Shiversword 2: The Magic Harp by CJ592

Review by DavyB

Following the review by danaburgerrr in 2014, suggesting that there were glitches in this game, I was a bit reluctant to tackle it. However, I was tempted in yesterday by a comment from robyn334 who was stuck in the first stage. I ended up playing it for the rest of the day!

It looks as if CJ592 may have updated the game since 2014, as I couldn't find the glitch mentioned by danaburgerrr, or another one mentioned in earlier comments. I enjoyed it and completed it successfully so here is the review...

I like this classic style of game (only interaction with clearly identified items with limited verb use) and the author has an impressive back catalogue. Unfortunately, however, as suggested by danaburgerrr, this game doesn't feel sufficiently well finished off to warrant five stars. Another days work to take out typos and make sure there are adequate responses in all circumstances would make a huge difference. More flexibility in the use of commands would also help.

That said, the game seems good as it stands, and the extensive comments provide clues to cover many of the situations where someone might get stuck. Overall, therefore, I recommend it, but warn that you need to be prepared for a few rough edges!

Review by danaburgerrr

I totally love this series, and I have since I played the first Sir Loin game, but this game was probably the weakest out of all of them. the reason I say this is because I had to restart the game not once, but twice, due to glitches which make it impossible to continue (which is unusual for your games). the first is when you're on the search for snails for Al: if you've already fed the sheep and gotten the gloves, and you go back to the field and take more grass before speaking to Al about the snails, there is no way to continue. the final snail that you need to find is hidden in the long grass, but if you already have a handful of grass, you can't drop it and the sheep won't eat it, and examining the grass does not reveal the snail either. so you're at an impasse and must restart. the second glitch occurs later in the game when crafting the wig: if you dye the wool red immediately before dying it green with the green paste, you're again at an impasse. the obvious thing to do is try to wash it clean with the bleach in the tank, but this doesn't work, and you need the red dye later for something else and there is no way to get more wool from the sheep. these glitches are frustrating after making progress in the game, and on top of that the story is a bit silly this time around (and I am usually such a fan of your humor), and there are also a few non-obvious commands like having to speak to the carp, or sell things to the oracle. with a bit more thought and development of objects and scenes and a few more hints available, this game could be really great. like I said, I'm a fan of everything else you've done, but this one missed the mark for me on many levels. I did, however, appreciate the mention of the Carnivora Nuns at the end.

Review by Marcos Artiaga

A little trouble with the verbage on things like the battery and chair, but overall another GREAT game. Any word on Sir Loin 4?

Review by mclovin

not sure what to do

Review by ahsat

I am stuck again. I believe I need something that resembles a glowing crystal ball. I have a dull bulb, clay bowl, crystal bowl, and cannot combine them. I don't have a new location either. I have the biography, camera, dress, autograph, and red dye also. What's next please?

Review by sue butler

Enjoying game so far but can,t find how to charge battery or get a fifth song{I have the one from the ray of light}any hints please

Review by pofke

OK, got a lot further now. Did dog, Al,... I just cant return Edison's camera. He keeps insisting that I take the battery out.

But when I look at the camera it sais that the battery is NOT inside...

Do I need to take more photo's? Maybe a nice picture in the dress? ;)

Anyway, very nice game!!!

Review by max

Playing your games is so much better than working.

Review by ukblondeshavemorefun

Never mind, I got there in the end! Overall a fantastic game - the only issue I found was the difficulty in interacting with/using some of the objects (the battery, the chair etc). That said, it was an extremely entertaining game, and I look forward to trying out the Sir Loin games! Thanks!

Review by Jules Davidson

Finally completed this today! Yipee :-) Thoroughly enjoyed playing this game - its kept me entertained for days. Thank you and well done! Are there any plans in the pipeline for no 3 - if so can't wait.