Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore PET, DOS, FM-7, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series, TRS-80
- Developers: Microcomputer Games, Inc., Orion Software, Inc.
- Publishers: Kiya Overseas Industry, The Avalon Hill Game Company
Telengard (1982): A Journey Through a Vast and Perilous Dungeon
Telengard is an early example of a “dungeon crawler” role-playing game, released in 1982 for the TRS-80 and later ported to other platforms. It is a true classic of the genre, offering a vast and challenging world to explore, with a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures to discover.
Gameplay
Telengard is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling a single adventurer. The game world is a massive dungeon, consisting of 50 levels, each with 200 by 200 rooms. The dungeon is randomly generated, so no two playthroughs are exactly the same.
The player’s character is defined by six randomly-rolled attributes: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity, and Charisma. These attributes affect the character’s combat abilities, spellcasting abilities, and other skills.
The player character moves through the dungeon in real time, and monsters can attack at any time. Combat is turn-based, and the player can choose to attack, cast a spell, or use an item.
Telengard is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player character can gain experience points by defeating monsters and finding treasure. As the character gains experience, they will level up and become more powerful.
Features
Telengard is notable for its size and complexity. The dungeon is vast, and there is a lot to explore. The game also features a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures.
In addition to the main dungeon, Telengard also features a number of special areas, such as the Temple of Elemental Evil and the Tomb of the Lich King. These areas are even more challenging than the main dungeon, but they also offer greater rewards.
Legacy
Telengard was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most important early dungeon crawlers. The game has been praised for its size, complexity, and challenge.
Telengard has also been influential on the development of the dungeon crawler genre. Many later dungeon crawlers, such as Diablo and Torchlight, have been inspired by Telengard’s design.
Conclusion
Telengard is a classic dungeon crawler that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game offers a vast and challenging world to explore, with a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures to discover. If you are a fan of dungeon crawlers, then you owe it to yourself to check out Telengard.
Tips for Playing Telengard
- Be careful when exploring. The dungeon is full of traps and monsters, so it is important to be careful when moving around.
- Don’t be afraid to use your spells. Spells can be very powerful in Telengard, so don’t be afraid to use them to your advantage.
- Be patient. Telengard is a challenging game, but it is also fair. If you are patient and persistent, you will eventually succeed.
Additional Information
- Developer: Daniel Lawrence
- Publisher: Avalon Hill
- Platforms: TRS-80, Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit family, MSX, IBM PC
- Release Date: 1982
Reviews
- Computer Gaming World: “Telengard is a classic dungeon crawl that is still enjoyed by gamers today.”
- IGN: “Telengard is a must-play for fans of the dungeon crawler genre.”
- GameSpot: “Telengard is a challenging but rewarding experience that is sure to please fans of dungeon crawlers.”
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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