Summary
- Release Year: 1978
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, BBC Microcomputer System, Call-A-Computer time-shared mainframe computer system, DOS, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Acornsoft Limited, Topologika Software, Inc.
Acheton (1978): A Text Adventure Classic
Acheton is a text adventure game developed by Don Woods and published by Automated Simulations in 1978. It was one of the first text adventures to feature a parser that allowed players to type in natural language commands, and it is still considered one of the best examples of the genre.
The game is set in a dark and dangerous cave system, and the player must explore the caves, solve puzzles, and defeat monsters in order to find the exit. The game’s parser is very sophisticated for its time, and it allows players to type in commands such as “go north”, “examine rock”, and “attack goblin”.
Acheton was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the text adventure genre. The game has been ported to many different platforms over the years, and it is still available to play today.
Gameplay
Acheton is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing in commands. The game’s parser is very sophisticated for its time, and it allows players to type in natural language commands.
The player’s goal in Acheton is to explore a cave system and find the exit. The cave system is dark and dangerous, and the player must be careful not to get lost or killed. The player will encounter a variety of obstacles in the cave system, including monsters, traps, and puzzles.
The player can use a variety of commands to interact with the game world. These commands include:
- Movement commands: These commands allow the player to move around the cave system.
- Examination commands: These commands allow the player to examine objects in the cave system.
- Action commands: These commands allow the player to perform actions in the cave system, such as attacking monsters or opening doors.
The player must use their wits and problem-solving skills to overcome the obstacles in the cave system and find the exit.
Setting
Acheton is set in a dark and dangerous cave system. The cave system is full of twists and turns, and it is easy to get lost. The player must be careful not to fall into pits or get trapped in dead ends.
The cave system is also home to a variety of monsters. These monsters include goblins, trolls, and dragons. The player must be careful not to get attacked by these monsters, or they will be killed.
Puzzles
Acheton features a variety of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress. These puzzles include:
- Logic puzzles: These puzzles require the player to use their logic skills to solve them.
- Object puzzles: These puzzles require the player to use objects in the cave system to solve them.
- Word puzzles: These puzzles require the player to use their word skills to solve them.
The puzzles in Acheton are challenging, but they are also fair. The player will need to use their wits and problem-solving skills to solve them.
Legacy
Acheton is considered to be one of the best text adventure games ever made. The game’s sophisticated parser, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric setting have made it a classic of the genre.
Acheton has been ported to many different platforms over the years, and it is still available to play today. The game is a must-play for fans of text adventure games and retro gaming.
Conclusion
Acheton is a classic text adventure game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging puzzles and atmospheric setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a classic text adventure game to play, Acheton is a great choice.
Review Score
8.5/10