Summary

Release Year: 1987
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Strategy
Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS, Mac
Developers: Synergistic Software, Inc.
Publishers: Miles Computing, Inc.

The Fool’s Errand: A Journey Through the Tarot

Released in 1987, The Fool’s Errand is a unique puzzle game that combines challenging gameplay with a rich and immersive story based on the tarot deck. Developed by Westwood Associates and published by Electronic Arts, the game was a critical and commercial success, and remains a cult classic among puzzle game enthusiasts.

Gameplay

The Fool’s Errand is played on a 7×7 game board, which is filled with a variety of different colored tiles. The player controls a pawn that can move one space in any direction on the board. The goal of the game is to move the pawn from the starting square to the exit square, while collecting all of the tarot cards that are scattered around the board.

The tarot cards in The Fool’s Errand are not just collectibles; they also play an important role in the gameplay. Each card has a unique ability that can be used to help the player progress through the game. For example, the Magician card can be used to teleport the pawn across the board, while the Strength card can be used to destroy obstacles.

The player must use the tarot cards wisely in order to overcome the challenges of the game. The game board is filled with a variety of hazards, including traps, enemies, and obstacles. The player must use the tarot cards to avoid these hazards and reach the exit square.

Story

The Fool’s Errand is not just a puzzle game; it also has a rich and immersive story. The game is set in a fantasy world based on the tarot deck. The player takes on the role of a fool who is on a journey to find the lost cards of the tarot deck.

Along the way, the fool meets a variety of characters, including a wise old wizard, a beautiful princess, and a cunning thief. The fool must use his wits and courage to overcome the challenges of his journey and find the lost cards.

Critical Reception

The Fool’s Errand was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its rich and immersive story, and its beautiful graphics. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year.

Legacy

The Fool’s Errand remains a cult classic among puzzle game enthusiasts. The game’s unique blend of gameplay and story has inspired many other games, including the popular puzzle game series The Witness. The Fool’s Errand is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in game design.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing The Fool’s Errand:

Use the tarot cards wisely. Each card has a unique ability that can be used to help you progress through the game.
Be careful of the hazards on the game board. The game board is filled with a variety of traps, enemies, and obstacles. Use the tarot cards to avoid these hazards and reach the exit square.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to solve the puzzles in The Fool’s Errand. Don’t be afraid to try different things until you find a solution that works for you.

Conclusion

The Fool’s Errand is a challenging and rewarding puzzle game that offers a unique blend of gameplay and story. The game is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and tarot enthusiasts alike.

Review Score

8/10

Publisher: Miles Computing, Inc.

The Fool’s Errand (1987)