Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Oxford Digital Enterprises Ltd.
- Publishers: Electric Dreams Software
R.M.S. Titanic (1986): A Timeless Adventure
Released in 1986, R.M.S. Titanic is a text-based adventure game that takes players back to the tragic night of the Titanic’s sinking. Developed by Magnetic Scrolls and published by Rainbird Software, Titanic was one of the first games to use a natural language parser, allowing players to interact with the game world using simple English commands.
The game begins with the player character boarding the Titanic in Southampton, England. From there, the player is free to explore the ship at their leisure, interacting with other passengers and crew members, and learning about the ship’s history and fate.
As the night of the sinking approaches, the player is given the opportunity to make choices that will affect the course of the game. For example, the player can choose to stay in their cabin and wait for rescue, or they can try to make their way to the lifeboats. The player’s choices will ultimately determine whether they survive the sinking or perish in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
R.M.S. Titanic was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time. The game’s innovative use of a natural language parser, combined with its detailed and immersive gameplay, created a truly unique and unforgettable experience for players.
Gameplay
R.M.S. Titanic is a text-based adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing in commands. The game’s natural language parser allows players to use simple English commands, such as “go north” or “talk to passenger.”
The game world is divided into a number of different locations, including the Titanic’s decks, cabins, and engine rooms. Players can explore these locations at their leisure, interacting with other characters and objects.
The game’s puzzles are based on the player’s knowledge of the Titanic’s history and layout. For example, the player may need to find a way to open a locked door or navigate through a maze of corridors.
Characters
R.M.S. Titanic features a cast of over 50 characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Players can interact with these characters to learn more about the Titanic and its passengers.
Some of the most notable characters in the game include:
- Captain Edward Smith: The captain of the Titanic.
- Thomas Andrews: The Titanic’s chief designer.
- J. Bruce Ismay: The chairman of the White Star Line, the company that owned the Titanic.
- Margaret Brown: A wealthy American socialite and philanthropist.
- Jack Phillips: The Titanic’s senior wireless operator.
Setting
R.M.S. Titanic is set on the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic sinks in the North Atlantic Ocean. The game’s detailed and immersive setting brings the tragedy to life, and players can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the sinking ship.
Themes
R.M.S. Titanic explores a number of themes, including:
- The hubris of man: The Titanic was considered to be unsinkable, but it was ultimately brought down by a combination of human error and natural disaster.
- The fragility of life: The sinking of the Titanic was a reminder that life is precious and can be taken away in an instant.
- The importance of hope: Even in the face of tragedy, there is always hope.
Legacy
R.M.S. Titanic is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time. The game’s innovative use of a natural language parser, combined with its detailed and immersive gameplay, created a truly unique and unforgettable experience for players.
The game has been praised by critics and players alike for its historical accuracy, its attention to detail, and its emotional impact. Titanic has also been credited with inspiring a number of other games, including the critically acclaimed BioShock.
Conclusion
R.M.S. Titanic is a timeless classic that deserves to be played by every fan of adventure games. The game’s innovative gameplay, immersive setting, and thought-provoking themes make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Review Score
7.5/10
