Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, TRS-80, TRS-80 Color Computer
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Infocom
Enchanter (1983): A Pioneering Masterpiece of Interactive Fiction
Released in 1983, Enchanter is a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that set new standards for the genre. Developed by Marc Blank and Dave Lebling and published by Infocom, Enchanter was the first fantasy game released by the company after the Zork trilogy and showcased a number of innovative features that would go on to influence future interactive fiction games.
Gameplay
Enchanter is a text-based adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player controls a novice enchanter who is sent on a quest to defeat the evil warlock Krill, who is spreading chaos and destruction throughout the land. The player must explore a variety of locations, solve puzzles, and cast spells in order to progress through the game.
One of the most innovative features of Enchanter is its spell system. Spells are represented by nonsense “magic words” which are treated as verbs by the game’s text parser. This allows the player to cast spells in a natural and intuitive way, simply by typing the spell’s name followed by the object or target of the spell. For example, to cast the FROTZ spell (which causes objects to glow and give off light), the player would simply type >FROTZ BOOK.
The spell system in Enchanter is also based on the concept of “memorization.” Before a spell can be cast, it must first be memorized by the player’s character. This adds an element of strategy to the game, as the player must carefully choose which spells to memorize based on the challenges they are likely to face.
Setting
Enchanter is set in a fantasy world that is both whimsical and dangerous. The player will encounter a variety of creatures and characters, including talking animals, mischievous sprites, and powerful wizards. The game’s world is richly detailed and充滿想象力, and the player will feel truly immersed in the setting.
Characters
The player character in Enchanter is a novice enchanter who is sent on a quest to defeat the evil warlock Krill. The player character is not particularly powerful at the start of the game, but they will gradually become more powerful as they gain experience and learn new spells.
The other characters in Enchanter are a diverse and memorable cast. The player will meet a variety of helpful and unhelpful characters, including a talking cat, a wise old wizard, and a beautiful princess. The characters in Enchanter are well-developed and believable, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.
Themes
Enchanter explores a number of themes, including the power of good versus evil, the importance of knowledge and wisdom, and the dangers of hubris. The game’s story is a classic tale of good triumphing over evil, but it also raises some important questions about the nature of power and the responsibilities that come with it.
Legacy
Enchanter was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever made. The game’s innovative spell system and compelling story have influenced countless other interactive fiction games, and it remains a popular choice for fans of the genre today.
Conclusion
Enchanter is a true classic of interactive fiction. The game’s innovative spell system, immersive setting, and memorable characters have made it a beloved favorite of gamers for over 30 years. If you are a fan of interactive fiction, or if you are simply looking for a great adventure game to play, then I highly recommend Enchanter.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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