Part of what makes Queen of Swords a lot of fun is all the authentic (as far as I can tell, anyway) details about real-world fencing. If fencing is your hobby, you will likely find Queen of Swords an easy game. For the rest of us, though, the game is moderately difficult, although each part of your equipment is described in excellent detail, with enough hints about how you are supposed to use it. You will have to deal with not only obvious fencing gear such as a mask, jacket, and foil, but also more obscure equipment such as a plastron, a lam, and a floor reel and cord that must be hooked up to the scoring equipment.

After all the fun I had setting up the equipment, it was a big let-down to see that I didn't get to actually fence: rather than as part of the game, fencing is presented as a cut-scene/ending without the player's input. Still, Queen of Swords was a lot of fun while it lasted, and the level of detail and well-written prose will keep every IF fan happy with this short but satisfying 'simulation' of one of the world's most esoteric sports. Highly recommended!