Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Level 9 Computing
- Publishers: Datasoft, Inc., Mandarin Software
Lancelot (1988): A Text-Based Grail Quest
Lancelot is a text-based adventure game developed by Level 9 and released in 1988. It is based on the Arthurian legend of Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table, and his quest for the Holy Grail. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best text adventure games ever made.
Gameplay
Lancelot is a standard text adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game world is described in text, and the player must use their imagination to visualize the setting and the characters. The player can explore the game world, interact with objects and characters, and solve puzzles in order to progress.
The game’s parser is relatively sophisticated for its time, and allows the player to input complex commands. For example, the player can type “get the sword from the scabbard” or “talk to the king about the Holy Grail.” The parser will understand the player’s intent and carry out the appropriate action.
Setting
Lancelot is set in the mythical world of King Arthur’s court. The player takes on the role of Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table. The game world is full of medieval castles, forests, and dungeons. The player will encounter a variety of characters, including King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Merlin the wizard.
Plot
The game’s plot follows Lancelot’s quest for the Holy Grail. The Grail is a sacred cup that is said to have been used by Jesus at the Last Supper. It is said to have miraculous powers, and many knights have sought to find it.
Lancelot’s quest takes him to many different locations, including the Forest of Broceliande, the Valley of No Return, and the Castle of Corbin. Along the way, he must battle monsters, solve puzzles, and overcome other challenges.
Reception
Lancelot was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its well-written story, its complex puzzles, and its sophisticated parser. The game was also a financial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
Lancelot is considered one of the best text adventure games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of Arthurian legend and text-based adventure games.
Legacy
Lancelot has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is one of the first games to feature a complex and well-written story. It also helped to popularize the text adventure genre.
Lancelot has been ported to many different platforms, including the PC, the Apple II, and the Commodore 64. It is also available as a free download from the Internet Archive.
Review
Lancelot is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyable today. It has a well-written story, complex puzzles, and a sophisticated parser. If you are a fan of Arthurian legend or text-based adventure games, then you should definitely check out Lancelot.
Score: 8/10
Pros:
- Well-written story
- Complex puzzles
- Sophisticated parser
Cons:
- Can be challenging for beginners
- Graphics are limited on some platforms
Review Score
8/10
