That's right, Fighting Fantasy is back with a vengeance. The premier adventure gamebook series is being re-packaged and re-launched, with the first four titles being The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (of course), The Citadel of Chaos, Deathtrap Dungeon and Stormslayer, the first new title in two years.
Stormslayer - cover mock-up
Stormslayer is a classic FF adventure, featuring everything from dragons to giants, via wizards and a certain magical sword. I will be revealing more about it in the weeks to come, but one of the things I am most excited about is that it is being illustrated by the fantastically talented Stephen Player.
Stephen will be known to fans of Terry Pratchett's Discworld and, having contributed paintings to various Discworld calendars and illustrated The Illustrated Wee Free Men.
One of the things I enjoy most about writing a Fighting Fantasy gamebook is, once I've finished the text, waiting to see what the artist makes of my illustration briefs, bringing the world I have created to life. So far I've only had a taste of what Stephen's doing for Stormslayer, but that taste has made me hungry for more.
And in case this post has whet your appetite, to keep you going 'til the next one, here's the blurb from the back of the book.
After years of peace, the kingdom of Femphrey is at war again – and this time it’s with the elements! Devastating storms sweep across the country, destroying all in their path. Blizzards and floods threaten some areas while others suffer the worst droughts seen in centuries. But is this climate chaos all it appears to be? Or is there some dark design to this meteorological meltdown?
YOU are a seasoned adventurer, known throughout the land. You have battled giants and slain dragons, but how can even a veteran warrior like yourself fight the weather? Are YOU ready to take up the challenge and face the perils that await you within the eye of the storm?
YOU are a seasoned adventurer, known throughout the land. You have battled giants and slain dragons, but how can even a veteran warrior like yourself fight the weather? Are YOU ready to take up the challenge and face the perils that await you within the eye of the storm?
Glad to read that Fighting Fantasy hasn't died again – though not sure what to make of the new cover designs…
ReplyDeleteThey're certainly provoking some comment over on the Fighting Fantasy gamebooks forum:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fightingfantasygamebooks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=27&st=225&#entry64855
As the webmaster of www.fightingfantasycollector.co.uk I will be interested in the feedback - the jury is out on the new cover designs - long live FF!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by and making yourself known.
I'm looking forward to seeing the final cover myself!
Couldn't find another place to write my comment so I'll post it here.
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to say I'm a big fan of your Fighting Fantasy work, just bought in Bloodbones and Howl of the Werewolf and can't wait to read em!
One of my mates, Ben, used to go to school in London, and was taught by you in his very early years(don't know if you remember him, must have been back in the mid 90's). When he moved he came to my school (year 4 at the time!) and I remember be-befriending him due to me showing him Spellbreaker which was stuffed in my bag and his immediate reaction was "My teacher wrote that - Jonathan Green" Completely surprised but very impressed, he is still one of my best mates today due to you and Spellbreaker! :P Ben also introduced me to Knights of Doom which I also love, and Curse of the Mummy.
Thanks for all your hard work, personal fave of yours so far is Spellbreaker, always loved that one. Very atmospheric.
All the best, look forward to the new one in September.
Will
Hi Will
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks very much for your kind comments. I hold a very special place for Spellbreaker in my heart.
Ben... Ben... Ben... I've taught a fair few Bens. It would help me narrow it done if I knew which one.