Check out the box in your local software store; the graphics on the cover and back of the box are indicative of the beautiful graphics in the Dinotopia: Living the Adventure CD-ROM adventure game from Turner Interactive. If you are already familiar with the work of artist/author James Gurney, you'll be delighted to revisit with old friends and see more enchanting artwork in the style of the book. The Dinotopia CD-ROM adventure game is based on both of Gurney's books, "Dinotopia: A Land Apart From Time" and the sequel "Dinotopia: The World Beneath".

The island of Dinotopia is a lost world where humans and dinosaurs peacefully coexist. This is a fantasy adventure on a grand scale, with graphics and storyline to match.

Turner Interactive also provided a copy of "Dinotopia: The Official Strategy Guide" ($16.99). Although not required to enjoy or complete the game, the Strategy Guide was a big help on solving some of the puzzles and the information is presented in such a manner that you can get hints without spoiling the game. There is a narrative description for those who only need ideas, but for those needing more help there is a step-by-step walkthrough detailing everything that must be done in each location. The Strategy Guide includes tips for playing the game, lists of the main characters and objects encountered, and 16 pages of Gurney's wonderful full-color Dinotopia art.

Dinotopia is a DOS game, and should be installed, configured, and run in MS-DOS mode. The game requires a standard video VESA driver (provided with the game). Installation was easy, and I had no problems. The minimum install will take 4MB hard disk space; to improve speed, I opted for the full installation (42.5 MB).

In the game you play as 17-year-old Nathan Drake, who has been shipwrecked on Dinotopia. Nathan's quest is to locate his sister, Constance, who always seems to be just ahead of Nathan. Early in his search, Nathan must learn the Dinotopian language so that he can ask the natives (both human and saurian) about his lost sister. Many friends are encountered along the way to help him on his quest.

The interface is pretty intuitive, so you don't need much instruction. The Game Manual and Quick Start card have all the information you really need to play. Movement is controlled by the mouse, and both buttons are used. The interface (i.e., clicking) is sometimes tricky, but is not a significant problem. Many items in Dinotopia can be picked up and carried in your Inventory Bin (twelve items maximum). You must be careful which items you trade or drop, as some items are needed to finish the game. A deck of cards of the Dinotopian matching game "Treble" are included, but are not required when playing the CD-ROM game.

The excellent graphics, sound effects, dialogue, and music all add to the overall ambiance of the game to create a total gaming experience. An especially nice aspect of Dinotopia is that the game is totally non-violent, a welcome respite from the realm of 3D-shooters. Turner Interactive has created a game for the entire family; and we quickly fell in love with Dinotopia.

Dinotopia has eleven different habitats to explore, each with its own characteristics (favorites are Waterfall City and Tree Town). With over 130 unique characters to interact with, and over 6000 lines of dialogue, there is plenty to see and do in Dinotopia. It is very entertaining to just wander around, exploring and talking to the various characters you meet. Early in the game, you will meet Atrik, a parrot-like dinosaur, who serves as your guide for the rest of the game; Atrik will give you hints if you forget to do something important. Although play is not totally linear, certain items are needed before you are able to travel to some locations. The puzzles are not too difficult, and are (usually) not bizarre.

Turner Interactive has a toll-free number for technical support, and maintains a web-site at www.turner.com/dinotopia. The price for the Dinotopia CD-ROM is about $50.

Bottom Line:  The Dinotopia CD-ROM adventure game is a lot of fun. If you are already a fan of Gurney's books, you will want this; if you have never seen Dinotopia, you really ought to check this out. The non-violent game play is refreshing, making this a game suitable for all family members (and you've gotta love the artwork!). Dinotopia CD-ROM is highly recommended.

System Tested On:  IBM compatible PC (Gateway 2000) with a 80486-DX2 at 66 MHZ; Windows 95; Sound Blaster-compatible sound card; 16 MB of RAM; 2x CD-ROM drive; mouse

Minimum System:  IBM or 100% compatible 66 MHz 486; 8MB RAM; DOS 5.0 or later; double-speed CD-ROM drive; Windows 95 compatible, but not required; SVGA Local Bus Graphics; 16-bit Soundblaster or 100% compatible sound card; Mouse

Turner Interactive, 1050 Techwood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30318; phone (404) 885-7972