Dwie Wieze "Two Towers"

The Game "Two Towers" – A 1993 Classic by ASF

In 1993, the Polish gaming scene was graced with another title from the legendary ASF s.c., the creators of iconic games such as Swords of Valdgir and Ancestor’s Artifact. This time, players were introduced to Two Towers—an action-adventure fantasy game. Despite some shortcomings, it left a lasting impression on Atari enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at the game, its creators, and the fascinating circumstances behind its creation.

The Story of Its Creation

The game was developed by Piotr “Presley” Kulikiewicz, a co-founder of ASF, who took on the challenge of completing it in an extraordinary time frame of just two weeks! As he admitted in an interview, the development was part of a wager. While the standard development time for games at the time was several months, Piotr set out to prove that a complete product could be delivered in just a few weeks.

There was long-standing debate over who created the game’s graphics. While the game itself credited Piotr for the visuals, they were actually crafted by Aleksander Ast, one of ASF's leading graphic designers. This fact was finally clarified years later through interviews with the creators.

Gameplay and Storyline

In the game, players take on the role of Iris—a warrior and sorceress—who seeks the Transformation Spell in the world of the Two Towers. Legend has it that this spell allows her to unite with the spirit of fire, abandon her human form, and unlock the secrets of the universe. The ultimate goal is to find a magical ring that protects against the powerful transformation spell.

The game world consists of the titular Two Towers (eastern and western), a forest, and a mine. Along the way, players encounter numerous obstacles, such as green creatures, dragons, erupting geysers, and sharp spikes. Losing three lives means starting over from the beginning.

The controls are standard for games of the era, utilizing a joystick. Players can jump, collect items, use inventory, and interact with the environment.

Notable Features

The game’s graphics, while average overall, have a few standout elements. Animations, such as Iris bending down to pick up items or the lively movements of wolves, add charm to the gameplay. However, the music, while atmospheric at first, quickly becomes tiresome. Fortunately, players can switch to sound effects instead, though even these can be grating.

Regrettably, the rushed development process left the game with some noticeable flaws. One of the most frustrating issues occurs when placing an item directly under a platform, which then prevents the player from jumping onto it. While not game-breaking, this bug can be infuriating.

Tips for Players

For those looking to take on the Two Towers challenge, here are some helpful tips:

1. Acquire the bow and arrows – These are your first steps toward eliminating the dog guarding the cemetery.
2. Explore the mine – Essential items like the pickaxe and skull can be found here.
3. Offer the skull to the grave – In return, you’ll receive a weak poison.
4. Interact with NPCs – Using poison and other items will unlock new paths.
5. Final spell – After obtaining the ring and parchment, recite the spell by the fire to complete the game.

Conclusion

Two Towers is a game that, despite its flaws, has its charm. Dynamic gameplay, interesting locations, and decent animations make it worth revisiting, especially for retro gaming fans. However, the repetitive music and programming bugs detract from the overall experience. Following the success of Swords of Valdgir, expectations for ASF were understandably higher.