Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: DOS
- Developers: International PC Owners
- Publishers: International PC Owners
Desert (1982): A Challenging and Rewarding Adventure
Desert is a text-based adventure game released in 1982 for the TRS-80, Apple II, and Commodore 64. It was developed by David Mullich and published by Automated Simulations. The game is set in the Gobi Desert, and the player takes on the role of a cameleer who must travel across the desert to deliver a message.
The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The player can move around the desert, interact with objects, and talk to other characters. The game world is vast and unforgiving, and the player must carefully manage their resources in order to survive.
One of the most challenging aspects of Desert is the need to manage the player’s water supply. The player’s canteen can hold up to six drinks of water, and the player must carefully ration their water in order to avoid dehydration. The player can refill their canteen at oases, but these are few and far between.
Another challenge in Desert is the presence of hostile pygmies. The pygmies are constantly pursuing the player, and they will attack if they get too close. The player must be careful to avoid the pygmies, or they will quickly lose their camel and all of their belongings.
In addition to the pygmies, the player must also contend with a variety of other hazards, such as sandstorms, roving bands of nomads, and poisonous snakes. The player must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of each action in order to survive.
Despite the challenges, Desert is a rewarding and enjoyable game. The game’s world is rich and detailed, and the player has a real sense of accomplishment when they finally reach their destination. Desert is a classic text-based adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Gameplay
Desert is a text-based adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s world is vast and unforgiving, and the player must carefully manage their resources in order to survive.
The player’s goal is to travel across the desert to deliver a message. Along the way, the player must manage their water supply, avoid hostile pygmies, and contend with a variety of other hazards.
The player’s canteen can hold up to six drinks of water. The player must carefully ration their water in order to avoid dehydration. The player can refill their canteen at oases, but these are few and far between.
The player must also be careful to avoid the pygmies. The pygmies are constantly pursuing the player, and they will attack if they get too close. The player can outrun the pygmies, but this will tire the player’s camel.
In addition to the pygmies, the player must also contend with a variety of other hazards, such as sandstorms, roving bands of nomads, and poisonous snakes. The player must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of each action in order to survive.
Development
Desert was developed by David Mullich and published by Automated Simulations. Mullich was inspired to create the game after reading a book about the Gobi Desert. He wanted to create a game that would capture the harsh beauty of the desert and the challenges of survival.
Mullich spent several years developing Desert. He carefully researched the Gobi Desert and the culture of the people who live there. He also developed a unique game engine that allowed him to create a vast and unforgiving game world.
Desert was released in 1982 and was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realism, its challenging gameplay, and its beautiful writing. Desert is considered to be one of the classic text-based adventure games and is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Legacy
Desert has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and realistic setting have inspired many other games, including the Fallout series and the Oregon Trail. Desert is also considered to be one of the first games to feature a female protagonist.
Desert is a classic text-based adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, beautiful writing, and realistic setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
