For those of you who enjoy Infocom's fantasy based thrillers, or good stories with bags of atmosphere will be better off giving this game a miss, but if you enjoy some very light-hearted entertainment, with some brain teasing 'play on words' puzzles then Nord and Bert is an essential purchase.
It comprises eight short stories that contain a multitude of spoonerisms, puns, wordplay and other verbal trickeries, all involving the town of Punster. In fact, you can only play the eighth story once you have solved the other seven, so, there is an end in sight at all times. You get one password each time you complete a scenario (in any order) then enter all seven passwords to get into the final tale.
Nord and Bert is also the first Infocom release that requires no mapping or compass directions, as at the top of the screen is a status line which tells you what places you can visit next, so, just typing Freezer or Barn etc., will do. Also, all hints are built in, so if you are stuck just type Hint and a menu of hints will appear - just take your pick and all's well that ends well.
My favourite tale is "Eat your words" which takes place in the Teapot Restaurant. There are 28 well known phrases used in only a 3 location game. "Vent Your Spleen, Bury the Hatchet, Take Advice with a Pinch of Salt and Take Umbridge" are all examples of the style of this story concerning poor waitress service in the restaurant. I loved it! More please Mr. Berez.
9 out of 10
Thanks to Frank Skagemo for transcribing and donating this article.