I remember when I was about 14 and we went on a trip to Texas, I was able to pick up the Amiga version of this game for my 500. I WAS actually blown away by the digitized sound effects, even though as you say, there was no music. Frankly, I think it was a better use of the relatively limited disk space to load it up with graphics and sound effects rather than music. For that type of game, I think it was the right choice.

In any case, I played the game quite a bit and did eventually beat it. I don't recall an end sequence, though I was rather impressed by the end battle with the red dragon (who was more giant lizard like). I liked how every sprite had a front view, side view and rear view - it wasn't 3D but it certainly gave the environment more depth and was far ahead of what other games were doing and did do for some time. It made evasion/pursuit that much more intriguing and gave some weight to doing things like the aforementioned dropping the door on the bad guys and other nifty environmental utilizations.

The only visual disappointment I can recall were most of the hall of champions pictures. They were crude at best, particularly in comparison to the art in the rest of the game. The artist could definitely not do faces.

Anyway, I do remember having to map my way through certain levels and may have even needed a hint on some of the later levels.

I always wanted to, but never played the more difficult sequel. From my understanding, it didn't add much to the first game beyond a higher difficulty (which makes sense, since I believe it required the original and didn't even come with a manual!). I now have the sequels and various interpretations and off-shoots on a variety of systems, including the Sega CD, NEC Turbo Duo Super CD, PC, Atari ST, etc., though I have yet to really get into any of them (and I remember never getting the PC version to run right).

It's generally considered that SSI's Eye of the Beholder games (I - III) from a few years after trumped FTL's Dungeon Master games. I have only played a few versions of the Eye of the Beholder games, most recently Eye of the Beholder on the GameBoy Advance, which I beat - again with some map-related hints - and can't really say I agree with that line of thinking, particularly in deference to Dungeon Master's unique magic system. However, I did not put in any time with EOB II or III, which I believe added outdoor elements.

======================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
(A PC Magazine Top 100 Website)
======================================