Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Level 9 Computing
- Publishers: Firebird, Rainbird
Knight Orc: A Unique and Hilarious Blend of Fantasy and Science Fiction
Knight Orc is a 1987 text adventure game developed by Level 9 and released for a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. The game is notable for its unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, as well as its humorous tone.
The game begins with the player character, Grindleguts the orc, waking up strapped to a horse and about to joust with a human knight. Grindleguts has no memory of how he got into this situation, and his “friends” are nowhere to be seen. The player must then guide Grindleguts through a series of challenges in order to escape from his predicament and get revenge on his tormentors.
The first part of the game takes place in a traditional fantasy setting, with Grindleguts interacting with a variety of characters, including elves, dwarves, and dragons. However, after the first chapter, the game takes a surprising turn and switches to a science fiction setting. Grindleguts is revealed to be a malfunctioning non-player character in a futuristic MMORPG, and he must use his power of transitioning between fantasy and reality to escape from the simulated reality facility.
Along the way, Grindleguts meets a cast of quirky and memorable characters, including a talking dog, a robot butler, and a mad scientist. The game’s dialogue is full of humor and wit, and the puzzles are challenging but fair.
Gameplay
Knight Orc is a standard text adventure game, with the player interacting with the game world by typing commands. The game features a variety of puzzles, including inventory puzzles, logic puzzles, and combat encounters. The game also features a unique “reality hopping” mechanic, which allows Grindleguts to switch between the fantasy and science fiction settings.
Reception
Knight Orc was met with positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, as well as its humorous tone. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Knight Orc is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games of the 1980s. The game’s unique blend of genres and its humorous tone have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Knight Orc has also been cited as an influence on later games, such as the Ultima series and the Fallout series.
Conclusion
Knight Orc is a unique and hilarious text adventure game that is sure to entertain fans of the genre. The game’s blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, as well as its humorous tone, make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Review Score
8/10
