Adventureland
This file contains information about adventure games and the companies
that made them. If you have more information on any of the games in
the list or if you find errors or omissions in the file, please let me
know.
Hans Persson
[email protected]
This version created Sat Feb 6 20:20:41 1999
Adventure Game Types
I'm trying to categorize the games a little. So far the system is as
follows:
Text only (TO)
No pictures (of course).
Graphics (G)
Some kind of graphics. I'll use this only if I haven't
seen the game or have forgotten how it looked.
Character graphics (CG)
Pictures made up of characters. Generally
horrible, but not uncommon for a while.
Drawn graphics (DG)
Pictures drawn for each room as you enter it.
Bitmap graphics (BG)
Static high-resolution pictures.
Interactive graphics (IG)
This category is a bit difficult to define.
Uninvited (ICOM) goes here, anyway. This category is on its way out.
Moving character graphics (MCG)
These games have a graphical
representation of yourself that you move around the screen. Examples
are later Sierra games and LucasArts games.
Point-n-Click (PnC)
This means that you control the game by pointing
at things with the mouse, choosing alternatives from menus or
something similar.
3D (3D)
These are games with a first-person 3D view of the world (like
Doom, Quake, and similar action games).
Text input (TEXT)
This means that you control the game by entering
text. This is the standard way, and is only mentioned if it can be
used alongside PnC input.
Multiple choice (CHOICE)
This means that the game is controlled by
choosing actions from a list or menu instead of entering text freely.
Sound (SOUND)
This means that the game features some kind of sound
that isn't music.
Music (MUSIC)
This means, of course, that the game contains some kind
of music score.
Video clips (VIDEO)
This means that the game features full-motion
video.
3P Soft
Juanito en Busca de su Beloncito
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish.
======================================================================
Aardvark
Trek Adventure
Type: TO
Written by Bob Retelle in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* OSI
* ZX81
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Derelict
Type: TO
Written by Rodger Olsen and Bob Anderson in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* OSI
* ZX81
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pyramid
Type: TO/CG
Written 1984 by Rodger Olsen in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* MC10
* OSI
* PC
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
* ZX81
Comments: Find treasures in an old pyramid. Truly awful game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mars
Type: TO/G
Written by Rodger Olsen in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* OSI
* ZX81
* TI-99/4A
* PC
* TRS-80
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paranoids Anonymous
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* OSI
* ZX81
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Escape from Mars
Type: TO
Written by Rodger Olsen in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* OSI
* ZX81
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
Notes: This might be the same game as Mars.
======================================================================
A & B Computing Magazine
The adventure creation system AdventureScape was published in this
magazine. Xanadu was the first game for that system. They later added
functionality to the system and allowed games to read their data from
disk files so the games could get bigger. Amnesia was the first game
written for that new, larger system.
Graham West
(
[email protected]) later used the concepts of AdventureScape for his own
adventure authoring system on the Acorn Archimedes. He wrote a new
parser and reworked the puzzle logic system to add extra conditions
and actions. All the code was new but the ideas came from
AdventureScape. That system was published as an A & B Computing
Magazine cover disk in early 1992.
Amnesia
Written mid-1980s in AdventureScape.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: Released as a program listing in a magazine. It was also
available on disk, probably from the magazine distributors. It was
almost certainly written by the same team as Xanadu.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Xanadu
Written mid-1980s in AdventureScape.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Set in the mystical land of Xanadu.
======================================================================
Abersoft
Classic Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Yet another version of "Colossal Cave."
======================================================================
Abstract Concepts
They were started as a "serious adventures" label by Delta 4 Software
in 1987.
They are distributed by Activision, Inc.
Mindfighter
Type: G
Written 1988 by Fergus McNeill.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: At least the Commodore 64 version of this came with a book.
======================================================================
Access Software
Homepage:
http://www.accesssoftware.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Adventure Countdown
Written 1988 by Fergus McNeill.
Tex Murphy
Amazon: Guardians of Eden
Written 1988 by Fergus McNeill.
======================================================================
Acclaim
They distribute Pulse.
======================================================================
Accolade
Homepage:
http://www.accolade.com/
Law of the West
Type: BG/MUSIC/CHOICE
Written 1985 by Alan Miller, Mini Doggett
[graphics] and Ed Bogas
[music].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
Comments: You wander around a typical "western movie" town, meet
people and have to deal with them. You have a selection of four or
five things to say at each turn. Get it wrong and they try to shoot
you. Get it right and they might give you some information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Third Courier
Type: PnC/MUSIC
Written 1989 by Carol Manley and Ivan Manley.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple IIGS
* Atari ST
* PC
* Tandy
Comments: Set in the cold-war Berlin, where you as an agent have to
hunt a missing suitcase stolen from the KGB/terrorists.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Altered Destiny
Type: MCG/MUSIC
Written 1990 or 1991 by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: A man is sucked through what he thought was his tv, into a
mysterious world populated with strange creatures. He must overthrow
an evil being.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Les Manley in: Search for the King
Type: MCG
Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: Office clerk Les Manley is, as a competitor of a certain L.
Laffer, a typical office nerd on a quest to meet babes and The King.
Package blurb: Want more? Get Les! He finds his clothes at K-Mart.
He finds his dates at Radio Shack. Now he's out to get rich quick by
finding out the greatest entertainment of all time. Follow mild
mannered Les Manley as he rocks 'n' rolls across America in search of
big bucks, beautiful babes and... The King.
* Recognizes over 1,500
words. Even good ones.
* Animation so lifelike your hips will
gyrate.
* Help Les try to impress the stunning Stella Hart.
* Over
70 bit-mapped screens make this one heavy game.
* Hot music. Hot
colors. Hot dang.
* A game filled with engaging puzzles and felt
paintings.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Les Manley, Lost in L. A.
Type: G
Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Icon-based user interface. This is a sequel to Les Manley in:
Search for the King.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't Go Alone
Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conspiracy
Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright.
======================================================================
Acme Software
Altair 4
Type: TO
Written 1984 by K. Suddick.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Your space ship has crashed on the planet Altair 4, and you
must escape.
======================================================================
Acornsoft
At some point in time, Acornsoft decided not to publish adventure
games any more. Some of the authors then took their games with them
to Topologika.
Countdown to Doom
Type: TO
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Small science fiction adventure. Your spaceship has crashed
on the planet Doomawangara. You must acquire the parts needed to
repair your ship before the planet's hostile atmosphere corrodes it
away.
Package blurb: You set off from Earth in your one-man ship, and are
soon orbiting Doom.
Doomawangara -- *Doom* for short -- with its
weird climate that varies from desert to jungle, glacier to swamp;
the home, aeons ago, of the Ancients, whose crumbling dwellings at
last begin to show up on your scanners, their images giving you the
feeling that they're watching you -- not the other way round. Doom,
famed across the Galaxy as a *potentially* lucrative source of
income, its surface littered with crashed treasure ships, rapidly
corroding in the intensely volatile atmosphere. *Only those known as
adventurers would dare to land.*
You make one more pass over the
enticing planet, wondering if *you* have the courage. The decision is
made for you when your ship comes under a sudden and violent attack
that sends it tumbling out of control until it hits the surface with a
force that could have killed you.
You pick yourself up and survey
the wreckage, knowing that both you and your ship are well and truly
*doomed* unless you can find the spares to repair it in time...
GAME
SIZE: *Medium.* RATING: *Medium.*
For more information, see Topologika Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Acheton
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kingdom of Hamil
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Philosopher's Quest
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: This game had the most evil and unfair first puzzle of all
time. The Acornsoft version of this, Killworth's first text adventure,
sold 25.000 copies.
Package blurb: Peter's best-selling adventure sees you wishing you
hadn't waved that old magic wand you found in the junk shop off
Market Street. For when you did, the atmosphere turned inside out,
taking you with it. And when it turned back again, the shop -- and
the shopkeeper were no more...
GAME SIZE: *Compact, but with
unexpected twists.* RATING: *Difficult.*
For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sphinx Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle of Riddles
Type: TO
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: Some of the puzzles in Castle of Riddles came from the original
version of Philosopher's Quest and now appear in the Topologika
version of Philosophers' Quest. It had an incredibly unfair maze.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quondam
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
For more information, see Mainframe adventures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Seventh Star
Type: TO
Written 1982 by Peter Killworth.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gateway to Karos
Type: TO
Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spooky Manor
Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mini
Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: Only available in a compilation with Caves and Roman.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Caves
Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: Only available in a compilation with Mini and Roman.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Roman
Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: Only available in a compilation with Mini and Caves.
======================================================================
Activision, Inc
Activision have released the Infocom games in more different
compilations than I care to list at the moment.
Homepage:
http://www.activision.com/
Email:
[email protected].
They distribute Infocom, Interplay Productions, LucasArts and Abstract
Concepts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alter Ego
Written 1985 (?) by Dr. Peter Favaro.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
Comments: The player could assume different characters. There was a
male and a female version of this. You'd play an entire life, from
birth to death.
Portal
Type: IG
Written 1986 by Rob Swigart and Brad Fregger.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: It was translated to a novel.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost Treasures of Infocom I
Written 1986 by Rob Swigart and Brad Fregger.
Notes: Compilation of Infocom games (Ballyhoo, Beyond Zork, Deadline,
Enchanter, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Infidel, Lurking
Horror, Moonmist, Planetfall, Sorcerer, Spellbreaker, Starcross,
Stationfall, Suspect, Suspended, The Witness, Zork I, Zork II, Zork
III, Zork Zero).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Leather Goddesses of Phobos 2: Gas Pump Girls Meet the Pulsating
Inconvenience from Planet X
Type: G
Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost Treasures of Infocom II
Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky.
Notes: Compilation of Infocom games (A Mind Forever Voyaging, Border
Zone, Bureaucracy, Cutthroats, Hollywood Hijinx, Nord and Bert
Couldn't Make Head or Tail of It, Plundered Hearts, Seastalker,
Sherlock, Wishbringer). The CD version of this compilation includes
three more games that are not on the diskette version (Arthur,
Journey, Shogun).
Zork
These are modern graphical games set in the Zork universe from the
original Zork games by Infocom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Text Adventure Masterpieces
Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky.
Runs on:
* PC
* Macintosh
Notes: Compilation of Infocom games (Arthur, Ballyhoo, Beyond Zork,
Border Zone, Bureaucracy, Cutthroats, Deadline, Enchanter, Hollywood
Hijinx, Infidel, Journey, Leather Goddesses of Phobos, Lurking
Horror, Mind Forever Voyaging, Moonmist, Nord & Bert, Planetfall,
Plundered Hearts, Seastalker, Sherlock, Sorcerer, Spellbreaker,
Starcorss, Stationfall, Suspect, Suspended, Trinity, Wishbringer,
Witness, Zork I, II, III and Zork Zero).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spycraft: The Great Game
Type: VIDEO
Written 1996 by William Colby (former director of the CIA) and Oleg
Kalougin (former major general of the KGB).
Notes: Comes on three CDs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder
Written 1996 by William Colby (former director of the CIA) and Oleg
Kalougin (former major general of the KGB).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Fe Mysteries: Sacred Ground
Type: VIDEO
Written 1996.
Notes: Comes on two CDs.
======================================================================
Addison-Wesley
The Antagonists
Written by Hal Renko, Sam Edwards and Hermie Hermens.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Package includes a diary and a hex listing of the adventure. A
tape of the program could be bought separately.
======================================================================
Adventions
All the Adventions games are written with TADS. Those that are
freeware or shareware can be found on ftp.gmd.de in
/if-archive/games/adventions.
Email:
[email protected].
Unnkulian Unventure
Humorous fantasy adventures in the style of the original adventure.
As time goes on, they are becoming more and more plot-oriented as
opposed to object-gathering-oriented.
Unnkulian Universe Unventure
These games occur in the future of the Unnkulian world and are set
in a science fiction environment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossal Cave Revisited (v1.0)
Type: TO
Written 1993 by David M. Baggett.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: A remake of Crowther and Woods' original adventure. Released
with complete TADS source code. Freeware.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Horror of Rylvania - Demonstration version
Type: TO
Written 1993 by David A. Leary.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: Freeware.
The Horror of Rylvania
Type: TO
Written 1993 by David A. Leary.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: Commercial.
======================================================================
Adventure International
Founded by Scott Adams
(
[email protected]). All the adventures in the Scott Adams Classic Adventures,
Others and Questprobe series use the same datafile and interpreter
format and can be run using the ScottFree interpreter found on
ftp.gmd.de. His games are mainly verb-noun, but had exciting plots
and were well-designed.
The TRS-80 driver was written by Scott Adams,
while the Apple II and Commodore 64 drivers were written by Mak
Jukic. Brian Howarth later wrote another Commodore 64 driver, as
well as a Spectrum one that was used with a lot (all?) of these
games. They (at least some of them) were originally written in
BASIC. The interpreter used depended a lot upon who released the
game. There are at least two different interpreters for the
Commodore 64. Some of the games were released for the Exidy Sorcerer
computer.
They supplied a hint book for Scott Adams Classic
Adventures 1-14 and separate hint sheets for Questprobe 1-3. All
these hints are available from ftp.gmd.de.
Contrary to popular
beliefs, none of Scott Adams' games have been released to the public
domain. The Basic versions of Adventureland (date?) and Pirate
Adventure (December 1980) were printed in Byte Magazine in an article
by Scott Adams, but are still copyrighted. The copyrights for the
games were part of the Adventure International bankruptcy proceedings
when Adventure International went bankrupt in 1985 and were taken over
by the bank (what bank? - I'd like to contact them). Recently,
however, Scott Adams put the games up for download from his own
homepage.
Scott Adams is currently (January 1996) rewriting
Adventureland in a new interpreter for Windows 95.
All the games up
to 1983-1984 (with the exceptions of the VIC-20 and TI-99/4A releases,
which were repackaged by those respective companies) come in 8.5" x
5.5" folders designed to look like paperback books. The middle is a
piece of styrofoam either with a cutout slot for the cassette or a
glued-on sleeve for the disk. The front and back cover with the
artwork is a piece of thin cardboard glued around the spine of the
styrofoam. The original text games featured the "manual" simply typed
on the inner front and sometimes back flap of the cardboard. The SAGA
releases came with their own separate instruction booklet titled Scott
Adams' Graphic Adventure Instructions. It was generic and applied to
all the SAGAs for that particular platform. Nothing more than a
registration card was included on either of these releases.
They once
ran big adverts featuring Scott Adams' picture begging people to send
in game ideas. "We want to publish your software!" Doesn't sound like
a company about to go bankrupt...
Homepage:
http://www.pcii.net/~msadams/
They distribute Howarth, Brian and Chameleon Software.
For more information, see Alternate Source, The.
Scott Adams Classic Adventures
These games were rereleased in 1982 with graphics
[BG] as Scott Adams Graphic Adventures (SAGA).
The TI-99/4A games were
distributed by Texas Instruments. The user first had to purchase a
ROM cartridge called "Adventure" which came with the disk or cassette
of adventure
#2, "Pirate Adventure". The other titles required this ROM cartridge to
run, but were sold separately.
Questprobe
The adventures in this series features characters from Marvel
Comics. According to Scott Adams, the deal was for a dozen games (I
seem to remember having read in some magazine that it was supposed to
be four or five) but Adventure International went out of business
while game number four was being written. There was also a series of
comic books published along with the games (three in all).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zossed in Space
Written by Jyym Pearson.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* PC
* Spectrum
* TRS-80
Notes: This was Jyym Pearson's first game.
Other Ventures
These games use a different data file format than the Scott Adams
games.
For more information, see Med Systems Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Labyrinth of Crete
Type: G (some)
Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: Has the interesting feature of allowing the player to move two
characters.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Doug Carlston - Galactic Saga
Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero.
Bob Lafore - Interactive Fiction
Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero.
Package blurb: You become a main character & your income directs the
outcome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
James Talley - Kid-Venture
Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero.
======================================================================
Adventure International UK
This was really a trading name of Adventure Soft UK. The name was used
with permission from Adventure International.
For more information, see Tynesoft.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gremlins
Type: BG (some animated screens)
Written 1984 by Brian Howarth and Teoman Irmak
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amstrad
[Bitmap
graphics]
* BBC
[Text
only]
* Commodore 16
[Text
only]
* Commodore 64
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Electron
[Text
only]
* Spectrum
[Bitmap
graphics]
Notes: Also available in German. Based on the Steven Spielberg movie
of the same title. The Commodore 64 version (at least) has a bug: if
you type 'GO' and press return, you get a completely new hotel.
Comments: Save the town from being overrun by blood-thirsty gremlins.
Robin of Sherwood: The Touchstones of Rhiannon
Type: BG (some animated screens)
Written 1985 by Michael Woodroffe, Brian Howarth, Teoman Irmak
[graphics], Simon Woodroffe
[help] and Alan Cox
[help].
Runs on:
* Amstrad
[Bitmap
graphics]
* BBC
[Text
only]
* Commodore 16
* Commodore 64
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Electron
[Text
only]
* Spectrum
[Bitmap
graphics]
Notes: Dedicated to Tricia (Mike Woodroffe's wife). Three windows:
graphics/room description and things/interaction. 93 locations (about
half a dozen of these lack graphics and some have identical pictures).
This was based on the TV series Robin of Sherwood starring Michael
Praed.
Fighting Fantasy
Rebel Planet and Appointment with F. E. A. R. needed a better
parser, but instead of writing one, Adventure International UK bought
the rights to the game system Melbourne House used for Terrormolinos.
======================================================================
Adventure Soft UK
Adventure Soft UK was set up by Mike Woodroffe to convert imported
Scott Adams adventures to other machines. He hired Brian Howarth to
do ports and they started to work together on it. After a while,
they had converted all the Scott Adams games and had to wait for new
ones to arrive. For a while they had their own building in
Birmingham, mostly for tape duplication and mail order, but they
later moved to Mike Woodroffe's house and let others do the tape
duplication.
They are distributed by Adventure International UK and U. S. Gold.
For more information, see Callisto Computers, Adventure International
and Horrorsoft.
Temple of Terror
Type: BG
Written by Simon Woodroffe and Mike Woodroffe.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 64
Notes: Based on a Fighting Fantasy book.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blizzard Pass
Type: BG
Written by Alan Cox.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Orginally sold as part of a Spectrum 128K starter pack by
Tynesoft. Alan Cox holds the rights to this game (except for the
Spectrum 128.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kayleth (Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine Presents)
Type: BG (some animations)
Written 1987 by Stefan Ufnowski and Ann Ufnowski.
Runs on:
* BBC
[Text
only]
* Commodore 64
Notes: Based on a story by Isaac Asimov.
Comments: In the 23rd century, you must overthrow the evil Lord
Kayleth.
======================================================================
Aegis Developments
Arazok's Tomb
Type: BG
Written 1987 by Rick Alves and Jo An Roberts.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
A & F Software
Haunted Abbey
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Satellite
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zodiac
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Horror Castle
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Dragon
Comments: Yet another round of "saving the princess".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shrinking Professor
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pharoah's Tomb
Written 1984.
======================================================================
Airwave Adventures
The Case of the Cautious Condor
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
Notes: Comic strip graphics, no text.
Comments: Detective story in the 1930s.
======================================================================
All American Adventures
A subsidiary of U. S. Gold, a European distributor for many
different American software companies.
They distribute Sierra On-Line, Inc, Screenplay and Med Systems
Software.
======================================================================
Alligata
Crown Jewels
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Alpine
They changed their name either to or from Summit Software.
Cops
Written 1984.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Plague Planet (possibly Plagued Planet)
Written 1984.
======================================================================
Alternate Source, The
This was a very early company (beginning of 1980s?) which made a
variety of things for the TRS-80 (usually named with TAS as an
acronym). One of their products was
_The Adventure
System_, which was basically a Scott Adams adventure system. It could play
his adventures and had support for writing your own. They also
published at least two adventures of reasonable size with the package,
and there were at least 25 more distributed in a package.
For more information, see Adventure International.
======================================================================
Alternative Software
Lifeterm
Type: BG
Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below.
Comments: In the year 3142, you are sentenced for murder and must
spend the rest of your life taking care of a garbage planet - or...?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
S. M. A. S. H. E. D.
Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wiz Biz
Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Wreck
Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Most Adventure
Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Notes: Compilation of Lifeterm, S. M. A. S. H. E. D., Wiz Biz, and
Star Wreck.
======================================================================
American Eagle
Probably a distributor.
They distribute Phoenix Software.
For more information, see Med Systems Software.
======================================================================
A. N. A. L. O. G. Computing
This is a magazine, the title of which actually stands for Atari
Newsletter And a Lot Of Games.
Adventure in the Fifth Dimension
Written 1983 by Brian Moriarty in Basic.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
Notes: Published in Analog
#11, November 1983.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crash Dive!
Written 1984 by Brian Moriarty in Machine language.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
Notes: Published in Analog
#18, June 1984.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(unknown title 1)
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
Comments: About a prince who had to fight a dragon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(unknown title 2)
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
Comments: About a space station.
======================================================================
Angelsoft, Inc
They are distributed by Mindscape, Inc.
James Bond 007 in: A View to a Kill
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Based on the screenplay A View to A Kill.
Package blurb: All the elegance and daring of James Bond'd finest
adventures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen King's The Mist
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Based on the Stephen King novella "The Mist". Comes in folder
with "An Introduction to Interactive Fiction" Manual, reference card,
Poster/Map by Michael Fisher/The Garden Studio and disk.
Package blurb: Another Saturday. Another stop at the market. And
another wait in the checkout line. Until a shadow descends and
someone shouts: "The fog! You oughta see it!" And you do: a mist
advancing toward Federal Foods, engulfing the blue sky, the familiar
landmarks of Bridgton, and ... all thee people in its path. Your
typical Saturday has just ended.
Mindscape makes YOU the central
character in Stephan King'd classic tale of horror. YOU control the
action as you desperately fight the hideous things in the Mist and try
to uncover what the Arrowhead Project really was. Crazy Mrs. Carmody
might be right: this COULD be the end.
Enter Stephen King's world of
terror - if you dare - and discover that the nightmare is just the
beginning...
Stephen King's own brand of terror that only the
fearless can survive.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Forbidden Castle
Written 1985 by Mercer Mayer.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Package blurb: It takes more than courage to reach the forbidden
castle and save the princess.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Voodoo Island
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Package blurb: Discover and destroy the source of evil - before it
destroys you!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
James Bond 007 in: Goldfinger
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana Jones in: Revenge of the Ancients
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dick Francis: High Stakes
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
Runs on:
* PC
======================================================================
Anirog
Catacombs
Type: G/MUSIC
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: The parser was abysmally pathetic. The game is practically
unsolvable: how would you figure out that you have to "trace symbol"
to move a boulder or say "boo" to a demon to scare it.
======================================================================
Apocalypse
Wolfen
Type: IG
Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Application Services Company, Inc
They were located at Wichita, Kansas 67277, USA.
Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1981.
Runs on:
* Southwest Technical Products Corporation 6800
Comments: A pretty faithful version of the original adventure by
Crowther and Woods.
======================================================================
Argus Press Software
Robocity
Type: CG
Written 1984 by Pete Torrance in Quill.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Robots have taken over the Earth but need human guidance.
Enter one poor countess, who is kidnapped. Save her!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Detective Game
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Valley
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Dungeons & Dragons style adventure set in a mystical valley.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The White Barrows
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
Ariolasoft
They distribute PK Soft.
======================================================================
Art Department
Das Telekommando kehrt
zurück
Type: IG
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German. Promotional game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bifi II - Action in Hollywood
Type: IG
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German. Promotional game.
======================================================================
Artic Computing
All their games had a two word parser and used a small game driver.
1: Planet of Death
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
* ZX81
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2: Inca Curse
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
* ZX81
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3: The Ship of Doom
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
* ZX81
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4: Espionage Island
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
* ZX81
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5: The Golden Apple
Type: DG
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: This game introduced graphics and had a slightly better parser.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dead at the Controls
Type: DG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: After crash-landing on a strange planet, you must try to
escape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground Zero
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Colin Smith in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: Unusually serious adventure about surviving a nuclear war.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kingdom of Speldome
Written 1984 by Colin Smith in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
======================================================================
Artworx
Gwendolyn
Type: CG
Written before 1984 by Marc Russell Benioff.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
Notes: It had some animation and sound effects.
======================================================================
ASP Software
Demon Knight
Type: TO
Written 1983 in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Defeat the Demon Knight.
======================================================================
Atkins, Robert Wayne
Robert Wayne Atkins can be contacted at 1451 Rhododendron Drive,
Acworth, Georgia 30102-3557, USA. All these games cost (May 1994)
$6.95 and there are solution booklets (hints, maps, and complete
solution) available for
$3.95.
The Ghost of Briarcliff Castle
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: It is a warm spring day in the year 1897. As you glance
over the classified ads in the London Daily Times, your eyes are
drawn to one ad in particular which reads:
WANTED: An individual who
has practical experience in the art of healing. A medical degree is
not required. The individual must be single, and willing to live in an
old castle on a secluded island off the east coast of England.
The ad
brings to mind the Book of Healing you inherited from your Gypsy
parents. You decide to take a chance and answer the ad.
To your
amazement, you get the job. You immediately book passage to the
island, and arrive at the castle a few days later.
As you unpack, you
record your inventory of herbs and elixirs in your Book of Healing.
By chance, you overhear the servants talking about a Ghost that
haunts the castle at night. You laugh to yourself since you were
taught that only the simpleminded still believe in ghosts. However,
the events that unfold in the days ahead may cause you to reconsider
your beliefs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost Crown of Queen Anne
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: Queen Anne took the throne in England in the year 1702.
We were still a British colony at that time, so she was also Queen of
what would soon become known as the United States. Shortly after
death in 1714, her Royal Crown mysteriously disappeared.
The last
known owner of the Crown was an Arabian Desert Sheik. The Crown
wasn't found when the Sheik was killed in a tribal war in the year
1936. Many people have searched for the Crown since then, but no one
has been able to find it.
You desire riches and adventure, so you
have traveled to the Arabian desert to look for the Lost Crown, You
were getting close to the Sheik's abandoned desert home when your
camel went lame. You are now on foot. You have also eaten the last of
your food and water.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The House that Nobody Wanted
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: After saving your money for a long time, you now have
enough to make the down payment on a house of your own.
But prices
are higher than you expected, and the only home you can afford is an
old one that needs a few repairs. However, the place is partially
furnished, and the price includes everything in the home.
After you
but the house, you discover that its last owner was a rich, eccentric
old lady who kept to herself and never socialized. Her entire life
was a mystery, and when she died there were no heirs to inherit her
property.
Today you get to move into your new home. You wonder what
you'll find.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murder in the Mediterranean
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: All of your friends consider you to be the world's
greatest living detective. Recently, one of your friends bought an
old English home. The home is located on a small island in the
Mediterranean. You have been invited (along with eleven other guests)
to help celebrate the purchase of this new island retreat.
After
flying into a mainland airport, you take a short boat ride over to the
island home of your friend. You arrive late Friday night, and you go
straight to bed.
Unfortunately, the weekend will not be a happy one.
Before your very eyes, a man will get shot. While you try to save the
dying man's life, the killer will escape.
Then you're told the phone
line has been cut. And the shuttle boat won't return to the island
until 6 PM Sunday evening. So you are put in charge of the
investigation. But you had better be careful. The next murder victum
might be you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Journey to the Earth's Core
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: While cleaning out an old dusty trunk in your
Grandfather's attic, you discover a diary written by a man named
Wendorf MacMillan. The entry dated April 3, 1857 tells where a small
gold mine is located in the Rocky Mountains.
In the entries that
follow, Wendorf tells about a series of underground caves he
discovered while digging in his mine. Vividly, he describes his
Journey to the Earth's Core. The path is laden whith danger and with
great riches, including fistfuls of diamonds at the Earth's Core.
After carefully weighing all risks, you decide to make the Journey to
the Earth's Core.
You will start your journey at a small store in the
Rocky Mountains. You have
$1,000 to spend on supplies. The store carries a variety of items,
such as ropes, weapons, and tools. You should but whatever you think
you will need to complete the entire journey. When you leave the
store, you will find yourself at the bottom of the tall mountain
described in Wendorf's diary. Your first objective will be to find the
entrance to Wendorf's Gold Mine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Wild West of the 1870's
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: As you sit quietly in the train station in El Paso,
Texas, your mind travels back to tow weeks ago. You remember the
words your Ma whispered to you on her death bed: "Honey, I ain't your
real Ma. You were left at my front door as an infant, along with this
here note."
On the old tattered piece of brown paper she gave you,
these few words were written: "Please take care of our baby. We're
flat broke and we gotta go West to find work. We're afraid to take
the baby with us because of the Indians." JH
After you buried the
only Ma you ever knew, you headed West to find your real folks.
Right now you're thinking about all the different things you could do
while you look for your folks. You might take up gambling. You could
try your luck at Blackjack, or Roulette, or Five Card Stud, or
High-Low, or even the Wheel of Fortune.
Or you could try Prospecting
or Fur Trapping. You've even thought about becoming a Bounty Hunter,
or a Sheriff. or maybe even an Outlaw. You'll have to decide
soon....because the whistle of your train sounds in the distance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Romance in the Caribbean
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: The telephone rings. You aren't expecting any phone
calls, so you wonder who it might be. You lift the receiver and say
"Hello?"
A male voice says, "Hi. My name is Bill Wilson. I'm the
manager at the grocery store where you entered our contest. We just
had the drawing and you've won the grand prize."
"The grand prize is
a one week vacation cruise in the tropical Caribbean. It includes
round trip air-fare to Maimi plus
$1,000 in cash. The cruise ship leaves this Sunday at 8 PM, and it
returns next Sunday at noon."
After he gives you the rest of the
details, you hang up the phone. A few minutes later you call your
boss and he gives you permission to take the next week off.
On
Sunday, you pack your things and you catch the afternoon flight to
Miami. When the plane lands, you take a taxi to the ship dock. A crew
member greets you when you board the ship, and he leads you to your
cabin. After you unpack, you get into bed. As you drift off to sleep,
all your instincts tell you that your dreams of romance will soon
come true.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Temple of Death
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: While out were out shopping one day, you get caught in
a sudden thunderstorm. You enter a nearby Used Book Store to get out
of the rain.
To pass the time, you select an old book to read. The
author was an archaeologist who visited Mexico about 20 years ago.
While he was there he found an old stone temple that his native guide
called The Temple of Death. After finding the secret entrance, he
ventured inside and got lost for two days. He barely escaped with his
life and a few treasures worth a small fortune. Terrified by his
experience, he never went back into the temple. A few years later, he
recorded his adventure in the book you now hold.
Intrigued by the
story, you buy the book and you leave the store. Later, you decide to
take a two week vacation from your job. You then purchase a few basic
supplies and a plane ticket for Mexico...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Future Quest
Type: TO
Written by Robert Wayne Atkins.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: The time is several years from now. Technology has
advanced at a rapid pace. Electronic equipment is now smaller and
lighter in weight. The one exception are televisions, which are now
bigger and better than ever. There have also been a number of social
changes. The government has created a new monetary unit, called a
Credit. The government claimed this new type of currency would solve
our nation's inflationary problems. However, this new currency didn't
stop inflation at all; it simply got several politicians elected.
The
first official act of these new politicians was to create a government
agency called Central Control. The Agency's purpose is to hire and
train Special Agents. Those agents are then assigned to work on
missions of national importance.
That's where you come in. You were
just hired as a Special Agent, and you have been assigned to work in
the city of Marshallville. In the days ahead, you will be called upon
to handle a wide variety of extremely dangerous missions.
======================================================================
Atlantis Software
Velnor's Lair
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: This had a few RPG elements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dungeons, Amethysts, Alchemists n' Everythin' / DAA-Adventure
Type: G
Written 1991.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
ATOD
Homepage:
http://www.atod.se/
They are distributed by Firebird.
Hampte Dampte
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: A puzzle adventure.
======================================================================
Attic
They later changed their name to Dragonware.
Hellowoon
Type: G
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
Comments: One of the first German text adventures with some graphics.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ooze - Als die Geister
mürbe wurden
Type: BG
Written 1989 by Guy Henkel and H. J. Braendle.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Horror adventure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ooze - Creepy Nites
Written 1989 by Guy Henkel and H. J. Braendle.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: English (improved) version of Ooze - Als die Geister
mürbe wurden
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Die Drachen von Laas (The Dragons of Laas)
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German. An English version called Lassian Plague(?) was
planned but might never have been programmed/published. Has some
role-playing elements.
Comments: Two young heroes set out to defeat a menace.
======================================================================
Audiogenic
For more information, see Radarsoft.
======================================================================
Automata UK Ltd
Pimania
Type: G
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
* ZX81
Notes: Apparently, there was some kind of competition connected to
this game where you could win a sundial valued at
£6000.
Comments: Not exactly an adventure as such, most odd game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crusoe
Type: G
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: It was basically a split window game, with the upper portion
of the screen showing your current location on an island, the map
was a grid of squares and when you moved off the edge of the screen
you moved onto the next portion of the map. The bottom few lines of
the screen where for your input and the program's responses.
You
could pick up objects and manipulate using two word commands... such
as pick lock, etc. I think the objective is to escape the island.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Groucho
Written in Basic.
Notes: Based on Groucho Marx.
Comments: As an adventure game it was very original, but the
programming left something to be desired.
======================================================================
Avalon Hill
Avalon hill is a part of Hasbro Interactive, Inc (another homepage) at
least since 1998.
Homepage:
http://www.avalonhill.com/
They distribute Oxford Digital Enterprises.
Ripper
Type: TO (sound effects)
Written by John Winnie and Stanley Baronett, Jr.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Map included in package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Empire of the Overmind
Type: TO
Written by John Winnie and Stanley Baronett, Jr.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Notes: Rid a desolate, suffering land of the evil 'overmind'.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
G. F. S. Sorceress
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Comments: Pretty good game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lords of Karma
Type: TO
Written 1983 or 1984.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* Commodore PET
Notes: The adverts for this game had the subtitle "Why, it's better
than food."
======================================================================
Avant-Garde Creations
Chambers of Xenobia
Type: G
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Race for Midnight
Type: G
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
Aventuras Dinamic
Chichen-Itzá
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Spanish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jabato
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Spanish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
La aventura espacial
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Spanish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
La aventura original
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Spanish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
La diosa de Cozumel
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Spanish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Templos Sagrados
Written 1981 by Steven Sacks.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Spanish.
======================================================================
Bantam Imagic
Living Literature
======================================================================
Baudville Software
Dream Zone
Type: IG/TEXT/MUSIC
Written 1988 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple IIGS
* PC
======================================================================
Beyond
Doomdark Trilogy
These games use a technique called landscaping to create a 3D
graphical picture of what you looked at, regardless of where in the
game you were or in what direction you were looking. They are some
kind of mix between adventures and war games. All of these games
involve controlling several different characters at once.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorderon's Shadow
Type: BG
Written 1988 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: This was a conventional game using landscaping.
Comments: It's a bitch to solve.
======================================================================
Big Sky Software
Time Thief
Type: TO
Written 1988 by Don MacLeod in (heavily modified) Quill.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Probably the most technically advanced Quill-adventure ever
written. Massive text compression allows for an advanced parser, huge
vocabulary and LOADS of text! The game is great, too! Through two
parts, you must discover who is stealing people's time (and hence
their lives!). Fantasy setting.
======================================================================
Binary Illusions
Flight of the Amazon Queen
Type: IG
Written 1988 by Don MacLeod in (heavily modified) Quill.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
======================================================================
Blue Ribbon
Secret Sam Mission 2
Written 1988 by Don MacLeod in (heavily modified) Quill.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Boldfield Limited Company
Black Island Adventure
Written 1984 by Phil Collins and Geoffrey Walker.
Runs on:
* Jupiter Ace
======================================================================
Bomico
Project Prometheus
Written 1984 by Phil Collins and Geoffrey Walker.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Brøderbund Software
They are located at 500 Redwood Blvd., Novato, California, 94948, USA.
Brøderbund was founded by Doug and Gary Carlston in 1980, when the
personal computer software industry was still in its infancy. The
brothers established the company in order to market Galactic Empire
and Galactic Trader, computer game programs Doug had written in his
spare time when he wasn't practicing law.
Brøderbund recently (1998) merged with The Learning Company.
Homepage:
http://www.broderbund.com/
They distribute Synapse Software, Ultrasoft and Cyan.
For more information, see The Learning Company.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadly Secrets
Type: G
Written 1982 by Scott Schram.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Blood Quest
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: This might not have been ever released.
Carmen Sandiego
At least some of these were released for the Apple II and probably
some for the Apple IIGS as well. There were also some available on the
Commodore 64 and some on the Macintosh, but I don't have exact data.
======================================================================
Buffer Micros
Mysterious Fairground
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Bug-Byte
Twin Kingdom Valley
Type: DG
Written 1983 by Trevor Hall.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 16
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Large area to explore, with a fairly developed parser, you
could order NPCs about (with varying success) and give items to them,
making them use weapons against other NPCs. At one stage you could
free some monsters from a prison cell, and duly command them as a
personal army. The nice thing about the game was the randomness, NPCs
came and left on their own agendas, making each game somewhat
different.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Castle
Written 1983 by Chris Cannon.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Old Father Time
Written 1983 by Chris Cannon.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragonquest
Written 1983 by Chris Cannon.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Bytepack
James Bond: Octopussy
Written 1992.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Slovakian.
======================================================================
Callisto Computers
Started by Mike Woodroffe, based in Birmingham. He imported the
various Scott Adams games from Adventure International for Apple II
and Atari 400/800 and later Commodore 64 disk. At the time, the
popular computers in Britain were ZX80 and ZX81 and the games scarcely
caused a ripple in the market. Then came the VIC-20 (and the imported
Scott Adams cartridges) and a whole host of new systems. Tape based
Commodore 64s and Spectrums literally created a mass market of what
was previously a specialist arena.
For more information, see Adventure Soft UK.
======================================================================
Carnell Software
Black Crystal
Type: G
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into six parts. You move your character with the arrow
keys.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Wrath of Magra
Written by Roy Carnell.
Notes: Divided into four parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Volcanic Dungeon
Written 1981.
Runs on:
* ZX81
Notes: Distributed on the same cassette as Hangman.
======================================================================
Cascade Mountain Publishing
Homepage:
http://www.cascadepublishing.com/
Avalon / Once and Future
Type: TO
Written 1998 by G. Kevin "Whizzard" Wilson in TADS.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: This game was announced as Avalon in 1993 and then work
progressed over a very long time. Just days before it was finally
released, the name Avalon turned out to be taken (game titles can be
trademarked) so the game had to be renamed. This is the first
commercial release of a text-only game for several years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chameleon
Type: TO
Written by Michael Berlyn and Muffy McClung Berlyn.
======================================================================
Castleworks Gameware
Slogan: "The innovation behind your imagination"
They are distributed by Merit Software.
Kronolog - The Nazi Paradox (also known as Red Hell)
Written by Michael Berlyn and Muffy McClung Berlyn.
Runs on:
* PC
Package blurb: It is the year 2020 and the Nazi victors of World War
II control a world on the brink of ecological disadter. You alone
hold the key that can stop their insane destruction of the planet.
Can you unearth their dark secret before they stop you!
* Digitized
Actors, Speech and Sound Effects
* Original Midi Sound Track
* Over
20 Megabytes of Graphic Adventuring
* "Be prepared to unravel one of
the most inventive plots to come to the PC!" -Computer Game Review
======================================================================
CCS
Journey Across the Abyss
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff of Zaranol
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Diamond Quest
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1942 Mission
Written 1984 or earlier.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: This game won the Cambridge Award 1984.
======================================================================
CDS
They distribute SCR Adventures.
======================================================================
Celtic Software
Located at 77 Williw Park Avenue, Glasnevin North, Dublin 11, Eire.
Manor of Madness
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Colm McCarthy.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
* Oric-1
Notes: Might have been written with The Quill. A graphic version might
have been released in 1985. Had a good multiple word parser.
Comments: You star as Leonid Smirnoff, who must track down a file
concerning Russian spies in Manhattan. The file appears to be located
in an insane asylum, so that's where you wind up.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Corridors of the Nethermind
Type: TO
Written by Colm McCarthy.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
* Oric-1
Notes: A graphic version might have been released in 1985. Had a good
multiple word parser.
Comments: Fairly small but almost impossible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
?
Written by Colm McCarthy.
Comments: A third game might have been released in 1985.
======================================================================
Chameleon Software
They were located at 4733 N. Mitchner, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA.
They are distributed by Adventure International.
Maces and Magic
Advertised as a "thinking person's dungeon".
The three Maces and
Magics games (Balrog, Stone of Sisyphus, and Morton's Fork) were
adventure games where a player chose one of multiple choices to
navigate around a puzzle-filled world. The games were available on the
TRS-80, Apple II, and Atari 800. All games required disk drives.
The
player typically wandered around the world gathering items; to solve
puzzles, the player had to "use" found items by naming a one-word
action to perform. For example, in a room with a dartboard, the player
might choose to use the dart, then would type "THROW" as the action.
With a pile of lumber, the player would type "LADDER" to build a
ladder. Unfortunately, memory constraints limited the number of
synonyms, making the process of solving some of the puzzles annoying.
Each game usually provided hints about appropriate words inside some
of its messages displayed when starting up each game.
The games are
probably best known for having a good sense of humor and great
setting. Unlike other many other adventure games of the time, most of
the descriptions were kept off on disk, and only the current messages
were loaded into memory. This allowed for much more descriptive text
than the Scott Adams adventures. Monsters and fighting were present,
but usually only as a way to slow a player down (or kill the player
off) while scuttling between puzzles.
The games also tended to be
less likely to maintain a realistic world, instead sticking together
creative, but disparate puzzles into a world. Balrog represented a
dungeon crawl with outdoor and indoor adventures. Stone of Sisyphus
represented a mostly internal dungeon crawl. Morton's Fork involved
searching around a castle.
AS YOU APPROACH THE MANTICORE, THE
MONSTER PHOTOS FALL FROM YOUR PACK. HIS EYES BUG OUT AND HE BEGINS TO
SALIVATE. 'I MUST HAVE THOSE PHOTOS', HE GRUNTS.
YOU MAY OFFER TO
SELL THEM (1) OR REFUSE (2).
FEW ADVENTURERS HAVE HAD THE EXPERIENCE
OF FIGHTING A MANTICORE BARE HANDED. I'LL BE SURE TO TAKE NOTES.
Strangely, even though the multiple choice options would conceivably
be frustrating by forcing the player into only following certain
actions, the outlandish choices (and results) kept the game fun.
Example from "Morton's Fork": When the player chooses to gaze into a
mirror in a bedroom, the following action happens:
...THE MIRROR
SHATTERS... & ACCORDING TO TRADITION, YOUR LUCK IS DOWN 7 FOR 7 YEARS.
AS YOU HURRIEDLY LEAVE THE ROOM, A DWARF FROM THE GLAZIERS' UNION
PUSHES PAST YOU MUTTERING ABOUT UGLY ADVENTURERS.
From "Stone of
Sisyphus":
A SEARING BLAST OF HEAT RAISES RIVULETS OF PERSPIRATION
ON YOUR HEROIC FOREHEAD AS YOU CONFRONT THE DUNGEON HEATING PLANT.
THE FIERY TENTACLES OF THE PLANT REACH FOR YOU....
Balrog was the
first game; on both the TRS-80 and Apple, the data files for the game
alone filled one disk, and thus the game required a two drive machine
to run. The later games had smaller adventures, and couple be run on
single player machines.
One of the interesting technical features of
the game is that the game doesn't really have rooms, but "situations"
providing a description and a set of options.
======================================================================
Channel 8
Company specializing in adventure games.
They distribute Howarth, Brian.
======================================================================
Chymesoft
Captain's Log
Type: TO
Written by Colm McCarthy.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Sci-fi adventure.
======================================================================
Cinemaware
They are distributed by Mindscape, Inc.
It Came From the Desert
Written by Colm McCarthy.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
King of Chicago
Written by Colm McCarthy.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sinbad and the Throne of Falcon
Written by Colm McCarthy.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
======================================================================
Cobra Computer Software
Jolly Duplicator
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Codemasters
Company owned and operated by two brothers that specialised in
action/adventure games that you move a character around with keys,
press a key to get an item and another to drop one. Made a quite
popular series about an egg called Dizzy and a one off game about a
guy called Seymore. The games were mostly released for Spectrum +2s on
tapes.
Necris Dome
Type: DG
Written 1987 by Charles Sharp in GAC.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
Comments: "The leader of a cemetery in orbit around Earth plans to
attack Earth. You must stop him."
======================================================================
Cognetics Corporation
They are distributed by Electronic Arts.
Amnesia
Type: TO
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: featured a man dressed in a white tuxedo replete with top hat
standing in Times Square on the cover. It also included a complete
and accurate subway map of the New York City Subway System. The
Commodore 64 version had 4 or 5 disks to it. The game was huge.
Comments: Your character awakens in a hotel room, naked and aching.
You must endeavor to reclaim your identity, figure out why you're a
wanted man, and set the record straight.
======================================================================
Coktel Vision
Asterix im Morgenland
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
20000 Meilen unter dem Meer
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Also available in English.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Indian Mission
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mewilo
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: A voodoo adventure in the caribbeans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lt. Blueberry
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: From the comic book.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Legend of Djel
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emanuelle
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: Adult game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Geisha
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fascination
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ween
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dargon Attack
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gobliiins
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gobliins II
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Goblins III
Type: IG
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Inca
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Inca 2
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost in Time
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
======================================================================
Colleen Ltd
Mystery Voyage Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch
[story] and Kevin Bentley
[programming] in KingEdward.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Divided into three parts.
======================================================================
Collins
The Mystery of the Marie Celeste
Written by Jim Gregory.
Runs on:
* Commodore 16
Notes: Published in listing form in the book "Commodore 16 Games Book"
(Which also includes hints on writing your own adventures).
======================================================================
Commodore
They released a few of the Infocom games in separate (boring)
packaging, lacking most of the things found in the real versions.
They distribute Infocom.
1: The Mutant Spiders
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Some spiders have mutated and threaten to take over the
world.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3: The Fourth Sarcophagus
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: "Treasure hunt set in Egypt. Pretty bad."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Ship
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Quest
Type: TO
Written 1984 by A. D. Ives.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Find the creator of Earth and reunite him with his source of
power. Has a Colossal Cave-type setting, with around 120 rooms.
======================================================================
Compute!'s Gazette
This was a magazine that published numerous program listings. All the
games under this heading were published in listing form and had to be
typed in by the user. I think that it was possible to order disks,
though.
Vampire Hunter
Written 1984 by A. D. Ives.
Notes: Published in the May 1986 issue.
======================================================================
Comsoft
Serpent's Lair
Written 1984 by A. D. Ives.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Cookies Under the Floor
Lost
Written by Jeffrey Hersh
(
[email protected]) in TADS.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: Shareware.
======================================================================
Core Design
Universe
Type: MCG
Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith
[producer], Martin Iveson
[music], Gary Antcliff
[programmer], Gary Antcliff
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Game
design], Rolf Mohr
[Game
design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[In-game
text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[manual], Rolf Mohr
[Background
artist], Rolf Mohr
[Original game
idea], Rolf Mohr
[Additional
text] and Rolf Mohr
[Box
art].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Curse of Enchantia
Type: IG
Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith
[producer], Martin Iveson
[music], Gary Antcliff
[programmer], Gary Antcliff
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Game
design], Rolf Mohr
[Game
design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[In-game
text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[manual], Rolf Mohr
[Background
artist], Rolf Mohr
[Original game
idea], Rolf Mohr
[Additional
text] and Rolf Mohr
[Box
art].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Heimdall
Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith
[producer], Martin Iveson
[music], Gary Antcliff
[programmer], Gary Antcliff
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Game
design], Rolf Mohr
[Game
design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[In-game
text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[manual], Rolf Mohr
[Background
artist], Rolf Mohr
[Original game
idea], Rolf Mohr
[Additional
text] and Rolf Mohr
[Box
art].
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Heimdall 2
Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith
[producer], Martin Iveson
[music], Gary Antcliff
[programmer], Gary Antcliff
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Additional
ideas], Stuart Atkinson
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Sprites
artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[Game
design], Rolf Mohr
[Game
design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[In-game
text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason
[manual], Rolf Mohr
[Background
artist], Rolf Mohr
[Original game
idea], Rolf Mohr
[Additional
text] and Rolf Mohr
[Box
art].
Runs on:
* PC
======================================================================
Cosmi
The President is Missing
Type: IG
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: The packaging includes a cassette.
Comments: The president of the USA and some more western presidents
get kidnapped by terrorists. It is your job to investigate and solve
the mystery.
======================================================================
Creative Sparks
They distribute Oxford Digital Enterprises.
Danger Mouse in Black Forest Chateau
Type: BG/CHOICE
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Danger Mouse in Double Trouble
Type: BG/CHOICE
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Danger Mouse in Making Whoopee
Type: BG/CHOICE
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character.
======================================================================
CRL Group PLC
Based in King's Yard. It was run by Clement Chambers and Ian Ellery.
Homepage:
http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/crl.html
They distribute Delta 4 Software.
Dracula
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written 1986 by Rod Pike in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Written in the first person. This was the first adventure
game to be awarded a film censorship rating (15 years) in Britain.
Divided into three parts: the first contains the journey to the
castle, the second Jonathan Harker's experiences in the castle, and
the third the killing of the count after his journey to England.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Very Big Cave Adventure
Type: BG
Written 1986 by St. Bride's School in The Quill and The Illustrator.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack the Ripper
Type: BG
Written 1988 by St. Bride's School.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: In three parts.
Comments: CRL tries to outdo Rod Pike's Dracula (released by
themselves!) in gory details. 3 parts follows a man on the run,
because people think he is Jack the Ripper, who is on the loose
killing prostitutes in London.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murder off Miami
Type: BG
Written 1987 by Fergus McNeill and Jason Somerville.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Causes of Chaos
Type: TO
Written by Mike Taylor in Compiled Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: "I believe it was the first multi-player adventure for the
Commodore 64, though this had to be achieved by the players taking
turns. In all honesty, I doubt anyone really played it like that,
but it was a good single-player adventure anyway."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pilgrim
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Rod Pike in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Post-nuclear war setting has player trying to reach the end,
where he discovers something called Earth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wolfman
Type: TO
Written 1988 by Rod Pike in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Man wakes up to discover that he has just slaughtered a
young girl - he is the Wolfman! He must make his way to a faraway
temple where he can be cured. In sections of the 3 parts, you control
his newfound love interest instead of him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Frankenstein
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Rod Pike in GAC.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: In three parts.
Comments: Based on the book (with Pike's usual high gore quotient!) In
three parts, of which the last (very fascinating) part takes the
monsters viewpoint, from creation till death.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Secret of St. Brides
Type: TO/MUSIC
Written 1985 by Priscilla Langridge in Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: A girl is taken back in time to a 1920's girl school and
must escape across the countryside. Strange game, this one (elephants
in the basement etc.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bugsy
Type: DG
Written 1986 by Priscilla Langridge in Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Humorous 2-parter follows the adventures of Bugsy, a
small-time mobster rabbit (!) trying to bribe, steal and blackmail
his way to the top of the "Public Enemy"-list in 1920's Chicago.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Book of the Dead
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In two parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Loads of Midnight
Written 1987.
Notes: In three parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tomb of Dracula
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Woods of Winter
Written 1984.
======================================================================
Cryo Interactive
They were earlier called Exxos.
For more information, see Exxos.
Atlantis: The Lost Tales
Written 1984.
Notes: Also available on DVD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon Lore
Written 1984.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon Lore 2
Written 1997.
Notes: This games comes on three CDs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dune
Written 1997.
Notes: Comes on one CD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Treasure Hunter
Written 1997.
Notes: Available in both English and French.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ring
Written 1998.
Notes: Based on Wagner's opera The Ring of the Nibelungen. It comes on
six CDs. Available in English, French, and Greek (only subtitles).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost Eden
Written 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Egypt 1156 B. C.: Tomb of the Pharaoh
Written 1998.
Notes: Available in English, French, Greek.
======================================================================
Crystalware
They put out many graphic adventures for Apple II and Atari 8-bit. The
company still exists (1998).
Homepage:
http://members.tripod.com/~Crystalware/
Fantasyland 2041 A. D.
Type: G
Written 1998.
Notes: This came on six disks.
Comments: It was a masterpiece for its day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sands of Mars
Written 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clonus 2049 AD
Type: 3D
Written 1998?.
Comments: This is set in a post-apocolyptic world where the player has
been brought into the far future, chosen to destroy the cyborg nation
and reclaim safety for human kind in the once more.
======================================================================
Cyan
They are distributed by
Brøderbund Software and Red Orb Entertainment.
Myst
Type: PnC
Written 1993?.
Runs on:
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Riven
Type: PnC
Written 1997?.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: This is a sequel to Myst. It comes on five CDs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Myst Desktop Edition
Written 1997?.
Notes: This was released to celebrate Myst's fifth anniversary. It
contains Myst (1 CD), Myst Screen Saver (1 CD), Myst manual, Myst
Mousepad, and a
Brøderbund registration form.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ages of Myst
Written 1997?.
Notes: This was released to celebrate Myst's fifth anniversary. It
contains Myst (1 CD), Riven: The Sequel to Myst (5 CDs), The Making of
Riven (1 CD), Myst manual (20 pages), Riven manual (26 pages),
Personal Journal,
Brøderbund Troubleshooting Guide (8 pages), Myst Troubleshooting Guide (4
pages), Riven Troubleshooting Guide (2 pages), Artifacts for Riven
Brochure, Cyan Items Brochure, Myst Hints (2 pages), Free Myst for Mac
coupon,
Brøderbund Registration Form, The Journeyman Project 3 advertisment.
======================================================================
Cyberdreams
Darkseed
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1992 by Mike Dawson and Mike Cranford.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
* PC
Comments: 'Horror' mystery set in and around a dark and gruesome world
based on the drawings of Alien-artist H.R. Giger. Man wakes up in
his new house, only to discover that a mirror in the living room is a
portal to an alien world, where creatures are planning to conquer our
world!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Darkseed II
Written 1995 by David Mullich.
Runs on:
* PC
Comments: Widely regarded as one of the worse adventure games of 1995.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
Written by David Mullich.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Based on Harlan Ellison's short story of the same name. This
game won Computer Gaming World's "Best Adventure Game of the Year"
award, and the Computer Game Developers' Associations' Spotlight Award
for "Best Adaptation from Linear Media." Also available in Spanish.
======================================================================
Cyco Automatisering
Dracula
Type: TO
Written 1986.
Notes: It was commisioned by Cyco Automatisering as a new year's gift.
Comments: Horror game.
======================================================================
Danish Adventure Company
Wasteland
Type: TO
Written 1988 by Michael Svendsen in GAC.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Public Domain
Comments: Figure out what is wrong in a village in the desert, and you
will soon discover you have to combat an evil lord called Quarrior!
======================================================================
Datamost
Earthly Delights
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mabel's Mansion
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
Datasoft, Inc
They are distributed by IntelliCreations and Radio Shack.
Sands of Egypt
Type: G
Written 1983 by Frank Cohen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* TRS-80 Color
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dallas Quest
Type: BG
Written 1984 by James Garon.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
[Music]
* Apple II
* PC
[Music]
* PCjr
* TRS-80 Color
Notes: Based on the TV series.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gunslinger
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dark Lord
Type: DG/MUSIC/animations
Written 1987 by Kyle Freeman
[design], Kyle Freeman
[programming] and Gary Wilens
[music].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
Notes: It has some "real-time" puzzles, 16-color "draw and fill"
graphics, multi-channel music and animation that continued while you
typed. It also had a self-running demo, a tutorial adventure, easy and
hard skill levels, and a randomizer replay feature. Distributed by
Electronic Arts and later by Hi-Tek Expressions.
Comments: A journey through a mirror leads you to the alterworld where
you must defeat the Dark Lord Nequam that killed your grandfather.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
221B Baker Street
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* PC
======================================================================
Davka
The Lion's Share
Type: G
Written 1983 by Robert Aaron, Robb Murray, Lawrence Rublin, Reena
Yuvkowski and Mike Levine.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Philistine Ploy
Type: G
Written 1983 by Robert Aaron and Alan Rosenbaum.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
Delphine Software
They used a system called Cinematique. They also made a large number
of action games.
They are distributed by Sony Electronic Publishing.
Les Voyageurs du Temps / Future Wars - Time Travellers
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1989 by Paul Cuisset.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: A CD-rom version of this came out and was distributed by Sony
Electronic Publishing. The CD-rom had all the music in the game
placed on to the CD (that could be listened to like an audio CD).
Comments: Our hero, a simple window washer, suddenly finds himself
running around in the Middle Ages and thousands of years into the
future, trying to stop two races travelling through time in order to
kill each other (and, of course, he has to save the king's daughter,
too!). A few arcade sequences.
Package blurb: He Resides In The Present... He Has Lived In The
Past... And He Must Travel Into The Future...
There, he will come
face-to-face with the ultimate threat to mankind ... alien beings,
with a power great enough to spin a web of deceit and treachery that
spans the centuries.
Mankind's future depends upon your abilities to
crisscross through time, solve intriguing puzzles, successfully
combat a wide assortment of mutant monsters and alien storm troopers,
and still have time to preform a miraculous rescue of two.
So step
into the time machine and experience the adventure of several
lifetimes.
* Best Adventure Game - Enchanted Realms Magazine
*
Winner of the Best French Adventure Game award from "TILT" magazine
* Winner of the Best French Adventure Game award from "Generation 4"
magazine
* Full animation
* Eye-cratching graphics
* Easy to use
point-and-click interface
* Pop-up text and command windows
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation Stealth / Ye Stealth Affair
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1990 by Paul Cuisset and P. Chastel.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Released in the US as Ye Stealth Affair.
Comments: Secret agent goes to small South American country to locate
a new hi-tech plane which has been stolen. Some (annoying) arcade
sequences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cruise for a Corpse
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1991.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: Agatha Christie-type murder mystery set on a cruise ship in
the 1920's that has people dropping dead all over the place while the
player has to be at the right place at the right time to watch
things happen and to question the passengers, before they are killed.
It's extremely linear, sometimes very hard and repetitive, but the
plot is solid and very good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Flashback
Written 1991.
======================================================================
Delta 4 Software
They started the label Abstract Concepts in 1987 for serious
adventures.
Homepage:
http://www.delta4.demon.co.uk/
They are distributed by CRL Group PLC, Macmillan and SilverSoft.
For more information, see Abstract Concepts.
Sherwood Forest
Written 1984 by Fergus McNeill.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dragonstar Trilogy
Written by Fergus McNeill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quest for the Holy Joystick
Written 1985 by Fergus McNeill in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Return of the Joystick
Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bored of the Rings
Type: G
Written 1985 by Fergus McNeill in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* BBC
[Text
only]
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
Comments: A parody on "Lord of the Rings". This might be based on the
book by the same name by The Harvard Lampoon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Robin of Sherlock
Type: G
Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill and The Illustrator.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
Comments: A parody on the games Robin of Sherwood by Adventure
International and Sherlock by Melbourne House.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boggit
Type: G
Written 1985? by Fergus McNeill in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
Comments: A parody on "The Hobbit".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Big Sleaze
Written 1987 by Fergus McNeill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Colour of Magic
Type: BG
Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill and The Illustrator.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into four parts.
Comments: Based on the book of the same title by Terry Pratchett and
contains passages straight from the book.
======================================================================
Deltoid Developments
Immortality Rules OK
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Destiny Software
Destiny
Type: BG/icon-controlled
Written 1985 by Jeff Pierce.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
DG Ware
Homepage:
http://www.dgware.com/
Kingdom of Amphibia
Written 1997.
Runs on:
* Macintosh
* PC
======================================================================
Digital Concepts
43035 Hayes Rd. Suite 229 Sterling Heights, MI 48078 (313) 772-1416.
Island of Lost Hope
Type: BG/SOUND
Written 1989 by Michael Dimambro and Don Milosavljevic.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: The screen shows a small graphic of the scene, on-screen
mapping, compass and inventory. Comes with manual and disks.
Comments: Player must escape small island and board a pirate ship in
order to win.
Package blurb: You are a young captain searching for the treasure of
forgotten souls. Unfortunately in your quest you ran into a band of
cutthroat pirates led by the infamous Captain Black. They sink your
ship, killing all your crew annd stealing your cargo. You were
thrown overboard in the battle and drifted, until washed upon a
nearby small island. Now you stand there watching the pirate ship,
anchored within sight, as they gloat over their victory. All the
resources you had at hand are now lost and only your wits will get you
out alive. The treasure seems so distant now and your thoughts are on
survival and revenge.
Along the way you face numerous obstacles and
perils ranging from bloodthirsty pirates to huge snakes. This game is
a two-disk graphic text adventure which features a multiple word
parser, full keyboard and mouse interface, and a large variety of
graphics, animations and sounds.
======================================================================
Digital Fantasia
They distribute Howarth, Brian.
Beyond the Infinite.
Written 1989 by Michael Dimambro and Don Milosavljevic.
======================================================================
Domark Software
For more information, see Beyond.
Eureka
Type: BG/MUSIC/SOUND
Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone
[story],
Donát Kiss and
András
Császár.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into five parts (prehistory, roman, medieval, world war
II and the present). Since each part was set in a different time, it
did not matter which one you played first, although the game wouldn't
let you play the fifth part until you had the passwords from solving
the other four parts (Prehistory, the sound of a dinosaur: meep meep;
Roman, who burned Rome: Nero; Medieval, Who killed Arthur: Mordred;
World War II, the name of a record: Anvil Chorus).
If you managed
to solve it all and could figure out the hidden telephone number to
call and the first person to do so before 1985-12-31 would win
£25.000. If no-one managed to solve the game before then, the money
would be distributed among the participating players. The game was
solved by 15-year-old Mathew Woodley from the UK 4-5 months before
the deadline. A book of maps and hints (written by Ian Livingstone
and Mathew Woodley) was published a while after the game was first
solved. There was no save command, certain rooms had time limits,
there were fighting sequences where you could lose stamina and the
game was notorious for killing you. Each part was preceded by an
abysmal arcade game in which you could win extra stamina points for
the adventure. However, all puzzles in the game are solvable without
losing any stamina.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Master
Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone
[story],
Donát Kiss and
András
Császár.
Runs on:
* Amiga
For more information, see Incentive Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dark Side
Type: 3D
Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone
[story],
Donát Kiss and
András
Császár.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Eclipse
Type: 3D
Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone
[story],
Donát Kiss and
András
Császár.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Driller
Type: 3D
Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone
[story],
Donát Kiss and
András
Császár.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less
Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone
[story],
Donát Kiss and
András
Császár.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Dragon Data
This company might have been only a British distributor for games
originating on the TRS-80 Color Computer. They sold Black Sanctum from
Mark Data Products.
======================================================================
Dream Software
The Quest for the Holy Grail
Type: DG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Pathetic and extremely humourless game based on the Python
movie. Awful parser, very slow graphics and way, way too easy.
For more information, see Mastertronic.
======================================================================
DT Soft
Mundo Fantastico
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish.
======================================================================
Duckworth
Castle Dracula
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossal Cave Adventure
Type: TO
Written by Peter Gerrard.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Odyssey
Type: TO
Written by Peter Gerrard.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fool's Gold
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Explore some old ruins in the desert. Standard treasure-hunt
fare.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Egyptian Adventure
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Underground Adventure
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tunnel
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castlemaze Adventure
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Dynabyte
Nippon Safes, Inc.
Type: IG
Written 1992 by Messrs EUCLIDEA s. r. l..
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Big Red Adventure
Type: IG
Written 1992 by Messrs EUCLIDEA s. r. l..
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
* PC
======================================================================
Dynamix
Dynamix (a excellent company under Jeff Tunnel) was bought by Sierra
about 1990/91. From that on their games were released by Sierra under
the Dynamix label (Dynamix - Part of the Sierra Family).
They are
also famous for their flight and action space sims (A10, Red Baron,
the Aces Series, Stellar 7, Nova 9, this year (1997) they released
Red Baron 2).
Homepage:
http://www.sierra.com/dynamix/
For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Rise of the Dragon
Type: IG
Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart of China
Type: IG
Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Willy Beamish
Type: IG
Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Macintosh
* PC
======================================================================
EduWare Services, Inc
The adventure games were written by EduWare's Interactive Fantasies
division. The company was closed in 1984. Some of the employees went
on to form a new company called Electric Transit.
Homepage:
http://members.aol.com/dmullich/index.html
For more information, see Electric Transit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystery House
Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: This is the same game that was published by Sierra On-Line. Ken
Williams who wrote the game came to EduWare before starting Sierra
On-Line. During negotiations with EduWare, he decided that he should
start his own software company. So, he broke off negotiations, formed
Sierra, and the rest is history. EduWare never actually published
"Hi-Res Mystery House" as it was then called, but it was advertised.
For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Prisoner
Written 1981 by David Mullich.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Prisoner 2
Written 1982 by David Mullich.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* PC
The Empire Trilogy
======================================================================
Ego Software
Fatal Heritage
Type: IG
Written 1982 by David Mullich.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Flies - Attack on Earth
Type: IG
Written 1982 by David Mullich.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Eighth Day
They produced at least six adventures (with The Quill).
Quann Tulla
Written by Mike Smith and Gary Kelbrick in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Faerie
Written by Mike Smith and Gary Kelbrick in The Quill.
======================================================================
Eldritch Games Ltd
They are distributed by Electronic Arts and Mindscape, Inc.
The Hound of Shadow
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
* PC
Notes: Includes Manual, reference card and disks.
Comments: It is about a guy who gets a curse on him and discovers more
and more of the hideous lore and magic that is now on his back. It is
fairly related to H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos.
Some of the
people involved in making this game were also involved in creating
"Daughter of Serpents" by Millenium, a graphic rpg/adventure also
based on Lovecraft's works.
Package blurb: The Hound of Shadowis set in England in the 1920's, a
country recovering from the ravages of the Great War, when extremes
of wealth and poverty rubbed shoulders, when it was fashionable to
cultivate an interest in spiritualism and magic. In the course of the
game you become involved with murder, revenge, the occult, daemonic
possession and other horrors that should have died a long time ago.
You will discover many of the awful things that lurk behind a
seemingly humdrum existence, and learn through bitter experience that
ignorance really can be bliss.
The Hound of Shadow uses the Timeline
role-playing system to create a Cthulhu Mythos story, inspired by the
works of H. P. Lovecraft and set in the 1920s.
======================================================================
Electric Transit
Electric Transit was formed by former employees of EduWare Services,
Inc after that was closed in 1984.
For more information, see EduWare Services, Inc.
Wilderness: A Survival Adventure
Type: G
Written 1989.
Notes: This game became Electronic Arts' first affiliated label
product. The game has won a couple of awards, including Family
Computing's "Best Graphic Adventure of the Year".
======================================================================
Electronic Arts
P. O. Box 7578, San Mateo, CA 94403-7578, USA; phone (415) 572-ARTS.
11-49 Station Road, Langley, Berks SL3 8YN, England; phone (0753)
49442.
They distribute Interplay Productions, Eldritch Games Ltd, Cognetics
Corporation and Electric Transit.
Labyrinth of Time
Type: G
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Commodore CD32
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes
Written 1989.
======================================================================
Elfin Software Ltd
Lost over Bermuda
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ziggarat of Dread
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Empire
Time
Type: IG
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreamweb
Type: G
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: A very good adventure set in the near future.
======================================================================
English Software
Stranded
Type: DG
Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
Notes: Extremely short, illogical, bad parser etc.
Comments: A poor space traveller has crashed on an (almost) deserted
planet and must find a way home to Earth.
Package blurb: Stranded by English Software. The challenge that's
light years ahead. Special Agent Sid's First Graphic Adventure.
======================================================================
Enigma Variations
The Famous Five on a Treasure Island
Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Epic Software
One of the first companies to create good parsers that could handle
more than simply verb-noun.
The Wheel of Fortune
Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost Crystal
Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Frankenstin
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Kill a monster that apparently is committing a lot of
murders.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kingdom of Klein
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Battle a witch to find a magic bottle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quest for the Holy Grail
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Find the holy grail.
======================================================================
Epyx
The Robots of Dawn
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Jon Leupp.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Isaac Asimov.
======================================================================
Exxos
They later changed their name to Cryo Interactive.
For more information, see Cryo Interactive.
Kult
Type: IG
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: This game was later retitled Temple of the Mutant Sci-Fi
Priestesses or something like that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KGB
Type: IG
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
======================================================================
FGC
Buccaneer
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Very simple program with only a few commands. Guide a ship
around the world looking for treasure. Ok for young children, but
adults will probably complete it at the first go.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Last Warrior
Type: G
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
F+K Ware
Inka-Tempel
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Firebird
(First Floor, 64-67 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1PS, England).
They were part of British Telecom.
They distribute ATOD.
For more information, see Rainbird Entertainment.
The Helm
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Simon Jay in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Find The Helm of Immortality. All comments are of the
"Strike me with another gem of brilliance, oh most worthy one"-kind!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Seabase Delta
Type: DG
Written 1985 by Peter Torrance.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Subsunk
Type: BG
Written 1985 by Peter Torrance in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Prequel to Seabase Delta.
Comments: You are trapped in a sunk submarine and have to find a way
to escape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Runestone
Type: G
Written 1986 by Alan Davies.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Spectrum
Notes: A game in which you control three characters. It used
landscaping backgrounds to give a large graphical game area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild West
Written 1986 by Alan Davies.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
First Row Software
Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I.
Type: TO
Written by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight Zone
Type: G
Written by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Some say it's by Accolade.
======================================================================
Free Spirit Software
Their games had a weak parser and interface, but funny graphics (not
too good, but funny).
Sex Vixens from Outer Space
Type: G
Written by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Planet of Lust
Type: G
Written by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: This was a sequel to Sex Vixens from Outer Space.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad Stallion Sex Olympics
Type: G
Written by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bride of the Robots
Type: G
Written by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
Fridaysoft
London Adventure
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
FTL
Sundog
Type: G
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Atari ST
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dungeon Master
Written 1985.
======================================================================
Gainstar
Dungeon Quest
Type: BG/SOUND
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Superb hand-drawn graphics and sound, but extremely weak
parser.
======================================================================
Game Crafters
The Adventures of Maddog Williams
Type: MCG/TEXT
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Nice game, graphically weak but humorous, working parser.
======================================================================
Games Machine Ltd
Fabulous Wanda
Type: TO (with some text mode arcade game sequences)
Written 1983 by Alan G. Osborn in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: A science fiction game where you are in a town, trying to
get money and to have a date with Wanda to find the meaning of life.
If you were going around too much you were arrested, the same bad
luck if you were choosing the wrong place to go. Apparently, one of
the puzzles was to reverse-engineer the game to eliminate a problem.
======================================================================
Games Workshop
Tower of Despair
Type: TO
Written 1985 in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Package included a booklet with lots of illustrations, without
which the game is
_very_ hard to solve.
Comments: Two-parter fantasy adventure, in which you must defeat the
evil Demon Lord and fight his evil minions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tower II: The Key of Hope
Type: DG
Written 1985 in The Quill and The Illustrator.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts.
Comments: Resume your battle against Lord Malnor.
======================================================================
Gameworkz Software
Later called Softgold.
For more information, see Softgold.
======================================================================
Gargoyle Games
They produced games that were side scrolling and involved a lot of
picking up objects and placing them in the correct place. They were
full of puzzles many of which involved puns on object's names and some
of which showed the game's British heritage.
Tir Na Nog
Type: MCG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: The adventures of the ancient celtic hero Cuchulainn in the
countryside.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dun Darach
Type: MCG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: Cuchulainn has to explore the city of Dun Darach to rescue
his charioteer Loeg.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marsport
Type: MCG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: John Marsh is sent to investigate an alien infestation of
the station on Mars.
======================================================================
Gilsoft
Africa Gardens
Written by Tom Davies.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Devil's Island
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Colin Smith in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: Escape from a prison.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crystal Frog
Written 1985 in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mindbender
Type: TO
Written 1984 in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Global Software
The Magician's Ball
Type: BG
Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Has music (several parts of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells).
Comments: Controlling two characters in a fantasy world, you have to
(it seems!) defeat an evil witch. The game is very atmospheric, but
filled with bugs (You can have all sorts of creatures walking around
killing other - sometimes already dead! - creatures - and that you
can get to what seems to be the ending without solving more that a
few of the puzzles - the best one is that you can unlock all doors in
the game with a
_dead
bird_!!!). Entertaining, nonetheless.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Old Scores
Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Package blurb: An adventure of mystery and suspense based around the
London South Bank.
======================================================================
Grana Software
I think they made some other games too.
Excalibur
Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
Gremlin Software/Exile Designs
Suspicious Cargo
Type: BG/PnC/TEXT/MUSIC
Written 1991 by Martin Cowan.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
Comments: Set in the late 21st century on the Saturn moon Titan.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan 9 from Outer Space
Type: IG
Written 1991 by Martin Cowan.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Normality
Written 1991 by Martin Cowan.
======================================================================
GT Interactive Software
9
Type: PnC/MUSIC
Written 1991 by Martin Cowan.
Runs on:
* PC
Comments: Weird adventure featuring the music of Aerosmith. You
inherit the Last Resort and must seek the help of the nine muses to
defeat an evil power. Incredibly colorful graphics and the voices of
Cher, Christopher Reeve, James Belushi, Steven Tyler. Robert De Niro
is credited as being the executive producer!
======================================================================
Harddata
The Waster
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts. Understands only 10 different commands.
Comments: Awful adventure in which you, as a CIA-agent, must travel to
Africa and assassinate a right-wing dictator.
======================================================================
Haresoft
Hareraiser Prelude
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Very weird adventure-type game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hareraiser Finale
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Very weird adventure-type game.
======================================================================
Hassett, Greg
For more information, see Mad Hatter Software.
======================================================================
Hayden Software
Crystal Caverns
Type: TO
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crime Stopper
Type: TO
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alibi
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Inca
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Holy Grail
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
======================================================================
Hewson Consultants
Quest Adventure
Type: G
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
HGC
Indiana Smith
Type: TO
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
High Energy Software
High Energy Software also produce the text adventure design system
TADS which has been used to write these adventures. It is freeware
and available from ftp.gmd.de.
Commercial
Freeware/Shareware
======================================================================
Highland Computer Services
Mummy's Curse
Type: G
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Oldorf's Revenge
Type: G
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Goblins
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Creature Venture
Written 1983 by David Kitchen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
Horrorsoft
Horrorsoft was really Adventure Soft UK in disguise. Tynesoft
provided some of the artists for the games.
They are distributed by Tynesoft.
Personal Nightmare
Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC
Written by Mike Woodroffe
[game], Keith Wadhams
[game], Alan Cox
[game], Alan Cox
[system], Alan Bridgeman
[system] and Teoman Irmak
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Both text and iconic input. Game system written in C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark
Type: PnC/SOUND/MUSIC (animation)
Written 1990 by Mike Woodroffe, Keith Wadhams, Simon Woodroffe, Alan
Bridgman
[graphics
code] and Teoman Irmak and other artists
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
* PC
Notes: This actually runs under the AberMUD5 MUD driver with a
graphical front end added. It's a combination of graphic adventure and
RPG.
The Amiga version comes on 3 1/2" disks. Includes 21-page Horror
Guide manual, 20 page Emelda's Receipts & Spelles For Ye Of Magickal
Artes book coded in red, red filter, ingredients card (lists contents
that come with game), and additional instructions card.
Package blurb: Can somebody help me find my chest?
No really, I'm
serious! See, I've been remodeling this cold and moldy castle, right?
So how was I to know that I'd wake up Queen Emelda -- especially since
the old bat croaked hundreds of years ago!
Anyway, Queenie-baby wants
to come back from the dead and rule the world -- and the only way I
can stop her and her monstrous minions is to find a secret scroll of
spells, hidden in a big chest somewhere in this huge, 800-room castle.
Won't you help your poor innocent little Mistress?
Yours cruelly --
Elvira
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elvira 2: Jaws of Cerberus
Written 1990 by Mike Woodroffe, Keith Wadhams, Simon Woodroffe, Alan
Bridgman
[graphics
code] and Teoman Irmak and other artists
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Part RPG.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elvira 3: Waxworks
Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1990 by Mike Woodroffe, Keith Wadhams, Simon Woodroffe, Alan
Bridgman
[graphics
code] and Teoman Irmak and other artists
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: RPG with adventure overtones. Uses the same game-system as
Elvira I.
Comments: The player has to explore four waxworks, namely Jack the
Ripper's London, a cemetary, a mine filled with mutants and a pyramid
in order to remove a curse put on his family.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Simon the Sorcerer
Type: IG
Written by Mike Woodroffe.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Simon the Sorcerer II
Written by Mike Woodroffe.
Runs on:
* Commodore CD32
* PC
Notes: Sequel to Simon the Sorcerer.
======================================================================
Howarth, Brian
Homepage:
http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/adbh.html
They are distributed by Molimerx Ltd, Channel 8, Adventure
International and Digital Fantasia.
For more information, see Adventure International UK and Tynesoft.
Mysterious Adventures Series
Brian Howarth used a basic game design tool for writing Scott Adams
databases and wrote his own TRS-80 driver so he could then ship and
sell them. This driver became the Adventure International Spectrum
driver for all games including Scott's and Brian did a lot of the
code used for the graphics system in the later Spectrum games.
After
all these games Brian was involved in Dungeons & Dragons game stuff.
The ScottFree interpreter on ftp.gmd.de will play the Brian Howarth
databases.
These games were available in both the UK and the US.
These games were originally released for the TRS-80. At least some of
these games were available for Dragon. The graphics are by someone
called Jon.
======================================================================
Humbug Software/Graham Cluley
Humorous oddball adventure games in the style of the Infocom
classics. Graham Cluley can be contacted at
[email protected] or
[email protected]. He currently works as S & S International (makers of Dr.
Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit), a job he got because the MD's children
liked his games so much! These games have been very successful as
shareware with over 2000 registrations (April 1994).
From:
[email protected] (Graham Cluley) Date: Wed, 28 May 97 20:49 BST-1
I'm in your interactive fiction list, and I have a slight update on my
entry. I have now made my adventure games (Humbug and Jacaranda Jim)
public domain and anyone can download the full versions (including
online hints!) for free from
http://members.aol.com/gcluley/ Cheers
Graham
Homepage:
http://members.aol.com/gcluley/
Jacaranda Jim (v5.00)
Type: TO
Written 1987-1993 by Graham Cluley.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Public domain (previously shareware
(£6)). Hints and other goodies for registered users are now available
electronically.
Comments: Many players of Jacaranda Jim ask me what the point of the
game is. Do you have to discover the secret of the Wild Women's
teapot, uncover a vast treasure hoard or simply get a nice haircut
for less than two bob? Well, just as in life the final objective of
Jacaranda Jim is a mystery. However, it just might be a good idea to
escape from Ibberspleen IV, and continue your journey back home to
Earth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Humbug (v5.0)
Type: TO
Written 1990-1993 by Graham Cluley.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Public domain (previously shareware
(£9)). Hints and other goodies for registered users are now available
electronically.
Comments: You, Sidney Widdershins, are sent to your Grandad's for the
school holidays. Why is Jasper the dentist so desperate that Grandad
should sell the manor? Why has Grandad hidden a time machine in the
cellar? Why does the octopus insist on performing the ancient ritual
of Wubble-A-Gloop with you? What doesn't Kevin the clockwork shark
like about your haircut? What would YOU do with a trombone, a
terrapin and half a pound of lard?
======================================================================
Hutchinson Computer Publishing
The Fourth Protocol
Type: BG
Written 1990-1993 by Graham Cluley.
Runs on:
* Amstrad PCW
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Frederick Forsyth.
Divided into three parts. Both icon and text input.
======================================================================
IBM
For more information, see Softwin Associates.
Zyll
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Marshal W. Linder and Scott B. Edwards.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Zorkish type of game, but using keys to select from menus
rather than typing commands. Two could play simultaneously
(cooperatively or competetively). One player used the keys to the
left, the other those to the right on the same keyboard. When the
other player was nearby, he would show up in your descriptions. It was
packaged in their generic plastic boxs type case.
======================================================================
ICOM Simulations, Inc
All of these are very graphical adventures where you point and click
in the pictures to get things, etc. ICOM has been doing the "Sherlock
Holmes: Consulting Detective" series recently. There are three volumes
out on CD-ROM only. They probably shouldn't be regarded as adventures,
though. Apparently ICOM were bought by Viacom New Media.
The
interfaces for these games were rather revolutionary, predating Sierra
and Lucasarts' point-and-click romps by a few years. The windows based
system used in them look exactly like the Macintosh setups of today.
They are distributed by Mindscape, Inc.
Déjà Vu: A nightmare Comes True!!
Type: PnCMUSIC (some animations)
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Apple IIGS
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* Nintendo 8-bit
* PC
Notes: Comes on two 3 1/2" disks for Macintosh and a 14-page manual.
Comes on one 5 1/4" disk for Commodore 64/128 and a 13-page manual.
The manual is revised for each platform.
Package blurb: Well, kid, you really stepped in it this time! Either
you're bein' framed for a murder or you really iced the guy, but if I
was you, I'd get outta town. 'Course I ain't you, and you ain't got my
sense. Knowin' you, you'll try to figure it all out. Jeesh, some guys
never learn. Do ya really think ya got a chance with the cops, the mob
and who knows who else all after ya? Well good luck, pal. Oh by the
way, did I mention that ya don't even remember who ya are?
Deja Vu is
a graphic/text adventure in which everything seems vaguely familiar,
yet you remember nothing. Advanced Macintosh technology lets you
explore your environment with a click of the mouse, but you'll still
have to solve this Chandleresque mystery yourself!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Uninvited
Type: IG
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple IIGS
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* Nintendo 8-bit
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shadowgate
Written 1987, 88.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple IIGS
* CD-I system
* Macintosh
* Nintendo 8-bit
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Déjà Vu II: Lost in Las Vegas
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple IIGS
* CD-I system
* Macintosh
* PC
======================================================================
IDI
Jack the Ripper
Type: IG
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
IJK Software
Fantasy Quest
Type: TO
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
Imagine Software
For more information, see Mindscape, Inc.
======================================================================
Imperial Software
Imperial House, 153 Churchill Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, UK.
Clues 'O'
Written 1985.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Curse of the Seven Faces
Type: TO
Written 1985 in Machine code.
Runs on:
* Spectruk
Comments: Above-average quest for hunting down an evil wizard.
======================================================================
IMS
Waydor
Type: G
Written 1985 in Machine code.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
Incentive Software
They also made Graphic Adventure Creator.
Ket Trilogy
When these games were released in a single package, they featured
on-screen mapping.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Winter Wonderland
Type: DG
Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
The Legend of the Apache Gold
Type: DG
Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon's Tooth
Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Master
Type: 3D
Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* PC
For more information, see Domark Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Master 2: The Crypt
Type: 3D
Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* PC
======================================================================
Infocom
For more information about Infocom, see the files gameinfo.txt and
fact-sheet.txt, both available at
ftp://ftp.gmd.de/if-archive/.
Apart
from the machines listed below, Infocom also had interpreters for NEC
APC, Epson QX-10, Apricot. I don't know of any games released for
these.
Homepage:
http://www.lysator.liu.se/adventure/Infocom/
They are distributed by Commodore and Virgin Mastertronic Ltd.
For more information, see Personal Software, Commodore, Legend,
Interplay, First Row, Accolade, A. N. A. L. O. G. Computing and
LucasArts.
The Zork Series
For more information, see Mainframe adventures.
The Enchanter Trilogy
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline
Type: TO
Written 1982 by Marc Blank.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* CP/M
* DEC Rainbow
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* NEC APC
* PC
* PDP-9/10/11
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: When you take on DEADLINE, you're not just pitting
yourself against a 12-hour time limit to solve one of the cleverest
and most baffling cases in the detective genre. You're encountering a
totally original concept in interactive adventure that literally puts
the case in your hands. Working from an actual dossier on the crime
and piecing together the myriad clues along the train, you face a
challenge so sophisticated that your suspects possess independent,
flesh-and-blood personalities. And some of those personalities are so
treacherous that, should you make the wrong move, one of them may do
you in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Starcross
Type: TO
Written 1982 by Dave Lebling.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* CP/M
* DEC Rainbow
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* NEC APC
* PC
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: STARCROSS, Infocom's mindbending science fiction first,
launches you headlong into the year 2186 and the depths of space. And
not without good readon, for you are destined at that point in time to
rendezvous with a gargantuan starship from the outer fringes of the
galaxy. Upon docking with the strange craft, you must succees in
gaining entry to its mysterious interior. Once within, you will
explore as startling, complex and engaging a world as any in Infocom's
universe, and come face to face with other-wordly beings, both helpful
and harmful. But the great starship serves a far larger purpose than
mere cultural exchange. It conveys a challenge that was issued eons
ago, from light-years away - and only you can meet it.
Suspended
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Commodore Plus/4
* CP/M
* DEC Rainbow
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* NEC APC
* Osbourne
* PC
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: They said you would sleep for half a millenium - not an
unreasonable length of time, considering you'd be in limited cryogenic
suspension. Your body would rest frozen at the planet's nerve center,
an underground complex twenty miles beneath the surface. Your brain,
they told you, would be wired to a network of computers; your mind
would continue to operate at a minimal level, overseeing maintenance
of surface-side equilibrium. And you would not awake, so they
promised, until your five hundred years had elapsed - barring, of
course, the most dire emergency.
Good morning.
In SUSPENDED, you
will strategivally manipulate six robots. Each has a distinct
perception of the world, and offers you specific abilities. For
instance, one specializes in sight, a second in hearing, and a third
in accessing information from computer memory banks. Through them, you
will solve an intertwined myriad of realistic and original problems.
Should you find yourself baffled by some of the more intricate
puzzles, you may wish to consult the underground complex's built-in
advisory peripheral for hints.
The first time you play SUSPENDED will
not be your last. It continually challenges you to hone your
strategies and develop new ones, to explore new areas and
interactions, and in so doing to improve your score each time you
play. And even if you succeed in mastering the first level of play, an
advanced second level waits in the program to test your mettle again
and yet again. In fact, the game is so designed that you can alter
conditions at will before starting, effectively allowing you to
customize the game into a new kind of SUSPENDED whenever you desire.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Witness
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Stu Galley.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* CP/M
* DEC Rainbow
* Epson QX-10
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* NEC APC
* Osbourne
* PC
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Color
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: Dead: one gilt-edged society dame. And now it looks
like some two-bit grifter is putting the screws to her
multi-millionaire old man. All in all, a pretty typical Angeleno clan
for these days. But then the shakedown turns ugly, and you're left
with a stiff and a race against the clock to nail your suspect ... if,
that is, you don't cash in your chips ahead of time!
February, 1938.
FDR's New Deal is finally rolling. Hitler's rolling too; this time,
through Austria. But as Chief Police Detective for a quiet burgh on
the outskirts of L. A., you've got other fish to fry. Working from a
clue-laden police file and battling a 12-hour time limit, you're up
against your toughest case to date: a sordid family affair that may
land everyone from the knockout heiress to the pokerfaced Oriental
butler in the slammer before it's over. Ahead of you is a Gordian knot
of motives and alibis to untangle, and the only testimony you can
trust is that of your own eyes - because you are The WITNESS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Planetfall
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Steve Meretzky.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Apricot
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* CP/M
* DEC Rainbow
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* NEC APC
* Osbourne
* PC
* TI Professional
* TRS-80 Color
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: "Join the Patrol, and see that Galaxy!" You'd taken the
poster's advice, bait and all, and marched right over to the
recruitment station near your home on one of Gallium's backwater
moons. A youth's dream of exotic worlds, strange and colorful aliens,
and Deep Space heroics, had danced in your head as you signed the
dotted line. Ninety-five millichrons later, you'd emerged with a
buzz-cut scalp and a permanent layer of de-licing spray covering your
body. Also, there was a mop in your hand. You'd been commissioned
Ensign 7th Class, Code KP8: licenced to swab. And since that day, the
closest you've come to Deep Space heroism was scrubbing down the
radioactive leper colony on Ishmael-3.
But suppose that jumbo fortune
cookie you got at Qwang's Take-out Asteroid last shore leave was
right, and your luck does take a turn for the better. Mayby you will
indeed narrowly escape disaster. Perhaps you really are about to take
an unexpected journey, and meet a short, mysterious stranger. It's
even possible that you'll actually travel to an unknown corner of the
universe, where you'll save a doomed planet - or die in the attempt.
In fact, we'll guarantee it - every last crumb of it. Because that's
just the way the cookie crumbles, here in the next dimension.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Infidel
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Michael Berlyn and Patricia Fogleman.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* CP/M
* DEC Rainbow
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* NEC APC
* Osbourne
* PC
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Color
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: There's an old Egyptian fable that tells how a
sacrilegious camel once dined on a high priest's pocketwatch, only to
awake in the morning with a bellyful of ticks. The moral, needless to
say, is that one should never bite off more than one can can stomach.
Evidently, you failed to heed this wisdom - else why would you, a
small-time explorer, dare to brave the smouldering heart of the
Egyptian Desert in search of a greaat lost pyramid? Now, too lats, you
suspect that your boldness has been your undoing, for at this very
moment you find yourself marooned by your followers, pursued by the
vultures of death, and sustained only by the faint hope that you can
somehow survive to reach the pyramid - where the skullduggery,
pitfalls, and cliffhanging adventures will really begin.
What
indomitable inner resource is it that drives you ever onward against
such desperate odds? Pride? Unflinching devotion to the cause of
archaeological science? Or could it possibly be the prospect that the
treasures concealed within the tomb are worth enough on the open
market to keep you rolling in filthy lucre for the rest of your born
days? We leave the question open, with this footnote: Your quest
transcends mere fortune. Here, amid the shifting sands of eternity,
dignity and self-esteem are at stake. For you are branded INFIDEL.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Seastalker
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Stu Galley and Jim Lawrence.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Apricot
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* CP/M
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* PC
* TRS-80 Color
* TRS-80 Model III
Package blurb: There's something down there, something terrifying. Now
you've got to face it... because now only you can save the Aquadome -
the world's first undersea research station.
The alarm sounds and
your submarine, the Scimitar, stands waiting. But not so fast - you
haven't even tested the Scimitar in deep water, and the crew at the
Aquadome may have a traitor in its ranks. So be careful! You have
terrifying possibilities to consider, mysteries to unravel,
life-and-death decisions to make.
Success won't come easily. It may
not come at all - because if you challence the deep without all your
wits, you just might wind up as shark bait.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cutthroats
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Michael Berlyn and Jerry Wolper.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Apricot
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Commodore Plus/4
* CP/M
* Epson QX-10
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* Osbourne
* PC
* Tandy 2000
* TI-99/4A
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Douglas Adams and Steve Meretzky.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Amstrad PCW
* Apple II
* Apricot
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Commodore Plus/4
* Epson QX-10
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* Osbourne
* PC
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Model III
Notes: Based on the book of the same name by Douglas Adams
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Suspect
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Dave Lebling.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wishbringer: The Magick Stone of Dreams
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Brian Moriarty.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Kaypro II
* Macintosh
* PC
* TRS-80 Color
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Mind Forever Voyaging
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Steve Meretzky.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ballyhoo
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Jeff O'Neill.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Trinity
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Brian Moriarty.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Leather Goddesses of Phobos
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Steve Meretzky.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Moonmist
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Stu Galley and Jim Lawrence.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hollywood Hijinx
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Dave Anderson and Liz Cyr-Jones.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureaucracy
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Douglas Adams et al.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stationfall
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Steve Meretzky.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Sequel to Planetfall.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lurking Horror
Type: TO/SOUND
Written 1987 by Dave Lebling.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nord and Bert Couldn't Make Head or Tail of It
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Jeff O'Neill.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Plundered Hearts
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Amy Briggs.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Border Zone
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Marc Blank.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherlock: The Riddle of the Crown Jewels
Type: TO/SOUND
Written 1987 by Bob Bates.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Atari ST
* Commodore 128
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
James Clavell's Shogun
Type: BG
Written 1989 by Dave Lebling.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Based on the book of the same name by James Clavell.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Journey
Type: BG
Written 1989 by Marc Blank.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur: The Quest for Excalibur
Type: BG
Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Macintosh
* PC
======================================================================
Infogrames
They might have been called I-Motion at some time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Inheritance Panic in Las Vegas.
Type: IG
Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Vera Cruz
Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck.
Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Die Erbschaft (The Heritage)
Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck.
Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Die Urkunde (The Document)
Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck.
Notes: Available in German (probably also in English).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Les Voyagers du Temps / Reisende im Wind (Travellers in the Wind)
Type: IG
Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Les Voyagers du Temps II / Reisende im Wind II (Travellers in the
Wind II)
Type: IG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Der Fall Sidney
Written 1987.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Quest for the Time Bird
Type: IG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Three Musketeers
Type: IG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Amiga
Comments: Essentially a linear story joined by multiple choice
options.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murders in Venice
Type: IG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murders in Space
Type: IG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Sequel to Murders in Venice.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shadow of the Comet
Type: G
Written 1987.
Comments: Lovecraft-inspired.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Prisoners of the Ice
Type: G
Written 1987.
Comments: Lovecraft-inspired.
Alone in the Dark
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eternam
Written 1987.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack in the Dark
Written 1987.
======================================================================
Inrac Corporation
For more information, see Mindscape, Inc.
======================================================================
Inscape
The Dark Eye
Written 1987.
Notes: Based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
======================================================================
IntelliCreations
They distribute Datasoft, Inc..
======================================================================
Interactive Technologies
Dance of the Vampires
Type: BG
Written by Martyn Westwood in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Inspired by the classic Polanski horror-movie spoof.
======================================================================
Interceptor Micros
Token of Ghall
Type: CG
Written by Martyn Westwood in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: A truly awful game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Heroes of Karn
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written 1983 by Ian Gray and Tony Greer
[Spectrum
graphics] in Basic (mostly).
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Your task is to rescue four heroes that are caught under
different spells. This game probably has the slowest graphics of any
adventure game on the Commodore 64 (they're quite fast on the
Spectrum) - some take around one and a half minute to draw. The game
also has other characters to interact with, but they can only do two
or three things each!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Empire of Karn
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written 1985 by Ian Gray.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Commodore 64
Notes: Sequel to Heroes of Karn. A third game in the series was
planned, but apparently was never finished. The game has some very
primitive NPCs which can only perform one or two actions each.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crystals of Carus
Written by Richard Dawson, Claire Challis
[graphics] and Tom Gibson
[music].
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: This game was a kind of followup to Heroes of Karn and Empire
of Karn.
Comments: Pretty good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jewels of Babylon
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written by Richard Dawson, Claire Challis
[graphics] and Tom Gibson
[music].
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Forest at the World's End
Written by David Banner.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Spectrum
Comments: Rescue the princess from the evil wizard.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message from Andromeda
Type: G
Written by David Banner.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Spectrum
Notes: Only a few locations had graphics.
Comments: A science fiction adventure of the same type as Jewels of
Babylon and Forest at the World's End.
======================================================================
Interplay Productions
Located in Los Angeles, CA (earlier Irvine, CA). They used a system
called Advent 2 to create their games.
They are distributed by Activision, Inc and Electronic Arts.
They distribute New World Computing.
Mindshadow
Type: DG (a few animations)
Written 1984 by Bill Heineman.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
* PCjr
* Spectrum
Comments: Mindshadow was the first original game Interplay ever did.
Based loosely on the old Robert Ludlum novels, it focused on the main
character losing his identity and trying to claim it back. It was a
very unique game concept at the time and one of the clever aspects was
that players would enter THINK NOUN and each time the player entered a
word that related to the past, part of your memory came back. You
actually won when you reclaimed your whole past.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tracer Sanction
Type: DG (a few animations)
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrowed Time
Type: BG (some animation)
Written 1985 by Brian Fargo
[story], Michael Cranford
[story], David Lowery
[graphics], Curt Toumanian
[graphics] and Greg Miller
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
Notes: Common commands could be entered with icons. Should be possible
to finish without the documentation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tass Times in Tonetown
Type: BG/MUSIC (some animation)
Written 1986 by Michael Berlyn
[story], Muffy Berlyn
[story], Brian Fargo
[story], Steve Nielsen
[story], Bill Heineman
[graphics] and Todd Canasta
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Apple IIGS
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Includes four-page tabloid newspaper. Common commands can be
entered with icons. Can be finished without the documentation.
Comments: Travel to the
_very_ strange town Tonetown in another dimension to save your grandpa from
a hideous crocodile creature named Franklin J. Snarl and your dog who
has learned to talk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord of the Rings
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1991 by Rusty Buchert, Scott Bennie, Brian (Fargo?) and Bruce
(Schlickbernd?).
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Puzzle-oriented RPG.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord of the Rings II: The Two Towers
Written 1991 by Rusty Buchert, Scott Bennie, Brian (Fargo?) and Bruce
(Schlickbernd?).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuromancer
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1988 by Bruce Balfour, Mike Stackpole, Brian Fargo and Devo
[music].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Apple IIGS
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: Based on William Gibson's cyberpunk novel. Timothy Leary gave
some assistance to this project according to the manual.
Comes on one
3 1/2" disk for Apple IIGS. The package includes a fold-out reference
card, "PAX Verification Code Wheel" and an 18-page manual.
This was
Interplay's first release under their own name, after being
distributed by Electronic Arts and Activision,for a few years.
Comments: It's all about hacking into computer bases and upgrading
your internal software. It is an RPG but with a lot of adventure
elements, though the control system isn't too sophisticated (but it's
great fun, anyway).
Package blurb: Nowadays, hacking in somewhere you don't belong can get
you in trouble. In a hundred years, it will get you killed...
You got
30 megs online, three viruses, six icebreakers and a smart-mouth ROM
construct riding shotgun.
As you go hacking in hard on the immense
icy-hard crystal of the new database, something stirs within it.
Artificial intelligence?
'You know,' says your ROM construct, 'maybe
the ice here is so hard not just to keep cowboys like you out, but
'cause they wanta keep something else in.'
And then you remember:
They're called Als 'cause they don't care when they kill you.
It's
party time in Cyberspace.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Trek: 25th Anniversary
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC (some action elements)
Written 1992 (1993?) by Bruce Schlickbernd
[producer] and Jay Patel
[programming].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: This game was also released in an enhanced CD-ROM version.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Trek: Judgement Rites
Type: IG
Written 1992 (1993?) by Bruce Schlickbernd
[producer] and Jay Patel
[programming].
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interplay's 10 Year Anthology
Written 1994.
Notes: This is a compilation for PC. It containes Mindshadow, Tass
Times in Tone Town, The Bard's Tale, Battle Chess, Wasteland, Dragon
Wars, Castles, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Another
World.
======================================================================
IntraCorp
Murder on the Atlantic
Type: IG
Written 1994.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
JJK Research Limited
Key Fighter
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Jor-And
Secret Agent
Type: BG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Notes: It was the first in a series.
Comments: Locate and deactivate a near-ultimate weapon and escape
before the waiting bombers pound the island (and you) into dust.
======================================================================
Jsj Soft Ltd
Medialan 1
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Medialan 2
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish.
======================================================================
Kayde Software
Leopard Lord
Type: TO
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Terror from the Deep
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Swamp
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Kenema
Hell's Temple
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Dungeons & Dragons style play. Search the temple to complete
your quest.
======================================================================
L. A. Enterprises
Gypsum Cave
Type: CG
Written by Brian Wagner in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: In two parts.
Comments: Appalingly bad. Worst programming and vocabulary you're
bound to come across for a long time. Seems to be about treasure
hunting.
======================================================================
Lankhor
Mortville Manor
Type: IG
Written 1986-1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari ST
* PC
Notes: It contained speech synthesis and is mouse-controlled.
Comments: French Detective mystery where your task is to question the
inhabitants of a large manor house to discover if a death was natural
or a murder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maupiti Island
Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1990 by Sylvien.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
* PC
Notes: This is a sequel to Mortville Manor.
Comments: French detective mystery set around a tropical island.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Sect
Type: IG
Written 1990 by Sylvien.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
Notes: This might be available in French only.
======================================================================
Volker Lanz
The Crime of Music
Type: G
Written 1990 by Sylvien.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Larsoft
Company formed by Geoff Larsen. He wrote his games with The Quill on
the BBC Micro. He later went on to write for Robico.
Witchwood
Written by Geoff Larsen.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Based on legends of standing stones, particularly the
Rollright Stones.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Puppet Man
Written by Geoff Larsen.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: A puppet-maker makes such good puppets people believe
they're actually alive. Then one goes missing. Mother of the muses
offers to help you find it/him/her if you help her out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hex
Written by Geoff Larsen.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: This game has "real-time".
Comments: Witchcraft in a cornish village in 1902."
======================================================================
LBS
Victor Loomes
Type: IG
Written by Geoff Larsen.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German. Promotional detective game.
======================================================================
The Learning Company
The Learning Company has been bought and sold a number of times since
the publishing of Robot Odyssey I. The "new" Learning Company has
said, according to one source, that it has no knowledge of Robot
Odyssey I and if it was indeed their game, they have no interest in
selling, supporting or enforcing their copyright on it. Another source
inside TLC says: "There are still a few people from the "old" TLC who
where there for the development of RO. I am not sure whom you spoke
with about the copyright, but I would not be too sure that TLC is not
interested in enforcing the copyright. I am not saying that they are,
but I know that people have approached us about gaining the rights to
the product and we have not been interested."
The Learning Company
recently (1998) merged with
Brøderbund.
Homepage:
http://www.learningco.com/
For more information, see
Brøderbund Software.
Robot Odyssey I
Written 1985 by Rick Levenson
(
[email protected]).
Runs on:
* Apple II
* TRS-80
* PC
Notes: More information can be found here.
======================================================================
Legend
Valhalla
Type: MCG
Written in Basic (mostly).
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Very graphical adventure with pictures of all locations and a
lot of small stick men walking around and doing things. It was very
slow. It included a rather thick booklet with information about all
the gods, giants, etc that you meet.
======================================================================
Legend Entertainment Company
Since around 1993-1994 they have used different distributors for each
game.
Homepage:
http://www.legendent.com/
They are distributed by MicroProse, Accolade and Mindscape, Inc.
Spellcasting
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Timequest
Written 1991 by Bob Bates.
Runs on:
* PC
Comments: A rogue agent from the Temporal Corps has stolen a time
machine and used it to the alter the past. You must undo what he has
done and track him down.
Gateway
Written 1992 by Mike Verdu, Michael Lindner and Glen Dahlgren.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric the Unready
Written 1992 (1993?) by Bob Bates.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gateway II: Homeworld
Written 1993 by Mike Verdu and Glen Dahlgren.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Companions of Xanth
Written 1993 by Mike Lindner.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Gate
Written 1993 by Mike Lindner.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission: Critical
Written by Mike Verdu.
Notes: Distributed by Randomsoft.
Comments: You awake aboard your spaceship to discover you are the only
crew member still aboard. You must discover what happened to the
crew, and learn more about the secret they were protecting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shannara
Written by Lori Cole and Corey Cole.
Notes: Distributed by Randomsoft.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Control III
Written by Michael Lindner and Daniel Greenberg.
Notes: Distributed by Accolade
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Callahan's Crosstime Saloon
Written by Josh Mandel.
Notes: Published by Take Two, distributed by Mindscape, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost Adventures
Written by Josh Mandel.
Notes: This is a compilation containing Spellcasting 101: Sorcerers
Get All the Girls, Spellcasting 201: The Sorcerer's Appliance,
Spellcasting 301: Spring Break, Timequest, Eric the Unready, Gateway,
Gateway II: Homeworld, and Companions of Xanth. It also contains demo
versions of Superhero League of Hoboken (an RPG), Mission: Critical,
and Shannara. Distributed by Mindscape, Inc.
======================================================================
Level 9 Computing
They produced over a dozen adventure games, available for a wide
variety of machines (Spectrum 48K, Commodore 64, Acorn BBC B,
Enterprise 64, Memotech MTX-512, NASCOM, Nimbus, Oric 48K,
Spectravideo 328, MSX, Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, Amstrad).
At least
for a while, they had the service of sending out clue sheets for
their games for free. I know I had them for Colossal Adventure and
Snowball and perhaps something more. They used their own system to
create their games, one up to Knight Orc and another one from that
and onwards. Level 9 was more or less a family business for the main
authors.
Early games
Verb-noun, 200+ locations. These games used a
32K virtual machine and text compresstion and were able to squeeze in
a lot of text in a small amount of memory.
These include the
Middle-Earth Trilogy, The Silicon Dreams Trilogy, The Time and Makik
Trilogy, Emerald Isle, Erik the Viking, The Archers, The Secret Diary
of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 - The Computer Game.
Later Games
Written
with a new game engine called KAOS, which, although more powerful,
reduced the size of the games. From now on, all their adventures
feature "intelligent characters".
These include the Ingrid series,
Knight Orc, Lancelot, ScapeGhost.
Apparently, Level 9 is still alive
(as of 1997), at least as a cover for one of the Austins when doing
freelance work.
They are distributed by Rainbird Entertainment.
The Middle-Earth Trilogy / The Jewels of Darkness
The series was later renamed The Jewels of Darkness. A compilation of
these three games was released in 1986 but the games had been
available separately before that. At least for Commodore 64 and
Spectrum, these games are available both in text versions and with
graphics. I think the original separate versions were text only and
the Jewels of Darkness versions with graphics.
The Silicon Dreams Trilogy
The trilogy was released in 1986, although the games had been
available separately before that.
The Time and Magik Trilogy
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald Isle
Type: DG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Atari 8-bit
[Text
only]
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Enterprise
* Memotech MTX
* MSX
* Spectrum
Comments: Treasure hunt on a small island.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Saga of Erik the Viking
Type: DG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Enterprise
* Spectrum
Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Terry Jones (from Monty
Python). The book was later filmed by him. The game and the film have
different stories, though.
This game was published by Mosaic
Publishing, so perhaps it should be on their page?
For more information, see Mosaic Publishing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Archers
Written 1984.
Notes: Development by Level 9 Computing.
For more information, see Mosaic Publishing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 - The Computer Game
Written 1984.
Notes: Development by Level 9 Computing.
For more information, see Mosaic Publishing.
Ingrid series
Knight Orc
Type: BG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* MSX
[Text
only]
* Spectrum
* PC
Notes: Divided into three parts. A lot of what happens in this game is
a send-up of British Telecom's online game MUD2.
Comments: As Grindleguts, the orc, you are in an eternal battle with
annoying NPCs killing each other on and off, as you try to discover
what has happened to you. Medieval setting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lancelot
Type: BG
Written 1988 by Pete Austin and Mike Austin.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* Atari 8-bit
[Text
only]
* Atari ST
* BBC
[Text only/Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 64
* PC
* Spectrum
[Text
only]
Notes: Divided into three parts.
Comments: You, as the legendary Lancelot, are out on a quest for the
Holy Grail, and must, along the way, save imprisoned knights and
damsels in distress!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ScapeGhost
Type: BG
Written 1989 by Sandra Sharkey, Pete Gerrard and Pete Austin.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
Comments: A police man, killed by criminals, returns from beyond the
grave as a ghost, who has to overcome the troubles of ghost-dom,
together with his ghost friends, in order to revenge his own death.
======================================================================
Lifestyle
Sanctuary
Type: G
Written 1989 by Sandra Sharkey, Pete Gerrard and Pete Austin.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
LK Avalon
The Curse
Type: MCG
Written 1992.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
Notes: In Polish.
======================================================================
Logical Choice, The
Castles of Darkness
Type: G
Written 1981 by Michael Cashen.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
Looking Glass Studios
Homepage:
http://www.lglass.com/
Thief: The Dark Project
Written 1998.
Comments: You are hired to steal a valuable jewel but get draged into
something larger...
======================================================================
Lothlorien
Time Sanctuary
Written 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stolen Lamp
Type: G
Written 1998.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Electron
Notes: Excellent.
======================================================================
Lucasfilm Ltd - Games Division
For more information, see LucasArts.
======================================================================
LucasArts
Originally, they were called Lucasfilm Ltd - Games Division. At
least some of their games are written with their adventure creation
utility SCUMM (Script Creation Utility for Manial Mansion; 1987, Ron
Gilbert and Aric Wilmunder).
Apparently they discontinued working for
the Amiga after producing Indiana Jones IV: Indiana Jones and the Fate
of Atlantis.
They are distributed by Activision, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Labyrinth
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written 1986 by David Fox et al.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
Notes: Based on the film of the same name. The game has no facility
for ordinary text input, instead you choose from two scrolling lists
of words.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maniac Mansion
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1987 by Ron Gilbert
[design], Gary Winnick
[design] and David Fox
[text].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: Also available in German and French.
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1988 by David Fox
[design], David Spangler
[design], Matthew Kane
[design] and Gary Winnick
[design].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: Also available in German.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (enhanced version)
Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1988 by David Fox
[design], David Spangler
[design], Matthew Kane
[design] and Gary Winnick
[design].
Runs on:
* PC
Indiana Jones
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Loom
Type: G/MUSIC
Written 1990 by Brian Moriarty and Marc Ferrari.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Also available in German.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Loom (CD version)
Written 1990 by Brian Moriarty and Marc Ferrari.
Notes: This basically the same game as the above, except for better
graphics and full speech.
Monkey Island
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maniac Mansion 2: Day of the Tentacle
Type: G/MUSIC
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* PC
* Macintosh
Notes: Also available in German.
Comments: When playing this game, you come to a computer where you can
play Maniac Mansion 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam & Max: Hit the Road
Written by Brian Moriarty.
Runs on:
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Also available in French.
Comments: Dog and Bunny must find missing abominable snowman across
the USA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dig
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Runs on:
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Uses a newly-developed point-and-click interface.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Full Throttle
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Runs on:
* Macintosh
* PC
Comments: As a biker it's your job to save your biker gang from some
problems that big-game finance have put them in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yoda Stories
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
LucasArts CD
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Notes: Contains The Secret of Monkey Island, The Secret of Monkey
Island II: LeChuck's Revenge and Indiana Jones and the Fate of
Atlantis.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
LucasArts CD 3
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Notes: Contains The Dig, Full Throttle, The Secret of Monkey Island,
The Secret of Monkey Island II: LeChuck's Revenge, Sam & Max: Hit the
Road and some action/adventure games. Marketed as "The LucasArts
Archive" in the UK and Australia.
======================================================================
Mac Brayne
The Holy Grail
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
Macmillan
They distribute Delta 4 Software.
======================================================================
Mad Hatter Software
Greg Hassett wrote these text adventures from 1978 (when he was 12
years old) to 1981. They were quite popular at the time. These games
are now in the public domain.
Basic adventures
These were written in Basic on the TRS-80, and all of them were
later printed in various books and magazine articles (and then
"ported" to other computers like the VIC-20).
Assembler adventures
These games were written in assembler on the TRS-80.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Adventure Disk SP2
Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg
[Script].
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: Contains King Tut's Tomb and Sorcerer's Castle.
======================================================================
Magnetic Scrolls
They were located at 1 Chapel Court, London SE1 1HH, England. Magnetic
Scrolls was founded in 1984 by Anita Sinclair, Ken Gordon and Hugh
Steers.
They originally wrote adventure games with a very powerful
(but sometimes unusually picky) parser, and very nice 16 color hi-res
pictures. The company was started in 1984 by Anita Sinclair and Ken
Gordon who designed the parser, game engine and database format used
together with Hugh Steers. Since 1990 (Wonderland), they are using a
new GUI called Magnetic Windows.
Homepage:
http://www.magneticscrolls.com/
Email:
[email protected].
They are distributed by Rainbird, Mastertronic and MicroProse.
The Pawn
Type: TO/BG
Written 1985 by Rob Steggles
[story], Hugh Steers
[programming], Ken Gordon
[programming], Geoff Quilley.
[graphics] and Peter Kemp.
Runs on:
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 128
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 64
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Macintosh
* PC
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Sinclair QL
[Text
only]
* Spectrum
[Text
only]
Notes: The package includes a 12" x 16 1/2" poster of the cover art, a
57-page novella "A Tale of Kerovnia" featuring a coded hint section, a
12-page gameplay guide and a platform keyguide. It comes on one 5 1/4"
disk for Apple II and on two 5 1/4" disks for Commodore 64/128.
Package blurb: Set in the mystical world of Kerovnia, this amusing and
complex tale is subtle enough to appeal to the beginner and hardened
adventurer alike. A revolutionary text-handling system allows input of
complicated interaction with characters (including some very
intelligent animals!). The Pawn represents all its characters and
objects as if they existed in a real world, storing complex
information about their attributes and properties linked to their
particular position or context in the game.
Your objectives are
manyfold: The simplest is to escape from Kerovnia, but you will find
others as you wander about the land and communicate with the
characters you meet. The Pawn combines a rich text adventure, with
stunning colour graphics, and a language parser that will set the
standards for years to come.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Guild of Thieves
Type: BG
Written 1987 by Rob Steggles
[story], Ken Gordon
[programming], Geoff Quilley
[graphics] and Tristan Humphries
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
* Spectrum
[Text
only]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jinxter
Type: BG
Written 1987 by Georgina Sinclair
[story], Anita Sinclair
[programming] and Michael Bywater.
Runs on:
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Atari ST
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
* Spectrum
[Text
only]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Corruption
Type: BG/MUSIC/TEXT
Written 1988 by Robert Steggles
[story], Hugh Steers
[story,
programming], Alan Hunnisett
[graphics] and Richard Selby
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Atari ST
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish!
Type: BG
Written 1988 by John Molloy
[story], Pete Kemp
[story], Phil South
[story], Rob Steggles
[story], Richard Huddy
[programming], Bob Coles
[programming], Geoff Quilley
[graphics], Alan Hunnisett
[graphics], Chris Kent
[graphics], Richard Selby
[graphics] and Tristan Humphries
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
* Atari ST
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
* Spectrum
[Text
only]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Myth
Type: BG
Written 1989 by Paul Findley
[story,programming], Geoff Quilley
[graphics], Tristan Humpries
[graphics] and Chris Kent
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Amstrad CPC
* Atari ST
[Bitmap
graphics]
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: This is a short game that hasn't been released to the general
public, but was given as a welcome present in the british adventure
club Official Secrets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderland
Type: BG
Written 1990 by David Bishop
[story], Alan Hunnisett
[graphics], Chris Kent
[graphics], Geoff Quilley
[graphics], Anna Williams
[graphics], Michael Powell
[music], Bob Coles
[programming], Paul Findley
[programming], Ken Gordon
[programming], Richard Huddy
[programming], Steve Lacey
[programming], Doug Rabson
[programming], Anita Sinclair
[programming], Hugh Steers
[programming] and Mark Taylor
[programming] in Magnetic Windows.
Runs on:
* Atari ST
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Package includes a 66-page instruction booklet, poster, map,
quick reference guide and installation notes. Contains more than 100
pictures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Magnetic Scrolls Collection, Volume I
Type: BG
Written 1991.
Runs on:
* Acorn RISC OS
* Amiga
* Atari ST
* PC
Notes: Contains The Guild of Thieves, Corruption and Fish! remade
using Magnetic Windows.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Legacy: Realm of Terror
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: This is a Horror RPG from MicroProse that they have had a hand
in developing.
======================================================================
Mahaffey, Jim
City of Alzan
Written by Jim Mahaffey.
Runs on:
* Psion Organiser II
Notes: Written as a small adventure as a test and a warm-up for the
full-blown "Adventure".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Adventure
Written by Jim Mahaffey.
Runs on:
* Psion Organiser II
Notes: Port of the original adventure.
======================================================================
Mainframe adventures
Under this heading are found adventures that have originated on
mainframe computers. In some cases they have then been converted to
various other machines as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVENT / Adventure (aka Colossal Cave)
Type: TO
Written 1977 by Willie Crowther and Don Woods.
Notes: The Original adventure game. Never commercially released in
this version, although a lot of commercial adaptions of this game
exists. The first version was written in Fortran which made it easy to
convert it to new systems.
Zork (aka Dungeon)
Type: TO
Written 1977-1979 by Tim Anderson, Marc Blank, Bruce Daniels and Dave
Lebling in MDL.
Runs on:
* PDP-10 (ITS, TENEX, TOPS-20)
Notes: All the programmers from the Dynamic Modelling Group in the
MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. Zork has been converted to most
computer systems. Later split up in three parts and released
commercially by Infocom. All ports (C, TADS, ...) are based on the
Fortran port ("Dungeon") written by Bob Supnik around 1980.
"Zork"
was originally just a name that was given to any unfinished project
around MIT. When the implementors gave Zork an official name for the
first time, the called it "Dungeon", but for some reason people kept
on calling it "Zork" anyway so that name stuck.
For more information, see Personal Software and Infocom.
Cambridge University
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Battlestar
Type: TO/CG
Written 1979 by David Riggle.
Notes: Unix based. This may be part of the standard System V games
distribution. There are some brief character graphics after launching
a Viper ship.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FisK
Written 1982 by two undergraduates at Stanford University (Richard
Beigel?).
Runs on:
* DEC-20
Notes: The capitalization of the name of the game is a clue to a
puzzle in the game.
Comments: A really big, Zork-like game that started at an innocuous
house like Zork and led to a big complex of rooms with treasures and
bad guys.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HAUNT
Type: TO
Written 1979 by John Laird
(
[email protected]) in OPS4.
Runs on:
* DEC-10
* DEC-20
Notes: It was non-commercial. It was available at USC around 1984.
HAUNT was written by John Laird while he was a gratuate student at
Carnegie Mellon University in the 1970s. He's now (1998) a professor
at the University of Michigan.
HAUNT was written in OPS4, which only
ever existed on DEC-10 and DEC-20. John doesn't have any copies of it,
and says the only copies he knows of would be buried deep in the tape
archives at CMU, and he has no desire to go looking for it unless
"it's an emergency or something". At one time, John was planning to
rewrite it in OPS5 or possible in SOAR, but he got bogged down in
"real work". The rewrite only got halfway, but the source for this (in
OPS5) has been located.
When the source to a version of Haunt
resurfaced, I mailed John Laird and asked him if it was OK if I sent
the source to the Interactive Fiction Archive. This is his answer:
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 98 14:44:30 -0400 From: John E Laird
(
[email protected])
Great. I have no problem with you posting the
source. It is exactly what you said. At one point I started to rewrite
Haunt from Ops4 to Ops5 (different rule-based systems). I never
finished. It was used for testing some production system interpreters.
I wrote Haunt after playing Adventure (or Advent as it was called on
the KA-10 at Carnegie Mellon - only 6 characters). I hadn't seen Zork,
and I don't think it was written when I did Haunt.
I have a small
write up on it at:
http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/laird/gamesresearch.html
Given the
interest, I'll contact cmu and see if they can find it on tape
somewhere.
Comments: It was similar to the original Adventure but set in a
haunted house. The fun of the game was in the great, weird writing.
It was like horror-movie cliches and this amazing sense of humor. The
rampaging moose... the cube of LSD... the monster on a slab... the
elevator... the bus... the wine cellar that went on forever...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
LORD
Type: TO
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* DEC-20
Notes: Published by the Helsinki University of Technology. Based on
many of J.R.R. Tolkien's books, including The Lord of the Rings.
Non-commercial. It is extremely large.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lugi
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* DEC-20
Notes: Written on a TOPS-20 called LOTS at Stanford University,
California.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystery Mansion
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* HP 3000
Notes: Also known as "Mansion".
Comments: Person 1: Way back when I was young (please don't make me
say when) and discovered the original "Adventure" I also discovered
one other I-F game called "Mystery Mansion." It was vaguely a
detective story, although solving the murder was done by simply
finding the body, the weapon, and getting the murderer to enter the
crime scene...
...but there were other puzzles to solve, also: a
Vampire to destroy, a Werewolf to dispatch...lots of NPCs wandering
around vaguely...and when the clock struck midnight, the house blew
up, and you had to escape...which was pretty difficult...
...does
anyone else remember this one? It begins with you at the end of the
"Hideous Highway" before the mansion's gate (which you can only open
if an NPC is there to help you....
It was quite a convoluted
game...lots of magic words (you may remember XIMOW or WIMOH)...and
objects like a crystal ball that helped you find NPC's...
Person 2:
I thought the game truly amazing and as I look back I realize how well
it was written - I never found another game that was quite as
fascinating.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Warp
Type: TO
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* HP 3000
Comments: It had a very advanced interpreter, and the interpreter was
probably the main interest of the implementor.
======================================================================
Mark Data Products
Black Sanctum
Type: TO/BG
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* Dragon
* TRS-80 Color
[Text only/Bitmap
graphics]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Calixto Island
Type: TO/BG
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* TRS-80 Color
[Text only/Bitmap
graphics]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Trekboer
Type: BG
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* TRS-80 Color
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Quest
Type: BG
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* TRS-80 Color
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shenanigans
Type: G
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* TRS-80 Color
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(unknown title)
Type: G
Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola.
Runs on:
* TRS-80 Color
Comments: It involved a time machine.
======================================================================
Martech
The Quest of Merravid
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* VIC-20
* Commodore 64
Comments: You must find the firestones (whatever that is!) and bring
them back to their owners, the dwarves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Odyssey of Hope
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: After Pandora has thrown away all the other virtues, Hope
remains - and you must bring it to the Greek gods.
======================================================================
Mastertronic
Homepage:
http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/mast.html
They distribute Magnetic Scrolls and Smart Egg Software.
For more information, see Silhouette Software.
Se-Kaa of Assiah
Type: G
Written 1984 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts. Possibly written by Words and Pictures
Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Quest for the Holy Grail
Type: DG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Pathetic and extremely humourless game based on the Python
movie. Awful parser, very slow graphics and way, way too easy.
For more information, see Dream Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zzzz
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Possibly written by Words and Pictures Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Demon's Tomb: The Awakening
Type: G
Written 1989 by Silhouette Software.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: You first play an archeologist who must save his findings and
then his teenage son who must find out what's going on before an
ancient evil rises.
Comments: Good graphics and good parser
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shades of Grey
Written 1989 by Silhouette Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Trilogy
Written 1989 by Silhouette Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentilla
Type: DG/MUSIC
Written 1985 or 1986.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: Superb.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kobyashi Naru
Written 1985 or 1986.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Play it Again Sam
Written 1985 or 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sinbad and the Golden Ship
Written 1985 or 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Med Systems Software
They are distributed by Screenplay and All American Adventures.
For more information, see Adventure International.
Jyym Pearson
This series is a continuation of the "Other Ventures" series from
Adventure International, and uses the same interpreter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathmaze 5000
Type: G
Written 1985 or 1986.
Runs on:
* TRS-80
Notes: Maze-based game. It's more of a puzzle than an adventure.
Labyrinth
Type: G
Written 1985 or 1986.
Runs on:
* TRS-80
Notes: Maze-based game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ASYLUM
Type: BG
Written 1985 by William F. Denman, Jr. and Michael O. Haire
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* TRS-80
* PC
Notes: Maze-based game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Asylum II
Written 1985 by William F. Denman, Jr. and Michael O. Haire
[graphics].
Runs on:
* TRS-80
Notes: Only a small number of this ever got sold. Maze-based game.
Comments: Superb.
======================================================================
Melbourne House
Their Tolkien trilogy (Hobbit/LoTR/SoM) is infamous for numerous
bugs. There is some more information to be found at
http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/melb.html. Nowadays (1999), they are
owned by Beam International Ltd.
Homepage:
http://www.melbournehouse.com/
They are distributed by Virgin Games and Mindscape, Inc.
Joystick adventures
These were a combination of traditional text and scrolling graphics
with a minimally animated figure that one moved around the screen.
The parser only recognized the first two letters of each word.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hampstead
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Trevor Lever and Peter Jones.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Roger Taylor was also involved in this somehow. Also available
in Spanish.
Comments: You start at the bottom of the social ladder and have to
work your way up to the top to Hampstead (one of the better areas in
London) using any methods (lying, cheating, stealing).
The Hobbit
Type: DG/G
Written 1983 by Philip Mitchell and Veronika Megler.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* MSX
* Oric-1
* Spectrum
Notes: Very good parser, vocabulatory and non-player characters for
the time. Based on the book of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hobbit (Enhanced Version)
Type: BG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* BBC
* Commodore 64
[Music]
* PC
Notes: This was an improved version of The Hobbit with extra problems,
additional text, larger vocabulatory and enhanced graphics.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherlock
Type: DG/MUSIC
Written 1985 by Philip Mitchell.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: This was a rather buggy game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Terrormolinos
Type: G
Written 1985 by Peter Jones and Trevor Lever.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Originally developed in The Quill, but they had to write their
game driver because The Quill was to weak. This game driver was
later bought by Adventure International. Roger Taylor was also
involved in this somehow. Two-word parser.
Comments: You are going on holiday to Torremolinos, but you have to do
ten totally unusual photographs of the town to prove to your
neighbours that you have been there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lord of the Rings: Game One (The Fellowship of the Ring)
Type: DG
Written 1985 by Philip Mitchell et al.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Pseudo-graphical adventure with a lot of different viewpoint
characters to choose from. As far as I can remember, one had to
change character now and then to solve the game. Very slow.
Includes two cassettes, a large booklet and a paperback copy of
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring.
Philip Mitchell built
the engine on a unix system and got the adventure going there in text
version only. Seperate teams of people then ported it to each micro.
The Spectrum team was small, consisting of Steve Taylor and Doug
Palmer. The C64 team was quite large - about 8 people by the end, as
they panicked and brought in some contractors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shadows of Mordor
Type: BG
Written 1987 by Philip Mitchell, et al.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* PC
* Spectrum
Notes: Sequel to The Lord of the Rings: Game One. Based on Frodo and
Sam's part in The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tolkien Trilogy
Written 1987 by Philip Mitchell, et al.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
Notes: This is a compilation consisting of The Hobbit, The Lord of the
Rings: Game One (The Fellowship of the Ring), and Shadows of Mordor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crack of Doom
Type: G
Written 1989 by Philip Mitchell et al.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Based on Frodo and Sam's part in The Return of the King by
J.R.R. Tolkien.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Demon's Tomb: The Awakening
Written 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Adventure
Type: TO
Written by John Steele-Jones.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: A remake of the original adventure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mordon's Quest
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Peter Moreland
[design], Peter Donne
[design] and John Jones Steele
[programming].
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Atari 8-bit
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: 150 locations, 500 words. The Commodore 64 version was buggy,
so that if you tried to solve the game you'd suddenly have all sorts
of strange objects, leaving the game unsolvable. This bug can be
eliminated by resetting the computer after loading the game and then
restarting it by typing 'SYS 4828'.
Comments: Viciously hard game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle of Terror
Type: DG/MUSIC/animation
Written 1984 by Grahame Willis.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Divided into two parts (the second one loaded automatically
when you entered the castle; there was no turning back then). Had
graphics for all rooms, but I don't think they were necessary in more
than a few places. Infamous game (to my knowledge, no one has
_ever_ managed to save the princess
_and_ kill the count - but the discussion has gone on for years!) Parser
capable of commands such as: "GET AXE AND LAMP AND PUT THEM IN SACK".
Comments: You volunteer to save a maiden in distress from the castle
of a vampire count.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Where Hobbits Dare
Type: G
Written 1984 by Grahame Willis.
Notes: This was planned as a sequel to The Hobbit, but was never
released.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dodgy Geezers
Written 1986 by Peter Jones and Trevor Lever.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* BBC
* Spectrum
Notes: It had a song track on the reverse side of the tape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Merry Christmas
Type: BG/MUSIC/animations
Written 1984 by Grahame Willis.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Sent out around christmas 1984 to all of Melbourne House's
business partners (I think). Fairly small game, but very cute,
nonetheless.
Comments: Help Santa deliver the christmas presents.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Redhawk
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kwah?
Type: BG/PnC/TEXT
Written 1986 by Simon Price and Mike Lewis.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Sequel to "Redhawk" (about the comic book hero). Comic strip
graphics has the player following Redhawk as he tries to break into a
huge mansion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dennis Through the Drinking Glass
Written 1986 by Simon Price and Mike Lewis.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Merit Software
They distribute Castleworks Gameware.
======================================================================
Microdeal
They also distributed or took over Madness and the Minotaur and Keys
of the Wizard from Spectral Associates.
For more information, see Spectral Associates.
Williamsburg
Type: TO
Written 1986 by Simon Price and Mike Lewis.
Runs on:
* Commodore 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mansion House
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 16
* Dragon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
El Diablo
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Dragon
======================================================================
Micro Fun
They were called Micro Lab up to 1984.
Mad Venture
Type: TO
Written 1981.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Comments: This game had an Alice in Wonderland theme and was very hard
(though fair) since everything is subject to Looking-Glass logic. At
one point in the game you are heading east along an east-west road.
You come to a fork in the road. You can go northeast, southeast or
back west. Northeast and southeast lead to useful locations, but if
you type 'get fork', you get a silver fork and the road now leads
straight east to a new location.
It is quite a good game with a real
sense of humor and some very nasty (but mostly solvable) puzzles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Palace in Thunderland
Written 1981 by Dale Johnson and Ken Rose.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Death in the Caribbean
Type: BG
Written 1983 by Philip Hess and Bob Hess.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
Micrograf
Flint's Gold
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Andy Mitchell.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Takes place in a Treasure Island setting, featuring
characters such as Long John Silver.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vampire Castle
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
Comments: Yet another game where you have to kill the count himself.
======================================================================
MicroIllusions
The Jetsons - George Jetson and the Legend of Robotopia
Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1989 by Robert McNally and Michael McNally.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Based on the Hannah-Barbera cartoon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Faery Tale Adventure
Type: MCG/MUSIC
Written 1986 by David Joiner.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Romantic Illusions at the Dome
Type: G
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Adult adventure.
======================================================================
Micro Lab
For more information, see Micro Fun.
======================================================================
Micro Power
Adventure
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Electron
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eldorado Gold
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wizard's Challenge
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Labyrinths of LaCoshe
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
MicroProse
They distribute Magnetic Scrolls and Legend Entertainment Company.
Dark Lands
Written 1988.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Legacy: Realm of Terror
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: This is a Horror RPG that Magnetic Scrolls have had a hand in
developing.
Package blurb: Your Dream Home Has Turned Into A Living Nighmare!! For
the past 400 years, your evil ancestors have been planning this
housewarming party just for you. And it's one party you may never
leave!
Exploring hundreds of reality-twisting rooms in your eerie
estate, you'll encounter unearthy puzzles, sinister spells, and
forbidden tomes. And you'll battle hideous hosts like grotesque
gargoyles and loathsome death leeches as you struggle to vanguish the
evil forces contaminating your happy home!
Can you survive this
living nightmare? The answer lies within the walls of The Legacy:
Realm of Terror.
Spine-tingling graphics will turn you chalk-white
with horror! Hair-raising combat with sickening creatures! Stupefying
stumpers in surreal rooms!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Return of the Phantom
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragonsphere
Type: G
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: I'm not positive that this game belongs to MicroProse, but at
least it's done by the same programmers as Return of the Phantom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bloodnet
Written 1994?.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: A futuristic mix of vampires and cyberspace. A role-playing
adventure of high quality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender
Type: G
Written 1994?.
Notes: Included in the package is a mood-enhancing, background-setting
booklet written by Steve Meretzky which contains Rex Nebular's
log-entries from some time back.
======================================================================
Microsoft
For more information, see Softwin Associates.
======================================================================
Mikrogen
The Witch's Cauldron
Type: BG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: An evil witch has transformed you into a frog. You must go
through various shapes (fx. a monkey!) to become human again, with
all the troubles it gives you.
======================================================================
Milbus Software
Hobbit - The True Story
Type: TO
Written 1993 by Fredrik Ramsberg and Johan Berntsson.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: It is shareware
($10), available from ftp.gmd.de, /if-archive/games/pc.
Comments: It is a very good but extremely short parody of the
Melbourne House game of the same name. It is written with BAT files.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Terror of Mecha Godzilla
Type: TO
Written by Fredrik Ramsberg.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Very similar to Hobbit - The True Story.
======================================================================
Mind Games
The Desecration
Written 1982 by Greg and Gil.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: Had three arcade games as part of the plot. Advertised as an
"adventurecade".
======================================================================
Mindscape, Inc
3444 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, (312) 480-7667.
Mindscape
games were, at least originally, released in folders looking like
hardcover books that measured 7 3/4" X 9". They featured a 7 1/4" X 8
1/2" browsie manual tucked into a slot on the right side and a sealed
envelope of either plastic or cardboard with a cellophane window
containing the disks and the rest of the contents.
They distribute Angelsoft, Inc, Cinemaware, Eldritch Games Ltd, ICOM
Simulations, Inc and Melbourne House.
Brattacas
Type: IG
Written by Psygnosis.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
Notes: This was a port of the unfinished Sinclair QL port of
Bandersnatch, the unfinished Spectrum "MegaGame" Imagine Software was
working on when it went bust in 1984. Sinclair Research was going to
release the QL version, but apparently it fell through at the last
minute and it appeared as Psygnosis' first ST game instead.
Apparently, one could tell it was intended for the QL from the color
palette (red/green/white/black) and the fact that it only used the
middle 512 pixels of the screen (at least in the version shown at the
1985 PCW Show).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Racter
Written 1982, 84, 86 by Inrac Corporation.
Notes: Not an adventure, really.
Comments: As Eliza was an early computer program that simulates
artificial intelligence, so Racter is a program that simulates
artificial insanity
[...] A program that interviews you, tells you stories and anecdotes, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Colony
Written 1988 by David Smith.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
D-Generation
Written 1988 by David Smith.
======================================================================
Mirage
Grandad
Type: TO
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Haunt
Type: TO
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Set in the modern day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Krystal Worlds
Type: TO
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Notes: This was in several parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sausages
Type: TO
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
Mirrorsoft
Bermuda Project
Type: IG
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Omicron Conspiracy
Type: IG
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashkeron
Type: 3D
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Spectrum
Notes: The game has some degree of real-time action going on, and a
number of NPCs which you can command with. Movement is done either
with a joystick or keyboard.
Comments: The plot is centred around 5 treasures which have been
stolen by a wizard - they must be recovered before the local princess
is crowned.
======================================================================
Mogul Software
This is probably a British company.
They distribute Victory Software Corporation.
Pyramid
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* TI-99/4A
* TRS-80 Color
* VIC-20
Comments: Hopeless parser and incredibly illogical puzzles. It only
has 15 locations and the descriptions are filled with spelling errors.
======================================================================
Molimerx
They distribute Howarth, Brian.
======================================================================
Moltech Software
Tahiti
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Swedish.
======================================================================
Mosaic Publishing
Mosaic specialize in "bookware" which is better described as
interactive fiction than adventure. There is mainly narrative text
with only occasional player interaction. Their games are programmed
by Level 9 Computing and The Ram Jam Corporation.
The Archers
Type: G
Written by Level 9 Computing.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Your goal is to write scripts to keep the audience ratings
for the Archers soap opera up. The game is scripted by the real
Archers scriptwriters in collaboration with Level 9 Computing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 - The Computer Game
Type: DG/CHOICE
Written by Level 9 Computing.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into four parts. Based on the book by Sue Townsend.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
Type: DG
Written by Level 9 Computing.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Twice Shy
Type: BG
Written by The Ram Jam Corporation in The Biro.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: The screen is divided into three parts, picture, location
description and player interaction.
======================================================================
Mountain Valley Software
Their games came out around 1984-85 and had character graphics.
According to some people they were awful, according to some they were
the best Commodore 64 character graphics ever. There was rarely any
plot or real aim of the adventure other than getting to the end. Most
problems could be solved with either looking at something or moving
it.
Smuggler's Inn
Type: CG
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Escape from a smuggler hideout.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Volcano of Raka-Tua
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Oasis of Shalimar
Written in Basic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
King Solomon's Mines
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Himalayan Odyssey
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Scroll of Akbar Khan
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle of Mydor
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lost City
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dark Planet
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystery Island
Written in Basic.
======================================================================
MP Software
Firien Wood
Type: TO
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dragon
Type: TO
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Nemesis
Located at 10 Carlow Road, Ringstead, Kettering, Northants, UK.
The Trial of Arnold Blackwood
Type: TO/MUSIC
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Dragon
Comments: You star as a private detective with amnesia! Along the way
you'll have to find a golden amulet for some lord.
======================================================================
Neo Software
Homepage:
http://www.neo.at/games_clou-e.htm
The Clue
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
======================================================================
New World Computing
They are distributed by Interplay Productions.
They Inherit the Earth
Type: IG
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
* PC
Notes: CD-ROM version has speech. Also available in German as Die
Erben der Erde.
======================================================================
No Man's Land
Tyrann
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
Norell Data Systems
The Hermit's Secret
Type: TO
Written around 1986.
Runs on:
* PC
Comments: Very much like Colossal Cave - you wander around, finding
treasures and putting them in the appropriate location.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(name unknown)
Written around 1986.
Notes: Based on the story of the phantom of the opera.
======================================================================
Novagen
Mercenary Compendium
Written by Paul Woakes.
Notes: The same as Escape from Targ/The Second City.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Damocles
Written 1990 by Paul Woakes.
Notes: This game might actually be the same as Mercenary II.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercenary II
Written 1991 by Paul Woakes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercenary III
Written 1991 by Paul Woakes.
======================================================================
Number 9 Software
Beatle Quest
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Gary Marsh.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: The game takes place in the year 2953 where you, as Keeper
of the history of the Earth, uncover the knowledge of the Fab Four.
Using a computer, the band's lyrics are translated into a world inside
you mind. Very difficult - perhaps you have to be extremely familiar
with the Beatles to make any sense of this game.
======================================================================
Ocean
Homepage:
http://www.ocean.co.uk/
The Neverending Story
Type: BG
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
[Music]
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts. Might have been distributed by
Datasoft, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hunchback - The Adventure
Type: BG
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
[Music]
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into three parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hook
Type: IG
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Island of Death
Type: TO
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Notes: It had ten arcade sequences in it at key points.
======================================================================
Odyssee
Die Lange Ruekkehr
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
On-Line Systems
For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc.
======================================================================
Origin
Dallas Snell, previously at Penguin Software Inc went over to work
here, and apparently took Ring Quest with him.
Origin are more famous
for publishing the Ultima series of RPGs.
Ring Quest
Type: G (some animation)
Written 1986 by Dallas Snell
[story], Joe Toler
[graphics], Dallas Snell
[programming], Ron Goebel
[programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea
[programming].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Notes: The package contains a laminated colour map, a marker, and a
parchment manual. This release apparently did not last long. I have a
1987 Origin catalogue and it is not featured in it.
For more information, see Penguin Software Inc.
======================================================================
O'Shea, Kevin
Homepage:
http://members.aol.com/kjoshea/index.htm
The Five Doctors
Written 1986 by Dallas Snell
[story], Joe Toler
[graphics], Dallas Snell
[programming], Ron Goebel
[programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea
[programming].
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Based on Dr. Who.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mind Maze
Written 1986 by Dallas Snell
[story], Joe Toler
[graphics], Dallas Snell
[programming], Ron Goebel
[programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea
[programming].
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Based on Dr. Who.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Key to Time
Written 1986 by Dallas Snell
[story], Joe Toler
[graphics], Dallas Snell
[programming], Ron Goebel
[programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea
[programming].
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Oxford Digital Enterprises
They are distributed by Avalon Hill.
Macbeth, the Computer Adventure
Type: G
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: This came packaged with a copy of Shakespeare's play. It is
divided into four parts: In part one you play Macbeth, in part two you
play Lady Macbeth, in part three you play one of the witches, and in
part four you play Macbeth again.
======================================================================
Palace Software
Demoniak
Type: BG/TEXT/MUSIC
Written 1991 by Alan Grant.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
======================================================================
Panther Games
Alien Drug Lords
Type: IG
Written 1991 by Alan Grant.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
Paragon Software Corporation
(600 Rugh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA).
Twilight's Ransom
Type: G
Written 1987, 88.
Runs on:
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: It claimed that if you had a certain piece of hardware from the
company it talked.
Comments: Your girlfriend has been kidnapped and you have to find her
and somehow rescue her in a town that's full of ward and june cleavers
during the day but at night junkies and prostitutes and muggers fill
the street.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardians of Infinity
Written 1987, 88.
======================================================================
Pendulo Estudios
IGOR: Objetivo Uhikokahonia (IGOR: Operation Uhikokahonia)
Written around 1993-1994.
Notes: This game is similar to Indiana Jones & the Fate of Atlantis.
Comments: It is about a student at a university who had problems with
his friends, jealous against his girlfriend whom he could lose,
problems meeting the requirements for staying in school, etc. On the
other hand there was the typical fat girl being bullied.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hollywood Monsters
Written around 1993-1994.
======================================================================
Penguin Software Inc
The company was called Penguin Software Inc until late 1985. They got
into a dispute with Penguin Books and felt that they didn't have
enough money to win a lawsuit. The name was then changed to PolarWare.
The Penguin games generally came in small (6" X 8") slipcover boxes
containing a white cardboard tray with a foam insert padding and
little more than a disk and a manual and warranty card.
Apart from
adventure games, they also released the Graphics Magician.
Homepage:
http://206.69.17.3/penguin/penguin.htm
For more information, see PolarWare.
Transylvania
Type: G
Written 1982 (rereleased 1984) by Antonia Antiochia in Graphics
Magician.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* Commodore 128
* Macintosh
Notes: The 1984 rerelease had better graphics and a different title
screen.
Comments: Search the land of Transylvania to rescue the Princess
Sabrina and return her safely to the King before the clock strikes
five. On the way, you'll meet a werewolf and a vampire, and, what
else, a flying saucer.
For more information, see PolarWare.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Coveted Mirror
Type: G (some animations)
Written 1983 by Eagle I. Burns and Holly Thomason.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: Graphics using the Graphics Magician. This version features a
few arcade sequences, including a jousting tournament.
Comments: In medieval times, you must escape captivity by the evil
ruler Voar in search of the fifth and final shard of the shattered
coveted mirror that will break Voar's power over the land of Starbury.
For more information, see PolarWare.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Quest
Type: BG
Written 1983 by Dallas Snell, Joe Toler and Joel Ellis Rea.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
Notes: It came on one 5 1/4" disk for the Apple II. This probably
wasn't rereleased by PolarWare. A sequel, Ring Quest, followed
shortly.
Package blurb: You, as the king's newest advisor, must accompany his
champion, Gorn, on a mission to rid the kingdom of a vengeful dragon
terrorizing the southern provinces. The king has instructed Gorn to
heed your advice, as you venture out on your journey to explore Balema
and find the reptilian menace.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ring Quest
Type: G (some animation)
Written 1983 by Dallas Snell
[story], Joe Toler
[graphics], Dallas Snell
[programming], Ron Goebel
[programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea
[programming].
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: This is a sequel to The Quest. It contains two arcade
sequences.
Package blurb: The Ring of Chaos has possessed the enchantress Lisa
and threatens the very fabric of the universe! Unless it is reunited
with the Ring of Order, life as we know it may come to an end. The
Ring of Order has now found its way into your hands...
Having been
chosen as Ringbearer, you must track down the elusive Lisa in an
effort to put an end to the havoc caused by the Ring of Chaos.
Accompanied by Gorn, Champion of Balema, you must traverse a land
fraught with perils and rife with fabulous monsters. Lisa must be
freed from the demonic power of the Ring of Chaos - and only you can
help her. Your only tools are your wits, the Ring of Order, and the
strong right arm of Gorn. You will need all of these and more to
survive.
For more information, see Origin.
======================================================================
Personal Software
They had plans to release Zork II as well, but never got that far.
For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Infocom.
Zork
Written 1983 by Dallas Snell
[story], Joe Toler
[graphics], Dallas Snell
[programming], Ron Goebel
[programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea
[programming].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* TRS-80 Model I
* TRS-80 Model III
For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Infocom.
======================================================================
Phipps Associates
Colditz
Type: DG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: Escape from the famous castle Colditz. Quite enjoyable, but
the parser is rather lousy. The game has around 70 locations, with
split screen graphics in around one third of them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Greedy Gulch
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knight's Quest
Written DG.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Phoenix Software
They are distributed by American Eagle.
Adventure in Time
Type: TO
Written 1981 by Paul Berker.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Birth of the Phoenix
Type: TO (?)
Written 1981 by Paul Berker.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
Comments: Tutorial adventure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Queen of Phobos
Type: G
Written 1982 by Bill Crawford and Paul Berker.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: Probably only for Apple II.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherwood Forest
Type: G (some animation)
Written 1982 by Dale Johnson and Dav Holle
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Apple II
Notes: Advertised as "Sof-toon
#1" but it might have been the only one. Probably only for Apple II.
Comments: Parody of Robin Hood, and featuring Friar Tuck, Maid Marian
and Little John. Hardly any plot, but still amusing and well drawn,
for the time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Masquerade
Type: BG
Written 1983 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
Notes: Distributed by All American Adventures. There was a
$1000 prize for the first person to solve it. The
$1000 prize was a parody of the treasure-hunt prize offered by Kit
Williams' book of the same name, which after mass hysteria over three
years, had finally been solved shortly before this game game out. I
have also seen this game as by American Eagle. The graphics were done
using Penguin's Graphics Magician.
Comments: Private eye is set up against knife-throwing bad guys and
bombed hotels - as well as toilets for using bad language! - while
exploring a zoo and more.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fraktured Faebles
Type: BG (some animation)
Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Comments: Parody of fables and other bedtime story stuff. You get to
meet Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, one of the 3 Little Pigs, the rabbit,
the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland,
Little Red Riding, the Wolf and Grandma, all with essentially no plot
at all!
======================================================================
Piranha Interactive Publishing
Homepage:
http://www.piranhainteractive.com/
They distribute Soap Bubble Productions.
======================================================================
Pixel Games
Trader
Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Spectrum
* ZX81
* VIC-20
Comments: Not really an adventure, more a graphical wander.
======================================================================
PK Soft
They are distributed by Ariolasoft.
Lapis Philosophorum: The Philosopher's Stone
Type: G
Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
Notes: Available in English and German.
======================================================================
PK Software
PK Software was founded by two guys with names starting with P and K.
The Beyond
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Even though the name of the game is in English, the game itself
was in Dutch.
Comments: A horror story playing in a deserted house/hotel.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturn 3
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Even though the name of the game is in English, the game itself
was in Dutch.
Comments: A science fiction story whose plot was the same as the movie
with (I think) Lee Majors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(unknown title)
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Even though the name of the game is in English, the game itself
was in Dutch.
Comments: It was in Egypt and the only thing I remember is a very
tricky problem with scorpions.
======================================================================
Players Premier Software
Matt Lucas
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Journey to the Centre of Eddie Smith's Head
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shrewsbyry Kay
Written 1986.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
PolarWare
The company was called Penguin Software Inc until late 1985. Oo-Topos,
Transylvania, The Crimson Crown and The Coveted Mirror were originally
published in 1981-83 and later reissued, rewritten with the adventure
creator Comprehend.
Mark Pelzcarski was in charge of the company
until Talisman was released. PolarWare was bought up sometime around
1988.
The original Polarware games, plus the rewrites in Comprehend,
were in top/bottom boxes (7 1/2" X 9") with foam inserts and were a
little more Infocom-y in their packaging elements (though I don't know
how they afforded them, considering how cheap they sold the games).
Homepage:
http://www.magictree.com/
Comprehend Interactive Novels
Perhaps more of the PolarWare games should go in this series. At
least Oo-Topos, Transylvania, Crimson Crown and The Coveted Mirror
were re-issued in this series after being re-written in Comprehend.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Talisman: Challenging the Sands of Time
Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich
[graphics] and Brian Poff
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Notes: Package contains a "Rub Me" lamp button, Muhammad's Market
catalogue, and a gold Arabian Express credit card.
Comments: During the Persian Empire, you and your trusty vizor
sidekick, Abu, must find an ancient Talisman that has the power to
destroy an evil genie who is devastating the land.
======================================================================
Prism Leisure
The Kristal
Type: IG
Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich
[graphics] and Brian Poff
[graphics].
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
Programmer's Guild, The
One of the members was Teri Li.
Lost Dutchman's Gold
Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich
[graphics] and Brian Poff
[graphics].
Runs on:
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider Mountain
Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich
[graphics] and Brian Poff
[graphics].
Runs on:
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Dreadnaught
Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich
[graphics] and Brian Poff
[graphics].
Runs on:
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Domes of Kilgari
Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich
[graphics] and Brian Poff
[graphics].
Runs on:
* TRS-80
======================================================================
Program Power
Eldorado Gold
Type: TO
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Labyrinths of LaCoshe
Type: TO
Written 1982.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: This program might belong to some other company.
======================================================================
Progressive Peripherals & Software
Gothmog's Lair
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gothmog's Pyramid
Written in Basic.
======================================================================
Protecto Enterprises
Cyberworld
Type: G/meshed-in arcade games
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
Pryority Software
Forbidden Quest
Type: G
Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
PSS
They are distributed by Rainbird Entertainment.
Legend of the Sword
Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: A very nice adventure game with a pretty good parser and an
optional non-exhaustive graphical interface. You could do most things
by selecting icons, menu items and lists, but not everything. Fantasy
setting, get a magical sword and shield in order to allow killing the
big bad guy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Final Battle
Type: IG
Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: This is a sequel to Legend of the Sword.
======================================================================
Psygnosis
For more information, see Mindscape, Inc.
Innocent Until Caught
Written 1993 by Divide by Zero.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guilty: Innocent Until Caught 2
Type: IG
Written 1995 by Divide by Zero.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrono Quest
Type: IG/SOUND
Written 1995 by Divide by Zero.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
Comments: Superb graphics, good sound, weak interface
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrono Quest II
Type: IG/SOUND
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Atari ST
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Discworld
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Discworld 2: Mortality Bytes
Written 1989.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ecstatica
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wizard
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Lost Children
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronicles of the Sword
Written 1989.
Comments: Not a very good game.
======================================================================
Pulse
They are distributed by Acclaim.
Bad Mojo
Type: G
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* PC
======================================================================
Quarkdata
Mystery Towers
Type: G
Written 1989.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Search a castle for the Quark diamand
======================================================================
Quicksilva
The Ring of Power
Type: CG (some sprites)
Written 1983 by F. J. Preston in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Find a lot of treasures and the Ring of Power (wow!).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Thompson Twins Adventure
Type: BG
Written 1984 by F. J. Preston.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: This was a floppy magazine cover record from Computer & Video
Games, October 1984 that you recorded on tape and then played. If you
solved the game before November 16th, 1984, you could win a backstage
pass to a Thompson Twins concert.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Smugglers Cove
Type: G
Written 1984 by F. J. Preston.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Velnor's Lair
Type: TO
Written 1984 by F. J. Preston.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Oric-1
* Spectrum
Comments: Adventure in underground caves in search of the evil wizard.
It has some RPG flavour to it, in that you could play one of three
different classes.
======================================================================
Radar Games
Confidential
Written 1984 by F. J. Preston.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Probably available for Amstrad and Commodore 64.
======================================================================
Radarsoft
They also produced educational software and regular games.
Steen der wijzen (The Magic Stone)
Type: BG
Written 1984 by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Written in Dutch. Also available in English and German.
Comments: Search a haunted house for a stone that will turn lead into
gold!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In den beginne
Type: BG
Written by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Written in Dutch.
Comments: Written for a chain store/computerclub (MCN) about buying
your first Commodore 64.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
De sekte
Type: BG
Written by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Written in Dutch.
Comments: About a strange sect.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Chip Nibble
Type: BG
Written by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Written in Dutch.
Comments: Also written for the MCN (Microcomputer Club Nederland)
about an adventure playing inside a Commodore 64.
======================================================================
Radio Shack
They distribute Datasoft, Inc.
Bedlam
Written by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pyramid 2000
Type: TO
Written by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Raaka-Tu
Written 1981 by Robert Arnstein.
Runs on:
* TRS-80
Notes: Radio Shack Catalog Number: 26-1915
Package blurb: You never thought that your PhD project would send you
to a remote corner of the world, but the research grant came through!
You and your team of anthropologists began in India, sailing up the
River Ghaghra where it departs from the Ganges. Last night, you
entered Nepal on the river, but were forced to come aground when
navigation was made impossible by the twisting, narrow stream.
For
years now, there have been rumors of a civilization still existing
somewhere on the fringe of the Himalayas, living as people lived
thousands of years ago. Several expeditions have searched for the
tribe ofKhazhadim without success. Reports have filtered back of
terrible tragedies -- members of expeditions who disappeared without a
trace, others who were found later, either dead or unable to recount
what they had suffered at the hands of-- what?
This morning looks
like a good one to start exploring the area. After breakfast, you're
planning to set out on foot, perhaps talk to a few natives for any
information they might give you, and hire a guide. As you sip your
coffee and scan a map of the region, one of your crew approaches,
holding by the arm a wrinkled old native, dressed in long robes and
wearing a headdress.
"Beware! Beware the temple of Raaka-Tu!" the old
woman cries. "Do not go into the jungle -- you will never get out!"
"We found her snuffing around outside the camp. She keeps yelling
something about temples and gods, and 'Beware, beware!'" your
photographer says. "She won't talk to anyone but you. Says she has to
talk to the leader."
The old woman is seated beside you, where she
unfolds an unbelievable story about the god Raaka-Tu and his temple of
sacrifice. The woman tells of the treasure kept in the temple, the
hideous monsters Raaka-Tu employs, and the Khazhadim who serve
Raaka-Tu and guard his temple.
Though the woman will not consent to
be your guide, she points a bony finger to the west, pleading with you
one more time to turn back. Seeing that her efforts are useless, she
rises, tracing a sign on your forehead for luck, and disappears into
the undergrowth surrounding the camp.
At last ... you have the key to
finding the Khazhadim tribe, and much more. You don't want to alarm
the group with the story the woman told you, yet you are anxious to
begin the search. Extinguishing the fire with your coffee, you set off
alone in the direction the woman pointed, and you are soon surrounded
by the impenetrable jungle.
It's up to you now ... good luck, and may
the gods of the jungle smile upon you and grant you a safe journey.
======================================================================
Rainbird Entertainment
Rainbird Entertainment was the top end of Firebird.
They distribute Magnetic Scrolls, Level 9 Computing and PSS.
For more information, see Firebird.
======================================================================
Rainbow Software
Kamelreiten
Written 1981 by Robert Arnstein.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Ram Jam Corporation, The
Valkyrie 17
Type: DG/MUSIC
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: The original tape featured a very entertaining audio recording
on the b-side, follwing an agent tailing a nazi before getting killed
(complete with gun shot and screams!).
Comments: Player must escape his bill at a ski hotel and deal with
killers left and right as he tries to steal the fabled jewel
"Valkyrie 17" from a castle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Days in Carpathia
Type: G
Written in The Biro.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Notes: Sequel to Valkyrie 17. This might not have been released.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sock
Written in The Biro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tooth Affair; Chicago
Written in The Biro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shadow Warrior
Written in The Biro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amulet
Written in The Biro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Twice Shy
Written in The Biro.
Notes: Development by The Ram Jam Corporation.
For more information, see Mosaic Publishing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Terrors of Trantoss
Written in The Biro.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Random House
Alpine Encounter
Type: G
Written in The Biro.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* PC
* PCjr
Comments: You're an American spy/agent on a mission to find vital
missile plans before they're sold to a terrorist group. If you fail,
diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China will be severely
threatened... Spectacular colorful graphic pages accompanied the
text, unfortunately the puzzles were too few and perhaps too simple
for the seasoned adventurer. Interaction with other characters and a
particularly helpful INTERPOL agent assist you in your investigation.
Objects are easily manipulated, but they are too few. Set in the
Alpenhoff Resort Hotel in Switzerland, this adventure was pretty to
look at but too quickly over.
======================================================================
Readysoft
Scary Mutant Space Aliens from Mars
Type: G
Written in The Biro.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Very weak parser.
======================================================================
Red Orb Entertainment
Homepage:
http://www.redorb.com/
They distribute Cyan.
The Journeyman Project 3: Legacy of Time
Written in The Biro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1998
Written in The Biro.
======================================================================
Revolution
They are distributed by Virgin Games.
For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Lure of the Temptress
Type: MCG/MUSIC/PnC
Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Comments: Much talked-about adventure system allows the controlled
person to give most characters in the game just about any order he
can perform himself, like asking someone to go to a specific place,
get a bottle, go fill it somewhere else and then giving it to
someone. Also, all the NPC:s in the game have a life of their own,
walking around and doing things by themselves. The problem is the
plot, which is very linear, so you wind up just wasting your time
looking for these other characters, who you really need, but who are
probably off shopping or something else... An evil witch/sorceress has
enslaved an entire town. You must escape from her prison and free the
town.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneath a Steel Sky
Type: IG
Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* Commodore CD32
* PC
Notes: Sequel to Lure of the Temptress.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Broken Sword (UK title: Circle of Blood)
Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror
Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes.
======================================================================
Richard Shepherd Software
Upper Gumtree
Type: DG
Written 1984 by Pete Cooke.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Once again, a mad professor is trying to conquer the world!
This time, he has started by wrecking havoc on a small town - only
you can stop him! Features some interactive characters (not up the
Hobbit standard, though)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Invincible Island
Type: G
Written 1984 by Pete Cooke.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Devils in the Deep
Type: G (3D)
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Transylvanian Tower
Type: G (3D)
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Urban Upstart
Type: DG
Written by P. Cooke (?).
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Riverdale Software
Suds
Type: TO
Written in The Quill.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
American Suds
Type: TO
Written in The Quill.
======================================================================
Robico Software
Saga of a Spy Trilogy
Realm of Chaos Trilogy
There might not have been more than one part of this released.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hunt
Type: BG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Escape from Enthar 7
Type: BG
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Acorn RISC OS
Assassin
Type: TO
Written in Machine code.
Runs on:
* BBC
Notes: Over 220 locations. Includes adventurer's notebook. Perhaps
this should go in the Saga of a Spy Trilogy above?
Comments: As special agent Rick Hanson, you must assassinate a certain
general Garantz, before he deploys his nuclear weapons on the world.
The text is very descriptive, but the game is let down somewhat by its
lack of clues coupled with its poor command vocabulary.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Island of Xaan
Type: TO
Written in Machine code.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Runesoft
They released 2-3 games apart from Robyn Hoode and Paradox.
Robyn Hoode
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts (finishing the first part gives you the
password to the second).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paradox
Written in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoof
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Jon Slack.
Comments: Spoof (indeed!) on kill-the-dragon type adventures.
======================================================================
Saber Software
Demon's Forge
Type: G
Written 1983 by Brian Fargo.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
======================================================================
Salamander Software
They made some adventure games for Acorn Atom, Dragon 32 and Oric-1.
Dan Diamond Trilogy
This series is about a private investigator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wings of War
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Dragon
* Oric-1
Comments: Humorous tale of an English officer who must recover a bomb
from occupied France during WW2.
======================================================================
Samurai Software
"A cut above the rest."
They were located at 16 Clapgate Lane, Goose
Green, Wigan, WN3 6RN, UK.
Castle of the Skull Lord
Type: TO
Written 1984 in The Quill.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
Comments: The packaging doesn't promise too much, I guess, but the
parser is fairly bad, and EXAMINE is not understood. The game came in
a "special presentation box" - whatever that is - that included a dust
cover for your computer. Maybe they should have spent that money on
the game instead.
Package blurb: In a battle lost in the mists of time, the necromatic
Skull Lord attacked and defeated a race of noble Dwarves. The Dwarves
lost many treasures, the most valuable of these being the "Crown of
Dwarves Kings"... Your Quest: To regain the fabled crown and defeat
the all powerful skull lord. The adventure is of the classic format.
Simple verb-noun combinations are expected, and will usually be
understood.
======================================================================
Scandinavian PC Systems
Stugan (The Cottage)
Written 1984 in The Quill.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Written in Swedish.
======================================================================
Scott Adams
For more information, see Adventure International.
======================================================================
SCR Adventures
They are distributed by CDS.
Castle Blackstar
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Mark Shepherd and Mike Redman.
Runs on:
* Amstrad CPC
* Apple II
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Dragon
* Spectrum
Notes: It has a screen layout similar to Infocom with status line and
location titles.
Comments: The objective is for you to find and get rid of an evil orb
(!) whilst locating treasures along the way. Very entertaining.
======================================================================
Scorpio Software
Ruby Runabout
Type: DG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: What a joke this is! Taking into account the fact that this
was a budget release, it's still abysmal. The game only has 40
locations, all with desciptions of the "in a gym" or "in a garage"
type (there's no "You are...."). There's no sense in the layout of the
locations either - go directly from an arcade to a construction site
to the Suez! Supposedly you're a thief who have to steal a ruby, but
why bother?
======================================================================
Screenplay
They are distributed by All American Adventures.
They distribute Med Systems Software.
Asylum
Type: G
Written about 1983.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Atari 8-bit
* PC
Notes: This game had both text input and scrolling 3D graphics.
======================================================================
Scumbag Software
Busted (Release 1)
Type: TO
Written by Jon Drukman.
Runs on:
* Advsys 1.2 interpreters
Notes: Freeware. Available from ftp.gmd.de.
======================================================================
Sentient Software
Founded by Michael Berlyn.
Oo-Topos
Type: TO
Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn and Muffy Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* PC
Notes: Two-word parser.
For more information, see PolarWare.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyborg
Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
Notes: This had an arcade game buried in it.
======================================================================
Severn Software
They were located at 15 High St., Lydney, Glos GL15 5DP, UK.
They distribute Softgold.
Moria
Type: G
Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Spectrum
* Oric-1
Notes: Based on "The Lord of the Rings".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Grail
Type: G
Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Notes: Similar to Moria.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Encounter
Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
* Spectrum
Comments: Rescue a girl from a gang of criminals.
======================================================================
Shadow Software
The House of Shadows
Written 1983.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Shards Software
Jericho Road
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pettigrew Chronicles
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In four parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Galilee
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Sierra On-Line, Inc
(P. O. Box 485, Coarsegold (Oakhurst), CA 93614, USA) founded by
Ken and Roberta Williams. The company was originally called On-Line
Systems and changed its name to Sierra On-Line in mid-1982. They later
bought Dynamix.
Their early games, up to Time Zone and Softporn
Adventure, were made under the On-Line Systems name. All the adventure
games that were originally marketed under On-line Systems came in
small square folders in ziploc bags. They were rereleased as by
SierraVenture in 1982 and had much more professional-looking folders
(approximately 8" X 11"). The action/arcade games were released under
SierraVision for a while. Some of the earlier games like Mystery
House, Wizard and the Princess and Cranston Manor, have been released
with more different coverart variations than you'd care to know.
SierraVenture and SierraVision had an older Sierra On-line type logo
employed on the back of the box, on the disk labels and the disk
sleeves, and all of it was dumped around 1984, when Sierra employed a
new Sierra logo, the more familiar one, and began packaging their
games in grey boxes with plastic trays. In 1987, they began using the
thin slipcover case. A standard two piece tan box with the Sierra
mountain logo on it and a slipcover with the game's artwork. Around
1990 (after King's Quest V) the slipcover became double width to fit
the games that had more disks, as Conquests of Camelot and Colonel's
Bequest really packed it into the smaller boxes. The two-piece box
itself was plain white. Nowadays (1998) they have a new logo and boxes
nearly as big as their old ones (Time Zone, etc) used to be.
Hint
books are available for at least some of their games.
Their "enhanced
versions" and presumably later releases as well are written in a
programming language called SCI (Sierra's Creative Interpreter).
They are distributed by All American Adventures.
For more information, see Dynamix.
HiRes Adventures/SierraVentures
This series was published 1979-1982, and contained around ten games.
The official numbering stopped after
#6.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mickey's Space Adventure
Written 1984 by Roberta Williams.
Notes: This was a joint project with Disney, before they worked on
Black Cauldron. Intended for kids and doesn't belong in any series.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorcerian
Written 1984 by Roberta Williams.
Notes: Very old.
King's Quest
Space Quest
Leisure Suit Larry
Police Quest
This series is written by Jim Walls who is a police man in real life
(although he retired before he started writing games). Daryl F. Gates
who has written the later games is a retired chief of LAPD.
Quest for Glory
Laura Bow
Fairy tales
Mixed-up series
Manhunter
Dr. Brain
Krondor
Eco Quest
Gabriel Knight
Phantasmagoria
Where do these go?
At least some of these games probably belong to the other series of
Sierra games, but I don't know which ones.
======================================================================
Silhouette Software
For more information, see Mastertronic.
======================================================================
Siliconsoft
Legend of the Sword
Type: BG/on-screep map
Written 1988 by Karl Buckingham.
Runs on:
* Amiga
======================================================================
Silmarils
Ishar
Written 1988 by Karl Buckingham.
======================================================================
Silverbyte
Xaram
Type: G
Written 1988 by Karl Buckingham.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
SilverSoft
Probably a distributor, possibly for BBC.
They distribute Delta 4 Software.
======================================================================
Sim Soft
Napoleon's Sandwiches
Type: TO
Written in The Quill (?).
Notes: Divided into two parts.
======================================================================
Simon and Schuster
Star Trek: The Kobayashi Alternative
Type: TO
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe
Written 1988.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Trek: Borg
Written 1997.
Notes: Interactive Movie. Comes on three CDs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Trek: Klingon
Written 1997.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Philip Marlowe: Private Eye
Written 1997.
Notes: It comes on one CD.
======================================================================
Simulmondo
Dylan Dog - Through the Looking Glass
Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1992 or 1993 by Davide Possamai and Gian Battista Ricardi.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Apparently based on some Italian comic book hero. Dylan Dog
is a detective who must solve a mystery with a H. P.
Lovecraft-flavour.
======================================================================
Sinclair Research
For more information, see Mindscape, Inc.
======================================================================
Sirius Software
Primarily an Apple II company.
Kabul Spy
Type: G
Written 1982 by Tim Wilson.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Escape from Rungistan
Type: G
Written 1982 by Bob Blauschild.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade of Blackpool
Type: G
Written 1983 by Tim Wilson.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Critical Mass
Type: BG
Written 1983 by Bob Blauschild.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
Comments: Save the world from a nuclear threat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gruds in Space
Type: BG
Written 1983 by Chuck Sommerville and Joseph A. Dudar.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* PC
======================================================================
Sir Rah Software
Severed Heads
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written 1991 by Michael Zerbo in TACL (The Adventure Construction
Language).
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Player explores a series of brutal murders linked to a new
drug used in cryogenic surgery, in the 23rd century.
======================================================================
Sir-Tech
Crypt of Medea
Type: G
Written 1984 by Arthur Britto and Allan Lamb.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord
Type: IG
Written 1984 by Arthur Britto and Allan Lamb.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Notes: Released in the early to mid eighties. This was the first game
in a series of at least three.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Usurper: The Mines of Qyntarr
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Arthur Britto and Allan Lamb.
Notes: Released some time around 1987.
======================================================================
Smart Egg Software
They are distributed by Mastertronic and CRL Group PLC.
Rigel's Revenge
Written 1987 by Ron Harris, Nigel Brooks and Said Hassan.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Federation
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Quest for the Golden Eggcup
Type: BG
Written 1988 by Harvey Lodder, Nigel Brooks, Simon Donstan and Said
Hassan.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
* Inform
* Spectrum
Notes: It was first released as a homegrown adventure by Harvey
Lodder, then Smart Egg gave it a facelift.
Harvey Lodder, the
original author of this game, is currently (1998) working on an Inform
version of the game which will be much bigger than the original.
Comments: Zany adventure in which you have been killed and gone off to
God's palace. To be resurrected, you must find his golden eggcup
(and solve a murder along the way).
======================================================================
Soap Bubble Productions
Homepage:
http://www.soapbubble.com/
They are distributed by Piranha Interactive Publishing.
Morpheus
Written 1998.
Runs on:
* PC
* Macintosh
======================================================================
Softalk Magazine
Valley of the Minotaur
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Comments: It was your basic find-the-hidden-treasures type of game
(the treasures were then deposited in the phone booth from where you
start the game), but with a requirement to slay the minotaur in order
to complete the game. The game may have been a tad buggy, but I
couldn't say for sure. There was a fountain with a pool of acid in
which there was a black pearl and that it was possible to retrieve the
pearl with a pair of glass gloves. The game appears to have a direct
rip-off from Zork I in that there is a giant bat which will deposit
you in various locations around the game. I believe the parser was
strictly verb-noun. This might have been some shareware non-commercial
thing.
======================================================================
Softape
Journey
Type: TO
Written 1980 or earlier.
Runs on:
* Apple II
======================================================================
Soft Concern
The Code
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Kevin Plunkett.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: The first player to complete this game could win
£2,500.
Comments: Winning the game is done by roaming a secret military
complex, looking for coded clues. Has lenghty desciptions, but not
much else going for it.
======================================================================
Softgold
Originally called Gameworkz Software. This was an Australian from
Melbourne (Daryll Reynolds) who wrote adventures for the C-64.
They are distributed by Severn Software.
For more information, see Gameworkz Software.
Talkies - adventures that talk back to you
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuclear War Games
Type: CG/MUSIC
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: A crazed US Army computer is trying to start a nuclear war
between USA and USSR. You must find the code that de-activates it.
The Secret of Bastow Manor
Written 1985.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystery of Munroe Manor
Type: CG
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Taking the part of a newspaper reporter, you must discover
what's going on with Lord Munroe, who has been acting rather strange
since he returned from Egypt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Case of the Mad Mummy
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alien
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Search for King Solomon's Mines
Type: CG/MUSIC
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murder on the Waterfront
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninja
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
Sof-toon
This was an advertising label for Phoenix Software.
For more information, see Phoenix Software.
======================================================================
Softside
Softside was the leading type-it-in-yourself magazine for the TRS-80
in the 70s.
Dogstar
Type: TO
Written 1979 (May issue) by Lance Micklus.
Runs on:
* PC
* TRS-80
Notes: Dogstar was the first microcomputer adventure game to have its
source published, and as a result almost all BASIC adventure games
after it were based on its structure and algorithms. (The same thing
happened in December of 1980 when Scott Adams published Pirate's
Adventure in Byte magazine: once people figured out how it worked,
they started creating their own Adams-style adventure games.)
Comments: Dogstar was your typical you're stuck in an enemy place with
a broken ship... get parts... don't get caught and get away...
featuring credit cards, guns, atomic whatzit to power the craft...
======================================================================
Software 2000
They distribute Weltenschmiede.
Artventures
Choose from a few options with your mouse and so hopefully get along
with the game. Good graphics.
======================================================================
Softwin Associates
They are distributed by Microsoft.
They distribute IBM.
Microsoft Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* PC
Notes: It is also copyrighted by IBM in 1981. It is a version of the
original Adventure (they might have added a point for a total of 351).
This version of Adventure is almost identical to the MIT version and
might be a port.
======================================================================
Sony Electronic Publishing
They distribute Delphine Software.
======================================================================
SophistiChaos Game Design
Homepage:
http://www.lysator.liu.se/~unicorn/sgd.html
Email:
[email protected] or
[email protected].
The Cyberventure Trilogy
A (projected) trilogy of cyberpunk science fiction games, currently
about half finished.
======================================================================
Southern Software
Afghan Attack
Type: TO
Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts.
======================================================================
South Pacific Software
Revenge
Type: TO
Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: You're imprisoned and have to escape and avenge yourself.
======================================================================
Spacecom
Die Karavane der siebten Dynastie
Type: G
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* Amiga
* PC
Notes: Shareware. Written in German. Freeware demo version of first
fifth available from ftp.gmd.de.
======================================================================
Spectral Associates
Madness and the Minotaur and Keys of the Wizard were later distributed
by or taken over by Microdeal.
For more information, see Microdeal.
Madness and the Minotaur
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* Dragon
* TRS-80
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Keys of the Wizard
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* Dragon
* TRS-80
======================================================================
Spinnaker
They distribute Telarium Corporation.
In Search of the Most Amazing Thing
Written 1993.
Notes: This is labeled "Educational adventure". I'm note sure if it
should be among adventures.
======================================================================
Spoof Software
They were located at 58 Railway Road, Urmston, Manchester M31, 1XT,
UK.
The Prisoner
Type: DG
Written 1985 in The Quill and The Illustrator.
Notes: Based on the TV series of the same name.
Comments: You're an ex-Secret Service guy who has been put away for
security reasons.
======================================================================
SSI
Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse
Written 1985 in The Quill and The Illustrator.
Runs on:
* PC
======================================================================
Starbyte
Crime Time
Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC
Written 1990 by P. Sabath.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Also in German.
Comments: Murder mystery set on a hotel.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Soul Crystal
Type: G
Written 1990 by P. Sabath.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Star Dreams
Aural Quest
Written 1984 by Mike Turner in The Quill.
Notes: Released on the cassette version of the pop group The
Stranglers' 1984 album "Aural Sculpture".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sandman Cometh
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Divided into two parts.
======================================================================
Summit Software
For more information, see Alpine.
======================================================================
Sunshine Press
The Eye of the Star Warrior
Type: G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Published in listing form in the book "Spectrum Adventures".
The entire program is carefully explained.
======================================================================
Superior Software
The Quest for the Holy Grail
Type: G
Written by Thorne D. Harris III and Mark Hattier.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Doom Valley
Type: G
Written by Robert Grumbles and Nick Magnus III.
Runs on:
* Apple II
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Colditz Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Martin Dolby.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Star Trek Adventure
Written 1983 by Martin Dolby.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost City
Written 1983 by Martin Dolby.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gideon's Gamble
Written 1983 by Martin Dolby.
Runs on:
* BBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stranded
Written 1983 by Martin Dolby.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Swescot
Den stulna kungaspiran (The Stolen Sceptre)
Written 1983 by Martin Dolby.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Swedish.
======================================================================
Synapse Software
(Richmond, CA) They called their parser BTZ (Better Than Zork). BTZ
was designed and written by William Mataga.
They are distributed by
Brøderbund Software.
Mindwheel
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Robert Pinsky
[story], William Mataga
[programming] and Steve Hales
[programming].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
Notes: Came with a book of about 70 pages containing a story outlining
what was going on in the game.
Comments: One of the best adventures ever released. Extremely large
vocabulatory and advanced parser and a great story and puzzles. Almost
rivals Infocom - almost!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Essex
Type: TO
Written 1985 by Bill Darrah
[story], Bill Darrah
[programming] and William Mataga
[programming].
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Brimstone: The Dream of Gawain
Written 1985 by James Paul
[story], David Bunch
[programming], William Mataga
[programming] and Bill Darrah
[programming].
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* Macintosh
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakers
Written 1985 by Rod Smith
[story], Joe Vierra
[programming] and William Mataga
[programming].
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ronin
Written 1985 by Rod Smith
[story], Joe Vierra
[programming] and William Mataga
[programming].
Notes: This was probably never published, but was ready to be tested.
Another person claims to have seen it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
House of Changes
Written 1985 by Rod Smith
[story], Joe Vierra
[programming] and William Mataga
[programming].
Notes: This might be unpublished. Another person claims to have seen
it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadly Summer
Written 1985 by Rod Smith
[story], Joe Vierra
[programming] and William Mataga
[programming].
Notes: This might be unpublished. Another person claims to have seen
it.
======================================================================
Talent
West
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Allan Black.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 64
* Electron
Notes: It has some real-time elements.
Comments: Quite neat adventure set in the wild west.
======================================================================
Tansoft
House of Death
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Allan Black.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Set in an old film studio.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kilburn Encounter
Type: TO
Written 1984 by Allan Black.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Set in modern day London. Very Monty Python-like.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Land of Illusion
Type: G
Written 1984 by Allan Black.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Release your village from a curse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zodiac
Written 1984 by Allan Black.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
Comments: Recover the signs of the Zodiac and six treasures.
======================================================================
Taskset
Souls of Darkon
Type: BG
Written 1986 by Andy Walker.
Runs on:
* Amstrad
* Commodore 64
======================================================================
Telarium Corporation
(One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, (617)494-1224). Up to
1984, the company was called Trillium. Some of their games are
published on the "Windham Classics" label.
The 1984 released titles
by Trillium/Telarium were eventually sold three different ways. In
1984, they were from Trillium and released in double-folded over
folders (8" X 10") with seals holding in the contents. In 1984, the
folder form remained the same as the games were marketed by Telarium.
Around 1986, the folder concept was dumped and the games came in
regular flap type boxes (6 3/4" X 9") with a plastic insert tray.
They are distributed by Spinnaker.
As Telarium
Windham Classics
In 1984, the boxes were somewhat derivative of Infocom boxes from
1984-1987. The box resembled a book with a lift up flap and a built in
plastic tray containing the elements. The difference was Infocom's
games came with a plastic lid and shrinkwrap over the tray. WC's had a
perforated cut out cardboard flap sealing in the contents. In 1985,
the boxes were regular flap types with the plastic tray sliding out.
======================================================================
Terminal Software
Magic Mirror
Type: TO
Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor.
Runs on:
* VIC-20
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nosferatu
Type: TO
Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor.
Comments: The most enduringly interesting thing about this game is a
bug: I forgot to take out the debugging code before sending the final
version off to Terminal: the result is, anyone could type
"i= 5" to teleport to location 5! (The verb was called
"i=" because the "which location I'm in" number was stored in the
variable "i".)"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rescue From Castle Dread
Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Curse of the Werewolf
Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor.
Comments: This contained an unusual random element in that the
werewolf would appear in different places during different games.
======================================================================
Tevward Microtech
Cave Quest
Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor.
Runs on:
* Oric-1
======================================================================
Thurman, T. J. A.
Homepage:
http://www.angelfire.com/id/tjat2/avvy.html
Avaricius
Type: MCG
Written by T. J. A. Thurman.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Avalot
Type: MCG
Written by T. J. A. Thurman.
======================================================================
THQ Inc
Homepage:
http://www.thq.com/
Red Jack: Revenge of Brethren
Written 1998.
Comments: You have to find the treasure of the pirate Red Jack.
======================================================================
Time Warp
Bozuma
Type: IG
Written 1998.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Berlin 1948
Type: IG
Written 1998.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Topologika Ltd
A number of the games here were originally published by Acornsoft but
their authors took the games to Topologika when Acornsoft decided not
to publish adventure games and converted them for other computers.
This company is still present (1 Roman Way, Peterborough, PE7 3RU,
England, +44 01326 377771). They are still in business (1998), doing
educational software.
Underlying system design: David Seal and Jon
Thackray. Implementation for Acorn RISC OS, BBC, Electron and Master:
David Seal and Jon Thackray. Implementation for Amstrad, PC and
Spectrum: Richard Clayton (Locomotive Software Limited).
Implementation for Atari: David Turner.
Homepage:
http://www.topolgka.demon.co.uk/
The Doom trilogy
Science Fiction adventure
Miscellaneous
======================================================================
Trillium Corporation
For more information, see Telarium Comporation.
======================================================================
Trilobyte
Homepage:
http://www.tbyte.com/
They are distributed by Virgin Games.
The 7th Guest
Written 1998.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The 11th Hour
Written 1998.
Notes: This is a sequel to The 7th Guest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stauf's Playhouse
Written 1998.
Notes: This is a collection of puzzles from The 7th Guest and The 11th
Hour and some new.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clandestiny
Written 1996.
Notes: Animated graphics on two CDs.
======================================================================
Tynesoft
Tynesoft was started by doing distribution for Mike Woodroffe. They
also provided the artists for Elvira 1 & 2. They went bust around the
time that Elvira 2 was released.
They distribute Horrorsoft.
For more information, see Horrorsoft.
Super Gran: The Adventure
Type: BG
Written 1985 by Brian Howarth and Mike Woodroffe.
Runs on:
* BBC
* Commodore 64
Notes: Based on a TV series (probably sponsored by a cereal company)
about a granny who gets super powers when eating oat meal while
battling her arch rival Campbell.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lone Survivor
Written by Brian Howarth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spectrum 128K starter pack
Written by Brian Howarth.
Notes: Contained Blizzard Pass among other things, later sold
separately by Adventure Soft.
For more information, see Adventure Soft.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Oxbridge
Written by Brian Howarth.
Runs on:
* BBC
======================================================================
Ubi Soft Entertainment
Homepage:
http://www.ubisoft.com/
B. A. T.
Type: PnC
Written by Brian Howarth.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Set in the future. You have a computer implanted on your
forearm that helps you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
B. A. T. II
Type: PnC
Written by Brian Howarth.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Comments: Set in the future. You have a computer implanted on your
forearm that helps you.
======================================================================
UK Lead
99Y
Type: CG
Written by Brian Howarth.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: Written in Swedish.
======================================================================
United Software
Inspector Griffu
Type: IG
Written by Brian Howarth.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
U. S. Gold
They distribute Adventure Soft UK.
For more information, see All American Adventures.
Heroes of the Lance
Written 1988.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Ultrasoft
They originally marketed their games themselves.
They are distributed by
Brøderbund Software.
For more information, see Telarium Corporation.
Mask of the Sun
Type: BG/MUSIC (some animations)
Written 1982 (rereleased 1984 with music).
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
Notes: Also available in German as Das Geheimnis der Aztekenmaske. It
was originally released by Ultrasoft, later rereleased by
Brøderbund.
Comments: The search for an Aztek artifact known as Mask of the Sun
has the player exploring Mexican pyramids and more. You also had a
sidekick named Raoul, who dies towards the end of the game---and you
hardly care!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Serpent's Star
Type: BG/MUSIC
Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway.
Runs on:
* Apple II
* Atari 8-bit
* Commodore 64
Notes: Sequel to Mask of the Sun. It was originally released by
Ultrasoft, later rereleased by
Brøderbund.
Comments: Indiana Jones-like hero hunts three ancient scrolls in
Tibet.
======================================================================
Usbourne
The Mystery of Silver Mountain
Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Island of Secrets
Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* VIC-20
Notes: Published as a book in listing form. Will also work on
Commodore 16, but this machine is not listed on the book.
======================================================================
Victory Software Corporation
They are distributed by Mogul Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Grave Robbers
Type: G
Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* VIC-20
Notes: This game claims to be the first graphic adventure written for
the VIC-20.
Adventure Pack I
Adventure Pack II
======================================================================
Videofex
Los Misterois del Gusano
Written 1993.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish, in two parts.
======================================================================
Virgin Games
They distribute Melbourne House, Trilobyte and Westwood.
======================================================================
Virgin Mastertronic Ltd
Virgin Mastertronic Ltd, 116 Portland Road, London W11 4LA, England.
I suppose someone has bought someone else here.
They distribute Infocom.
For more information, see Virgin Games and Mastertronic.
======================================================================
Weinstein, Jacob
Email:
[email protected].
Modernism
Type: TO
Written by Jacob Weinstein in TADS.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: A tiny adventure version of Waiting for Godot by Samuel
Beckett.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Save Princeton v1.99
Type: TO
Written 1991 by Jacob Weinstein
[story], Karine Schaefer
[story] and Jacob Weinstein
[programming] in TADS.
Runs on:
* TADS
Notes: Shareware
$10.
======================================================================
Weltenschmiede
Die Kathedrale and Hexuma are a bit buggy: sometimes you get
descriptions for the wrong room; some commands sometimes claim that
objects from your inventory don't exist while others work on them.
Das Stundenglas
Type: G
Written circa 1988.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Die Kathedrale
Type: G
Written circa 1990.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Hint book available separately. Inspired by Umberto Eco's
_The Name of the
Rose_. In German.
Comments: The puzzles are very hard and clues are very hard to find:
you have to examine each and every noun mentioned in all the long
descriptions given everywhere; this is the only way to get a new
description which may contain a noun that gives another description
that may lead to a vital clue not available otherwise. Other clues
are hidden in a 50 pages long, complicated history of the cathedral,
which you have to learn more or less by heart to get the right
associations when you come upon something in the game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hexuma
Type: G
Written 1992 or 1993.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: Hint book available. In German.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(CD)
Written 1992 or 1993.
Notes: Contains Das Stundenglas, Die Kathedrale and Hexuma.
======================================================================
Westwood
They are distributed by Virgin Games.
Fables and Fiends Trilogy
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade Runner
Type: IG
Written 1992 or 1993.
Runs on:
* PC
======================================================================
Whalkira Software
Johny Melabo
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish.
======================================================================
Windham Classics
For more information, see Telarium Corporation.
======================================================================
Wintersoft
Juxtaposition
Type: G
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Dragon
======================================================================
Wolf
Taran im Abenteurland
Type: G
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In German.
======================================================================
Wrightchoise Software
The Lost Ruby
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
======================================================================
Zafiro Software
Legend
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Notes: In Spanish, in five parts.
======================================================================
Various companies
This section lists games that I haven't been able to figure out what
company they belong to yet.
?
These games are by the same company (but I don't know the name of
it).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aardvark
Type: TO
Written 1987.
Notes: Non-commercial game for Unix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Adventure Twinpack
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Atari ST
Notes: I don't know what's in this.
Another Fine Mess
Written 1987.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantis
Written 1987.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bilbo (v2.0)
Type: G
Written 1989 by Nils Eng.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Public domain game from Computer Club Sweden's PD library. It
is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. It is written in
Swedish. Available from ftp.gmd.de.
Comments: Not very good but quite different.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bugsy Malone
Written 1989 by Nils Eng.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
C.I.A. Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1983 by Hugh Lambert and Martin Sprave.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
* TRS-80
Comments: Recover a ruby from a secret government project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Curse
Written 1983 by Hugh Lambert and Martin Sprave.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Curses
Type: TO
Written by Graham Nelson
(
[email protected]).
Runs on:
* Inform
Notes: Available at ftp.gmd.de.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dare to Dream
Type: G
Written by Graham Nelson
(
[email protected]).
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dark Tower
Type: G
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* Apple II
Comments: Text/crude graphics adventure (cruder than Mystery House)
and in black and white. The idea was to enter a castle and work your
way upstairs to the tower. There were tons of rooms like The Jester's
Room (where a jester asks you what you say to a two headed dragon, and
if you didn't type "Hello, hello" in the most parser-perfect syntax,
he throws you out the window), the Ivy Room (where ivy tries to
strangle you), and a room where you find a monster taking a bath!
It
was probably produced by a company that was affiliated with Microsoft
(Microzone or Softzone maybe, or even Scholastic).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deep Space 9 Harbinger
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dick Tracy
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dracula's Castle
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragonsbane
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eye of Zolton
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eryus
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* Atari 8-bit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Giant World
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Goblin Towers
Type: TO
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: Above-average treasure hunt inspired by Zork and Colossal
Adv.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Saga
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Great Archaeological Race
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Great Cave Adventure
Type: TO
Written 1984 or before.
Runs on:
* Amstrad PCW
Comments: This is very similar to the Adventure! now widely available,
but with differences: there's a UFO room near the Hall of Mountain
King at the start, and I'm pretty sure Gotham City and Alice in
Wonderland are involved somewhere.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Greedy Dwarf
Written 1984 or before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Horror Hotel
Type: TO
Written 1988 by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: Written in Dutch.
Comments: About a hotel with vampires.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice and Fire
Written around 1989.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Infinite Inferno
Type: G
Written by S. Hugemark and P. Henningsohn.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jara Tava: The Isle of Fire
Written by S. Hugemark and P. Henningsohn.
Runs on:
* Amiga
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerusalem 2
Written by S. Hugemark and P. Henningsohn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Klartz and the Dark Forces
Type: TO/G
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
[Graphics]
* Dragon
[Text
only]
* Spectrum
[Graphics]
Comments: Destroy the evil Klartz who travels through time and space
corrupting the very fabric of the universe... You must assemble the
relics of his victims under the power of light. In theory, this should
radiate enough power to destroy Klartz... You must travel through five
different time zones: early solar, mid-solar, late solar, far space
and outer galaxy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Last in Amsterdam
Type: G
Written 1992 by John Vander Aert.
Runs on:
* PC
Notes: This was for a contest in the Dutch computer magazine
"Computer! Totaal". Written in Dutch.
Comments: About a guy searching for his brither and sister in
Amsterdam.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord of the Rings
Type: TO
Written 1981.
Runs on:
* TRS-80
* Video Genie
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord of the Rings
Type: TO
Written 1984?.
Runs on:
* Microbee
Notes: The publishers of this game did not have any rights from the
Tolkien estate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
McKensie
Written 1984?.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mindbender
Written by Paul Styles.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mormonoids from the Deep
Written by Robert Carr in World Builder.
Runs on:
* Macintosh
Comments: You're in Mormonville, on the ninth day of a bender,
sobering up, with one sixpack left and a car that's out of gas. Your
weapons are a suitcase-sized nuclear device, a Colt 45, two fists,
and two feet. Arrayed against you are the 'townsfolk.' There's the
Angel Moroni, the Holy Ghost, and little Molly Mormon, plus others
whose zenophobia makes them truly a force to be reckoned with. Kinky
Marie, for instance, is Marie Osmond's psychotic twin sister, who has
been locked in a closet for the last seventeen years and in naturally
eager to get out. Meanwhile, Beowulf Hernandez, an El Salvadorian
death squad leader and CIA hitman, wants to speak to you about that
beer truck you wrecked ten miles out of town on your desperate search
for booze. In order to survive, you have to battle these bozos while
searching for gas so that after you arm the suitcase nuke, you can
drive your car out of town to escape the blast, as Mormonville is
reduced to rubble.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Paradox Effect
Written by Robert Carr in World Builder.
Notes: A straightforward text adventure with a very simple parser.
Comments: Based on time travel, although I didn't see any time-based
puzzles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pen and the Dark
Written by Robert Carr in World Builder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Phantom of the Opera
Written by Robert Carr in World Builder.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pharaoh's Tomb
Written by Robert Carr in World Builder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Les Portes du Temps
Written by Robert Carr in World Builder.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: In French. Might be by Legend Software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Presumed Guilty
Type: G/MUSIC
Written 1991?.
Comments: It is similar to Infocom's A Mind Forever Voyaging (but not
nearly as good). You play an AI computer who's framed for murder and
must solve the crime. It's almost all menus.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quantum Game
Written 1994.
Runs on:
* PC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quest of Garnath
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: A sorcerer must travel through a world filled with magic to
find the treasure of late Lord Garnath.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Robots
Written in Basic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Romantic Encounters at the Dome
Type: TO
Written in Basic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Runefall
Written in Basic.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sagan om ringen (The Lord of the Rings)
Type: TO
Written 1984.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Third prize winner in "Swedish Adventure Game Championship",
held by a Swedish computer magazine. The game was completely finished
but never released.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Serpent from Hell
Type: G
Written 1985 in Basic (partially).
Runs on:
* Spectrum
Comments: As the last surviving knight of the round table, you must
find Excalibur and kill Goroth, the Serpent from Hell, before it
destroys the world. Worth only the cassette it is recorded on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shifting Sands
Type: TO
Written by David R. Moffatt in AdventureWriter.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Notes: Might be PD.
Comments: You have magically been transported to Egypt and must
explore a pyramid.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Skyland
Type: TO
Written by David R. Moffatt in AdventureWriter.
Star Saga
They were these really, REALLY well written text-based space
adventures. They were a bit strange in that the computer was only used
for making choices and movements, and the actual text was in a series
of books that came with the game. The plot behind the game was perhaps
the most incredible, thoughtful, and dramatic treatment of a space
game that I have ever seen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Success, Inc.
Written about 1989.
Notes: This is supposed to have been released by Virgin, Melbourne
House, or Mastertronic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tebbit
Type: TO
Written by the author of Dennis through the Drinking Glass.
Notes: Not released.
Comments: A parody on The Hobbit. It was supposed to have a
'political' spoof slant. Just before it was due to be released, there
was a bombing of the conservative party conference in Brighton (early
eighties), and the game was not released because it was thought to
be in 'bad taste'.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Teenagent
Written by the author of Dennis through the Drinking Glass.
Runs on:
* Amiga
Notes: The company for this might be called Union or Metropolis. It is
also available in Polish.
Comments: It is a normal adventure and in the beginning you have to do
sort of a training to become a secret agent (you are a teenager of
course). The training part of the game was available as a separate
demo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Theseus and the Minotaur
Type: TO
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: According to the Greek legend, you must seek out and kill
the Minotaur in this two-parter. Along the way, you must also prove
your heritage to your father, the king of Athens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thief's Adventure
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomb of Xeiops
Type: TO
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Secret
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Atari ST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tripods
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Troops
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Virus
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* VIC-20
Notes: In Swedish
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild West
Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Witch Hunt
Type: TO
Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby in The Quill.
Runs on:
* Commodore 64
Comments: An evil witch abducts you from your cosy cottage to a
mysterious world. How can you return?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
World
Type: TO
Written by Doug McDonald.
Notes: Public domain.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zauberland
Written by Doug McDonald.
Notes: Public domain game. In German. Available from ftp.gmd.de.
