Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood

This is my favorite game from the Sierra line up. The story pacing is great, there are multiple puzzle solution and multiple endings. This game is one of the very few adventure games that are fun to replay just to see what you missed. This game is supported by scummvm so anyone using a Mac can also play it (unfortunately, you'll need to use windows to extract the files first, I wish GOG would just package those games with scummvm or at least give a zip file for mac users.)

So happy to see this gem available... this is one of my favorite classic games and I replay it every year. One of the things that makes it so special is the replayability... there are several endings based on the choices you make and whether you play Robin as a scalawag or as an outlaw with a heart of gold. I don't think it's possible to get all of the endings as a result of one playthrough, but between the gorgeous scenery, endearing characters, and charming medieval soundtrack (by the genius Aubrey Hodges, if I remember correctly), it is no chore to play this game many times. The lore lies somewhere between the historical (including locations I've visited, partially because I was inspired by playing this game at an early age) and the mythical (lots of challenges based on kind of a mystical spiritualism that you tend to expect more from Arthurian legend), with some low grade action sequences. To me, this game features everything that made the golden age of Sierra absolutely MAGICAL. I learned to type so I could play Sierra games, and now (decades later), I find myself returning to them frequently both for enjoyment (and because it's still a challenge) and nostalgia.

I first played this game way back when it was a part of a special combo pack we happened to buy. At the time I was well familiar with the Sierra formula for adventure games, and this one fit in with the others stylistically. However, CotL was/is far deeper than most of the other Sierra adventure titles that came out. For starters, it gives you a sense that you are a part of something bigger than yourself by having the Outlaws count (which can decrease through the game based on your choices) and having you make decisions based on the suggestions of the other core Robin Hood characters at key points. You can fail quests without failing the game, there are multiple endings (there are a few failures that dead-end you though), which was novel for Sierra at the time. The Good: The depth mentioned above gives replay value and rewards finding the best solution at any given time. There are several arcade game sequences that fit well in the game (you can turn them off if you have too much trouble with them). Characters are well-designed and give a great feeling of Robin Hood's legend. Most puzzles are well-designed, including the over-the-top copy protection stuff that was actually well-integrated into the gameplay (you'll need the manual for at least 3 major puzzle sets). Non-linear progress for some major sequences (some events can be completed in different orders). Rewarding gameplay and ending if you find the right solutions. The Bad: If you're not good at riddle-solving, that will prove a problem. The obligatory tough for the sake of tough puzzle (or wander until you find it puzzle) is in here once or twice. Reliance on the manual gets tiresome eventually. You can get killed often, so save often. Bottomline: I loved it then and now. The style and feel were great really placing you in the middle of the legend of Robin Hood. The good far outweighs the bad, if you are a fan of Sierra adventures, give this one a try and good luck earning all of the points.

Great nostalgia trip, and the subject matter holds up well. The multiple directions you could take really added the replay value. Save early and often, as you can easily die. But it's worth it, especially if you like Robin Hood. Now if they could just add Mac compatibility....