Knight Lore by Ultimate Play The Game, first released for the ZX Spectrum in 1984, changed the way games were viewed, and played at the time.

The isometric, pseudo 3D landscapes allowed the player to explore using the “Filmation” engine, and it was a huge revelation. There were better versions of Knight Lore made than the Spectrum version (the BBC Micro version was faster, and the Amstrad version was more colourful), but the ZX Spectrum version is the one I remember with most fondness. Because it really pushed the little machine further than anyone had pushed it before. With clicky sound and lots of slowdown.

Completing Knight Lore is almost impossible. It doesn’t matter though – it’s still fun trying and dying!

Knight Lore on The King of Grabs:
ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Amstrad CPC, MSX, Famicom Disk System

More: Knight Lore on Wikipedia

See also: 100 Best ZX Spectrum Loading Screens:
Part #1, Part #2, Part #3, Part #4, Part #5

Knight Lore ZX Spectrum loading screen.

Choose a control method.

The sparkly thing pushes you away. It’s highly annoying!

Transforming back into Sabreman on Day 2.

Killer mines on top of tables. Mmmm.

Need to climb onto something to scale this wall.

Wolfman downs a bottle of wine. He’s earned it.

Which way to go? I need a map.

Don’t touch the ghosts or they’ll kill you.

Day 8 and I’ve found a chest.

Day 9 and Sabreman is looking into a crystal ball.

You just know it’s a trap!

Some platforms move when you step on them.

Changing back into a werewolf. Looks like he’s body-popping!

Takes patience and good timing to walk through these gates.

The ghost keeps pushing the chests around.

There’s no way to get past that!

Big diamond on top of the podium. Guarded by a bouncing ball.

The Wolfman meets The Wizard! Will it all end badly?

Touching any of those spiky panels will instantly kill you!

Game Over. I survived for 8 Days. 22% of quest completed. Overall rating: Average. Story of my life.