Jewels of Darkness (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Jewels of Darkness (1986): A Classic Collection of Interactive Fiction Adventures

Jewels of Darkness is a collection of three interactive fiction games with graphics, released in 1986 by Rainbird Software. The games are:

  • Jewels of Darkness: Adventure Quest
  • Jewels of Darkness: Colossal Adventure
  • Jewels of Darkness: Dungeon Adventure

All three games are text-based adventures with simple graphics, but they offer a surprisingly immersive and engaging experience. The player takes on the role of a lone adventurer who must explore a dark and dangerous castle, solve puzzles, and battle monsters in order to retrieve the legendary Jewels of Darkness.

Jewels of Darkness: Adventure Quest

The first game in the collection, Adventure Quest, is a fairly straightforward dungeon crawl. The player must explore a series of rooms and corridors, fighting monsters and solving puzzles in order to find the key to the next level. The game is relatively short, but it’s a good introduction to the world of Jewels of Darkness.

Jewels of Darkness: Colossal Adventure

The second game in the collection, Colossal Adventure, is much larger and more complex than Adventure Quest. The player must explore a vast castle, solving puzzles and fighting monsters in order to find the four Jewels of Darkness. The game is full of secrets and hidden areas, and it can take many hours to complete.

Jewels of Darkness: Dungeon Adventure

The third game in the collection, Dungeon Adventure, is a dungeon crawl similar to Adventure Quest. However, this game is much more difficult, and the player must be careful not to get lost or overwhelmed by the monsters. The game is also full of traps and puzzles, and it can be very challenging to complete.

Overall

Jewels of Darkness is a classic collection of interactive fiction adventures. The games are well-written and engaging, and they offer a surprisingly immersive experience. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Jewels of Darkness.

Review

I give Jewels of Darkness a score of 8/10. The games are well-written and engaging, and they offer a lot of replay value. However, the graphics are dated and the games can be difficult to get into at first. Overall, though, Jewels of Darkness is a classic collection of interactive fiction adventures that is well worth checking out.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing Jewels of Darkness:

  • Take your time. The games are complex and there is a lot to explore. Don’t rush through the games, or you’ll miss out on a lot of the fun.
  • Explore everywhere. There are many hidden areas in the games, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny. You never know what you might find.
  • Talk to everyone. The NPCs in the games can give you valuable information and help you on your quest.
  • Be careful. The games are full of monsters and traps, so be careful not to get yourself killed.
  • Save often. The games can be difficult, so be sure to save your progress often.

Legacy

Jewels of Darkness was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the interactive fiction genre. The games were praised for their well-written stories, immersive environments, and challenging puzzles. Jewels of Darkness has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game today.

Remake

In 2018, a remake of Jewels of Darkness was released for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The remake features updated graphics and sound, as well as some new content. The remake was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it is a great way to experience the classic games in a modern format.

Conclusion

Jewels of Darkness is a classic collection of interactive fiction adventures that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The games are well-written and engaging, and they offer a lot of replay value. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Jewels of Darkness.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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