Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Graham Nelson
- Publishers: Graham Nelson
Jigsaw (1995): A Text-Based Time-Traveling Adventure
Released in 1995, Jigsaw is an epic text-based adventure game that takes players on a journey through different historical periods. Developed by the British studio The Magnetic Scrolls, Jigsaw is known for its complex puzzles, rich storytelling, and innovative use of time travel as a gameplay mechanic.
Gameplay
Jigsaw is played from a first-person perspective, with the player interacting with the game world through text commands. The game is set in a variety of historical eras, including ancient Egypt, Victorian England, and the American Wild West. Players take on the role of a time traveler who must solve puzzles and complete objectives in order to progress through the game.
One of the unique features of Jigsaw is its use of time travel. Players can use a time machine to travel back and forth between different eras, and their actions in one era can have consequences in another. For example, a player might need to collect an item in the past in order to use it to solve a puzzle in the present.
Plot
The plot of Jigsaw is complex and non-linear, with multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. The game begins with the player waking up in a strange and unfamiliar place. They soon discover that they have been chosen to be a “Jigsaw Master,” and that their task is to travel through time and collect a series of artifacts.
As the player travels through time, they encounter a variety of historical figures and events. They must use their wits and knowledge of history to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Along the way, they will learn more about the nature of time travel and the consequences of their actions.
Puzzles
Jigsaw is known for its challenging and rewarding puzzles. The puzzles are varied and require players to use their logic, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of history. Some puzzles involve finding hidden objects, while others require players to decipher codes or solve riddles.
One of the most famous puzzles in Jigsaw is the “Tower of Hanoi” puzzle. This puzzle requires the player to move a stack of disks from one peg to another, following specific rules. The puzzle is notoriously difficult, and many players have spent hours trying to solve it.
Reception
Jigsaw was critically acclaimed upon its release, and it is still considered one of the greatest text-based adventure games ever made. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, complex puzzles, and rich storytelling. Jigsaw was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Jigsaw has had a lasting impact on the adventure game genre. The game’s innovative use of time travel as a gameplay mechanic has been imitated by many other games, including the Myst series and the TimeSplitters series. Jigsaw is also credited with helping to popularize text-based adventure games in the mid-1990s.
Today, Jigsaw is still enjoyed by a dedicated community of fans. The game is available for purchase on GOG.com and Steam, and it can also be played online through a variety of emulators.
Conclusion
Jigsaw is a classic text-based adventure game that offers a unique and challenging experience. The game’s complex puzzles, rich storytelling, and innovative use of time travel make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
