Game #212: Xyphus (1984) – Won!

I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance.  It overcomes almost everything, even nature. – John D. Rockefeller

I wanted to start with Rockefeller’s quote on persistence because that is exactly what it took to beat this game. Xyphus challenges you with six scenarios and the manual warns that each scenario can take 3 – 12 hours to complete. While this is certainly true, I also had to contend with technical issues which caused me to have to begin the game all over again – TWICE! Each time I had been as far as the 3rd Scenario! The second time it occurred I almost threw in the towel and admitted defeat. My indomitable spirit would not let me quit. I played Xyphus using the WinVice emulator and I would encounter problems where my characters could not heal, or could not move in a particular direction. Nothing I tried corrected the issue. I noticed that when I used the game’s save feature it would ultimately corrupt my files and even prevent a new scenario from loading. I had to resort to using the Save State feature in the emulator and I had to make multiple backups of each new scenario in case my working file became corrupted again. These are the kinds of things you have to deal with when choosing to play these older titles.

When the game begins your party of four is assigned a task and then you set out to explore the world of Arroyo. Various items are scattered about the map. These might include weapons, spells, Xiphoid Amulets, or clues. Xiphoid Amulets are necessary for the casting of spells and have a finite number of charges. Once the energy in the amulet is spent, it shatters. Xiphoid Amulets can also be used as melee weapons which deal 2 points of damage upon a successful attack. Each scenario usually provides the opportunity to find two of these amulets which is a good thing because you go through them rapidly. Some puzzles or obstacles in a scenario might require the casting of a specific spell. The items on the map are represented by various icons that you can see so it’s a simple matter of traversing the map to get to them. The map itself uses a fog of war mechanic so you can only see surrounding terrain when you get close.

In the first scenario I found three Xiphoid amulets, a long sword +2 which my character, Hanuvar, actively used to the very end of the game, and a few spells. An intriguing area of the game are the different spells that you uncover in each scenario. Many of the spells are not in the game manual and it is up to you to experiment with the spells to determine what they do. While this should be an extremely enjoyable exercise in discovery, it is dampened by the fact that each Xiphoid Amulet only has a finite number of uses. The paradigm of discovering mysterious spells is a lovely one, but it is marred by the game’s mechanics.

Combat is turn based. Your options are pretty limited: you can fight, flee, or cast spells. Spells are not only limited by the number of charges in the Xiphoid Amulet, but they also have an endurance cost. Your spell casters may only be able to cast two or three spells before they have to rest. Characters become fatigued by physically attacking as well. Your endurance meter replenishes itself when you rest or walk. Characters begin the game with 12 hit points and these increase as you gain experience and go up in levels. When I beat the game each of my characters were fourth level. Death is permanent but you can save and restore your games on any hex. When I used the save game feature it would ultimately corrupt my files and make me unable to progress to the next scenario. So I stopped saving my game and instead used the save state feature in the emulator.

Physical attacks did a predictable amount of damage depending upon the weapon type. The character of Hanuvar found a longsword +2 and another character, Antires, found a Death Blade +3. These magical items helped to increase the amount of damage that was dealt.

The monsters that you encounter in the game seem straight out of the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. Cyclops, Centaurs, Ghouls, Goblins, Vampires, and even a Mimic are some of the creatures you encounter. There are also some original creatures that you encounter like toothpaws, sand asps, and an ice dragon.

While the game might seem like it is a “sandbox” style of play; it is not. Each scenario assigns you a given task and each of the encounters and objects that you find are all fixed. I played the first three scenarios three different times so trust me on this. The map of Arroyo is extensive but many of the areas remain blocked off and only open up when you access a new scenario. The entire game takes place outdoors except for the last scenario.

The game is incredibly hard. Each encounter is difficult and deadly. I had to restore my game often as death is permanent. The game does let you save your game anywhere which is a blessing. I would imagine that not many had the tenacity to finish this game. Traversing the map is difficult as well because there are hidden paths everywhere. Many areas do not allow movement and you have to move and experiment with four different characters until you find the proper way to go. When you complete each task assigned to you, you then make your way back to the garrison or fort and then the game will recognize that you’ve completed your task and you can then progress to the next scenario.

Impressed with your prowess and ingenuity, you are finally tasked with slaying Xyphus outright in the last scenario. The demon lord lies somewhere in the earth below. The last scenario moves from outdoor exploration into dungeon exploration. This last scenario is especially tricky. In order to defeat Xyphus you have to find the Heart of Xyphus which is located in the southwest portion of the dungeon. Only an elf can pick up this item. In the northwest portion of the dungeon is a crystal key which only a dwarf can get to and pick up. The manual did warn that you’ll need both an elf and a dwarf in your party in order to properly finish the game. The crystal key unlocks a stone gate far to the east. I became stuck when my way forward was blocked by an energy gate. The crystal key would not work upon it nor any spells. I explored the dungeon and couldn’t find anything that I missed. I went back to the gate and began trying different weapons on it and luckily found that the Xiphoid Amulet caused the gate to disappear when you attacked it with the amulet. Now, there is only ONE Xiphoid Amulet to discover in this dungeon level and the battles are harsh. The demon warriors, guards, and captains that you battle are extremely tough. Each blow only deals 2 to 3 points of damage to them which drains your endurance. If they hit you, you are poisoned which can only be cured by a Sana spell. So, the chances of you depleting your Xiphoid amulet and then being “soft-locked” from the end of the game are very high. If you’re going to play this one, make sure you are aware of this. Once I made it through the energy gate, I finally encountered the dreaded Xyphus. He basically stood there as I advanced upon him. I had my spell caster weaken him with a Hela spell and then my elven spell caster attacked and destroyed him with the Heart of Xyphus.

Once you beat Xyphus, you have to backtrack through the dungeon to the garrison. Only then are you awarded with an end screen. There is no text other than a picture of a crown, a treasure chest, and castle which must be your rewards for defeating Xyphus. There was cute music that accompanied the picture as well.

This was a grueling game that tested my patience and perseverance. I probably spent around 60+ hours with the game and it took up a lot of this year’s calendar. This places Xyphus in rare company in 1984 for the amount of gameplay that you get for your dollar. It’s not often you encounter a game that gives you 50 – 100 hours of play value. The outdoor hex map and different scenarios you’re tasked with add to its uniqueness. I would imagine that not many people had the tenacity to finish this game to the very end. In spite of the technical difficulties, I did enjoy my time with the game. I liked how the game handled experience and encounters and the constant thrill of discovery permeated most of the game. Hidden paths blocking overland movement and then having to deal with moving four characters around does test the patience here. Overall, a good experience from this 1984 offering.

Next up on the docket is The Black Onyx.

Until next time….