Summary
Lost Dutchman Mine (1989): A Classic Adventure Game
Lost Dutchman Mine is a classic adventure game released in 1989 by Sierra On-Line. The game is set in the Wild West, and follows the story of a prospector who is searching for a lost gold mine. Along the way, he must overcome a variety of obstacles, including bandits, rattlesnakes, and treacherous terrain.
The game was developed by Al Lowe, who is best known for his work on the Leisure Suit Larry series. Lowe was inspired to create Lost Dutchman Mine after reading a book about the real-life lost Dutchman mine. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time.
Gameplay
Lost Dutchman Mine is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls the prospector, and must use the mouse to interact with the environment. The game world is divided into a series of screens, and the player must navigate between screens to progress.
The game features a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress. These puzzles range from simple inventory puzzles to more complex logic puzzles. The game also features a number of action sequences, in which the player must control the prospector to avoid danger.
Setting
Lost Dutchman Mine is set in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. The Superstition Mountains are a rugged and remote mountain range, and are home to a number of legends and stories. One of the most famous of these legends is the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine.
The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to have been discovered by a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz in the 1880s. Waltz claimed that the mine was so rich that the gold could be removed with only a knife. However, Waltz died before he could reveal the location of the mine, and its location remains a mystery to this day.
Characters
The player character in Lost Dutchman Mine is a prospector named Jake. Jake is a determined and resourceful man, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to find the Lost Dutchman Mine.
Along the way, Jake meets a number of other characters, including:
- The Old Miner: A grizzled old prospector who has been searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine for years.
- The Saloon Girl: A beautiful and mysterious woman who knows more about the Lost Dutchman Mine than she lets on.
- The Bandit: A ruthless outlaw who is determined to steal Jake’s gold.
Reception
Lost Dutchman Mine was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its engaging story, challenging puzzles, and beautiful graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
Lost Dutchman Mine is considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time. The game is still played and enjoyed by gamers today.
Legacy
Lost Dutchman Mine has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s success helped to popularize the adventure game genre, and it inspired many other games, including King’s Quest and The Secret of Monkey Island.
The game’s setting, the Superstition Mountains, has also become a popular destination for treasure hunters. Every year, hundreds of people come to the Superstition Mountains in search of the Lost Dutchman Mine.
Conclusion
Lost Dutchman Mine is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s engaging story, challenging puzzles, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the adventure game genre.
Review Score
7/10
