The game is a first-person 3D real-time dungeon exploration game. Fighting is real-time, using the mouse, but not too fast.There are a number of different types of strategies that will work, and experienced gamers can somewhat mold the character to suit their playing preferences.

To bypass the opening sequences, press the ESC key after each one starts.

NPC's play a real and fairly important role, setting minor tasks, sharing information, giving items, and sometimes accompanying the player.Up to 3 companions at one time can join the quest, but the player has little control over who joins or leaves the party.

There are many dirt piles/snowbanks found on most levels.Attacking them may reveal useful items, and improves combat skills.There is nothing found in any of them that is *critical* to finishing the game, but one or two very important items can be found.

When attacking things, the white 'cross-hair' cursor will shrink and dim after each blow.When it brightens back to normal, the weapon has been 'reset' and you can strike again.This gets faster as you improve that specific combat/weapon skill.

To read a scroll, touch it to your character's image in the mirror. Bring up inventory (which automatically displays your character and the NPCs), then touch the chest of your character with the scroll.

Shargas aren't really the 'bad' guys in this game.You will need to kill many of them, but definitely not all.A sharga that is cowering in fear (or drunk!) is a harmless one.

There are three 'modes' used in gameplay. Regular mode - time passes, monsters move, you can move & fight. Journal mode - journal is open, time is suspended. Inventory mode - inventory is open, time is suspended, you can take/drop items and shuffle inventory.

If you want to get through an NPC's conversation quickly, press the space bar to bypass that bit of the speech.You may have to press it several times to complete a conversation.Pressing the ENTER key pauses the conversation (lets you read what's on the screen).

Press SHIFT-F8 to turn on/off the exact location display.The display shows (compass heading, X-coordinate, Y-coordinate, level number). I use this a lot when creating the items list and the hints. (I don't remember who posted this to the newsgroup, but thanks!)

The map page numbers in the journal are not fixed - they will change themselves to match the levels you have been on.Use the level descriptions or the level number for absolute reference.

Afri's orb can be used by placing it on the next map square, in front of you, and getting into regular mode (get out of inventory mode).

Your inventory scroll can hold almost anything (except NPC's?) with no encumbrance or weight problems (slick solution).You might as well grab and hang onto everything you find.Sorting the items into categories (like weapons, potions, armor, etc) makes things much easier to find when the scroll gets crowded.Keep the most-used items, like throwing axes and runestaffs, at the top.

Paying for weapons in the shop.I don't think it's possible to get the coins out of the bag, and it's not necessary.You pay for the items (one at a time) by placing an item on the table beside the dwarf, then handing him the sack of gold.He will give you back your change.

Sometimes chairs/tables get in the way (blocking access to secret panels, buttons, or objects).Smash them with your weapons to get through to what you want.

Green slimes sometimes pick up items lying on the floor.These can range from weapons & armor to gems & keys.Kill them all, because one *may* be carrying something you really need.