Platform: Apple II

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

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Gold Rush! (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Gold Rush! (1988): A Classic Adventure Game

Released in 1988, Gold Rush! is a classic adventure game that takes players back to the excitement of the California Gold Rush. Players take on the role of Jerrod Wilson, a young man who dreams of striking it rich in the gold fields.

The game begins in New York City, where Jerrod must choose one of three routes to California: the overland trail, the Panama Canal, or around Cape Horn. Each route is fraught with its own unique challenges and dangers.

If Jerrod chooses the overland trail, he must cross the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Along the way, he will encounter Native Americans, outlaws, and wild animals.

If Jerrod chooses to go through the Panama Canal, he must first travel to Panama City and then take a ship through the canal. However, the canal is not yet complete, and Jerrod may have to help finish it before he can continue his journey.

If Jerrod chooses to go around Cape Horn, he must sail around the southern tip of South America. This route is the longest and most dangerous, but it is also the most direct.

Once Jerrod arrives in California, he must still find a way to strike it rich. He can pan for gold in rivers and streams, or he can try his luck at mining. However, mining is a dangerous business, and Jerrod may have to fight off bandits and claim jumpers.

Gold Rush! is a challenging and rewarding adventure game that offers a unique glimpse into the California Gold Rush. The game is full of historical detail and accurate depictions of the time period. Players will learn about the different routes to California, the challenges faced by gold miners, and the boomtowns that sprang up during the Gold Rush.

Gameplay

Gold Rush! is a text-based adventure game. Players type in commands to control Jerrod’s actions. The game world is described in detail, and players must use their imagination to visualize the surroundings.

The game is non-linear, and players can choose to explore the world in any order they wish. However, some areas are more difficult to access than others, and players may need to find specific items or solve puzzles before they can progress.

Gold Rush! is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. Players who take the time to explore the world and solve the puzzles will be rewarded with a rich and immersive gaming experience.

Historical Accuracy

Gold Rush! is a remarkably accurate depiction of the California Gold Rush. The game world is full of historical detail, and the events that occur in the game are based on real events.

The game includes many of the major landmarks of the Gold Rush, such as Sutter’s Fort, the Panama Canal, and Cape Horn. The game also features a number of historical figures, such as James W. Marshall, who discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill.

Gold Rush! is a valuable educational tool that can teach players about the California Gold Rush. The game is a fun and engaging way to learn about this important period in American history.

Legacy

Gold Rush! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its historical accuracy, its challenging gameplay, and its immersive world. Gold Rush! is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time.

The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PC, the Apple II, and the Commodore 64. Gold Rush! is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Gold Rush! is a classic adventure game that offers a unique glimpse into the California Gold Rush. The game is full of historical detail and accurate depictions of the time period. Players will learn about the different routes to California, the challenges faced by gold miners, and the boomtowns that sprang up during the Gold Rush. Gold Rush! is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to please fans of adventure games and history buffs alike.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Wings of Fury (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Wings of Fury (1987): A Detailed Retrospective

Wings of Fury is a horizontally scrolling shooter game released by SNK in 1987. The game is set during World War II and puts the player in the role of a fighter pilot tasked with defending an aircraft carrier from Japanese attacks and destroying enemy targets on a series of islands.

The game is known for its intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music. It was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shooters of its era.

Gameplay

Wings of Fury is a horizontally scrolling shooter in which the player controls a fighter plane from a behind-the-plane perspective. The player’s goal is to defeat the Japanese by destroying enemy bunkers, turrets, barracks, and aircraft carriers on a series of islands. The player can also kill enemy soldiers either with bombs or by machine gun.

The player has a finite amount of fuel and munitions, which can be replenished by returning to the aircraft carrier. The player’s aircraft can be destroyed by accumulated damage from enemy fire or by crashing into the terrain.

Weapons

The player has a variety of weapons at their disposal, including:

  • Machine guns: Unlimited ammo, but weak damage.
  • Bombs: Limited ammo, but can destroy ground targets.
  • Rockets: Limited ammo, but can destroy enemy aircraft.
  • Torpedoes: Limited ammo, but can destroy enemy ships.

The player can also collect power-ups that will temporarily increase their firepower or speed.

Levels

Wings of Fury consists of six levels, each with its own unique set of objectives. The levels are:

  1. Take Off: The player takes off from an aircraft carrier and must destroy enemy planes and ships.
  2. Island Assault: The player must destroy enemy bunkers, turrets, and barracks on a series of islands.
  3. Sea Battle: The player must sink Japanese ships, including destroyers, battleships, and aircraft carriers.
  4. Air Raid: The player must defend the aircraft carrier from waves of enemy aircraft.
  5. Bombing Run: The player must bomb enemy targets on a heavily defended island.
  6. Final Battle: The player must defeat the Japanese commander in a one-on-one dogfight.

Graphics and Sound

Wings of Fury is known for its stunning graphics. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy sprites are well-animated. The game’s music is also catchy and memorable.

Reception

Wings of Fury was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music. It was also a hit in arcades, where it was one of the most popular games of its era.

Wings of Fury has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs.

Legacy

Wings of Fury is considered to be one of the best shooters of its era. The game’s intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music have made it a classic among retro gamers.

The game has also been influential on later shooters. For example, the popular arcade game 1942 was heavily inspired by Wings of Fury.

Conclusion

Wings of Fury is a classic arcade shooter that still holds up today. The game’s intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Superman: The Man of Steel (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Superman: The Man of Steel (1989)

Overview

Superman: The Man of Steel is a computer comic book game developed by Tynesoft and released in 1989 for the ZX Spectrum. The game is based on the Superman comic book character and the 1978 film of the same name.

In the game, the player takes on the role of Superman and must save the world from Lex Luthor and Brainiac. The game features a unique blend of comic book panels and action sequences, allowing the player to experience the story and participate in the action.

Gameplay

Superman: The Man of Steel is played from a third-person perspective. The player controls Superman as he flies around the world, completing missions and defeating enemies. The game features a variety of missions, including rescuing hostages, disarming bombs, and defeating supervillains.

Superman has a variety of powers that he can use to complete missions and defeat enemies. These powers include:

  • Flight: Superman can fly at high speeds and maneuver through the air with ease.
  • Heat vision: Superman can fire beams of heat from his eyes, which can be used to damage enemies or melt objects.
  • Telescopic vision: Superman can see objects from great distances, which can be used to spot enemies or locate hostages.
  • Super strength: Superman is incredibly strong and can lift heavy objects or punch through walls.
  • Super breath: Superman can exhale powerful gusts of wind, which can be used to knock down enemies or create a vacuum.

The game features a variety of enemies, including Lex Luthor’s henchmen, Brainiac’s robots, and other supervillains. Each enemy has its own unique abilities and weaknesses, and the player must use Superman’s powers strategically to defeat them.

Graphics and sound

Superman: The Man of Steel features colorful and detailed graphics for the time. The game’s character sprites are well-animated, and the backgrounds are varied and detailed. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of excitement and adventure.

Critical reception

Superman: The Man of Steel was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and faithful adaptation of the Superman character. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Superman: The Man of Steel is considered to be one of the best Superman games ever made. The game’s unique blend of comic book panels and action sequences has been praised by critics and fans alike. The game is also notable for its impressive graphics and sound, which were some of the best available on the ZX Spectrum at the time.

Superman: The Man of Steel has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and MSX. The game has also been released on modern platforms, such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Conclusion

Superman: The Man of Steel is a classic Superman game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and faithful adaptation of the Superman character make it a must-play for fans of the superhero genre.

Tips for playing Superman: The Man of Steel

Here are a few tips for playing Superman: The Man of Steel:

  • Use Superman’s powers strategically to defeat enemies and complete missions.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and use the environment to your advantage.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with Superman’s powers to find new and creative ways to defeat enemies.
  • Have fun! Superman: The Man of Steel is a challenging but rewarding game that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Jinxter (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Jinxter: An Absurd and Enchanting Adventure Through a World of Misfortune

Released in 1987, Jinxter is a point-and-click adventure game that stands out from the crowd with its unique blend of humor, absurdity, and surprisingly poignant storytelling. Players take on the role of a hapless protagonist who finds himself trapped in a jinxed land where everything that can go wrong, does.

A World of Misfortune and Absurdity

From the moment the protagonist is run over by a bus in the opening cutscene, it’s clear that Jinxter is not your average adventure game. The world is filled with bizarre and often hilarious misfortunes, from being sprayed with cheese sandwiches by supernatural beings to being folded, spindled, and mutilated by unseen forces.

But beneath the absurdity lies a surprisingly cohesive and well-crafted game world. The jinxed land is a strange and wonderful place, filled with quirky characters and surreal landscapes. Players will encounter talking animals, mischievous sprites, and even the Grim Reaper himself.

A Race Against Time and Chance

As the protagonist navigates this treacherous world, he finds himself on a quest to restore good fortune to the land. But time is running out, as the impending death of good fortune threatens to plunge the world into eternal darkness.

Along the way, the protagonist must solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and make choices that will affect the outcome of his quest. The game features multiple endings, depending on the player’s actions.

Infuriating, Enchanting, and Absurd

Jinxter is a game that defies easy categorization. It’s at once infuriating, enchanting, and absurd. The puzzles can be challenging, and the misfortunes can be downright frustrating. But the game’s unique sense of humor and quirky charm make it an unforgettable experience.

The game’s graphics, while simple by today’s standards, have a timeless quality to them. The character designs are expressive and memorable, and the backgrounds are filled with intricate details. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of whimsical and suspenseful melodies.

A Classic Adventure Game with a Unique Twist

Overall, Jinxter is a classic adventure game with a unique twist. Its blend of humor, absurdity, and poignancy make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge your mind and make you laugh out loud, then Jinxter is definitely worth checking out.

Tips for Playing Jinxter

  • Be patient. Jinxter is a challenging game, and there will be times when you get stuck. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different solutions.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. The game world is filled with clues and hidden objects. Take your time to explore and interact with everything you can.
  • Don’t be afraid to die. Death is a common occurrence in Jinxter. But don’t worry, you’ll just respawn at the last checkpoint.
  • Have a sense of humor. Jinxter is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Embrace the absurdity and enjoy the ride.

Legacy and Impact

Jinxter was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, unique sense of humor, and memorable characters. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, and it remains a cult classic among adventure game fans.

Jinxter has also had a significant impact on the adventure game genre. Its unique blend of humor and absurdity has inspired many other games, including the Monkey Island series and Day of the Tentacle.

Conclusion

Jinxter is a truly unique and unforgettable adventure game. Its blend of humor, absurdity, and poignancy make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge your mind and make you laugh out loud, then Jinxter is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

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Drol (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Drol (1983): A Captivating Maze Adventure on the SG-1000

Released in 1983 for various home computers, Drol captivated gamers with its unique blend of maze navigation and robotic rescue gameplay. Originally developed by Brøderbund, the game found a new home on the SG-1000 in 1985, published exclusively in Japan by Sega.

Gameplay: A Maze of Challenges

Drol presents players with a series of increasingly complex mazes, each filled with obstacles and enemies. The objective is to guide a robot hero through these mazes, rescuing its children along the way. The robot can move in four directions, and players must carefully plan their path to avoid hazards and reach the exit.

The mazes are filled with a variety of obstacles, including walls, pits, and conveyor belts. Enemies also roam the mazes, posing a threat to the robot and its children. These enemies come in different forms, each with unique movement patterns and behaviors.

The Robot’s Abilities

The robot hero in Drol is equipped with a set of abilities to help it navigate the mazes and overcome obstacles. It can jump over pits, push blocks to create new paths, and even use conveyor belts to its advantage.

In addition, the robot can collect power-ups that enhance its abilities. These power-ups can increase the robot’s speed, grant it temporary invincibility, or reveal hidden areas of the maze.

Rescuing the Children

The robot’s primary mission is to rescue its children, who are scattered throughout the mazes. The children are represented by small, colorful sprites, and they must be collected in order to complete each level.

Rescuing the children can be challenging, as they are often placed in dangerous locations or guarded by enemies. The robot must use its abilities and carefully plan its path to reach the children without getting caught.

Maze Design and Variety

Drol’s mazes are cleverly designed, offering a wide range of challenges and obstacles. Each maze is unique, requiring players to adapt their strategies and find new ways to overcome the hazards.

The game features over 100 mazes, providing ample content for players to explore and enjoy. The mazes gradually increase in difficulty, offering a steady challenge as players progress through the game.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Drol’s graphics were impressive, featuring detailed and colorful sprites. The game’s world is brought to life with vibrant colors and smooth animations.

The sound effects are simple but effective, adding to the game’s atmosphere and excitement. The music is catchy and memorable, creating a sense of urgency and adventure.

Legacy and Impact

Drol was a critical and commercial success upon its release, becoming one of the most popular games for the SG-1000. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging mazes, and charming visuals.

The game’s success spawned several sequels and ports to other platforms. It is still fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic of the maze genre.

Conclusion

Drol (1983) is a captivating and challenging maze adventure that stands the test of time. Its unique blend of puzzle-solving and robotic rescue gameplay makes it a timeless classic that continues to entertain gamers today. With its clever maze design, charming visuals, and catchy music, Drol is a must-play for fans of retro gaming and maze enthusiasts alike.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Wizardry: The Return of Werdna – The Fourth Scenario (1987)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Wizardry: The Return of Werdna – A Unique Twist on a Classic CRPG

Released in 1987, Wizardry: The Return of Werdna – The Fourth Scenario is the fourth installment in the groundbreaking Wizardry series of role-playing games (RPGs). Unlike its predecessors, The Return of Werdna takes a decidedly different approach, casting the player as the evil Archmage Werdna himself, the antagonist from the original game.

A Villain’s Redemption (or Revenge)

The game begins with Werdna awakening from an eternal slumber at the bottom of his ten-level labyrinth, stripped of his powers and tormented by nightmares. Driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge against the adventurers who stole his amulet and defeated him, Werdna embarks on a perilous journey to regain his strength and exact retribution.

A Labyrinth of Challenges

Werdna’s quest takes him through the treacherous depths of his own labyrinth, filled with deadly traps, formidable monsters, and cunning adventurers seeking to thwart his plans. Unlike other RPGs, The Return of Werdna features no experience points system. Instead, Werdna’s power grows as he discovers pentagrams hidden throughout the labyrinth. These pentagrams allow him to summon stronger monsters to his aid and restore his health and spellcasting abilities.

A Unique Party System

In a departure from the traditional party-based gameplay of previous Wizardry games, The Return of Werdna centers solely on Werdna himself. As he progresses through the labyrinth, he can summon a variety of monsters to accompany him, each with its own unique abilities. These monsters can be used to fight enemies, disarm traps, and solve puzzles.

Confronting the Past

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Return of Werdna is the presence of Trebor, the ghost of Werdna’s old enemy from the first game. Trebor relentlessly pursues Werdna throughout the labyrinth, adding an extra layer of tension and urgency to the player’s quest.

Multiple Endings

The game features three distinct endings: a good ending, an evil ending, and a special Grandmaster ending. The Grandmaster ending is notoriously difficult to achieve, requiring the player to complete a series of complex and challenging tasks.

Legacy and Impact

Wizardry: The Return of Werdna was a bold and innovative departure from the established conventions of the CRPG genre. Its unique gameplay mechanics, compelling story, and challenging difficulty made it a standout title in the Wizardry series and a beloved classic among fans of retro RPGs.

Retrospective Review

Graphics and Presentation:

The Return of Werdna retains the classic ASCII graphics and text-based interface of its predecessors. While this may seem simplistic by modern standards, it adds to the game’s charm and nostalgic appeal. The game’s atmospheric soundtrack further enhances the immersive experience.

Gameplay and Mechanics:

The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, with its focus on Werdna’s solo journey and the use of summoned monsters, sets it apart from other CRPGs. The lack of an experience points system creates a sense of tension and forces the player to carefully manage their resources.

Story and Characters:

The Return of Werdna features a compelling story that explores the themes of redemption and revenge. The cast of characters, including Werdna himself and the vengeful Trebor, are well-developed and memorable.

Challenge and Difficulty:

The game’s difficulty level is notoriously high, even by the standards of classic CRPGs. The lack of an experience points system and the abundance of traps and monsters create a constant sense of challenge that will test even the most seasoned players.

Overall:

Wizardry: The Return of Werdna is a unique and challenging CRPG that stands out from its contemporaries. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling story, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for fans of retro RPGs and anyone seeking a truly immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Maniac Mansion (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Maniac Mansion: A Pioneering Point-and-Click Adventure

Released in 1987, Maniac Mansion was a groundbreaking point-and-click adventure game that set the standard for the genre. Developed and published by Lucasfilm Games (now LucasArts), it was the company’s first self-published product and a critical and commercial success.

Story

Maniac Mansion follows the story of Dave Miller, a teenage protagonist who must rescue his girlfriend, Sandy Pantz, from the clutches of Dr. Fred Edison, a mad scientist whose mind has been enslaved by a sentient meteor. Dave enlists the help of two of his six playable friends – Bernard Bernoulli, a nerdy science whiz; Razor, a tough-talking biker chick; Wendy, a shy and artistic girl; Michael, a preppy jock; Syd, a cynical musician; and Jeff, a conspiracy theorist.

Gameplay

Maniac Mansion is a point-and-click adventure game, meaning that the player uses a mouse to interact with the game world and solve puzzles. The player can control any of the three chosen characters at any time, and each character has their own unique abilities and inventory items.

The game is nonlinear, meaning that the player can explore the mansion in any order they choose. However, the game must be completed in different ways based on the player’s choice of characters. For example, Bernard is the only character who can repair the mansion’s electrical system, while Razor is the only character who can hotwire the scientist’s car.

Puzzles

Maniac Mansion is known for its clever and challenging puzzles. The puzzles are often based on logic and observation, and require the player to use the environment and the characters’ abilities to solve them. For example, one puzzle requires the player to use a mirror to reflect sunlight onto a solar panel, while another puzzle requires the player to use a grappling hook to climb up a wall.

Characters

One of the things that makes Maniac Mansion so memorable is its cast of quirky and lovable characters. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory, and the player can learn more about them by reading their diaries and talking to them.

The characters also interact with each other in amusing ways, and the player can often witness funny and heartwarming moments between them. For example, Bernard and Razor often bicker, while Wendy and Michael have a secret crush on each other.

Graphics and Sound

Maniac Mansion’s graphics are simple but effective, and the game’s world is full of detail and charm. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and atmospheric.

Legacy

Maniac Mansion was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the point-and-click adventure genre. The game has been praised for its humor, puzzles, and characters, and it is still considered one of the best adventure games ever made.

Maniac Mansion has also been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. The game was also released on the Nintendo DS in 2009.

Conclusion

Maniac Mansion is a classic point-and-click adventure game that is still enjoyable today. The game’s humor, puzzles, and characters are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Amazon (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Amazon (1984): An Adventure into the Unknown

Introduction

In 1984, amidst the golden age of home computing, a groundbreaking adventure game emerged from the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Amazon, developed by Adventure International and published by Datasoft, transported players to a lush and perilous world, challenging them to uncover the fate of a lost National Satellite Resource Technology (NSRT) team. With its innovative gameplay, captivating storyline, and stunning graphics, Amazon quickly became a classic of the genre.

Gameplay

Amazon is a text-based adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player controls an unnamed adventurer tasked with finding a missing NSRT team in the Amazon rainforest. The game world is vast and unforgiving, filled with dense vegetation, treacherous terrain, and exotic creatures.

To progress through the game, the player must explore the rainforest, interact with its inhabitants, and solve puzzles. The game features a parser that allows the player to type in natural language commands, such as “go north” or “talk to the monkey.” The parser is remarkably sophisticated for its time, allowing for a wide range of interactions with the game world.

Story

The story of Amazon unfolds as the player explores the rainforest and uncovers clues about the fate of the missing NSRT team. The player encounters a cast of memorable characters, including a wise old shaman, a mischievous monkey, and a deadly jaguar. As the player progresses, they learn more about the ancient secrets of the rainforest and the dangers that lurk within.

The game’s story is non-linear, allowing the player to choose their own path through the rainforest. The player’s choices affect the outcome of the game, leading to multiple possible endings.

Graphics

For a text-based adventure game, Amazon features surprisingly impressive graphics. The game uses a combination of ASCII art and color to create a vivid and immersive representation of the Amazon rainforest. The player can see lush vegetation, towering trees, and exotic creatures in all their glory.

Legacy

Amazon was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of the adventure game genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, captivating storyline, and stunning graphics set a new standard for interactive fiction.

Amazon has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the Amazon rainforest and its exploration of environmental themes. The game has been credited with raising awareness of the importance of rainforest conservation.

In-Game Highlights

  • Explore a vast and unforgiving Amazon rainforest: Navigate dense vegetation, treacherous terrain, and exotic creatures in search of the missing NSRT team.
  • Interact with a cast of memorable characters: Meet a wise old shaman, a mischievous monkey, and a deadly jaguar, each with their own unique stories and motivations.
  • Solve challenging puzzles: Use your wits and ingenuity to overcome obstacles, decipher ancient riddles, and uncover the secrets of the rainforest.
  • Uncover the fate of the missing NSRT team: Piece together clues and follow the trail to discover what happened to the lost explorers.
  • Experience multiple endings: Your choices throughout the game shape the outcome, leading to different endings and leaving a lasting impact on the rainforest.

Conclusion

Amazon (1984) is a timeless classic that continues to captivate gamers with its immersive gameplay, compelling story, and stunning graphics. Whether you’re a seasoned adventure game enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Amazon is an unforgettable journey into the heart of the unknown.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Ms. Pac-Man (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Ms. Pac-Man: A Classic Sequel That Improved Upon the Original

Released in 1982, Ms. Pac-Man was the highly anticipated sequel to the massively popular Pac-Man. Developed by General Computer Corporation and published by Midway, Ms. Pac-Man introduced a number of new features and improvements that made it a classic in its own right.

Gameplay

Ms. Pac-Man retained the core gameplay of its predecessor. Players control Ms. Pac-Man, a yellow circle with a bow and lipstick, as she navigates through a maze filled with dots, fruits, and ghosts. The goal of the game is to eat all of the dots in the maze while avoiding the ghosts. If Ms. Pac-Man is touched by a ghost, she loses a life.

One of the most significant changes in Ms. Pac-Man was the addition of new mazes. The original Pac-Man featured only one maze, but Ms. Pac-Man introduced four different mazes, each with its own unique layout and challenges. This added variety to the gameplay and kept players coming back for more.

Another new feature in Ms. Pac-Man was the addition of fruits. Fruits appear randomly in the maze, and eating them gives Ms. Pac-Man bonus points. The fruits also have different point values, so players have to strategize which fruits to eat and when.

The ghosts in Ms. Pac-Man also received some changes. In the original Pac-Man, the ghosts were all identical in their behavior. However, in Ms. Pac-Man, each ghost has its own unique personality and tactics. Inky is the blue ghost who is known for his erratic behavior. Blinky is the red ghost who is known for his aggressive pursuit of Ms. Pac-Man. Pinky is the pink ghost who is known for her ability to ambush Ms. Pac-Man. And Sue is the orange ghost who is known for her slow but steady pursuit of Ms. Pac-Man.

Power-Ups

Ms. Pac-Man introduced a new power-up known as the Energizer. When Ms. Pac-Man eats an Energizer, the ghosts turn blue and become vulnerable to being eaten. This gives Ms. Pac-Man a chance to earn bonus points and clear the maze of ghosts.

Intermissions

Another unique feature of Ms. Pac-Man is the intermissions that occur between levels. These intermissions show the growing romantic relationship between Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Man. The intermissions are humorous and add a bit of personality to the game.

Critical Reception

Ms. Pac-Man was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its improved gameplay, new features, and charming graphics. Ms. Pac-Man was also one of the first video games to feature a female protagonist, which was a groundbreaking move at the time.

Legacy

Ms. Pac-Man is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It has been ported to numerous platforms and has been included in several compilations. Ms. Pac-Man has also been the inspiration for several sequels and spin-offs.

Conclusion

Ms. Pac-Man is a classic video game that improved upon the original Pac-Man in every way. With its new mazes, fruits, ghosts, and power-ups, Ms. Pac-Man is a must-play for fans of arcade classics.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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