Episode: Specials 1, Episode 1

Original Release Date: 24th December 2011

Throwback Review Date: 29th March 2016

Score: 4 out of 5 (very good)

The Good: Once again Rosey has blazed the trail for the future of the series, this time by demonstrating how some of Knightmare's later gameplay can work in audio. The whole quest fits together very well, making the journey out of Knightmare's early series smoothly and seamlessly.

My particular favourite scenes are the Wolfenden trading exchange, Sylvester Hands' slightly pervy introduction, Ridolfo's embarrassing demands, Play Your Cards Right, Merlin's opposite riddles (which was the one idea I contributed to the quest) and everything with Winteria and Aesandre.

The Bad: I find it a bit too Christmassy in places, but I guess that's just the Scrooge in me! I don't think I made Oakley's voice deep enough, and my Julius Scaramonger isn't quite there.

Conclusion: I have heard Rosey expressing dissatisfaction with the overall quality of this quest in recent times, but I am always quick to assure her that it represents an important milestone for the Audio Series, and that there's a lot to be said for its actual content too.

Great to hear a bunch of new characters to the audio series - they were very well done, especially the traders, and Rosey is so perfect for Aesandre! Bonus points for the Watership Down quote, too. (I also LOLed at the unexpected Chubby Brown reference!)

Marvellous job, chaps & chapesses - many thanks for a true festive treat, and Merry Christmas to one and all!