Bureaucracy (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Bureaucracy: A Hilarious and Frustrating Journey Through the Kafkaesque Maze

Released in 1987 by Infocom, Bureaucracy is an interactive fiction game that takes players on a hilarious and frustrating journey through the Kafkaesque maze of bureaucracy. Scripted by popular comic science fiction author Douglas Adams, the game challenges players to confront a long and complicated series of bureaucratic hurdles resulting from a recent change of address.

Players take on the role of an ordinary person who has recently moved to a new apartment. However, simple tasks like retrieving misdirected mail and opening a bank account become nearly impossible due to a series of bureaucratic nightmares. The game includes a measure of simulated blood pressure, which rises when “frustrating” events happen and lowers after a period of no annoying events. Once a certain blood pressure level is reached, the player suffers an aneurysm and the game ends.

Bureaucracy is full of bizarre characters and situations that will leave players laughing and screaming in frustration. Players will encounter an antisocial hacker, a paranoid weapons enthusiast, a tribe of Zalagasan cannibals, and a hungry llama. They will also have to deal with impersonal corporations, counterintuitive airport logic, and a never-ending stream of paperwork.

Despite its often frustrating nature, Bureaucracy is a brilliant satire of the bureaucratic nightmare. The game’s humor is sharp and witty, and its characters are unforgettable. Bureaucracy is a must-play for fans of adventure games, British humor, and anyone who has ever had to deal with the frustrations of bureaucracy.

The Bureaucratic Maze

The world of Bureaucracy is a labyrinth of red tape and bureaucracy. Players must navigate a complex web of government agencies, corporations, and other organizations, each with its own set of rules and regulations. To complete the game, players must learn to navigate this maze and find creative ways to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

One of the most frustrating aspects of Bureaucracy is the game’s lack of clear instructions. Players are often left to figure out what to do next on their own, which can lead to a lot of trial and error. However, this also adds to the game’s challenge and replayability.

The Characters of Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is full of a cast of quirky and memorable characters. Players will encounter a wide range of people, from helpful strangers to unhelpful bureaucrats. Some of the most notable characters include:

  • Arthur Dent: The protagonist of the game, who is trying to retrieve his misdirected mail.
  • Ford Prefect: Arthur’s friend and a former researcher for the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
  • Zaphod Beeblebrox: The eccentric president of the Galaxy, who makes a cameo appearance in the game.
  • Marvin the Paranoid Android: A depressed and pessimistic robot who provides comic relief throughout the game.

The Humor of Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is a very funny game. Douglas Adams’s wit and humor are on full display throughout the game. The game is full of absurd situations, clever puns, and laugh-out-loud moments.

One of the funniest aspects of the game is the way it satirizes bureaucracy. The game’s characters and situations are exaggerated, but they are also based on real-life experiences. Bureaucracy captures the frustration and absurdity of dealing with bureaucracy in a way that is both hilarious and relatable.

The Legacy of Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its humor, originality, and challenge. Bureaucracy has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game today.

Bureaucracy has also been influential in the development of other interactive fiction games. The game’s unique blend of humor, satire, and challenge has inspired many other game designers. Bureaucracy is a classic interactive fiction game that deserves to be played by anyone who enjoys adventure games, British humor, or satire.

Conclusion

Bureaucracy is a hilarious and frustrating journey through the Kafkaesque maze of bureaucracy. The game’s sharp wit, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of adventure games, British humor, and anyone who has ever had to deal with the frustrations of bureaucracy.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More