Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum
3DC (1987): A Deep Dive into a Classic Underwater Adventure
Released in 1987 by Interplay Productions, 3DC is an isometric action-adventure game that puts players in the role of a diver stranded on the bottom of the ocean. Your objective is to find parts of a submarine, then construct it in order to escape.
Along the way, you’ll need to manage your oxygen supply, solve puzzles, and avoid dangerous sea creatures. 3DC was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and immersive underwater environment.
Gameplay
3DC is played from an isometric perspective, with the player character able to move in all eight directions. The game world is made up of a series of interconnected screens, each of which contains various objects and puzzles.
To progress through the game, you’ll need to find and collect parts of a submarine, which are scattered throughout the ocean floor. Once you have all of the parts, you can then construct the submarine and use it to escape.
In addition to finding submarine parts, you’ll also need to manage your oxygen supply. Your oxygen level is constantly decreasing, and you’ll need to find oxygen tanks to replenish it. Oxygen tanks are scattered throughout the game world, but they are often hidden or difficult to reach.
Puzzles
3DC features a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress. These puzzles range from simple object-finding puzzles to more complex logic puzzles.
One of the most challenging puzzles in the game involves finding a way to cross a chasm. The chasm is too wide to jump, and there is no way to swim across it. However, you can use a nearby rock to create a bridge that you can then cross.
Enemies
3DC features a variety of dangerous sea creatures that can harm the player character. These creatures include octopuses, sharks, and electric eels.
Octopuses are the most common enemy in the game. They will attack the player character by stealing their oxygen tanks. Sharks are also dangerous, and they can inflict serious damage if they bite the player character. Electric eels can stun the player character, making them vulnerable to attack from other creatures.
Reception
3DC was released to critical acclaim upon its release in 1987. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and immersive underwater environment.
3DC was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. The game was ported to a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC.
Legacy
3DC is considered to be one of the classic adventure games of the 1980s. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging puzzles have influenced many later adventure games.
3DC was also one of the first games to feature an underwater environment. The game’s immersive underwater world helped to set a new standard for adventure games.
Conclusion
3DC is a classic action-adventure game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and immersive underwater environment make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
If you’re looking for a classic adventure game to play, then I highly recommend checking out 3DC. You won’t be disappointed.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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