Heroes: The Sanguine Seven
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| Heroes: The Sanguine Seven | |
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| Developer(s) | Jeffrey Fullerton |
| Publisher(s) | Jeffrey Fullerton Safari Software |
| Designer(s) | Jeffrey Fullerton |
| Release date(s) | 1993 |
| Genre(s) | Platform Game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | PC DOS |
| System requirements | 286 |
| Input | Keyboard Joystick |
Heroes: The Sanguine Seven (Also known as "Heroes: The Sanguine Seven and Heroes: I) was a platform game that was released for the IBM PC, by Jeffrey Fullerton in July of 1993. The game bears similarities to many other platform games of the time such as Duke Nukem and Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure, but still has unique differences. One key feature of the game is the ability to play as seven different "super heroes" each with their own abilities, weaknesses, and strengths. The game features EGA/VGA graphics, PC Speaker sound effects, Sound Blaster FM music tracks, and 360° of smooth parallax scrolling.
Contents |
[edit] Story
The story line in Heroes is relatively simple in essence to other games such as Traffic Department 2192 which boasts an extremely sophisticated story. The story starts like this: A jail break has occurred and five of the most notorious outcasts have escaped. Their names are Hot Head, Robo Robber, The Count, The Green Thumb, and the leader of the squad, The Wild Hair. These five escapees have eluded authorities successfully, recruited many villains into their army of mass terror and destruction, and have wreaked havoc all over the city of Megalopolis. The villains seem unstoppable, as the police force has failed over and over again to bring the band of bad buddies to justice. As a last resort, a team of super heroes are summoned in an attempt to restore justice in the once proud city of Megalopolis.
[edit] Game play
The game play in Heroes is like most platform games. Your goal is to find the exit on each level while avoiding villains and other hazards. All heroes can jump, shoot, and use their unique special abilities. They may also collect miscellaneous items that are scattered around the levels to obtain points. On every ten levels you will face one of the five bosses. The game consists of a total of fifty levels. (see below)
[edit] Fruit
On certain levels you will find fruit which restores a certain amount of your heroes health. Here are some brief details about each fruit.
- Cherry: Most abundant of all fruits, restores your heroes health by one point.
- Pear: Restores your heroes health by two points.
- Grapes: Restores your heroes health by three points.
- Banana: Restores your heroes health by four points.
- Watermelon: Scarcest of all fruits, Restores your heroes health by a whopping FIVE points.
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- Note: Picking up fruit will not give you more than your maximum amount of health points. Ex: If you have six Health points and your maximum is seven and you collect a watermelon, your health will be seven, not eleven.
[edit] Power Gems
Power gems are scarce but extremely important to the success of your heroes. Gems increase certain attributes of your heroes, such as their health, ammo, or jump. Be extra careful not to waste gems, as they are very handy in the harder levels, and can only be used once. Besides the previous precaution, also make sure that your hero has plenty of health before he/she picks up a gem, as once a hero calls for help (loses all of his/her health), the gem is lost forever! Here is a list of all the gems and their functions:
- Diamond: Rarest of all gems, gives health, power, better jumping ability, and ammo!
- Ruby: Adds Health.
- Diamond: Adds Power.
- Emerald: Increases your jumping ability.
- Topaz: Adds forty ammo to your heroes' ammo stock.
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- Note: For more information on gems, see Control Room.
[edit] Items
Scattered across the levels are various items. Each item adds a certain number of points to your score. Here is a list of all the items you will come across, and their point value. (Please note: These names are not in anyway the names acknowledged by the author.)
- Ace:25
- American Flag:500
- Ammo:25
- Basketball:50
- Baseball:50
- Bell:75
- Bone?:150
- Book:75
- Clock:75
- Floppy Diskette:25
- Football:50
- Four Leaf Clover:500
- Golden Coin:150
- Golden Medal:250
- Heart:25
- Horseshoe:25
- Key:100
- Mouse?:150
- Power Gem:1000
- Silver Coin:100
- Smiley Face:25
- Socks:50
- Stamp:75
- Star:25
- Three Leaf Clover:25
- Toilet Paper:25
- Toothbrush:25
- Trumpet:100
[edit] Villains
Like most platform games, heroes has enemies which will try to put an end to your mission. The enemies come in a variety of flavors, some chase you, some are sessile, and yet others fire projectiles at you. Here is a list of the basic enemies in Heroes: (Please note: These names are not in anyway the names acknowledged by the author.)
- Arcbot- The Arcbot is similar to the Mobile Blade, it moves around in one direction until it hits a wall, or reaches the end of the platform it is on. It then reverses its direction. The Arcbot looks like a machine on wheels that has an arc of electricity at the top of it; hence giving it its name. Two hits will destroy this robot.
- Arrow Ship- An Arrow Ship is a non-moving object that shoots an arrow at a certain time interval. It looks somewhat like a spaceship with an arrow sticking out of it. The Arrow Ship can be destroyed with two hits.
- Assassin- The Assassin looks like a masked guy in a jail shirt, holding a gun. He follows you around and fires bullets in your direction. Four hits are sufficient for him.
- Ball- Literally a bouncing ball that bounces up and down at high speeds. The Ball is not particularly deadly, unless it has little room to bounce, in which it becomes a very annoying hazard. The Ball is immune to any and all attacks, thus, making it invulnerable.
- Bat- Another weak enemy, the Bat hovers above a surface simply moving from one end of a platform to another, and then changes its direction. One hit of any weapon will do the job. Beware though, a Bat can become extremely stealthy when it is next to a black tile!
- Bear Trap- As if the Venus Fly Trap was not enough, the villains seem to assembled Bear Traps that are more sturdy and resistant to shots. Like the Venus Fly Trap, they are also sessile, but unlike them, they take four hits.
- Boulder- The Boulder is the fastest moving enemy in the game. It rolls from side to side and can fall off platforms. If you are able to shoot a speeding boulder, then your shoot will have no effect. However, a few Boulders for some unknown reason, move extremely slowly, and they can be crumbled in two hits.
- Cactus- A Cactus is a rare hazard, appearing on only a few levels. It is basically the exact same thing as a Bear Trap, only the sprite (picture) has been changed. Four hits will kill it.
- Ceiling Cannon- Ceiling Cannons are cannons that reside on the ceiling and are often impossible to shoot. They shoot arrows instead of cannon balls at random time intervals. They are completely sessile and can be destroyed in three hits.
- Elf- The Elf is a small and delicate little fellow. She has no ranged weapon, and simply follows you around with what appears to be a bat. A hit by any weapon will destroy her.
- Flame- The flame is a simple well flame... that moves in one direction until it hits a wall, or reaches the end of the platform it is on. It is immune to all attacks, except for The Drip's weapon. A Flame may also be shot out of a Flame Thrower, in which it exemplifies the rules of a projectile. The Flame can be destroyed in one shot by The Drip's weapon ONLY.
- Flame Cannon- The Flame Cannon is a sessile cannon on the ground. The only difference from other cannons is that it shoots Flames that travel upwards. Three shots will destroy this machine.
- Hare- One of the more annoying enemies, the Hare follows you around hopping up and down. It has no ranged attack, but is hard to hit due to its 'bouncy' nature. It also has a mean skill of scaling up surfaces and ledges, so be prepared! The Hare can be destroyed in three hits.
- Hover Bot- The Hover Bot looks like a spherical machine surrounded by some kind of protective barrier. The Hover Bot hovers above the surface going in one direction, until it hits a wall or comes to the end of a platform. The Hover bot can be destroyed in two simple hits.
- Hover Cannon- The Hover Cannon is virtually the exact same thing as the Mobile Cannon, except for that it Hovers above the surface. It takes five hits to destroy.
- Karate Chopper- The Karate Chopper follows you around flailing his fist at you. He does not have a ranged attack, and can be killed in he three shots.
- Mobile Blade- The Mobile Blade resembles a saw blade on wheels. It moves in a direction until it hits a wall, or comes to the end of a platform. The Mobile Blade can be destroyed in one hit.
- Mobile Cannon- The Mobile Cannon is a huge nuisance to even some of the best players. It shoots cannon balls in the direction it is moving, until it reaches the end of the platform or hits a wall. The Mobile Cannon takes five shots to destroy.
- Mobile Flame Thrower- The Mobile Flame Thrower is a Flame Cannon on wheels. It goes in one direction, shooting flames at certain time intervals, until it hits a wall or comes to the end of a platform. Then it reverses its direction. The Mobile Flame Thrower can be destroyed in three hits.
- Mobile Uzi- Perhaps the most dangerous enemy in the game, The Mobile Uzi goes up and down walls shooting bullets at certain time intervals. While this may not seem so dangerous, the Mobile Uzi bullets block many a shot, and the machine moves fairly quickly, making this the hardest object to hit in the game, by far. Three shots will take it down.
- Periscope- Like the Snake, the Periscope only appears in the water. It is slightly more dangerous than the Snake, but is still easy to deal with. Two shots will destroy it.
- Snake- The Snake only resides in the water. It is not particularly dangerous, as one shot kills it instantly.
- Venus Fly Traps- Yup, you read it correctly, somehow the villains gained knowledge on how to grow gigantic Venus Fly Traps that have a strong appetite for heroes. The fly trap is sessile, however occasionally you might land on one. The Venus Fly Trap can be destroyed in one hit.
- Wall Cannons- Wall Cannons shoot cannon balls at random time intervals. Though they do not move, they have been known to be quite a nuisance at times. Three shots should destroy this annoying machine.
- Other Deadly Hazards- Other deadly hazards include spikes, water and ice. Ice is only deadly for The Drip and other heroes will simply slide around on it unharmed. Water is only deadly for Leadman, although it does waste Rockettress's special ability power.
[edit] Other Notable Objects
There are other notable objects in the game that perform certain functions when used by a hero. Here is a list of them, and a brief description of each.
- Teleporter- The teleporter transports you to another part of the level. It can be used indefinitely. To use the teleporter, make sure your hero is aligned with it, and press the up key.
- Hover Pads- Hover pads serve as a moving block or floor that can transport you to another place in the level. Hover pads resemble a skateboard with flames sticking out of it. To use one, simply jump on top of it and away you go! Warning: Hover pads may transport you right into spikes, so be ready to duck or jump!
- Jump Pads- Jump pads are extremely useful in propelling a hero to high places. Simply jump on one and it works like a trampoline. Be aware though, as you may run into dangerous objects on your flight up!
- Keys and Doors- Keys do exactly what you think they do, unlock doors. Keys and doors are color coded. To unlock a door make sure you have the correct key and simply walk into it. Some super villains hold the key you need to exit a level, so to acquire the key you must first defeat the boss. The key colors are: red, green, blue, yellow, and purple. The gray door is not opened by a key! See Also: Fallen Heroes
- Levers- Levers open gray colored doors. To use one simply walk up to it, and press the up arrow.
- Buttons- Buttons are color coded buttons with a B on them. They create bridges that prevent you from falling into a gorge. To use them simply align yourself with them, and press up. A new bridge will appear close by.
- Signs- Every sign has a certain message on it that you can read. Some signs contain non-sense, some contain hints, some contain details and facts about a level, a very few may even have a picture, and some have threats from the super villains. Whatever it reads, you can view it by getting next to it and pressing the up arrow. A few example of texts on random signs are: "Danger! Turn back!" "A power surge can defeat Robo Robber." "Save often. (Or you'll be sorry!)" "No Trespassing! By orders of HOT HEAD!" and, "Don't need it? Your rescuers may leave it!"
- Exit Sign: The exit sign allows you to exit the level and return to the control room.(Duh!)
- Weak Floors: Weak floors look like granite blocks that have many cracks in them. When a hero walks over the floor, it will break and the hero may fall.
- Conveyor Belts: Conveyor belts will attempt to thrust you in a certain direction, when you step on them.
[edit] Control Room
The Control Room is the main room in the game. In the control room, you can use power gems, save the game, view the demo, and select the hero that will attempt the next mission. It is generally a good idea to save your game each time you exit a level and return to the control room, as it is the ONLY place where saving is allowed.
[edit] Selecting A Hero
Selecting a hero to attempt a mission is easy, simply move the blue pointer to the desired hero, and press enter. When you move the pointer on to a hero, his/her statistic appears on the projector screen.
[edit] Using Power Gems
To use a power gem that you have scavenged on a level, press the 'G' key. A new picture will be displayed on the projector screen that lists the amount of each power gem you have. To use a gem, move the pointer to the hero that you wish to cast the gem on, and press the letter of the appropriate gem. Once you cast a gem, it effects cannot be undone!
[edit] Fallen Heroes
When a heroes health drops down to zero, a protective bubble entombs the hero and a message is relayed to the Control Room demanding assistance. While the hero does not die, the punishment is quite taxing. The score will be reset to the original score that the player had before he entered the level. In addition, any power gems that the hero had in his/her inventory is lost forever. Keys are not lost, and are transferred when another hero picks him/her up. In the control room a message demanding assistance will be visible on the projector screen, and a small picture of the location of the stranded hero will be displayed. You must then select another hero, to enter the level and pick up the fallen comrade. If all heroes fall, then the janitor will come into the control room, shake his head a little, turn off the power, and the game will end. Make sure you save your game, as you will have to start from level one again if you do not!
[edit] Hints and Tips
Here are some useful hints and tips:
- Look before you leap!
- Do not collect a gem when your health is low, because, if you fall any gems that are in your hero's possession are lost forever.
- While on a hover pad, be prepared to duck or jump, as dangerous obstacles may cross your path!
- Always remember where a fallen hero is, as it will make your rescue easier and safer.
- Drown enemies whenever possible to save valuable ammo.
- Do not hasten to use power gems, as you may need them in later levels when conditions become much more treacherous.
- Some enemies are natural climbers, be aware!
- Save each and every time you enter the control room, no procrastinating!
- Do not deploy Leadman on levels with "wet" conditions and do not deploy The Drip on levels with "frigid" conditions.
- Climb ropes and ladders carefully, as projectiles may cross your path.
- Save before you use a gem. You may quickly regret your choice!
- Hero's regain their health each time they enter the control room. If you are next to the exit, are low on health, but do not have every stranded hero, exit so you can attempt the level again with full health.
- It is possible to drown Robo Robber.
- Use Spaced Cadet on enemies that require a fair amount of shots.
- Never, under any circumstances, leave a power gem behind!
- It is better to use water to regain The Drip's health than fruit.
- Do not eat more fruit than you need. For example, if you have only been hurt once, do not eat a watermelon.
- Projectiles can go through ice and conveyor belts.
- Every hero is required to run a certain part of The Gauntlet. (level 49)
- The Puzzle Room (level 25) has twelve barriers and twelve switches, each switch opens three barriers.
- Be careful when jumping on a jump pad, as spikes may be on the ceiling.
[edit] The Heroes
The band of heroes consists of seven unique and different heroes. All of them have different strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities. Here is the list of all the heroes, their starting statistics, and a brief description of each.
[edit] The Flying Squirrel
- Health:6
- Power:6
- Jump:7
- Special Ability:Air Brake
- Weakness:None
The Flying Squirrel is the leader of your team. He is one of the stronger heroes, but his special ability is not as useful as others. His special allows him to travel over great horizontal distances by braking in the air. To use his special, jump or fall off a ledge, and hold down the space bar. You will notice that he uses his cape as a hang glider and will fall back to the ground slowly. You will also notice that when his health is low, his ability becomes increasingly worse. This is because he has proportional power. Under proportional power, every time a hero gets hurt, his power level also decreases. To regain the power, simply find some fruit. (health) While this may seem bad, it does have an advantage, every time you use a sapphire (power) gem on him, not only does his power increase, but his health also increases. So as you can see, it is easier to increase The Flying Squirrel's overall statistics.
[edit] Rockettress
- Health:5
- Power:4
- Jump:7
- Special Ability:Thrusters
- Weakness:Water
Rockettress is the only female hero on the team. She has a set of rocket boosters that she can use to propel herself up to high places where under normal circumstances other heroes cannot get to. To use her rocket booster, simply hit the space bar. She will then ignite a rocket, and fly upwards. She can ignite another rocket while she is in the air, to reach even higher heights. However, every time you use a rocket, her power level decreases by one. Just how far can she travel with a rocket? That depends on her power level. As her power level increases, a rocket will work for a longer duration, and she will be supplied with more rockets. Be sure that she does not come in contact with water, as her power level will be drained all the way, and she will not be able to use her special ability. She restocks her supply of rockets each time she enters the control room.
[edit] Gumwad
- Health:6
- Power:6
- Jump:7
- Special Ability:Wall Climb
- Weakness:None
Gumwad is a hero that must have consumed way too much gum. His sticky nature enables him to scale up walls. You will find this special ability very useful. To climb a wall, run into it and hold down the space bar. You are now stuck to the wall. Then, while holding the space bar, press the jump key. Keep pressing the jump key, to climb to higher heights. You will notice, while Gumwad is stuck to a wall, he will slide down it. The lower his power level is, the faster he will slide. Like The Flying Squirrel, his power is proportional, so eat to regain his strength and special ability.
[edit] Leadmen
- Health:8 (11)
- Power:3
- Jump:5
- Special Ability:Health
- Weakness:Water
Leadmen is a hero who is completely encased in a thick, sturdy suit of lead. Being inside lead provides advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, he can take much more shots than any other hero, as his health and power both act as health. On the down side, his bulky suit really holds him down, and he will sometimes be unable to jump out of pits. (Power Gems can aid him here.) Another disadvantage he has, is that he is unable to swim well and can easily drown. For every second he is underwater, a health point will be deducted. Make sure that he is not deployed on levels with lots of water, like Atlantis.
[edit] The Drip
- Health:5
- Power:1
- Jump:7
- Special Ability:Double Duck
- Weakness:Ice
The Drip is a man who is in the form of H²0. While most would think that it would be hindering to be made of water, liquids can change shapes in micro seconds. The Drip can use his shape shifting power for protection. If he is on a platform, press the space bar and he will transform into a puddle of water. While he is in that state, nothing can hurt him, and enemies will be unable to locate him, however, a puddle has no legs. His power is constant, regardless of the power level. Using sapphires to increase his power level will have no benefits, so do not use them on him. The Drip is also able to destroy flames with his liquid weapon. If he gets into water, he will regenerate his health, but if he steps on ice he will lose health. Be sure to keep him far away from ice.
[edit] Spaced Cadet
- Health:6
- Power:1
- Jump:7
- Special Ability:Power Shoot
- Weakness:None
Spaced Cadet is a time traveler from the future stranded in the present era. He has an immensely powerful ray gun that can kill all normal enemies in one shot, often the ray will pass right through an enemy, destroying a chain or enemies. His gun is constantly powered by nuclear energy, so using sapphires on him will reap no benefits and is simply wasteful. Unfortunately, his ray gun has a flaw; it will not maim the super villains in one hit. Spaced Cadet is simply the perfect choice for clearing out rooms congested with enemies.
[edit] The Flea
- Health:3
- Power:3
- Jump:7
- Special Ability:Power Jump
- Weakness:None
Being small can have many advantages. Not only is he harder to hit, but he can enter some places that other heroes cannot. However, his small size makes him very weak, and he cannot take much damage before he has to call for help. His special ability allows him to jump higher than other heroes can. To use it, simply press space, and he will be propelled into the air. How far he can jump depends on his power level. His power is proportional, so when he is low on health, his special ability will decrease dramatically. Do not send him into crowded rooms until he gets much more health.
[edit] The Supervillains
Meet the supervillains, masters of mass destruction, and creators of total chaos. The supervillains are the main suspects that the police want apprehended and brought to justice. Each supervillain has his/her own special tactics and features. There are five supervillains that you must fight in Heroes, all supervillains can take a fair amount of shots and all will drop a key when they fall. It is essential that you kill them if you wish to proceed to the next level. Oh, and one more thing, Spaced Cadet's power shot does not work on them. (Nice try though!)
[edit] Hot Head
Hot Head is the first and weakest supervillain that you will run into. He appears on Hot Heads Forge (level 10). He is fairly easy to beat, as his reaction time is quite slow and he only requires twenty shots. He is equipped with a gun resembling a bazooka to launch flames up in the air, and will occasionally rotate his gun and shoot cannon balls.
[edit] Robo Robber
Robo Robber is one of the more difficult supervillains as the robotic sphere moves at blinding speeds and is completely airborne. The Robo Robber appears on Robos Tower, (level 20) and can be destroyed with twenty-five shots. You will find that pressing buttons to build bridges will make your task significantly easier, as they aid in trapping Robo to a great degree.
[edit] The Count
No, The Count is not a friendly vampire from Sesame Street that teaches kids to count. The Count is a gothic guy, who has a fond love for bats, especially vampire bats; in fact, he is so fond of them, that he allows them to nest in his cape. The Count appears on The Counts Lair (level 30). He is not particularly tough as he does not have a ranged attack, but, he lets bats out of his cape often, which creates additional enemies to slay. The Count can take up to thirty shots, but his bats will more often that not, block a shot, so make sure you have plenty of ammo before you take him on.
[edit] The Green Thumb
The Green Thumb is a tiny, hardworking elf-like creature who may appear cute as first, but he has one raspy attitude. Nothing makes him madder than when someone walks onto his garden. He inferred early on, that signs are useless, people simply do what they please, so he figured that planting vicious man-eating venus fly traps will do the trick. His small size has advantages and disadvantages, while he may be harder to hit, he is unable to carry a ranged weapon. However, he makes up for being unarmed by planting venus fly traps while in pursuit of you. The Green Thumb is astronomically robust and can take forty-five shots.
[edit] The Wild Hare
Mastermind of the super villains, and the most dangerous criminal breathing, The Wild Hare is the last enemy you will meet during your quest. He is fairly fast at moving, but he is even faster at pulling a trigger. The Wild Hare appears on The Rabbit Hole, (level 50) he holds the key to freedom, for a price that is; your death. Aside from being able to shoot, he also has the ability to summon hares' to carry out his every demand, so, even after his demise, he can still pose a threat.
[edit] The Levels
There are a total of fifty levels in Heroes The Sanguine Seven. Here are the names of all of them in order:
- Level 1
- The Canyon
- The Twin Towers
- The Watch Towers
- The Bastion
- The Jungle Jim
- The Bulwark
- Sky City
- The Pit
- Hot Heads Forge
- Cement Island
- The Ice Towers
- Freds Fortress
- The Cubical
- The Gateway
- The Cellar
- Atlantis
- The Dual Columns
- Hollow Station
- Robos Tower
- The Stronghold
- The Underground City
- The Sewers
- The Oval Chamber
- The Puzzle Room
- Coastal Bluff
- The Black Caves
- The Dam
- Pedestal Place
- The Counts Lair
- The Roost
- The Bunker
- The Hideout
- Maniac Manor
- The Pillars
- Tiny Town
- The Citadel
- Floating Island
- The Keep
- Thumbs Garden
- The Caverns
- The Garrison
- The Dugout
- The Joined Towers
- The Maze
- Devils Den
- The Icebox
- The Grotto
- The Gauntlet
- The Rabbit Hole
There are a Total of eleven levels in Heroes The Tantalizing Trio. Here are the names of all of them in order:
- Level 1
- The Tunnel
- The Treadmill
- Perch Place
- The Hideout
- The Doughnut
- The Stairwell
- The Crime Center
- The Twin Columns
- The Hairs Lair
- The Billboard
[edit] Heroes: The Tantalizing Trio and the Safari Connection
Jeffrey Fullerton released the initial version of Heroes: The Sanguine Seven during July of 1993 to local bulletin board systems across the United States, but, due to lack of advertising the first version was unheard of by virtually everyone, and very few copies of the game were sold. Besides the former problem, the game had no shareware version, and people were unable to play the game before they could buy it. Skipping forward a little bit, Jeffrey Fullerton found out about a tiny company called Safari Software and thought that they might be able to distribute his game. Safari agreed to distribute it under the conditions that Jeffrey would update the game a little, and make a shareware version. In April of 1994, Heroes: The Tantalizing Trio was released under the Safari title. It sold a fair amount of copies, but was unable to compete with other Safari titles such as Traffic Department 2192 and Line Wars II, and sometime at the tail end of 1994, Safari discontinued the game altogether. Around June of 2005, Jeffrey Fullerton released the full version of Heroes: The Sanguine Seven as freeware for personal use. The game can be downloaded free of charge at his homepage.
[edit] Differences Between the Safari Version and the Initial Version
Although Safari updated Jeffrey's version a little bit, for the most part, the game was unaltered and kept in its original state. The only major differences were that Tomisa Starr enhanced the artwork, a few minor bugs were fixed, and the spelling of "Heroes" was changed to "Heroes."
[edit] External links
- (Fullerton's homepage) full game available for download
- Heroes: The Sanguine Seven at MobyGames
