Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Acorn Archimedes, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Magnetic Scrolls
- Publishers: Firebird, Rainbird
The Guild of Thieves (1987): A Masterpiece of Interactive Fiction
Magnetic Scrolls’ The Guild of Thieves, released in 1987, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of interactive fiction. Set in the vibrant fantasy world of Kerovnia, the game immerses players in a thrilling heist adventure filled with intrigue, danger, and wry humor.
Gameplay and Story
The player takes on the role of an aspiring member of the infamous Guild of Thieves, tasked with infiltrating an island castle and stealing all the valuables within its walls. The game’s open-ended, non-linear structure allows players to approach the mission in their own unique way, exploring the castle’s many rooms and interacting with its inhabitants.
The Guild of Thieves features a rich and detailed world, brought to life through Magnetic Scrolls’ signature blend of evocative prose and stunning visuals. Players will encounter a cast of colorful characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The game’s puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring players to think laterally and make use of the items they find scattered throughout the castle.
Technical Innovations
The Guild of Thieves pushed the boundaries of interactive fiction technology at the time of its release. The game’s use of 30 hand-drawn illustrations, created by renowned fantasy artist Bob Wakelin, set a new standard for visual presentation in text adventures. The game also included a number of innovative features, such as a dice-rolling system for resolving actions and a faux newsletter from the Guild of Thieves providing hints and backstory.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, The Guild of Thieves received widespread critical acclaim for its immersive gameplay, atmospheric setting, and innovative design. The game won numerous awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game in 1988.
The Guild of Thieves has had a lasting impact on the interactive fiction genre. Its influence can be seen in countless subsequent games, including the popular Zork series and the modern classic, The Stanley Parable. The game is also credited with helping to popularize the use of illustrations in text adventures, enhancing the player’s immersion and connection to the game world.
Modern Accessibility
While The Guild of Thieves was originally released for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC, it has since been ported to a variety of modern platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This has allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic adventure.
Conclusion
The Guild of Thieves (1987) remains a timeless masterpiece of interactive fiction, offering players a thrilling heist adventure set in a richly detailed fantasy world. Its innovative design, atmospheric setting, and wry humor have ensured its place among the greatest video games of all time. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer to interactive fiction, The Guild of Thieves is an essential experience that will captivate and entertain you from beginning to end.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
