Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Robin of Sherwood: The Touchstones of Rhiannon delivers a rich interactive experience built around classic two-word command input. You’ll type phrases like “go north,” “take sword,” or “talk to Herne” to advance through the world. While this parser feels dated to modern gamers, it channels the spirit of early adventure titles and encourages careful observation and experimentation. Patience and methodical note-taking are rewarded, especially when deciphering cryptic clues tied to the Prophecies of Gildas.

The heart of the gameplay centers on exploration and stealth. Trapped in the Sheriff’s castle at the outset, you’ll join forces with Will Scarlet and Much to engineer your escape. Once free, Herne the Hunter tasks you with retrieving six mystical Touchstones of Rhiannon scattered across Sherwood Forest and beyond. Each stone is guarded by puzzles, magical wards, or rival factions, making every retrieval a unique mini-quest.

Encounters with nuns, taxmen, and rival magicians inject variety into your quest. Some adversaries demand a duel of wits, others force you into fetch-quests or riddles in exchange for vital information or equipment. Failing these challenges can lead to recapture, sending you back to the Sheriff’s keep. This cycle of escape, pursuit, and redemption fuels the game’s tension and gives you real stakes with every decision.

Puzzle design strikes a balance between logical deduction and narrative flair. There are no arbitrary “use-key-on-door” roadblocks; instead, solutions often hinge on lore gleaned from scrolls or conversations. Veteran adventure gamers will appreciate the intricacy, while newcomers may find the learning curve steep—but ultimately rewarding when a hidden secret reveals itself.

Graphics

Graphical presentation in Robin of Sherwood is surprisingly robust for its era. Almost every new location features a unique illustration, many with subtle animations such as flickering torches or rustling leaves. These visuals enhance immersion, transporting you to the misty depths of Sherwood Forest or the dimly lit halls of the Sheriff’s castle without relying solely on text descriptions.

The art style faithfully captures the moody, medieval atmosphere of the original 1980s TV series. Character portraits of Robin, Much, and their adversaries are rendered with bold lines and earthy color palettes that evoke old stained-glass windows. While not high-resolution by today’s standards, these images still carry a timeless charm that supports the storytelling.

Screen layout follows Brian Howarth’s signature design: a main graphic window above, a text narrative below, and a simple prompt line for your commands. This straightforward arrangement keeps you focused on the unfolding drama and makes it easy to reference the visual cues alongside textual hints. There’s minimal clutter, and the consistent interface means you spend less time navigating menus and more time immersed in the world.

Subtle touches, like dynamic weather effects or flickering candlelight in a dungeon cell, elevate the presentation beyond static backdrops. These details may seem small, but they reinforce the game’s commitment to atmosphere. For players seeking nostalgia or a taste of classic British adventure design, the visuals serve as both functional guides and mood setters.

Story

At its core, The Touchstones of Rhiannon weaves a narrative steeped in myth and rebellion. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Robin of Sherwood series, the game adapts the legend with a focus on mysticism and prophecy. You step into the boots of Robin Hood, but rather than mere archery duels, your quest hinges on unearthing ancient artifacts foretold by Gildas’s Prophecies.

The story opens dramatically with your capture in Nottingham’s dungeon, setting a tone of struggle against overwhelming odds. Once you’ve reunited with Will Scarlet and Much, the journey expands into an epic treasure hunt across Sherwood and beyond. Each Touchstone has its own backstory and guardian, giving you a sense of progression and narrative payoff as you restore Rhiannon’s power.

Supporting characters add depth to the lore. Herne the Hunter provides cryptic guidance from the spirit realm, while nuns and magicians each have their own hidden agendas. Dialogues and scrolls are peppered with references to Celtic myths and medieval superstition, enriching the world without overloading you with exposition. Every interaction can yield a clue or an emblematic lore piece that deepens your connection to the land.

The overarching theme explores duty, sacrifice, and the collision of faith and magic. As Robin, you grapple with questions of destiny: Do you follow Herne’s vision blindly, or forge your own path? The narrative never pulls its punches, and the constant threat of recapture by the Sheriff reminds you that freedom and heroism come at a cost.

Overall Experience

Robin of Sherwood: The Touchstones of Rhiannon stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic British adventuring. Its reliance on text-based commands may challenge modern sensibilities, but the depth of its puzzles, the evocative art, and the lush mythological backdrop make it a captivating journey for those willing to embrace its old-school design.

The balance of stealth escapes, artifact hunts, and character-driven encounters keeps gameplay fresh over its runtime. While some puzzles can feel obtuse, the satisfaction of uncovering a hidden Touchstone or outwitting a cunning taxman is genuine. Even repeated failures at the Sheriff’s gaol become part of the cycle, urging you to refine your strategies and return stronger.

Graphics and sound work in harmony to evoke the misty glades of Sherwood and the echoing corridors of Norman strongholds. The minimalistic interface, though dated, is a strength here—allowing you to focus solely on the narrative tapestry and the challenges therein. For fans of the original TV show, it feels like sitting in half-remembered dreams brought to life through scratchy sprites and evocative prose.

Ultimately, The Touchstones of Rhiannon offers a rewarding adventure for players drawn to exploration, mythology, and strategic problem-solving. It may not hold your hand, but for those who relish immersion and intellectual challenge, Robin of Sherwood delivers a timeless quest where every command matters and every discovery feels earned.

Retro Replay Score

7/10