Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Ozark Softscape
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Heart of Africa: A Text-Based Adventure Through the Dark Continent
Released in 1985, Heart of Africa is a text-based adventure game that takes players on a perilous journey through the African jungle in search of the lost tomb of Pharaoh Ahnk Ahnk. Developed by Magnetic Scrolls, the game is known for its detailed world, challenging puzzles, and immersive storytelling.
Gameplay
Heart of Africa is played from a first-person perspective, with the player character controlled using simple text commands. The game world is described in detail, with players able to explore a variety of locations, including dense jungles, treacherous mountains, and ancient ruins.
The game’s puzzles are varied and challenging, requiring players to use their wits and ingenuity to solve them. Players must decipher clues, navigate treacherous terrain, and interact with a cast of colorful characters.
Setting
Heart of Africa is set in a fictionalized version of Africa, with the game world inspired by real-world locations and cultures. The game’s setting is rich and detailed, with players able to explore a variety of different environments, from lush jungles to arid deserts.
The game’s characters are also well-developed and memorable, with each character having their own unique motivations and personalities. Players will encounter a variety of characters, from friendly natives to hostile bandits, and each interaction will have a different impact on the player’s journey.
Story
The story of Heart of Africa begins with the player character being hired to find the lost tomb of Pharaoh Ahnk Ahnk. The tomb is said to contain vast riches, and the player character stands to inherit a fortune if they can find it.
The player character’s journey takes them through a variety of different locations, from the bustling port city of Zanzibar to the treacherous jungles of the interior. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including treacherous terrain, dangerous animals, and hostile natives.
Reception
Heart of Africa was critically acclaimed upon release, with reviewers praising the game’s detailed world, challenging puzzles, and immersive storytelling. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Heart of Africa is considered to be one of the classic text-based adventure games, and it remains popular with fans of the genre today. The game’s detailed world, challenging puzzles, and immersive storytelling make it a must-play for any fan of adventure games.
Legacy
Heart of Africa has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s detailed world and challenging puzzles helped to set a new standard for text-based adventure games. The game’s success also helped to pave the way for other adventure games set in Africa, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Far Cry 2.
Heart of Africa is a classic text-based adventure game that remains popular with fans of the genre today. The game’s detailed world, challenging puzzles, and immersive storytelling make it a must-play for any fan of adventure games.
Review Score
7.5/10