Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, Texas Instruments TI-99, TRS-80
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Infocom
Ballyhoo (1986): A Thrilling Circus Mystery
Ballyhoo is an interactive fiction computer game designed by Jeff O’Neill and published by Infocom in 1985. It was released for ten different 8 and 16-bit platforms, including MS-DOS, Atari ST, and Commodore 64. It is Infocom’s nineteenth game.
The game’s tagline is “Big-time suspense under the Big Top!”, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The player’s character is bedazzled by the spectacle of the circus and the mystery of the performer’s life. After attending a show of Tomas Munrab’s “The Travelling Circus That Time Forgot”, the player loiters near the tents instead of rushing through the exit. Maybe some clowns will practice a new act, or perhaps at least one of the trapeze artists will trip…
Instead, the player overhears a strange conversation. The circus’ owner has hired a drunken, inept detective to find his daughter Chelsea, who has been kidnapped. Munrab is convinced that it was an outside job; surely his loyal employees would never betray him like this!
The player decides to investigate the abduction, but it soon becomes clear that the circus workers don’t appreciate the intrusion. Their reactions range from indifference to hostility to attempted murder. In order to unravel the mystery, the player engages in a series of actions straight out of a circus fan’s dream: dressing up as a clown, walking the high wire, and taming lions.
Gameplay
Ballyhoo is a text-based adventure game. The player types in commands to control their character and interact with the environment. The game world is described in detail, and the player can explore it at their own pace.
The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to solve them. There are multiple ways to complete the game, and the player’s choices will affect the outcome.
Characters
The characters in Ballyhoo are well-developed and memorable. The player will encounter a variety of characters, from the flamboyant circus owner to the enigmatic trapeze artist. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations.
Setting
Ballyhoo is set in a traveling circus in the early 1900s. The game’s setting is vividly described, and the player can feel the sawdust under their feet and the smell of popcorn in the air.
Themes
Ballyhoo explores a number of themes, including the nature of good and evil, the importance of family, and the power of dreams. The game also provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the circus.
Critical Reception
Ballyhoo was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game.
Legacy
Ballyhoo is considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever made. It has been praised for its originality, its challenging gameplay, and its memorable characters. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the circus setting in video games.
Tips for Playing
Here are a few tips for playing Ballyhoo:
- Talk to everyone you meet. You never know who might have a clue about Chelsea’s whereabouts.
- Explore the circus thoroughly. There are many hidden objects and secrets to be found.
- Don’t be afraid to try different things. There are multiple ways to solve the game’s puzzles.
- Save your game often. The game can be challenging, and you don’t want to lose your progress if you make a mistake.
Conclusion
Ballyhoo is a classic interactive fiction game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging puzzles, well-developed characters, and immersive setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
