Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Delta 4 Software
- Publishers: CRL Group PLC, Silversoft
Bored of the Rings (1985): A Hilarious Parody of Tolkien’s Classic
Bored of the Rings is a 1985 text adventure game developed by Fergus McNeill for the ZX Spectrum. It is a parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and follows the adventures of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they attempt to destroy the One Ring.
The game is full of humor, and many of the characters and places from The Lord of the Rings are given a comedic twist. For example, Gandalf the Grey is renamed “Gandalf the Buff”, and the One Ring is renamed the “One Onion”.
Bored of the Rings was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best text adventure games of all time. It has been praised for its humor, originality, and challenging gameplay.
Gameplay
Bored of the Rings is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a parser to interpret the player’s commands, and then responds with a description of the game world and the results of the player’s actions.
The player controls Frodo Baggins, and must guide him through a series of challenges in order to destroy the One Onion. Along the way, Frodo will encounter a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and ultimately complete their quest.
Setting
Bored of the Rings is set in Middle-earth, the same fictional world as The Lord of the Rings. However, the game’s setting is much more lighthearted and comedic than Tolkien’s original creation.
The game world is full of strange and wonderful places, such as the Misty Mountains, the Forest of Fangorn, and the Mines of Moria. However, these places are often given a comedic twist. For example, the Misty Mountains are described as being “full of mist and hobbits”, and the Forest of Fangorn is said to be “home to talking trees and giant spiders”.
Characters
Bored of the Rings features a cast of characters that are both familiar and new. Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Buff, and Samwise Gamgee all make an appearance, but they are joined by a number of new characters, such as Aragorn the Arrogant and Legolas the Elf-Lord.
The characters in Bored of the Rings are all very well-developed, and they each have their own unique personality and motivations. The player will quickly grow attached to these characters, and will root for them to succeed in their quest.
Humor
Bored of the Rings is a very funny game. McNeill’s writing is full of wit and humor, and he has a knack for creating memorable and hilarious characters. The game is full of laugh-out-loud moments, and players will find themselves constantly entertained by the game’s humor.
Legacy
Bored of the Rings is considered one of the best text adventure games of all time. It is a classic example of the genre, and it has influenced many subsequent games. The game’s humor, originality, and challenging gameplay have made it a favorite among gamers for over 30 years.
Bored of the Rings is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is available on a variety of platforms, including the ZX Spectrum, PC, and mobile devices. If you are a fan of text adventure games, or if you are looking for a good laugh, then I highly recommend checking out Bored of the Rings.
Conclusion
Bored of the Rings is a hilarious and challenging text adventure game that is sure to entertain gamers of all ages. With its memorable characters, witty writing, and challenging gameplay, Bored of the Rings is a classic game that deserves to be played by everyone.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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