Fantastic Fights

It’s a listener special this episode as we play Temple of the Spider God (recommended by listener Al), a digital gamebook by Jonathan Green released in 2011 by Tin Man Games who have also produced digital adaptations of classic Fighting Fantasy games. Jonathan Green is no stranger to this podcast but does this stack up well with his usually very high standard? Listen along to find out.

It’s a new author tackling Fighting Fantasy in this episode as we play Gates of Death by experienced kids author and Fast Show alumni Charlie Higson with art by Vlado Krizan. It’s another familiar tale of demonic monsters trying to conquer the world but will it tickle my fancy? Listen along to find out.

It’s bonus episode time again and we’re taking a look at a book based on the IP of the notoriously litigious Nintendo corporation, Double Trouble featuring the Super Mario Bros. It’s aimed at the under 10s but surely our gallant hero HJDoom will find a way to screw it up. Apologies for the sound quality in this one - I’m wrangling some new tech and still working out the kinks.

We’re back in extremely familiar territory as Ian Livingstone takes us on a tour of some of Allansia’s most recognisable settings in The Port of Peril. With art by Vlados Krizan we journey through Chalice to the Moonstone Hills and on to Darkwood Forest and Port Blacksand in search of the means to vanquish an old enemy.
Don’t forget that the Lindenbaum Prize is currently taking submissions. Find more information here: https://www.lloydofgamebooks.com/2026/02/voting-is-now-open-for-2026-lindenbaum.html

“Conan! What is best in life?”
“Why, it’s listening to a middle aged man play an adventure gamebook based on my many adventures of course.”
In this episode HJDoom, a man who isn’t even sure he has thews, never mind mighty ones, takes on Conan the Outlaw by Roger E Moore and art by Ron Randall. Will this meet with his favour? Listen along to find out.