Summary
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC
Doppleganger: A Text-Based Adventure Classic
Released in 1984, Doppleganger is a text-based adventure game that quickly became a classic in the genre. Developed by Infocom, the game is known for its complex and branching storyline, challenging puzzles, and eerie atmosphere.
Story
The game begins with the player character waking up in a strange and unfamiliar room. They have no memory of who they are or how they got there. As they explore their surroundings, they soon discover that they are trapped in a vast and labyrinthine complex known as the Institute.
The player quickly learns that they are not alone in the Institute. They encounter a cast of strange and enigmatic characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. Some of these characters are friendly and helpful, while others are hostile and dangerous.
As the player progresses through the game, they slowly begin to piece together their own identity and the mystery of the Institute. They learn that they are a “doppleganger,” a clone created by the Institute for nefarious purposes.
The player must use their wits and cunning to navigate the Institute, solve puzzles, and ultimately escape. Along the way, they will make choices that will affect the outcome of the game.
Gameplay
Doppleganger is a text-based adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a parser to interpret the player’s commands and respond accordingly.
The game world is described in detail, and the player can explore it by moving from location to location. The player can also interact with objects and characters by using commands such as “get,” “use,” and “talk.”
Doppleganger features a complex and branching storyline. The player’s choices will affect the course of the game, and there are multiple possible endings.
Puzzles
Doppleganger is known for its challenging puzzles. The puzzles are often logical and require the player to think outside the box. Some of the puzzles are also timed, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
Atmosphere
Doppleganger has a dark and eerie atmosphere. The game’s text descriptions are vivid and evocative, and the player can easily get lost in the game world. The game’s soundtrack, composed by David Zucker, adds to the atmosphere and helps to create a sense of tension and suspense.
Legacy
Doppleganger was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its complex storyline, challenging puzzles, and eerie atmosphere. Doppleganger is considered to be one of the greatest text-based adventure games ever made, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.
Re-releases
Doppleganger has been re-released several times over the years. The game was originally released for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC. It was later ported to the Atari ST, Amiga, and Macintosh.
In 2002, Doppleganger was re-released as part of the Infocom Classics compilation for Windows and Mac OS X. The game was also released for iOS and Android in 2010.
Reception
Doppleganger has received critical acclaim since its release. The game has been praised for its complex storyline, challenging puzzles, and eerie atmosphere. Doppleganger has been included in several lists of the greatest video games of all time.
Awards
Doppleganger has won numerous awards, including:
- Game of the Year (1984) from Softline magazine
- Adventure Game of the Year (1984) from Computer Gaming World magazine
- Codie award for Best Adventure/Role-Playing Game (1985) from the Software Publishers Association
Influence
Doppleganger has had a significant influence on the adventure game genre. The game’s complex storyline, challenging puzzles, and eerie atmosphere have been imitated by many other games. Doppleganger is considered to be one of the most important and influential adventure games ever made.
Conclusion
Doppleganger is a classic text-based adventure game that still holds up today. The game’s complex storyline, challenging puzzles, and eerie atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure game, then Doppleganger is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10
