10,000gp richer

It's the 40th anniversary of the sixth Fighting Fantasy gamebook, "Deathtrap Dungeon". Woulda been at least 30 years since I last opened my copy. Gave it a reread today to mark the occasion. Died three times and accidentally lost my place once before emerging victorious from the famous labyrinth.

Some thoughts: From a 2024 perspective, the monsters are mostly pretty basic (the wonderful bloodbeast being an exception - blisters bursting to reveal additional eyes is unforgettably gross). The main gem-collecting task is tricky but not too cruel, unlike similar puzzles in later FFs. What makes the book such a winner, though, is the atmosphere. You really do feel like you're competing against other adventurers, and the moments where you encounter/interact with them are still great 40 years on.

The events of "Deathtrap Dungeon" actually commence on May 1, but I couldn't wait until then. I'm sure there'll be something else to document on DGN on that date. Workers unite! And dungeoneers fight!