Summary

Release Year: 1989
Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Strategy
Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS
Developers: Delphine Software
Publishers: Delphine Software, Palace Software

Future Wars (1989): A Time-Traveling Adventure

Introduction

Released in 1989, Future Wars is a unique and ambitious time-traveling adventure game that blends elements of science fiction, action, and puzzle-solving. The game follows the story of a simple window cleaner who discovers a secret passage leading to a time machine and mysterious alien documents. Operating the device transports the protagonist to the year 1304, where he is given a seemingly ordinary task of rescuing a lady in danger. However, he soon finds out about a much more sinister plot that threatens the future of humanity.

Gameplay

Future Wars is played from a third-person perspective, with the player controlling the protagonist as he explores various environments, solves puzzles, and engages in combat with enemies. The game features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including:

Time travel: The player can use the time machine to travel to different time periods, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.
Exploration: The player can explore a variety of environments, including castles, dungeons, and forests, in search of clues and items.
Puzzle-solving: The player must solve a variety of puzzles in order to progress through the game, such as finding keys to open doors, deciphering codes, and operating machinery.
Combat: The player can engage in combat with enemies using a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and guns.

Plot

The story of Future Wars is complex and engaging, with multiple twists and turns. The player begins the game as a window cleaner named George who is working outside of a skyscraper. Intending to play a prank on his angry boss, George discovers a secret passage leading to a time machine along with mysterious alien documents. Operating the device transports George to the year 1304, where he is given a seemingly ordinary task of rescuing a lady in danger. However, George soon finds out about a much more sinister plot that threatens the future of humanity.

As George travels through time, he learns about a group of aliens who are planning to invade Earth and enslave humanity. George must use his wits and courage to stop the aliens and save the future.

Characters

The player controls George, a simple window cleaner who is thrust into a dangerous and exciting adventure. George is a resourceful and determined hero, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to stop the aliens and save the future.

Along the way, George meets a variety of other characters, including:

Lady Jane: A beautiful and intelligent woman who is being held captive by the aliens.
Sir William: A brave and noble knight who helps George on his quest.
Merlin: A wise and powerful wizard who provides George with guidance and assistance.

Setting

Future Wars takes place in a variety of time periods, including the present day, the year 1304, and the future. Each time period has its own unique look and feel, and the player will encounter different challenges and opportunities in each era.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Future Wars featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s environments are detailed and atmospheric, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s music and sound effects are also top-notch, and they help to create a sense of immersion and excitement.

Reception

Future Wars was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and impressive graphics and sound. Future Wars was also a pioneer in the use of time travel in video games, and it helped to pave the way for other time-traveling classics such as Chrono Trigger and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Legacy

Future Wars is considered to be one of the best time-traveling adventure games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, engaging story, and impressive graphics and sound have stood the test of time, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Future Wars was also the first in what was supposed to be a series of games about time travel, but no other games were ever made. Despite this, Future Wars remains a beloved classic, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Conclusion

Future Wars is a timeless classic that deserves to be experienced by all gamers. The game’s innovative gameplay, engaging story, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of time-traveling adventure games. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding retro gaming experience, then Future Wars is the game for you.

Review Score

7.5/10

Future Wars (1989)