Altered Destiny (1990): A Text Adventure Masterpiece

Released in 1990, Altered Destiny is a text adventure game that takes you on a mind-bending journey through a bizarre and wonderful alien world. You play as P.J. Barrett, an ordinary guy who is suddenly sucked through his TV into a fantastic universe filled with exotic landscapes and lifeforms.

From the moment you begin playing Altered Destiny, you are immersed in a world unlike any other. The game’s text descriptions are incredibly vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a strange and beautiful alien planet. You’ll encounter all sorts of bizarre creatures, from the friendly Quirls to the deadly Wraiths.

The gameplay in Altered Destiny is classic text adventure fare. You explore the world by typing in commands, and you interact with objects and characters by using the correct verbs. The game’s parser is very sophisticated, and it allows you to interact with the world in a very natural way.

One of the things that makes Altered Destiny so special is its sense of humor. The game is filled with witty dialogue and funny situations. For example, early in the game, you can find a can of nacho-flavored popcorn. When you eat it, you are transported to a strange world where everything is made of food.

Altered Destiny was written and designed by Michael Berlyn, who is also known for his work on the classic text adventure games Infidel and Suspended. Berlyn has a knack for creating strange and wonderful worlds, and Altered Destiny is no exception.

The game’s story is full of twists and turns, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. You’ll encounter a cast of memorable characters, and you’ll have to make difficult choices that will affect the outcome of the game.

Altered Destiny is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. If you’re a fan of text adventure games, or if you’re just looking for a unique and unforgettable gaming experience, then you need to check out Altered Destiny.

A Deeper Dive into the World of Altered Destiny

In addition to its strong story and characters, Altered Destiny is also notable for its innovative use of language. The game’s text is full of puns, riddles, and other wordplay. This can make the game challenging at times, but it also adds to its charm.

For example, one of the puzzles in the game involves a group of creatures called the Quirls. The Quirls speak in a strange language that is full of homonyms. This makes it difficult to understand what they are saying, but it also adds to the game’s sense of humor.

Another example of the game’s clever use of language is the way that it describes the different locations in the alien world. For example, one area of the game is called the “Frag Zone.” This is a place where the ground is covered in sharp, glassy fragments. The game’s text describes the Frag Zone as a place where “the very air is sharp.”

Altered Destiny is a game that rewards careful reading and attention to detail. The game’s world is full of secrets and hidden meanings, and it is up to the player to discover them.

The Legacy of Altered Destiny

Altered Destiny was a critical and commercial success when it was released in 1990. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its witty dialogue, and its beautiful world. Altered Destiny has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game among fans of text adventures.

Altered Destiny has also been influential on other games. For example, the game’s use of humor and wordplay has been cited as an influence on the LucasArts adventure games. Altered Destiny has also been praised for its groundbreaking use of language, and it has inspired other games to experiment with different ways of using text.

Altered Destiny is a classic text adventure game that deserves to be remembered as one of the best games of its era. The game’s innovative gameplay, witty dialogue, and beautiful world make it a must-play for fans of adventure games.