Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, DOS, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Opera Soft
- Publishers: Erbe Software, MCM Software, Mister Chip
La Abadía del Crimen: A Classic Spanish Adventure Game
Released in 1987, La Abadía del Crimen (The Abbey of Crime) is a groundbreaking video adventure game that captivated gamers with its immersive medieval setting, intriguing mystery, and innovative 3D isometric graphics. Developed by Spanish programmers Paco Menéndez and Juan Delcán, the game was originally intended to be an adaptation of Umberto Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose. However, due to difficulties in securing the rights, the game was released with an original story and setting.
Gameplay
La Abadía del Crimen is a point-and-click adventure game played from a third-person perspective. Players control Franciscan friar William of Occam and his young novice Adso as they investigate a series of murders that have occurred within a secluded medieval abbey. The game world is rendered in 3D isometric graphics, allowing players to navigate the abbey’s various rooms and corridors, interact with objects, and converse with other characters.
Gameplay revolves around solving puzzles, gathering clues, and interrogating suspects. Players must carefully examine their surroundings, collect items, and combine them in order to progress through the game. The game features a branching narrative with multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices and actions.
Story
The story of La Abadía del Crimen unfolds in a remote Italian abbey in the 14th century. William of Occam, a renowned philosopher and theologian, arrives at the abbey to investigate a series of mysterious deaths. Assisted by his young novice Adso, William delves into the abbey’s dark secrets, uncovering a web of intrigue, heresy, and murder.
As William and Adso investigate, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, each with their own motives and secrets. From the enigmatic abbot to the suspicious monks and servants, every inhabitant of the abbey becomes a potential suspect. Players must carefully interrogate each character, analyze clues, and piece together the truth behind the murders.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, La Abadía del Crimen’s 3D isometric graphics were groundbreaking. The game’s environments are richly detailed, with intricate architecture, realistic textures, and atmospheric lighting. The character sprites are also well-animated, conveying a range of emotions and expressions.
The game’s sound design is equally impressive. The haunting Gregorian chant soundtrack creates an immersive and eerie atmosphere, while the sound effects add depth and realism to the gameplay.
Legacy
La Abadía del Crimen was a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the most popular Spanish video games of all time. It is credited with popularizing the adventure game genre in Spain and inspiring a generation of game developers.
The game’s legacy extends beyond its initial release. In 2008, a remake of La Abadía del Crimen was released for modern PCs, featuring updated graphics and sound. The remake was well-received by critics and fans alike, introducing the classic game to a new generation of gamers.
Conclusion
La Abadía del Crimen is a timeless classic that continues to entertain and challenge gamers today. Its innovative gameplay, immersive story, and stunning graphics have made it a landmark in Spanish gaming history. Whether you’re a seasoned adventure game enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, La Abadía del Crimen is a must-play experience.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
