things that the story never intended. And with Al Lowe behind the game, there are some playfully silly moments added into the game.

The Bad
There are a few arcade style elements included in the game, which are great for gaming ideas, but clunky in execution. Action scenes in these kinds of games just don't work well, coupled with a slow character, and a strict adherence to precision. Climbing the rope is a test of nerves as several moments of hanging on look like the character is bound to fall off the rope at any second.

There are also moments where a guard or the Horned King grab at Taran, looking like they are well out of reach, and the character seems to teleport into their grip. Collision seems sketchy, and it's maddening to say the least.

Additionally, play this game on a color monitor. A well-detailed game such as this deserves more than a monochromatic green screen.

The Bottom Line
As with Sierra's other 3D games, the game is a charming and wonderfully fun title with a lot of personality, attention to detail, and great animation. Players have the option to play the obscure Disney classic as the book intended, or change the story for some interesting "What if?" conclusions.

It's a shame that these games are so hard to find, and aren't going to see a rerelease possibly ever. With Activision eradicating the remnants of the old Sierra last year, games like these look to be regulated to the history books or having to resort to buying an actual old computer at an auction.

Regardless of their fate, however, these games make for great memories....