Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Publishers: Addictive
Artificial Dreams: A Mind-Bending Text Adventure Classic
Released in 1988 for the ZX Spectrum, Artificial Dreams is a text adventure game that takes players on a mind-bending journey through the realms of reality and the digital world. Developed by Level 9 Computing, the game is known for its innovative gameplay, thought-provoking story, and groundbreaking use of computer graphics.
Gameplay
Artificial Dreams is a text adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player controls the protagonist, a man named David, who finds himself trapped in a strange and surreal world. David must navigate this world by interacting with objects, solving puzzles, and making choices that will affect the course of the story.
The game’s puzzles are varied and challenging, requiring the player to think outside the box and use their imagination. Some puzzles involve manipulating objects in the environment, while others require the player to solve riddles or logic problems. The game also features several branching paths, which means that the player’s choices will determine how the story unfolds.
Story
Artificial Dreams’ story is one of the game’s most compelling aspects. The game begins with David waking up in a hospital bed, with no memory of how he got there. As he explores the hospital, he begins to realize that something is not quite right. The staff seems strange and evasive, and the hospital itself seems to be a labyrinth of endless corridors and bizarre rooms.
David soon discovers that he is not in a real hospital, but in a virtual reality simulation created by a powerful computer system known as the Dream Machine. The Dream Machine has trapped David in this simulation in order to study his mind and emotions. David must find a way to escape the Dream Machine and return to the real world, but doing so will not be easy.
Graphics
Artificial Dreams was one of the first text adventure games to use computer graphics. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s use of color is particularly noteworthy, as it helps to distinguish between the different areas of the Dream Machine simulation.
Themes
Artificial Dreams explores a number of thought-provoking themes, including the nature of reality, the power of technology, and the human psyche. The game challenges players to question what is real and what is not, and to consider the implications of creating artificial worlds.
Legacy
Artificial Dreams was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest text adventure games ever made. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, thought-provoking story, and groundbreaking use of computer graphics. Artificial Dreams has also been credited with inspiring a number of other video games, including the Myst series and the Metal Gear Solid series.
Conclusion
Artificial Dreams is a classic text adventure game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, thought-provoking story, and groundbreaking use of computer graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, then Artificial Dreams is the game for you.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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