The ZX Spectrum version of Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax was developed by M.C. Lothlorian and first published by Palace Software in 1988.

Instead of a single-screen fighting game, this time we get a flick-screen exploration game, with built-in fighting elements. You can choose to play as either The Barbarian or The Princess, and the aim is to find and defeat the evil wizard Drax, who is hiding somewhere inside a large maze. Caves allow you to criss-cross the landscape; you can jump over lava and pits, and enemies constantly harass you.

Barbarian II on the Spectrum is playable enough, but quickly becomes repetitive because the re-spawn rate of opponents is too high, and the general layout of the grid-like maze is difficult to negotiate.

I always felt that this game could have benefitted from giving you more of a breather in certain places, but it never does. And because of that, it’s not a game I have much affinity for.

More: Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax on Wikipedia
More: Barbarian II on World of Spectrum