The Frenetic Five vs. the Seven Deadly Dwarves

by Neil deMause

Episode 3 of Frenetic Five
2002
Satire, Superhero
TADS 2

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Review

An odd Frenetic Five game with Adventure references, February 3, 2016

The Frenetic Five games are a series of games involving superheros with mundane powers and usually a lot of guess-what-the-author-is-thinking puzzles. This one is no different, although it is odd in that it involves more excitement and a maze-like area.

You are Improv, with the power to make use ordinary objects in unusual ways. Your team has similar powers. You have to make your way through a series of tasks such as getting out of a house while drunk, until you get to a mine.

The mine is very different from previous Frenetic Five games. It is a homage to Zork and Adventure, with a lantern, elvish sword, trapdoor, underground maze, a dam, etc. The actions you have to take in here are so improbable as to defy belief. Also, the ending is confusing and a bit anti-climactic.

There is more real life action in this game than the previous games. The game was nominated for Best NPCs in the XYZZY's.

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