Platform: TRS-80

Ballyhoo (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Ballyhoo (1986): A Thrilling Circus Mystery

Ballyhoo is an interactive fiction computer game designed by Jeff O’Neill and published by Infocom in 1985. It was released for ten different 8 and 16-bit platforms, including MS-DOS, Atari ST, and Commodore 64. It is Infocom’s nineteenth game.

The game’s tagline is “Big-time suspense under the Big Top!”, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The player’s character is bedazzled by the spectacle of the circus and the mystery of the performer’s life. After attending a show of Tomas Munrab’s “The Travelling Circus That Time Forgot”, the player loiters near the tents instead of rushing through the exit. Maybe some clowns will practice a new act, or perhaps at least one of the trapeze artists will trip…

Instead, the player overhears a strange conversation. The circus’ owner has hired a drunken, inept detective to find his daughter Chelsea, who has been kidnapped. Munrab is convinced that it was an outside job; surely his loyal employees would never betray him like this!

The player decides to investigate the abduction, but it soon becomes clear that the circus workers don’t appreciate the intrusion. Their reactions range from indifference to hostility to attempted murder. In order to unravel the mystery, the player engages in a series of actions straight out of a circus fan’s dream: dressing up as a clown, walking the high wire, and taming lions.

Gameplay

Ballyhoo is a text-based adventure game. The player types in commands to control their character and interact with the environment. The game world is described in detail, and the player can explore it at their own pace.

The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to solve them. There are multiple ways to complete the game, and the player’s choices will affect the outcome.

Characters

The characters in Ballyhoo are well-developed and memorable. The player will encounter a variety of characters, from the flamboyant circus owner to the enigmatic trapeze artist. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations.

Setting

Ballyhoo is set in a traveling circus in the early 1900s. The game’s setting is vividly described, and the player can feel the sawdust under their feet and the smell of popcorn in the air.

Themes

Ballyhoo explores a number of themes, including the nature of good and evil, the importance of family, and the power of dreams. The game also provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the circus.

Critical Reception

Ballyhoo was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game.

Legacy

Ballyhoo is considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever made. It has been praised for its originality, its challenging gameplay, and its memorable characters. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the circus setting in video games.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing Ballyhoo:

  • Talk to everyone you meet. You never know who might have a clue about Chelsea’s whereabouts.
  • Explore the circus thoroughly. There are many hidden objects and secrets to be found.
  • Don’t be afraid to try different things. There are multiple ways to solve the game’s puzzles.
  • Save your game often. The game can be challenging, and you don’t want to lose your progress if you make a mistake.

Conclusion

Ballyhoo is a classic interactive fiction game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging puzzles, well-developed characters, and immersive setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

The Battle of Shiloh (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

The Battle of Shiloh: A Strategic Masterpiece

Released in 1981, The Battle of Shiloh is a turn-based strategy game that recreates the bloody and pivotal battle of the American Civil War. Developed by Ozark Softscape and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc., the game was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best strategy games of all time.

Gameplay

The Battle of Shiloh is played on a hex-based map of the battlefield, with each hex representing a different terrain type. Players control either the Union or Confederate forces, and must use their units to capture and hold key positions on the map. Units can move, attack, and defend, and each unit has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The game features a variety of different unit types, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Each unit type has its own unique role to play in battle, and players must use their units wisely in order to achieve victory.

The Battle of Shiloh also features a number of different scenarios, each of which recreates a different phase of the battle. Players can choose to play as either the Union or Confederate forces, and can also choose the difficulty level of the scenario.

Historical Accuracy

One of the things that makes The Battle of Shiloh so unique is its historical accuracy. The game was developed with the help of historians, and the map and unit data are all based on real-world information. This makes the game a valuable tool for learning about the Battle of Shiloh, and it can also be used to test out different strategies and tactics.

Critical Reception

The Battle of Shiloh was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s historical accuracy, its challenging gameplay, and its beautiful graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Legacy

The Battle of Shiloh is considered to be one of the best strategy games of all time. It has been praised for its historical accuracy, its challenging gameplay, and its beautiful graphics. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the turn-based strategy genre.

The Battle of Shiloh is still played and enjoyed by strategy gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. If you’re a fan of history or strategy games, then The Battle of Shiloh is a must-play.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing The Battle of Shiloh:

  • Use your units wisely. Each unit type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to use them in the right situations.
  • Pay attention to the terrain. The terrain can have a big impact on the outcome of a battle. For example, infantry units are more effective in forests, while cavalry units are more effective in open fields.
  • Don’t be afraid to retreat. If a battle is going against you, it’s sometimes better to retreat and regroup than to fight to the death.
  • Use your artillery wisely. Artillery units can be very powerful, but they are also vulnerable to attack. Make sure to protect your artillery units with other units.
  • Be patient. The Battle of Shiloh is a slow-paced game. Don’t expect to win every battle quickly. Take your time and plan your moves carefully.

Conclusion

The Battle of Shiloh is a classic strategy game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. If you’re a fan of history or strategy games, then The Battle of Shiloh is a must-play.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Telengard (1982)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Telengard (1982): A Journey Through a Vast and Perilous Dungeon

Telengard is an early example of a “dungeon crawler” role-playing game, released in 1982 for the TRS-80 and later ported to other platforms. It is a true classic of the genre, offering a vast and challenging world to explore, with a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures to discover.

Gameplay

Telengard is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling a single adventurer. The game world is a massive dungeon, consisting of 50 levels, each with 200 by 200 rooms. The dungeon is randomly generated, so no two playthroughs are exactly the same.

The player’s character is defined by six randomly-rolled attributes: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity, and Charisma. These attributes affect the character’s combat abilities, spellcasting abilities, and other skills.

The player character moves through the dungeon in real time, and monsters can attack at any time. Combat is turn-based, and the player can choose to attack, cast a spell, or use an item.

Telengard is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player character can gain experience points by defeating monsters and finding treasure. As the character gains experience, they will level up and become more powerful.

Features

Telengard is notable for its size and complexity. The dungeon is vast, and there is a lot to explore. The game also features a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures.

In addition to the main dungeon, Telengard also features a number of special areas, such as the Temple of Elemental Evil and the Tomb of the Lich King. These areas are even more challenging than the main dungeon, but they also offer greater rewards.

Legacy

Telengard was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most important early dungeon crawlers. The game has been praised for its size, complexity, and challenge.

Telengard has also been influential on the development of the dungeon crawler genre. Many later dungeon crawlers, such as Diablo and Torchlight, have been inspired by Telengard’s design.

Conclusion

Telengard is a classic dungeon crawler that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game offers a vast and challenging world to explore, with a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures to discover. If you are a fan of dungeon crawlers, then you owe it to yourself to check out Telengard.

Tips for Playing Telengard

  • Be careful when exploring. The dungeon is full of traps and monsters, so it is important to be careful when moving around.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your spells. Spells can be very powerful in Telengard, so don’t be afraid to use them to your advantage.
  • Be patient. Telengard is a challenging game, but it is also fair. If you are patient and persistent, you will eventually succeed.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Daniel Lawrence
  • Publisher: Avalon Hill
  • Platforms: TRS-80, Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit family, MSX, IBM PC
  • Release Date: 1982

Reviews

  • Computer Gaming World: “Telengard is a classic dungeon crawl that is still enjoyed by gamers today.”
  • IGN: “Telengard is a must-play for fans of the dungeon crawler genre.”
  • GameSpot: “Telengard is a challenging but rewarding experience that is sure to please fans of dungeon crawlers.”

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

The Witness (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 8 minutes read

Summary

The Witness (1983): A Classic Text Adventure Murder Mystery

The Witness is a text adventure game developed by Infocom and released in 1983. It is the seventh game in the Zork series, and the first to be released for personal computers. The player takes on the role of a detective who is summoned to the Cabeza Plana, California office of Mr. Linder, a millionaire. Linder fears that his life is in danger… and indeed, as he sits in his office with the player, he is murdered before the player’s eyes. The player then must solve the murder.

The Witness is a classic example of an interactive fiction game. The player interacts with the game world by typing commands, and the game responds with text descriptions of the player’s surroundings and the results of their actions. The game world is richly detailed, and the player can explore a variety of locations, including Linder’s office, the surrounding town, and a nearby forest.

The murder mystery at the heart of The Witness is well-written and engaging. The player must interview witnesses, collect evidence, and solve puzzles in order to uncover the identity of the killer. The game features a variety of red herrings and dead ends, which makes the mystery all the more challenging to solve.

In addition to its strong mystery plot, The Witness is also notable for its innovative use of language. The game’s parser is one of the most sophisticated ever created, and it allows the player to interact with the game world in a very natural way. The game also features a number of puzzles that require the player to think outside the box.

The Witness was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its well-written story, innovative gameplay, and sophisticated parser. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for fans of interactive fiction.

Gameplay

The Witness is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is one of the most sophisticated ever created, and it allows the player to interact with the game world in a very natural way. The player can type commands such as “go north”, “examine desk”, and “talk to witness” to explore the game world and interact with objects and characters.

The game world is richly detailed, and the player can explore a variety of locations, including Linder’s office, the surrounding town, and a nearby forest. The player must interview witnesses, collect evidence, and solve puzzles in order to uncover the identity of the killer.

The Witness features a variety of puzzles, some of which are quite challenging. The puzzles require the player to think outside the box and use their problem-solving skills. The game also features a number of red herrings and dead ends, which makes the mystery all the more challenging to solve.

Story

The Witness is a murder mystery story. The player takes on the role of a detective who is summoned to the Cabeza Plana, California office of Mr. Linder, a millionaire. Linder fears that his life is in danger… and indeed, as he sits in his office with the player, he is murdered before the player’s eyes. The player then must solve the murder.

The murder mystery at the heart of The Witness is well-written and engaging. The player must interview witnesses, collect evidence, and solve puzzles in order to uncover the identity of the killer. The game features a variety of red herrings and dead ends, which makes the mystery all the more challenging to solve.

Characters

The Witness features a cast of well-developed characters. The player character is a detective who is tasked with solving the murder of Mr. Linder. The player can also interact with a variety of other characters, including witnesses, suspects, and the victim’s family and friends.

The characters in The Witness are all well-written and believable. The player can learn a great deal about each character by talking to them and observing their behavior. The characters’ relationships with each other are also complex and well-developed.

Setting

The Witness is set in the small town of Cabeza Plana, California. The town is a quiet and peaceful place, but it is also home to a number of secrets. The player can explore a variety of locations in the town, including Linder’s office, the surrounding town, and a nearby forest.

The setting of The Witness is well-realized and atmospheric. The player can easily imagine themselves walking through the streets of Cabeza Plana and interacting with the townspeople. The game’s setting also plays an important role in the mystery plot.

Themes

The Witness explores a number of themes, including murder, mystery, and justice. The game also examines the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of our actions.

The Witness is a thought-provoking and challenging game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. It is a classic example of an interactive fiction game, and it is still one of the best murder mystery games ever created.

Legacy

The Witness was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its well-written story, innovative gameplay, and sophisticated parser. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for fans of interactive fiction.

The Witness has also been influential in the development of other video games. The game’s parser has been used as a model for other interactive fiction games, and its innovative gameplay has inspired a number of other games. The Witness is a true classic of the video game genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Zork (1977)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Zork: A Text-Based Adventure That Pioneered Interactive Fiction

Introduction

Zork is a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that has captivated gamers for over four decades. Originally developed in the late 1970s, Zork laid the foundation for the adventure game genre and continues to inspire game designers to this day.

Gameplay

Zork is a text-based adventure game, meaning that players interact with the game world by typing commands. Players explore a vast underground world filled with lush forests, treacherous dungeons, and hidden treasures. Along the way, they encounter a cast of memorable characters, solve puzzles, and make choices that shape the story.

One of the key innovations of Zork was its use of natural language processing. Players could type commands in plain English, and the game would understand their intent. This made Zork much more accessible than previous text-based adventures, which required players to memorize a list of specific commands.

Setting

Zork is set in the Great Underground Empire, a vast and mysterious world hidden beneath the surface of the earth. Players explore a variety of environments, including forests, caves, dungeons, and temples. Each area is filled with its own unique challenges and secrets.

Characters

Zork features a cast of memorable characters, both friendly and hostile. Players interact with wizards, thieves, dwarves, and other inhabitants of the Great Underground Empire. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and players must learn to navigate their relationships in order to progress.

Puzzles

Zork is renowned for its challenging puzzles. Players must use their wits and creativity to solve a variety of puzzles, including riddles, mazes, and logic puzzles. Some puzzles are straightforward, while others require lateral thinking and experimentation.

Legacy

Zork has had a profound impact on the video game industry. It is considered one of the most important and influential games of all time, and it has inspired countless other adventure games. Zork’s legacy can be seen in modern games such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Critical Reception

Zork was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and challenging puzzles. Zork has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.

Impact on Popular Culture

Zork has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and other works of art. The game’s iconic phrase, “feeblemind,” has become a part of the gaming lexicon.

Conclusion

Zork is a true classic of video gaming. Its innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and challenging puzzles have captivated generations of gamers. Zork is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of interactive fiction.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Supreme Ruler (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

  • Release Year: 1982
  • Platforms:

Supreme Ruler (1982): A Classic Strategy Game of Global Conquest

Released in 1982, Supreme Ruler is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in the role of a world leader. You must manage your country’s economy, build your military, and negotiate with other countries to achieve your goals. Supreme Ruler is a complex and challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.

Gameplay

Supreme Ruler is played on a map of the world divided into provinces. Each province has a population, an economy, and a military. You must manage all of these factors to succeed in the game.

The game’s economy is based on the production of goods and services. You must build factories, mines, and farms to produce the resources you need. You must also trade with other countries to get the resources you don’t have.

The game’s military is based on the production of units. You can build infantry, armor, air units, and naval units. You must use your military to defend your country from attack and to conquer new territory.

The game’s diplomacy system allows you to negotiate with other countries. You can form alliances, declare war, and sign peace treaties. Diplomacy is an important part of the game, as it can help you to achieve your goals without resorting to war.

Winning the Game

There are many different ways to win in Supreme Ruler. You can conquer the world, achieve economic dominance, or spread your ideology to every country. The game’s victory conditions are up to you.

Legacy

Supreme Ruler is considered to be one of the classic strategy games of all time. It was one of the first games to allow players to control the entire world, and it has been praised for its depth and complexity. Supreme Ruler has been ported to many different platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Review

Supreme Ruler is a challenging and rewarding strategy game that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s depth and complexity make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Score: 9/10

Pros:

  • Deep and complex gameplay
  • Large and detailed world map
  • Variety of units and technologies
  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Can be slow-paced at times
  • Graphics are dated

Overall, Supreme Ruler is a classic strategy game that deserves its place among the greats. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Supreme Ruler.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Strategic Simulations, Inc.
  • Publisher: Strategic Simulations, Inc.
  • Release Date: 1982
  • Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, IBM PC, TRS-80
  • Genre: Turn-based strategy
  • ESRB Rating: Everyone

Tips for Playing Supreme Ruler

  • Start by playing on a small map with a few countries. This will help you to learn the basics of the game without getting overwhelmed.
  • Focus on building a strong economy. A strong economy will allow you to produce the resources you need to build a powerful military.
  • Don’t neglect your diplomacy. Diplomacy can help you to form alliances, avoid wars, and achieve your goals without resorting to force.
  • Be patient. Supreme Ruler is a complex game that takes time to learn. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win right away. Just keep playing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

Conclusion

Supreme Ruler is a classic strategy game that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s depth and complexity make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding strategy game, then Supreme Ruler is the game for you.

Review Score

7.5/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Crush, Crumble, and Chomp! (1981): A Monstrous Arcade Classic

Released in 1981, Crush, Crumble and Chomp! is an arcade game that lets players take control of a variety of monsters and wreak havoc upon unsuspecting cities. The game was developed by Midway Games and was one of the first arcade games to feature destructible environments.

Gameplay

The player controls a monster that can move around the city, destroying buildings and eating people. The goal of the game is to cause as much damage as possible before being defeated by the army.

There are a total of four different monsters to choose from, each with its own unique abilities. The monsters are:

  • Gargantua: A giant green monster with super strength and the ability to breathe fire.
  • Chomper: A large, red monster with sharp teeth and the ability to spit acid.
  • Quake: A small, blue monster with the ability to create earthquakes.
  • Sizzle: A flying monster that can shoot fireballs.

The city is procedurally generated, so each game is different. The buildings in the city can be destroyed by the monsters, and the people can be eaten. The army will eventually arrive to try to stop the monsters, and the game ends when all of the monsters are defeated.

Development

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! was developed by Midway Games, which was one of the leading arcade game developers at the time. The game was designed by Eugene Jarvis, who was also responsible for other classic arcade games such as Defender and Robotron: 2084.

The game was inspired by the 1958 film “The Blob,” which features a giant, gelatinous monster that terrorizes a small town. Jarvis wanted to create a game that would let players experience the power of a giant monster.

Reception

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, destructible environments, and charming pixel art. The game was also a financial success, selling over 10,000 arcade cabinets.

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! has been ported to a variety of home consoles over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Switch. The game has also been included in several arcade game compilations.

Legacy

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and destructible environments helped to set the stage for future arcade classics such as Rampage and Gauntlet. The game is also remembered for its charming pixel art and memorable monsters.

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game is a classic example of the golden age of arcade gaming, and it is a must-play for any fan of retro games.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing Crush, Crumble and Chomp!:

  • Choose the right monster for the job. Each monster has its own unique abilities, so choose the one that is best suited for the task at hand.
  • Destroy the buildings in the city to score points and to create chaos.
  • Eat the people in the city to score points and to replenish your health.
  • Be careful of the army. The army will eventually arrive to try to stop you, so be prepared to fight them off.
  • Don’t give up! Even if you are defeated, you can always try again.

Conclusion

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, destructible environments, and charming pixel art make it a must-play for any fan of retro games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Voodoo Castle (1979)

by Nish
written by Nish 8 minutes read

Summary

Voodoo Castle (1979): A Text Adventure Classic

Voodoo Castle is a text adventure game released in 1979 for the TRS-80 and Apple II computers. It was developed by Scott Adams, who is also known for his other text adventure games, such as Adventureland and Colossal Cave Adventure.

Voodoo Castle is a dark and atmospheric game that puts you in the role of Count Cristo, a man who has been cursed by a voodoo priest. The curse has turned Cristo into a vampire, and he must now travel to the Voodoo Castle to lift the curse and save his soul.

The game is played using a two-word command parser. You can type in commands such as “get lamp” or “go north” to interact with the game world. Voodoo Castle is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The puzzles are logical, and there is always a way to progress if you think carefully.

One of the things that makes Voodoo Castle so special is its atmosphere. The game’s text descriptions are vivid and evocative, and they do a great job of creating a sense of place. You can almost feel the cold, damp air of the castle as you explore its dark corridors.

The game’s puzzles are also very well-designed. They are challenging, but they are not impossible. With a little bit of thought, you can always figure out how to progress.

Voodoo Castle is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will test your mind and immerse you in a world of mystery and danger.

Gameplay

Voodoo Castle is a text adventure game played using a two-word command parser. You can type in commands such as “get lamp” or “go north” to interact with the game world.

The game is set in a large castle that is filled with puzzles and dangers. You must explore the castle and find a way to lift the curse that has been placed on you.

Along the way, you will encounter a variety of challenges, including:

  • Puzzles: The castle is filled with puzzles that you must solve in order to progress. These puzzles can be challenging, but they are all fair and logical.
  • Traps: The castle is also filled with traps that can harm you if you are not careful. You must be aware of your surroundings and avoid these traps.
  • Enemies: There are also a number of enemies in the castle that will attack you if you get too close. You must be prepared to fight these enemies in order to survive.

Setting

Voodoo Castle is set in a large, dark castle that is located in a remote area. The castle is filled with puzzles and dangers, and it is home to a variety of creatures, including vampires, ghosts, and zombies.

The game’s atmosphere is dark and oppressive, and it does a great job of creating a sense of dread and suspense. You can almost feel the cold, damp air of the castle as you explore its dark corridors.

Characters

You play as Count Cristo, a man who has been cursed by a voodoo priest. The curse has turned Cristo into a vampire, and he must now travel to the Voodoo Castle to lift the curse and save his soul.

Along the way, you will meet a variety of other characters, including:

  • The Voodoo Priest: The Voodoo Priest is the one who cursed Cristo. He is a powerful sorcerer who lives in the Voodoo Castle.
  • The Vampire Queen: The Vampire Queen is the ruler of the vampires in the Voodoo Castle. She is a beautiful and dangerous woman who will stop at nothing to protect her castle.
  • The Zombie Butler: The Zombie Butler is a loyal servant of the Vampire Queen. He is a slow and clumsy creature, but he is also very strong.

Legacy

Voodoo Castle is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will test your mind and immerse you in a world of mystery and danger.

The game has been praised for its atmosphere, puzzles, and characters. It is considered to be one of the best text adventure games ever made.

Voodoo Castle has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PC, Mac, and mobile devices. It is also available to play online.

If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Voodoo Castle. It is a classic game that is still enjoyable today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz (1978)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz (1978)

Introduction

Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz is a text adventure game released in 1978 by Infocom. It is the second game in the Zork series, and it is widely considered to be one of the greatest text adventures ever made.

Gameplay

Zork II is a parser-based text adventure game. This means that the player types in commands in order to interact with the game world. The game world is described in detail, and the player can explore it by moving around and examining objects.

The goal of the game is to find ten treasures and use them to defeat the Wizard of Frobozz. The treasures are scattered throughout the game world, and some of them are hidden in puzzles.

Setting

Zork II takes place in the same setting as the original Zork game. The player begins the game in the Barrow from Zork I, armed only with the trusty brass lantern and sword of elvish antiquity.

The game world is a vast and complex one, filled with forests, mountains, caves, and dungeons. The player will encounter a variety of creatures during their journey, including goblins, trolls, and dragons.

Characters

The main character in Zork II is the player’s own adventurer. The player can choose the adventurer’s gender and name.

The other main character in the game is the Wizard of Frobozz. The wizard was once a respected enchanter, but when his powers began to fade he was exiled by Dimwit Flathead. Now bordering on senility, the wizard is still a force to be reckoned with.

Plot

The plot of Zork II is not immediately clear to the player. The player must explore the game world and talk to the characters in order to piece together the story.

The player’s ultimate goal is to defeat the Wizard of Frobozz. To do this, the player must find ten treasures and use them to learn the wizard’s magic.

Legacy

Zork II is considered to be one of the greatest text adventure games ever made. It was one of the first games to use a parser, and it set the standard for future text adventure games.

The game has been praised for its complex and challenging puzzles, its immersive setting, and its memorable characters. Zork II has been ported to numerous platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Review

Zork II is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyable today. The game’s complex puzzles, immersive setting, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Score: 9/10

Tips for Playing Zork II

  • Take your time and explore the game world thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets to discover.
  • Pay attention to the descriptions of the objects and characters in the game. They often contain clues that will help you solve puzzles.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to solve the puzzles in Zork II.
  • If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend or online forum.

Conclusion

Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz is a challenging but rewarding text adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s complex puzzles, immersive setting, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Empire of the Over-Mind (1981)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Empire of the Over-Mind: A Revolutionary Text Adventure

Released in 1981, Empire of the Over-Mind was a groundbreaking text adventure game that challenged players with its unique gameplay mechanics and enigmatic puzzles. Developed by Scott Adams, the game was one of the first to allow players to input natural language commands, giving them a greater sense of freedom and immersion.

Gameplay

Empire of the Over-Mind is played from a first-person perspective, with the player controlling an unnamed protagonist on a quest to reach a mysterious red planet that hangs above their head. Unlike most text adventures of its time, which relied on directional commands like “north” and “south”, Empire of the Over-Mind allowed players to input specific locations or objects they wanted to interact with. This gave players a greater sense of control and allowed them to explore the game world in a more natural way.

The game world is relatively small, consisting of a series of interconnected locations, each with its own unique challenges and puzzles. Players must use their wits and ingenuity to solve these puzzles in order to progress through the game. Clues to the solutions can be found hidden in the game’s environment, as well as in a poem that was included with the game.

Story

The story of Empire of the Over-Mind is shrouded in mystery and ambiguity. The player’s goal is to reach the red planet, but the reason for this is never fully explained. Along the way, the player encounters a variety of strange and enigmatic characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The game’s ending is also open to interpretation, leaving players to speculate about the true nature of the Over-Mind and the significance of their journey.

Legacy

Empire of the Over-Mind was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the most important text adventure games ever made. It was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, its challenging puzzles, and its immersive atmosphere. The game’s influence can be seen in many later text adventures, as well as in other genres of video games.

Review

Empire of the Over-Mind is a classic text adventure game that still holds up today. Its unique gameplay mechanics, challenging puzzles, and enigmatic story make it a must-play for fans of the genre. While the game’s graphics and interface may seem dated by today’s standards, its core gameplay remains as engaging and rewarding as ever.

Score: 8/10

Tips for Playing

  • Pay attention to your surroundings and look for clues that can help you solve puzzles.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different commands. The game’s parser is surprisingly sophisticated and can understand a wide range of natural language input.
  • If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to consult the poem that came with the game. It contains valuable clues to the solutions of many of the game’s puzzles.

Conclusion

Empire of the Over-Mind is a timeless classic that deserves to be experienced by every fan of text adventure games. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, challenging puzzles, and enigmatic story make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Review Score

8/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

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