Summary
- Release Year: 1980
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Apple II, FM-7, iOS, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series
- Developers: Sierra On-Line
- Publishers: StarCraft, Inc.
Mystery House: The Granddaddy of Graphic Adventure Games
Released in 1980, Mystery House was the first graphic adventure game ever created. It was developed by Roberta Williams, who would go on to create the popular King’s Quest series. Mystery House was a groundbreaking game for its time, and it set the standard for future adventure games.
The game is set in a dark and stormy mansion, where a group of people have gathered to hunt for jewels. However, it soon becomes clear that someone is killing the guests one by one. The player must explore the mansion, solve puzzles, and interview the remaining guests in order to find the murderer before they become the next victim.
Mystery House was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best adventure games ever made. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its well-developed characters. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Gameplay
Mystery House is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls a character who can move around the mansion, interact with objects, and talk to other characters. The player must explore the mansion, solve puzzles, and interview the remaining guests in order to find the murderer.
The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and they require the player to think creatively. The player must use their observation skills to find clues, and they must use their logic skills to solve the puzzles. The game also features a number of red herrings, which can lead the player astray if they are not careful.
Atmosphere
Mystery House has a dark and suspenseful atmosphere. The mansion is a creepy and foreboding place, and the player is constantly on edge, waiting for the next murder to happen. The game’s music and sound effects add to the atmosphere, and they help to create a sense of tension and dread.
Characters
Mystery House features a cast of well-developed characters. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and the player must learn to trust and distrust them in order to solve the mystery. The game’s characters are all suspects in the murder case, and the player must use their interviewing skills to determine who is telling the truth and who is lying.
Legacy
Mystery House is a landmark game in the history of video games. It was the first graphic adventure game ever created, and it set the standard for future adventure games. The game’s innovative gameplay, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its well-developed characters have made it a classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Mystery House has been praised by critics and gamers alike. It has been ranked as one of the greatest video games of all time by numerous publications, and it has been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The game has also been the inspiration for numerous other adventure games, and it continues to influence the genre today.
Conclusion
Mystery House is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and suspenseful experience. If you are a fan of adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Mystery House.
Tips for Playing Mystery House
- Take your time and explore the mansion thoroughly. There are many hidden clues to be found.
- Pay attention to the characters’ conversations. They may give you important information about the murder.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are multiple ways to solve the puzzles in Mystery House.
- If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to consult a walkthrough. However, try to solve the puzzles on your own first.
- Have fun! Mystery House is a great game that is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
