Summary
- Release Year: 1979
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Acorn Electron, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20, FM-7, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series, Texas Instruments TI-99, TRS-80, TRS-80 Color Computer
- Developers: Adventure International
- Publishers: Adventure International, Commodore Electronics Ltd., StarCraft, Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated
The Count (1979): A Text Adventure Masterpiece
Introduction
The Count is a text adventure game developed and published by Scott Adams in 1979. It is one of the earliest examples of interactive fiction, and is considered to be one of the most influential games of all time. The game is set in a dark and brooding castle, where the player must solve puzzles, find secret passageways, and avoid the creatures of the night in order to defeat the Count.
Gameplay
The Count is a text-based adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a simple parser to interpret the player’s commands, and the player can use a variety of verbs to interact with the environment, such as “go”, “look”, “take”, and “use”.
The game world is divided into a series of rooms, each of which is described in detail. The player can move between rooms by using the “go” command, and can examine objects in the room by using the “look” command. The player can also pick up objects by using the “take” command, and use objects by using the “use” command.
The player’s goal in The Count is to find the Count’s coffin and destroy it. To do this, the player must solve a series of puzzles, find secret passageways, and avoid the creatures of the night. The game is non-linear, meaning that the player can explore the castle in any order they choose.
Setting
The Count is set in a dark and brooding castle in Transylvania. The castle is filled with secret passageways, hidden rooms, and dangerous creatures. The player must be careful not to get lost or fall prey to the creatures of the night.
Characters
The player character is an unnamed adventurer who has been trapped in the Count’s castle. The player must use their wits and courage to escape the castle and defeat the Count.
The Count is the main antagonist of the game. He is a powerful vampire who has been terrorizing the countryside. The player must defeat the Count in order to escape the castle.
Puzzles
The Count is filled with a variety of puzzles. Some of the puzzles are simple, while others are more complex. The player must use their logic and problem-solving skills to solve the puzzles.
Reception
The Count was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its dark and atmospheric setting, and its challenging puzzles. The Count is considered to be one of the most influential games of all time, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Legacy
The Count has had a significant impact on the development of video games. The game’s non-linear gameplay, its dark and atmospheric setting, and its challenging puzzles have all been imitated by later games. The Count is also credited with popularizing the text adventure genre.
Conclusion
The Count is a classic text adventure game that still holds up today. If you’re a fan of puzzles, horror, and exploration, then you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
