Wishbringer (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Wishbringer: A Magical Introduction to Interactive Fiction

Released in 1985 by Infocom, Wishbringer: The Magick Stone of Dreams was a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that introduced a new generation of players to the wonders of text-based adventures. Designed to be more accessible than the company’s previous releases, Wishbringer offered a charming and whimsical setting, clever puzzles, and an engaging story that captivated players of all ages.

You play as a postal clerk in the small fishing village of Festeron. Your ordinary life is turned upside down when you’re tasked with delivering an important envelope to the proprietor of Ye Olde Magick Shoppe. The kindly old lady asks you to rescue her cat from a mysterious sorceress known only as The Evil One.

Stepping out of the store, you find that Festeron has mysteriously been transformed into a more sinister town called Witchville. There are but a few hours to defeat The Evil One. Fortunately, you soon find the Wishbringer, a magical stone that can grant seven wishes if a suitable object is used in conjunction.

The seven wishes that can be granted by the stone are for advice, darkness, flight, foresight, freedom, luck, and rain. Each wish can only be used once per game, and requires that the player possess some related object. For example, to wish for darkness, you must have a candle or lantern. To wish for flight, you must have a feather or a broomstick.

The puzzles in Wishbringer are clever and varied, and require the player to think outside the box. For example, one puzzle requires you to use a mirror to reflect sunlight onto a dark room. Another puzzle requires you to use a magnet to retrieve a key from a well.

In addition to its clever puzzles, Wishbringer also features a charming and whimsical setting. The town of Witchville is full of quirky characters, such as a talking cat, a fortune teller, and a witch who sells potions. The game’s writing is also top-notch, with witty dialogue and humorous descriptions.

Wishbringer was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best interactive fiction games ever made. It was praised for its accessibility, its clever puzzles, and its charming setting. Wishbringer also helped to popularize the interactive fiction genre, and inspired a number of other games, including the Zork series and the Myst series.

Tips for Playing Wishbringer

  • Explore your surroundings carefully. There are many hidden objects and secrets to be found in Witchville.
  • Talk to everyone you meet. The townspeople of Witchville are full of useful information.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. The puzzles in Wishbringer can be solved in a variety of ways.
  • Use the Wishbringer wisely. The seven wishes can be very helpful, but they can only be used once per game.
  • Have fun! Wishbringer is a charming and whimsical game that’s meant to be enjoyed.

Legacy of Wishbringer

Wishbringer was a groundbreaking game that helped to popularize the interactive fiction genre. It was one of the first games to feature a female protagonist, and it was also one of the first games to use a graphical interface. Wishbringer’s success inspired a number of other games, including the Zork series and the Myst series.

Today, Wishbringer is still considered to be one of the best interactive fiction games ever made. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by players of all ages. If you’re a fan of adventure games, or if you’re just looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, I highly recommend checking out Wishbringer.

Additional Information

  • Release Date: 1985
  • Developer: Infocom
  • Platform: Apple II, Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, DOS, Macintosh, TRS-80
  • Genre: Interactive fiction
  • Setting: The town of Witchville
  • Protagonist: A postal clerk

Awards

  • 1985 Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game
  • 1986 Codies Award for Best Adventure Game

Reviews

  • GameSpot: 8.5/10
  • IGN: 9/10
  • PC Gamer: 92/100

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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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.

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