Summary
- Release Year: 1979
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Acorn Electron, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Dragon 32/64, Texas Instruments TI-99, TRS-80, TRS-80 Color Computer
- Developers: Adventure International
- Publishers: Adventure International, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Pyramid of Doom (1979): A Text Adventure Classic
Introduction
Pyramid of Doom is a text adventure game released in 1979 for the TRS-80 and Apple II computers. It was one of the first text adventures to feature a detailed and immersive world, and it quickly became a classic of the genre.
Gameplay
Pyramid of Doom is a treasure hunt game in which the player explores an ancient Egyptian pyramid in search of a hidden treasure. The game world is described in detail, and the player can move around the pyramid, interact with objects, and solve puzzles.
The game’s parser is relatively sophisticated, and it allows the player to enter complex commands. For example, the player can type “examine statue” to get a description of a statue, or “open door with key” to open a door with a key.
Setting
The game is set in an ancient Egyptian pyramid, which is filled with traps, puzzles, and monsters. The player must navigate the pyramid’s treacherous corridors and chambers in order to find the treasure.
The pyramid is divided into several levels, each of which has its own unique challenges. The player must solve puzzles, defeat monsters, and find keys in order to progress through the pyramid.
Characters
The player is the only character in the game. However, the player will encounter a variety of non-player characters (NPCs) throughout the pyramid. These NPCs can provide the player with information, help, or obstacles.
Some of the NPCs in the pyramid include:
- The Pharaoh: The Pharaoh is the ruler of the pyramid. He is a powerful and dangerous foe, and the player must avoid him at all costs.
- The Mummy: The Mummy is a undead creature that guards the pyramid’s treasure. It is slow and powerful, and the player must be careful not to get caught by it.
- The Sphinx: The Sphinx is a wise and ancient creature that can help the player on their quest. However, the Sphinx is also a trickster, and the player must be careful not to fall for its riddles.
Puzzles
The pyramid is filled with puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress. These puzzles range from simple riddles to complex logic puzzles.
Some of the puzzles in the pyramid include:
- The Door Puzzle: The player must find a key to open a door. The key is hidden somewhere in the pyramid, and the player must search carefully to find it.
- The Maze Puzzle: The player must navigate a maze in order to reach a treasure chest. The maze is filled with dead ends and traps, and the player must be careful not to get lost.
- The Riddle Puzzle: The player must answer a riddle in order to open a door. The riddle is difficult, and the player must think carefully to solve it.
Combat
The player will encounter monsters throughout the pyramid. These monsters can be defeated with weapons or magic.
The player can find weapons and magic items in the pyramid. Weapons can be used to attack monsters, while magic items can be used to cast spells.
Reception
Pyramid of Doom was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its detailed world, challenging puzzles, and immersive atmosphere.
The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit family, and MS-DOS. It is still considered one of the classic text adventure games, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Legacy
Pyramid of Doom had a significant impact on the development of the text adventure genre. It showed that text adventures could be more than just simple puzzles; they could also be immersive experiences with detailed worlds and engaging stories.
Pyramid of Doom inspired a number of other text adventure games, including Zork and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It also helped to popularize the use of parser-based input in text adventures.
Pyramid of Doom is still considered one of the greatest text adventure games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a truly immersive experience. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Pyramid of Doom.
Review Score
8/10
