Trolls

Trolls is a video game in the action genre developed by Flair Software Ltd. and published by Capstone Software originally released in 1992. It is currently playable on DOS, Amiga, Commodore 64.

Trolls is a DOS title from the early 1990s that leans hard into fairy-tale menace, trading polished realism for a scrappy, mischievous atmosphere. Instead of treating trolls as background folklore, the game frames them as active threats and occasional plot catalysts, so every new area feels like a fresh negotiation with the weird logic of the mountains, ruins, and backwoods. For players coming from the era’s action and adventure mix, it lands somewhere between pure survival pressure and story-driven exploration, with personality baked into the presentation.

What stands out most is how the mechanics encourage steady problem-solving rather than mindless rushing. Movement and combat are straightforward, but the real work is timing: approaching patrol routes, reading how enemies react, and choosing when to engage versus when to reposition. Levels tend to reward attention to routes and choke points, since trolls can turn tight corridors into traps. Inventory use is also important, pushing you to experiment with what you carry, when you spend it, and how you keep yourself ready for the next confrontation.

Visually, the game favors chunky sprites, quick readability, and an intentionally stylized look that fits the hardware limits of the period. Backgrounds stay simpler than modern standards, yet the art direction uses strong silhouettes and clear contrast so you can track motion at a glance. The soundscape typically relies on upbeat synth textures and punchy feedback during fights, creating a sense of constant momentum even when the gameplay slows for careful planning.

Difficulty is another defining trait. Trolls often feels strict about mistakes, so learning patterns becomes part of the fun, not just a chore. Combat outcomes can swing quickly, and careless turns or overconfident approaches tend to punish you. Performance on standard DOS setups is usually stable for its time, with responsiveness that supports the tight, tactical feel.

In the long run, Trolls is remembered less for trendsetting technology and more for a distinctive blend of mischief, threat, and fair warning. It captures what made many early DOS games satisfying: you improve through repetition, you start to anticipate behavior, and you earn progress one narrow escape at a time. Today, it remains an interesting time capsule for players who enjoy retro design choices and the particular charm of 1992-era pacing.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.