Summary

Release Year: 1979
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore PET, TRS-80
Developers: Automated Simulations, Inc.
Publishers: Automated Simulations, Inc.

Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn (1979): A Classic RPG That Still Holds Up Today

Introduction

Released in 1979, Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn is a classic dungeon-crawling RPG that set the standard for many games to come. Developed by Epyx and published by Automated Simulations, Dunjonquest was one of the first RPGs to feature a fully explorable 3D dungeon, complete with monsters, traps, and puzzles.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of a party of up to six adventurers, each with their own unique class and abilities. The goal of the game is to explore the dungeon, defeat the monsters within, and collect the eight Datestones of Ryn. These Datestones are scattered throughout the dungeon, and each one grants the party a special ability or power.

The gameplay is turn-based, with each character taking their turn to move, attack, or use an item. Combat is simple but effective, with characters rolling dice to determine the outcome of their attacks. The dungeon is randomly generated, so no two playthroughs are ever the same.

Classes

There are six character classes to choose from in Dunjonquest:

Fighter: The fighter is a melee combat specialist, with high strength and hit points.
Cleric: The cleric is a healing and support class, with the ability to cast healing spells and cure diseases.
Mage: The mage is a magic-user, with the ability to cast a variety of spells, including offensive, defensive, and utility spells.
Thief: The thief is a stealthy class, with the ability to pick locks, disarm traps, and backstab enemies.
Elf: The elf is a ranged combat specialist, with high dexterity and the ability to use bows and arrows.
Dwarf: The dwarf is a tough and sturdy class, with high constitution and the ability to use axes and hammers.

Dungeon

The dungeon in Dunjonquest is a vast and dangerous place, filled with all sorts of monsters, traps, and puzzles. The dungeon is divided into several levels, each with its own unique challenges.

The monsters in Dunjonquest are varied and deadly, ranging from simple goblins and orcs to powerful dragons and demons. Each monster has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so players must be careful when choosing their battles.

The traps in Dunjonquest are also deadly, and can easily kill an unwary adventurer. Traps can be anything from simple pit traps to complex poison traps. Players must be careful when exploring the dungeon, and always be on the lookout for danger.

The puzzles in Dunjonquest are challenging and often require players to think outside the box. Puzzles can be anything from simple riddles to complex mazes. Players must use their wits and ingenuity to solve the puzzles and progress through the dungeon.

Legacy

Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the most important RPGs of all time. The game’s innovative dungeon-crawling gameplay and character classes set the standard for many RPGs to come.

Dunjonquest has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Apple II, Commodore 64, and PC. The game has also been re-released on modern platforms, such as Steam and GOG.

Conclusion

Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn is a classic RPG that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging dungeon, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a classic RPG to sink your teeth into, Dunjonquest is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Publisher: Automated Simulations, Inc.

Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn (1979)