Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari 5200, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Developers: Computer’s Dream
B.A.T. (1989): A Cyberpunk Adventure Classic
B.A.T., short for Bureau of Astral Troubleshooters, is a groundbreaking interactive fiction game released in 1989 for the MSX, PC, and Commodore 64. Developed by Magnetic Scrolls, the game is known for its immersive cyberpunk setting, complex plot, and innovative use of language.
Plot
The game is set in the year 2042 in the futuristic city of Terrapolis, the largest city on the planet Selenia. The player takes on the role of a B.A.T. sergeant who must stop a mad scientist and a small-time crook from setting off nuclear bombs in the city. The player has only 10 days to complete their mission, and the fate of Terrapolis hangs in the balance.
Gameplay
B.A.T. is a text-based adventure game, but it features a number of innovative gameplay elements that set it apart from other games of its era. For example, the game features a dynamic conversation system that allows the player to interact with NPCs in a natural and realistic way. The player can also explore the city of Terrapolis in detail, visiting over 1100 different locations.
Setting
B.A.T. is set in a cyberpunk world that is both familiar and strange. The game’s world is filled with advanced technology, but it is also a world of poverty, crime, and corruption. The player must navigate this complex world in order to complete their mission.
Characters
The player character in B.A.T. is a B.A.T. sergeant who is tasked with stopping the mad scientist and the small-time crook. The player character is a skilled investigator and a capable fighter.
The game also features a number of other characters, including:
- Vrangar: A mad scientist who is planning to set off nuclear bombs in Terrapolis.
- Merigo: A small-time crook who is helping Vrangar with his plan.
- Anya: A B.A.T. agent who is assisting the player character in their mission.
Themes
B.A.T. explores a number of themes, including:
- The dangers of technology
- The importance of justice
- The power of hope
Legacy
B.A.T. was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its immersive setting, complex plot, and innovative gameplay. B.A.T. is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.
Conclusion
B.A.T. is a classic adventure game that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s cyberpunk setting, complex plot, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
