Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Lucasfilm Games
- Publishers: Activision, Epyx, Pony Canyon
The Eidolon (1985): A Fractal Masterpiece from Lucasfilm Games
Released in 1985, The Eidolon was one of the first games to take advantage of the groundbreaking fractal technology developed by Lucasfilm Games. This technology allowed for the creation of vast and detailed worlds that were impossible to achieve with traditional sprite-based graphics.
The Eidolon is a maze adventure game in which the player controls a small, orb-firing creature called the Eidolon. The goal of the game is to navigate through a series of increasingly difficult mazes, collecting energy orbs and defeating the dragon guardian at the end of each level.
The Eidolon’s unique gameplay mechanics set it apart from other maze games of the era. The player can fire orbs of four different colors (red, yellow, green, and blue), each of which has a different effect on the game’s enemies. Red orbs deal damage, yellow orbs can be used to build bridges and platforms, green orbs can transform enemies into different types, and blue orbs can freeze enemies temporarily.
The player must use these orbs strategically to defeat the game’s many enemies and navigate through the mazes. Some enemies are weak to certain colors of orbs, while others are immune or can even absorb them. The player must also be careful not to get hit by enemy orbs, which can drain the Eidolon’s energy and eventually lead to its death.
In addition to the main maze levels, The Eidolon also features a number of bonus levels, including a target shooting range and a maze race. These bonus levels provide a nice break from the main game and can help the player to improve their skills.
The Eidolon was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and challenging difficulty. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Today, The Eidolon is considered to be one of the classic games of the 1980s. It is a challenging and rewarding game that still holds up today. If you are a fan of maze games or retro gaming in general, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Eidolon.
Gameplay
The Eidolon is a maze adventure game in which the player controls a small, orb-firing creature called the Eidolon. The goal of the game is to navigate through a series of increasingly difficult mazes, collecting energy orbs and defeating the dragon guardian at the end of each level.
The player can fire orbs of four different colors (red, yellow, green, and blue), each of which has a different effect on the game’s enemies. Red orbs deal damage, yellow orbs can be used to build bridges and platforms, green orbs can transform enemies into different types, and blue orbs can freeze enemies temporarily.
The player must use these orbs strategically to defeat the game’s many enemies and navigate through the mazes. Some enemies are weak to certain colors of orbs, while others are immune or can even absorb them. The player must also be careful not to get hit by enemy orbs, which can drain the Eidolon’s energy and eventually lead to its death.
In addition to the main maze levels, The Eidolon also features a number of bonus levels, including a target shooting range and a maze race. These bonus levels provide a nice break from the main game and can help the player to improve their skills.
Development
The Eidolon was developed by Lucasfilm Games, which was founded by George Lucas in 1982. The game was one of the first to take advantage of the fractal technology developed by Lucasfilm’s research and development team.
Fractal technology allowed for the creation of vast and detailed worlds that were impossible to achieve with traditional sprite-based graphics. The Eidolon’s mazes are procedurally generated, meaning that they are created randomly each time the game is played. This ensures that the game is always fresh and challenging.
The Eidolon was released on the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 8-bit computers in 1985. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the classic games of the 1980s.
Legacy
The Eidolon has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning graphics helped to set a new standard for maze games. The game also helped to popularize the use of fractal technology in video games.
The Eidolon has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the PC, Mac, and mobile devices. The game is also available on a number of online gaming services, such as Steam and GOG.com.
The Eidolon remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game’s challenging gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative use of fractal technology make it a timeless classic.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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