Review by dandyboy on 19 Nov 2011 (Rating: 5)
Excellent game with an involving creepy atmosphere that takes you to another land and into another epoch. One of my all time favorite Spectrum games, indeed. ;D
I wonder why Bride of Frankenstein is not more praised in reviews, rankings, etc.
Worse games than this one got much more recognition and undeserved praise. In my opinion Bride of Frankenstein should be a top 20, at least.
It may not be a classic on its own right but is still a superb game with plenty of cool details.
Some may consider exagerated marking this game with a 5 but I´ll do because of the splendid creepy moments this little monochromatic wonder has made me live. A game with a mood and a chacarter this one is ...
Ps - In some aspects this game reminds me of The Rocky Horror Show ... which is also one of my favorite games !!!
Arcade/Adventure where you have to reconstruct your hubby, Frankenstein.
Highly monochrome, but atmospheric enough, in spite of your sprite looking like a sausage with limbs and head. Too easy to die if you aren't using the right key on the right door: once the skeletons or the ghost corner you, it seems almost impossible to get away. But it's not bad.
3,5/5
1987 39 Steps (UK)
by Paul Smith, Steve Howard & Antony Scott
In Bride of Frankenstein you get a variation of a subplot found in the original Mary Shelley novel, which in turn is different from what you see in the movie.
This time instead of the mad Doctor searching for Frankie's vital organs in order to revive him, you get to play his bride.
The atmosphere of the game is what makes it stand apart, a bit like Nosferatu or Rocky Horror Show. It's creepy and fun to look at, the problem is it wears off quickly once you start playing it seriously.
Several things spoil it. For instance, the ghouls don't move in set patterns but instead creepy up on you and want let go, so if you stay still for a few of seconds you die, which is very infuriating.
There are also a few bugs (at least one) which makes you lose the game, if you get stuck to a wall while being attacked by a ghoul you have no escape.
Apparently this was fixed in the later sequel, Frankenstein Jr. which happens to be basically the same game, but with new clues and a new character.
Keys, keys, keys. With so many keys available and doors to use them on I felt more like a night porter than an horror character.
Graphically the game is average enough, but the fat bride, so different from the movie character, is really laughable. Was it meant that way or is it just plain clumsiness?
