No Second Prize (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

No Second Prize: A Classic Adventure Game That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Released in 1992, No Second Prize is a classic adventure game that follows the story of Jack Truman, a down-on-his-luck private investigator who is hired to find a missing woman. As Jack investigates, he quickly finds himself caught up in a web of mystery and danger, and soon realizes that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

No Second Prize is a text-based adventure game, meaning that players interact with the game world by typing in commands. The game features a parser that understands a wide range of natural language commands, allowing players to explore the game world and interact with objects and characters in a realistic way.

The game world is rich and detailed, with over 100 locations to explore. Players will travel from Jack’s seedy office to a dark and mysterious cave, from a bustling city to a remote island. Along the way, they will meet a cast of memorable characters, including a femme fatale, a crooked cop, and a mad scientist.

The puzzles in No Second Prize are challenging but fair, and require players to use their wits and problem-solving skills to progress. The game also features multiple endings, depending on the choices that players make throughout the game.

No Second Prize was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best adventure games ever made. The game has been praised for its immersive story, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles.

Gameplay

No Second Prize is a text-based adventure game, meaning that players interact with the game world by typing in commands. The game features a parser that understands a wide range of natural language commands, allowing players to explore the game world and interact with objects and characters in a realistic way.

The game world is divided into over 100 locations, which players can explore by typing in commands such as “go north” or “examine table.” Players can interact with objects by typing in commands such as “pick up key” or “open door.” They can also interact with characters by typing in commands such as “talk to woman” or “give book to man.”

The puzzles in No Second Prize are challenging but fair, and require players to use their wits and problem-solving skills to progress. The game also features multiple endings, depending on the choices that players make throughout the game.

Story

No Second Prize follows the story of Jack Truman, a down-on-his-luck private investigator who is hired to find a missing woman. As Jack investigates, he quickly finds himself caught up in a web of mystery and danger, and soon realizes that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

Jack’s investigation takes him from his seedy office to a dark and mysterious cave, from a bustling city to a remote island. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters, including a femme fatale, a crooked cop, and a mad scientist.

As Jack gets closer to the truth, he discovers that the missing woman is involved in a dangerous conspiracy. Jack must use all of his skills and resources to uncover the truth and save the woman before it’s too late.

Characters

  • Jack Truman: A down-on-his-luck private investigator who is hired to find a missing woman. Jack is a resourceful and determined investigator, but he is also a bit of a loner. He is often cynical and pessimistic, but he has a good heart and a strong sense of justice.
  • Victoria Sutton: The missing woman that Jack is hired to find. Victoria is a beautiful and intelligent woman, but she is also a bit of a mystery. She is involved in a dangerous conspiracy, and Jack must uncover the truth about her in order to save her.
  • Dr. Emile Moreau: A mad scientist who is involved in the conspiracy surrounding Victoria Sutton. Moreau is a brilliant scientist, but he is also a ruthless and dangerous man. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it means killing Jack.
  • Inspector Lestrade: A crooked cop who is also involved in the conspiracy. Lestrade is a corrupt and greedy man, and he will do anything to make a profit. He is a dangerous enemy, and Jack must be careful not to trust him.
  • The Femme Fatale: A mysterious woman who crosses Jack’s path several times throughout the game. The Femme Fatale is a dangerous and seductive woman, and she is not to be trusted. She is involved in the conspiracy, and she will use her charms to manipulate Jack and get him to do her bidding.

Themes

No Second Prize explores a number of themes, including:

  • The nature of good and evil: The game features a cast of characters who are both good and evil, and it is up to the player to decide who to trust. The game also explores the idea of moral ambiguity, and the fact that there is often no easy answer to the question of what is right and wrong.
  • The power of love: The game shows how love can be a powerful force for good, but it can also be a source of great pain. Jack’s love for Victoria Sutton drives him to find her and save her, but it also puts him in great danger.
  • The importance of hope: The game shows how hope can help people to overcome even the most difficult challenges. Jack never gives up hope of finding Victoria Sutton, even when the odds are stacked against him.

Legacy

No Second Prize was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best adventure games ever made. The game has been praised for its immersive story, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles.

No Second Prize has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PC, Amiga, and Macintosh. The game has also been released on a number of compilation albums, including the Adventure Game Anthology and the Adventure Gold Collection.

No Second Prize has inspired a number of other games, including the Tex Murphy series and the Broken Sword series. The game has also been referenced in a number of other works of popular culture, including the TV show “The Simpsons” and the movie “Ready Player One.”

Conclusion

No Second Prize is a classic adventure game that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With its immersive story, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles, it is a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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