Gamebook Friday: Stormslayer review

It's a bit of a blast from the past, but here's a great review of my sixth Fighting Fantasy gamebook Stormslayer that came out when the book did in 2009.


After years of peace, the kingdom of Femphrey is at war again - only this time it is 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?


Firstly, I must state that Stormslayer is massive! Although it has the same amount of numbered paragraph entries as the previous two books, there is a lot going in this book. Also, unlike the first two books, the adventure is not set on the continent of Allansia, but in the Old World (check out your copy of Titan for details). In addition, it is an entirely new adventure! No mere reprint here. 


In this book, as in the others, you get you choice of three pregenerated characters or creating your own. I decided to play Gorrin Silverblade, as his description reminded me of a fantasy Indiana Jones. You also get to choose two magical items as well as your mystical sword, Wyrmbiter. Of course, as I chose a pregenerated character, my items were already chosen for me. These items, by the way, have a bearing on the adventure as it unfolds. 


In this adventure you find yourself on the trail of a renegade elementalist, who has created an elemental device capable of destroying the realm. Your quest leads all over the land (and under the ocean), as you seek out the items you require to defeat him and the elementals at his command. Not only that but it’s also a race against time! The whole adventure has a truly epic feel to it and barrels along at a great pace, as you race across the land, gaining items and making allies. 


Jonathan Green has penned a really great adventure worthy of Jackson and Livingstone. It really captures all the things I love about Fighting Fantasy, danger, excitement, great puzzles, vivid descriptions of incredible places and vile villains! Furthermore, Green’s words are ably accompanied by the incredible illustrations of Stephen Player. Have I completed my quest? No, but I can’t wait to give it another go!

Brady Webb


You can pick up your own copy of Stormslayer here.