Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, TRS-80
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Commodore Electronics Ltd., Infocom
Deadline (1982): A Classic Interactive Fiction Murder Mystery
Introduction
Released in 1982 by Infocom, Deadline is a text-based interactive fiction game that quickly became a classic of the genre. Written by Marc Blank, Deadline was one of the first murder mystery interactive fiction games, and it set a new standard for storytelling and gameplay.
Gameplay
In Deadline, you play as an unnamed police detective who is summoned to a sprawling Connecticut estate to investigate the apparent suicide of wealthy industrialist Marshall Robner. At first, it seems like a very straightforward case: the body was discovered in the library, which had been locked from the inside, and the cause of death was an overdose of his prescribed antidepressants. But something just doesn’t feel right.
As you investigate, you’ll uncover a cast of suspicious characters, each with their own secrets and motives. You’ll need to interview witnesses, collect evidence, and piece together the clues to solve the case. But be careful – you only have twelve hours to do it before the case is closed forever.
Setting
Deadline is set in a large, rambling mansion on a stormy night. The atmosphere is dark and oppressive, and the mansion’s many rooms and secret passages provide the perfect setting for a murder mystery.
Characters
Deadline features a cast of well-developed and memorable characters. Each character has their own unique personality and motives, and they all play a role in the mystery.
- Detective: The player character is an unnamed police detective who is called in to investigate Robner’s death. The detective is a skilled investigator, but they’re also new to the force and eager to prove themselves.
- Sergeant Duffy: Duffy is a level-headed and experienced police sergeant who assists the detective in their investigation. Duffy provides valuable advice and support, and he’s always there to help the detective when they need it.
- Marshall Robner: The victim of the murder, Robner was a wealthy industrialist and the owner of the mansion. Robner was a complex and enigmatic figure, and his death has left many unanswered questions.
- The suspects: A cast of suspicious characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The suspects include Robner’s wife, his children, his business associates, and the staff of the mansion.
Themes
Deadline explores a number of themes, including murder, mystery, and justice. The game also raises questions about the nature of truth and the limits of human knowledge.
Reception
Deadline was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its well-written story, its complex characters, and its innovative gameplay. Deadline was also one of the first interactive fiction games to be ported to multiple platforms, and it helped to popularize the genre.
Legacy
Deadline is considered to be one of the classic interactive fiction games. The game’s innovative gameplay and well-written story have influenced a generation of game designers. Deadline is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains one of the most popular interactive fiction games ever made.
Conclusion
Deadline is a classic interactive fiction murder mystery game that offers a compelling story, complex characters, and challenging gameplay. The game is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it’s still enjoyed by gamers today.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
