Gemstone Warrior
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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Gemstone Warrior is an action game with adventure elements. Players work their way through an underground catacomb, doing three things at once. First they need to find five pieces of a gemstone, spread throughout the maze. Second they need to avoid getting killed by the guardians of the catacomb. Finally they need to map the game, because the place is so large that it is easy to get lost. Once the Gemstone Warrior has collected the five gemstone pieces, he needs to move back to the point where he began the game.

The hero has to go underground because of demons. They stole the gemstone from humans, because they were jealous of the good magic it brought to humankind. They broke it up and spread it throughout their dungeon, to hide it.

This game is not just a "shoot-em-up"; it has many of the features of that style of game, but also gives players time to think. It includes a pause which helps one map and also to freeze a room, to see what is running toward the Gemstone Warrior. The game also has a save feature, which is useful just before entering a new room: if the Gemstone Warrior is ambushed, players can give him another chance.

After killing opponents, the Gemstone Warrior has the opportunity to search the bodies for treasure. Monsters carry arrows, and also "magic bolts." The latter are interesting, as they destroy treasure too, as well as the Gemstone Warrior, should he be too close to the explosion. Magic items abound, and help the warrior make it through the caverns. Some magic items are traps too; there is a healing potion bottle that is similar to a poison bottle. Other magic items include effects to freeze opponents, turn the warrior invisible, hide him among monsters with an illusion, annihilate all opponents in the current cavern, and cure disease.

Alternate Titles
"Gemstone Warrior: Action, Strategy, & Adventure in the Netherworld" -- Tag-lined title

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Description from the packaging:

Action, strategy and adventure in the netherworld.
Hear Ye, Brave Warrior, the Tale of the Gemstone.
At the dawn of time, the Creators of Heaven, Earth, and the Netherworld entrusted the magical Gemstone to Mankind. Using the Gemstone to focus the Earth's natural magic, Man was able to create a veritable Paradise. Prosperity and happiness spread far and wide in the Golden Light, and peace reigned supreme for time immemorial... Until now- for the Wave of Darkness has extinguished the Golden Light.

Stricken with envy and greed, the loathesome creatures of the Netherworld have stolen the wellspring of all that is good: The Gemstone! Not content with the depravity of their theft, they dared to split asunder this Gift of the Gods into five pieces!
The time has come, brave warrior, for you to descend into the Caverns of Horror. You must call on every ounce of courage, strength and will as you fight your way through the treacherous labyrinths guarded by black-hearted Demons and their base servants. Locate all five Pieces, and return the Gemstone to the temple altar.

Like those who have gone before (and never returned), you carry the prayers of all Mankind.
Gemstone Warrior is more than an exciting arcade game. It gives you the thrill of heart-pounding, real-time action, beautifully animated Hi-Res color graphics- and strategy.
The Gemstone Warrior is a thinking being. Crossbow, fireballs and magic are only part of his arsenal. He carries one more weapon which sets him apart: Wisdom.
You must provide his wisdom. We will provide the rest.
Finely-honed combat skills may defeat the host of hellish abominations, but sharp wits are needed to map the torturous passages lest you become forever lost.
Search for five pieces of a magical Gemstone.

Smoothly scrolling display lets you explore 90 maze-like caverns and rooms.
Control the Gemstone Warrior with keyboard or joystick to move, fire and search.
Carry and use up to 15 magical objects.
Battle up to 8 different monsters by shooting crossbow arrows or fireballs.
Options include saving game, freezing action, and selecting different levels of play.
Gemstone Warrior was designed by Peter Lount and Trouba Gossen.
Playing Time: 1/2 to 2 hours.
Option to save game in progress.
