Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: DOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: LucasArts
- Publishers: LucasArts
Afterlife (1996): A Divine Comedy of World-Building
In the beginning, there was the void. And then, there was Afterlife, a world-building simulation that lets you create the hereafter in the here and now.
As a “regional spiritual director,” your task, given to you by the Powers That Be, is to develop two prime planes of “unreal estate” – heaven and hell – simultaneously. It’s a daunting task, but with a little creativity and a lot of patience, you can create a thriving afterlife that will be the envy of the cosmos.
Creating Your Afterlife
The first step in creating your afterlife is to choose the right location. You can choose from a variety of different galaxies, each with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Once you’ve chosen your location, you’ll need to start building your world.
You’ll start by creating the basic infrastructure of your afterlife. This includes things like roads, buildings, and landmarks. You’ll also need to create a variety of different zones, each with its own unique set of rules and rewards.
For example, you could create a zone for the Seven Deadly Sins, where sinners can indulge in their darkest desires. Or you could create a zone for the Seven Heavenly Virtues, where the righteous can reap the rewards of their good deeds.
Once you’ve created the basic infrastructure of your afterlife, you’ll need to start populating it with souls. Souls will arrive in your afterlife in droves, and it’s your job to keep them happy.
You can do this by providing them with the things they desire most. For example, sinners may desire wealth, power, or pleasure. The righteous, on the other hand, may desire peace, love, or knowledge.
It’s important to keep your souls happy, because if you lose too many of them, you may find yourself facing the wrath of the Four Surfers of the Apocalypso. These powerful beings are the harbingers of destruction, and they will not hesitate to destroy your afterlife if you fail to keep your souls in line.
Managing Your Afterlife
In addition to keeping your souls happy, you’ll also need to manage the day-to-day operations of your afterlife. This includes things like collecting taxes, building new infrastructure, and dealing with supernatural disasters.
You’ll also need to be prepared for the occasional visit from the Powers That Be. These powerful beings will test your skills as a regional spiritual director, and they will not hesitate to punish you if you fail to meet their expectations.
The Wages of Sin
Afterlife is a game about choices. The choices you make will determine the fate of your souls, and the fate of your afterlife.
If you choose to create a paradise for sinners, you may find yourself facing the wrath of the righteous. If you choose to create a hell on earth, you may find yourself facing the wrath of the Powers That Be.
The wages of sin are plentiful, but so are the rewards of virtue. It’s up to you to decide what kind of afterlife you want to create.
Conclusion
Afterlife is a unique and challenging game that will appeal to anyone who is interested in religion, philosophy, or just plain old fun. With its endless possibilities and its darkly humorous tone, Afterlife is a game that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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