A narrow ledge in El Rescate del Talisman.

El Rescate del Talisman - Dungeon

By Keith McDonald

The dungeon of El Rescate del Talisman evolved quickly over its three-year run, moving from the handpainted rooms of Knightmare's early years to the outdoor locations of its later years.


Series 1 (1991-1992)

In the first series, the dungeon is entirely based on David Rowe's handpainted artwork from the early years of Knightmare. Some of the rooms had new elements to increase the difficulty. Like the French version, players might face rooms in a different direction to Knightmare.

Towards the end of the game, teams had to answer questions to cross the throne room (Merlin's chamber). They would then face El Señor de la Maldad (the Lord of Evil) in a purpose-built set for a final showdown.

A cavern with narrow pathways in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A knight meets a skeleton in the Skeleton Room in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A fragmented Corridor of the Catacombs in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A knight renegotiates a narrow ledge in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

The Serpent's Tongue in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A bridge across two platforms in an adapted Giant's Cave in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

The 'Throne Room' in the first series of El Rescate del Talisman.

Series 2 (1992-1993)

The second series combined David Rowe's handpainted designs with a range of real-world locations used in the British show, including the Basement (Series 4) and the hallway from Witch Haven (Series 6). The addition of the Eye Shield allowed for transition footage between areas, including some never seen on the British show.

The second series also featured various additional challenges familiar to British viewers, including Blockers and a stage of the Great Causeway before the final showdown.

The knight negotiates a tricky pathway under pressure from the jester in the second series of El Rescate del Talisman.

One of the 'basement' chambers in the second series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A palace corridor in the second series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A phase of the Great Causeway in the second series of El Rescate del Talisman.

Series 3 (1994)

The dungeon of the third series is mostly location-based, with very occasional use of handpainted scenes. It uses a broad mix of locations from Knightmare's fourth series right through to the seventh series, using a heavy blue/violet colour saturation for continuity.

It also introduces dragon flight for added dimension, which creates room for familiar scenes such as the Octagon and Moat from Bodiam Castle. There were also more challenges such as falling causeways.

A forest glen in the third series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A knight approaches the dragon in the third series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A courtyard in the third series of El Rescate del Talisman.

The knight speaks to a raven in the third series of El Rescate del Talisman.

A room with an oriel window in the third series of El Rescate del Talisman.

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