MIECZE VALDGIRA II

8-bit computer games remain something more than just entertainment for many players—they are a window to the past, to the days of the pioneers of Polish game development. One of the legendary examples of these productions is "Miecze Valdgira II: Władca Gór," an adventure game released in 1993 on Atari computers by the Polish company ASF s.c. It is a sequel to "Miecze Valdgira" and continues the story of the hero, who this time must face an even greater threat.

Storyline – The Fight for Freedom in the Land of Dale

In "Miecze Valdgira II," the player takes on the role of Aldir, a brave dwarf and mage, who, after lifting the curse from Heldgor Castle, becomes the king of the fort and the surrounding lands. However, peace does not last long. In his homeland, the land of Dale, power is taken over by the tyrant Krwawy Zenon, who wields a powerful artifact, the Eye of Cyclops. To free Dale and defeat the tyrant, Aldir sets out on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, he is captured, imprisoned, and stripped of his famous Valdgir swords. The adventure begins in a dungeon, where the player’s goal is to escape, reclaim the swords, and restore freedom to the land.

Gameplay – A Blend of Adventure and Platforming

The game combines platform and adventure elements, reminiscent of the style of the popular Dizzy game series of the time. The mechanics of "Miecze Valdgira II" require not only agility but also puzzle-solving skills and exploration. Players traverse diverse locations, collect items, and use them in the right places to unlock new areas and overcome obstacles. In addition, players must avoid enemies, as prolonged contact with them can result in Aldir's death.

Additionally, the creators hid secret chambers in the game, containing bonus items and aids, encouraging players to thoroughly explore the game world.

The Creators – A Team That Made History in Polish Game Development

The game was created by a team of talented developers:

• Henryk Cygert – Programmer and project leader. Henryk Cygert became one of the most recognizable programmers in Poland thanks to his work on "Miecze Valdgira II" and other projects for Atari. His coding skills under the technical limitations of 8-bit computers formed the foundation of the game’s gameplay and mechanics.

• Aleksander Ast – Artist responsible for the graphics, which stand out for their detail and atmosphere in "Miecze Valdgira II." His work contributed to the unique feel of the game, capturing the mysterious and fantastical world.

• Grzegorz Chłodziński – Composer, whose music gave the game an unforgettable character. His soundtrack enriched the atmosphere and added depth to the game, creating the perfect audio backdrop for Aldir’s adventures.

• Bartłomiej Trokowicz – Screenwriter, who crafted the story and dialogues. Thanks to his work, the game became a coherent narrative, full of drama and challenges, making it more engaging and interesting for players.

Release – Unique Attention to Detail and Positive Reviews

"Miecze Valdgira II" was released in a cardboard box with an included instruction manual and comic, which was rare at the time. This extra detail added character to the game and demonstrated the professionalism of its creators.

The game also received many positive reviews. "Secret Service" magazine rated it 96.66%, while "Top Secret" gave it 8/10, which attests to its high quality and warm reception by players. The high scores and reviews highlighted the uniqueness and significance of "Miecze Valdgira II" in both the Polish and international markets.

Trivia

• Inspiration from the Dizzy series – The resemblance to the Dizzy series is noticeable in the adventure and platforming elements.

• Different teams for different platforms – Versions of the game on other platforms, such as the Commodore 64, were created by different teams who used instructions and maps rather than direct access to the Atari version. This led to differences between versions.

• Hidden rooms – The game features secret rooms with bonus items, rewarding players for thorough exploration.

Legacy of "Miecze Valdgira II"

Thanks to its excellent design, refined gameplay, and engaging story, "Miecze Valdgira II: Władca Gór" holds a special place in the history of Polish computer games. The game was well received both in Poland and abroad and remains one of the best examples of the talent and passion that characterized the Polish game industry in the 1990s. It is a classic remembered by all Atari players, and its creators have gone down in history as pioneers of Polish game development.