Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Apple IIGS, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Legacy Mobile Device, Mac, Nintendo Entertainment System, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: ICOM Simulations, Infinite Ventures, Kotobuki Systems
- Publishers: Infinite Ventures, Kemco, Kotobuki Systems, Mindscape
Uninvited (1986): A Spine-Tingling Adventure into a Haunted Mansion
Uninvited, released in 1986 for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS, is a groundbreaking horror adventure game that takes players on a chilling journey through a haunted mansion filled with sinister secrets and deadly traps. Developed by ICOM Simulations and published by Mindscape, Uninvited was one of the first games to feature a female protagonist and a truly terrifying atmosphere.
A Haunting Introduction
The game begins with a mysterious car accident that leaves the player’s character, a young woman named Wendy, stranded in the stormy countryside. Seeking help, she stumbles upon a dilapidated mansion known as Windmere Manor. As she steps inside, a disembodied voice welcomes her, “What a pity about your automobile. And your sister, she came to our mansion for help. But now, I’m afraid she desperately needs yours!”
With a sense of foreboding, Wendy ventures deeper into the mansion, her footsteps echoing through the eerie silence. Cobwebs hang from the walls, dust covers the furniture, and strange noises emanate from the darkness. As she explores, Wendy discovers clues about her sister’s disappearance and the sinister history of Windmere Manor.
A Cast of Unsettling Characters
Wendy’s journey through the mansion is filled with encounters with a cast of unsettling characters, each with their own twisted story to tell. There’s the skeletal butler, Horace, who serves as a reluctant guide; the ghostly maid, Agnes, who warns Wendy of the dangers that lie ahead; and the enigmatic Dr. Henry Aickman, who seems to know more about the mansion’s secrets than he lets on.
As Wendy delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of dark rituals, forbidden love, and unspeakable horrors that have haunted Windmere Manor for centuries. The mansion itself becomes a character, its creaking floorboards and flickering lights adding to the sense of unease.
Innovative Gameplay and Spine-Tingling Atmosphere
Uninvited’s gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and inventory management. Wendy must search the mansion for clues, solve puzzles to progress, and use items from her inventory to overcome obstacles and defend herself against the supernatural threats that lurk in the shadows.
The game’s atmosphere is one of its greatest strengths. The eerie sound effects, unsettling graphics, and haunting music create a truly immersive and terrifying experience. From the moment Wendy steps into Windmere Manor, players are drawn into a world of darkness and dread.
A Feminist Horror Classic
Uninvited is notable for featuring a female protagonist, a rarity in horror games at the time. Wendy is a strong and resourceful character who is not afraid to face the horrors that await her. She is not a damsel in distress but a determined heroine who will stop at nothing to save her sister and uncover the truth behind the mansion’s dark past.
Legacy and Impact
Uninvited was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative gameplay, spine-tingling atmosphere, and feminist themes. It has been cited as an influence on later horror adventure games, including Alone in the Dark, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill.
In 2011, Uninvited was re-released on GOG.com, making it available to a new generation of gamers. The game has also been ported to modern platforms, including iOS and Android.
Conclusion
Uninvited (1986) remains a masterpiece of horror adventure gaming. Its innovative gameplay, unsettling atmosphere, and feminist themes have made it a timeless classic that continues to terrify and enthrall players to this day. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, Uninvited is an essential experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
