The President is Missing (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

The President is Missing: A Text Adventure Classic

The President is Missing is a text adventure game released in 1988 by Infocom. It was one of the last text adventures released by the company, and it is considered to be one of the best examples of the genre.

The game is set in a near-future version of Washington, D.C., where the President of the United States and nine other world leaders have been kidnapped. The player takes on the role of a CIA agent who must search through a simulated government database to find the missing leaders and the reasons behind their abduction.

The game’s database is vast and complex, and it contains a wealth of information about the missing leaders, their kidnappers, and the political situation in the world. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to search through the database and find the clues that will lead them to the missing leaders.

The President is Missing is a challenging game, but it is also a very rewarding one. The game’s puzzles are clever and engaging, and the story is suspenseful and exciting. The game also features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets.

Gameplay

The President is Missing is played from a first-person perspective. The player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very sophisticated, and it understands a wide range of commands.

The player’s goal is to search through the government database and find the missing leaders. To do this, the player must use the database’s search engine to find information about the leaders, their kidnappers, and the political situation in the world. The player can also use the database to communicate with other characters in the game.

The game’s database is vast and complex, and it contains a wealth of information. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to search through the database and find the clues that will lead them to the missing leaders.

Setting

The President is Missing is set in a near-future version of Washington, D.C. The game’s world is a dark and dangerous place, where terrorism and political intrigue are commonplace. The player must navigate this dangerous world in order to find the missing leaders and save the day.

Characters

The President is Missing features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets. The player will interact with a variety of characters, including:

  • The President of the United States
  • Nine other world leaders
  • CIA agents
  • FBI agents
  • Secret Service agents
  • Terrorists
  • Political operatives

Themes

The President is Missing explores a number of themes, including:

  • The dangers of terrorism
  • The importance of international cooperation
  • The role of the individual in a time of crisis

Critical Reception

The President is Missing was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging puzzles, suspenseful story, and memorable characters. The game was also a finalist for the 1989 Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game.

Legacy

The President is Missing is considered to be one of the best text adventure games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, suspenseful story, and memorable characters have made it a classic of the genre. The game has been ported to a number of platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

In-Depth Review

The President is Missing is a well-crafted and challenging text adventure game. The game’s puzzles are clever and engaging, and the story is suspenseful and exciting. The game also features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets.

One of the things that makes The President is Missing so special is its vast and complex database. The database contains a wealth of information about the missing leaders, their kidnappers, and the political situation in the world. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to search through the database and find the clues that will lead them to the missing leaders.

The game’s parser is also very sophisticated, and it understands a wide range of commands. This allows the player to interact with the game world in a natural and intuitive way.

Overall, The President is Missing is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging puzzles, suspenseful story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More