REMEMBER THIS?

Series 7/8. Level 1/2.

THE SLIDING FLOOR CHAMBER

This was exactly like the Fire Room, except there were no fireballs. The room was a yellow sandstone colour, and the challenge was to walk across the three sections of sliding blocks to reach the exit. You would have thought this task would be easier without fireballs being shot at you as well, but this was not necessarily the case.

This challenge first appeared in its castrated form to menace series 7’s Alex II at the end of level one. For those of us who had already seen Simon IV complete this challenge with fireballs, the task looked fairly simple for Alex. However, Alex’s advisors clearly did not feel the same way. The advisor nearest to Treguard – James – guided Alex slowly and calmly through the puzzle, earning him a big hug from Neil, the advisor next to him. There was obviously a lot of tension as Alex went through the puzzle, but James handled it very well.

The Sliding Floor Chamber then took a break until Barry’s quest. Barry was guided through very well, but he had to backtrack to collect a piece of Grimaldine’s staff that was on the wall above the third section of floor. With goblins following to boot, it was quite a thrilling scene.

Unlike the Fire Room, the Sliding Floor returned for series 8. Daniel was the first to attempt it, which led to the infamous Gideon’s usual erratic guidance. Again there were some creatures following to add to the tension; miremen this time. The room’s final appearance was with Michael, who was followed across by Snapper-Jack. Michael’s advisors were very distressed to see the Sliding Floor in their quest as they had obviously been hoping to avoid it. It was a tense and tricky challenge indeed, but not so much as its cousin the Fire Room.

Difficulty: 6 Surprisingly tricky and very intimidating.

Killer Instinct: 2 It could so easily have claimed a victim.

Gore Factor: 3 A very quick disappearing act would have followed.

Fairness: 4 Possibly a bit too tricky for level one.