Cranston Manor (1981)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Cranston Manor (1981)

Cranston Manor is a text-based adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1981. You play as a treasure hunter who breaks into the mansion of the late millionaire Cranston in order to steal sixteen treasures which are said to be hidden within its walls.

The game is set in a large, rambling mansion with over 100 rooms to explore. Each room is described in detail, and you can interact with objects in the room by typing commands. For example, you can “get” objects, “examine” them, and “use” them on other objects.

The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and there are multiple ways to solve most of them. The game also features a number of red herrings, so it’s important to pay attention to the clues and think carefully about your next move.

Cranston Manor was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time. It was praised for its atmospheric setting, challenging puzzles, and clever writing.

Gameplay

The game is played from a first-person perspective. You can move around the mansion by typing commands such as “go north”, “go east”, “go up”, and “go down”. You can also interact with objects in the room by typing commands such as “get”, “examine”, and “use”.

The game’s puzzles are varied and challenging. Some puzzles require you to find hidden objects, while others require you to solve logic puzzles or figure out how to use objects in the environment.

The game also features a number of red herrings, so it’s important to pay attention to the clues and think carefully about your next move.

Setting

The game is set in a large, rambling mansion with over 100 rooms to explore. The mansion is filled with valuable treasures, but it is also home to a number of dangerous traps and puzzles.

The mansion is divided into three floors: the basement, the ground floor, and the second floor. The basement is home to the servant’s quarters and the kitchen. The ground floor is home to the main living areas, including the living room, dining room, and library. The second floor is home to the bedrooms and bathrooms.

The mansion is also surrounded by a large garden, which contains a number of hidden paths and secret passages.

Characters

You are the only playable character in the game. However, you will encounter a number of non-player characters (NPCs) throughout the game. These NPCs can provide you with information, help you solve puzzles, or hinder your progress.

Some of the NPCs you will encounter include:

  • The butler: The butler is a helpful NPC who can provide you with information about the mansion and its inhabitants.
  • The maid: The maid is a shy NPC who can provide you with information about the mansion’s secrets.
  • The gardener: The gardener is a grumpy NPC who can provide you with information about the garden and its hidden paths.
  • The librarian: The librarian is a knowledgeable NPC who can provide you with information about the mansion’s history and its treasures.

Treasures

There are sixteen treasures hidden within the mansion. These treasures include:

  • The Cranston Diamond: A large, uncut diamond that is said to be worth a fortune.
  • The Cranston Ruby: A large, uncut ruby that is said to be even more valuable than the diamond.
  • The Cranston Emerald: A large, uncut emerald that is said to be the most beautiful gemstone in the world.
  • The Cranston Sapphire: A large, uncut sapphire that is said to be as blue as the sky.
  • The Cranston Topaz: A large, uncut topaz that is said to be as yellow as the sun.
  • The Cranston Amethyst: A large, uncut amethyst that is said to be as purple as a grape.
  • The Cranston Pearl: A large, perfectly round pearl that is said to be the most valuable pearl in the world.
  • The Cranston Gold: A large amount of gold that is said to be worth a king’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Silver: A large amount of silver that is said to be worth a queen’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Bronze: A large amount of bronze that is said to be worth a prince’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Copper: A large amount of copper that is said to be worth a duke’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Iron: A large amount of iron that is said to be worth a count’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Lead: A large amount of lead that is said to be worth a baron’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Tin: A large amount of tin that is said to be worth a knight’s ransom.
  • The Cranston Zinc: A large amount of zinc that is said to be worth a squire’s ransom.

Legacy

Cranston Manor was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time. It was praised for its atmospheric setting, challenging puzzles, and clever writing.

The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Apple II, Commodore 64, IBM PC, and Atari 8-bit family. It has also been re-released on a number of compilation discs and digital distribution platforms.

Cranston Manor has been cited as an influence on a number of other adventure games, including King’s Quest, The Secret of Monkey Island, and Myst. It is also considered to be one of the first games to feature a female protagonist.

Conclusion

Cranston Manor is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game with a great sense of atmosphere and clever writing. If you are a fan of adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Cranston Manor.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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