Adventureland - The guide to interactive fiction 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. Adventureland was created by Hans Persson Stefan Meier adventureland@if-legends.org This version created Fri Sep 5 18:44:10 2003 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. This category is used when I know that a game had graphics but I don't know what type. Please let me know if you can help me categorize games from this category better. 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. I'd like to get rid of this category, so if you can tell which other category games in this category fit in I'd appreciate it. 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 Aardvark produced a series of arcade games apart from their adventures. Trek Adventure Type: TO Written by Robert J. Retelle in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI[8K] * ZX81[16K; Extended Basic] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[16K] * TRS-80 Color[16K] * VIC-20[13K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Derelict Type: TO Written by Rodger Olsen and Bob Anderson in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI[8K] * ZX81[16K; Extended Basic] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[16K] * TRS-80 Color[16K] * VIC-20[13K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pyramid Type: TO/CG Written 1984 by Rodger Olsen in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI[8K] * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[16K; Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color[16K; And 16K MC-10.] * VIC-20[13K] * ZX81[16K; Extended Basic] 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[8K] * ZX81[16K; Extended Basic] * TI-99/4A * PC * TRS-80[16K] * TRS-80 Color[16K] * VIC-20[13K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Paranoids Anonymous Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI[8K] * ZX81[16K; Extended Basic] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[16K] * TRS-80 Color[16K] * VIC-20[13K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Mars Type: TO Written by Rodger Olsen in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI[8K] * ZX81[16K; Extended Basic] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[16K] * TRS-80 Color[16K] * VIC-20[13K] Notes: This might be the same game as Mars. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nuclear Sub Type: TO/SOUND Written 1980 by Robert J. Retelle in Basic. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ====================================================================== 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 (graham@theramp.net) 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 They were located at 7 Maes Afallen, Bow Street, Dyfed SY24 5BA, Wales. Homepage: http://www.abersoft.demon.co.uk/ Adventure 1 Type: TO Written 1982. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] * ZX81[16K] Comments: Yet another version of "Colossal Cave." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 were located at Abstract Concepts, c/o Mediagenic/Activision, 23 Pond St, London NW3 2PN, UK. They are distributed by Activision, Inc. Mindfighter Type: G Written 1988 by Anna Popkess [game design and book] and Fergus McNeill [programming]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad PCW * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[128K] Notes: At least the Amstrad, Commodore 64 and Spectrum versions of this came with a 160-page book written by Anna Popkess, a player's guide and a poster. Package blurb: Far away from the Gulf crisis, oblivious to the uproar of current affairs, four people stand over the inert body of an eleven year old boy. First there had been the nightmares, the visions, shattering his life. They had watched, not understanding, as he had become gradually more and more withdrawn. And now, finally, this. Robin had entered a trance from which he was unable to wake. His mind had wandered too far, beyond even their reach. They were all involved in parapsychological research, but none of them had seen anything like this before. And Robin's mind, lost somewhere... how was he going to return? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goodnight Cruel World Written by Anna Popkess. Package blurb: Set towards the end of the 20th century, and features a computer operator, John Schultz, whose girlfriend Val walks out of their apartment in New York's Chinatown are after a row. Sha vanishes, and the police suspect John. This is bad news for him as by this time New York is a police state, as it tries to clamp down on gang warfare and drug dealing. John begins a search for Val to prove his innocence, and this leads him to uncover all kinds of crime and corruption in the Big Apple. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Parsian Knights Written by John Popkess. Package blurb: This deals with the adventures of a French secret service agent between the two world wars, named Monsieur Phillip Groucy. ====================================================================== Access Software The writer of the Tex Murphy series, Chris Jones, is also the executive vice president of Access Software. Homepage: http://www.accesssoftware.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Countdown Tex Murphy The writer of the Tex Murphy series, Chris Jones, also stars as Tex Murphy in games 3-5. The series was inspired by Chris Jones' "The Singing Detective" (1987), a short, tongue-in-cheek screenplay about Tex Murphy, a space ace who was a cross between Roy Rogers and Humprey Bogart. This screenplay was never produced. * 1: Mean Streets Type: MCG/PNC/SOUND Written 1989 by Chris Jones. Notes: Very similar to LucasArts games like Maniac Mansion and Zak McKracken. * 2: Martian Memorandum Type: MCG/PNC Written 1990. Notes: Very similar to LucasArts games like Maniac Mansion and Zak McKracken. * 3: Under a Killing Moon Type: 3D/VIDEO/PNC Written 1995 by Chris Jones and Aaron Conners. Notes: This was the first game to require four CDs. The game is divided into seven chapters (days). * 4: The Pandora Directive Type: 3D/VIDEO/PNC Written 1996 by Chris Jones and Aaron Conners. Notes: Starring Chris Jones (Tex Murphy), Kevin McCarthy (Gordon Fitzpatrick), Bill Bradshaw (Archie Ellis), Aaron Conners (Dag Horton), Tanya Roberts (Regan Madsen) and more. It has two different game levels (Entertainment and Game Players), three different paths (Mission Street, Lombard Street, Boulevard of Broken Dreams -- which path you follow depends of certain decisions you take in certain time) and six endings. It is divided into ten chapters (days). * 5: Overseer Type: 3D/VIDEO/PNC Written 1998. Notes: This was the first game released in DVD format and the first to require eight CDs. Either the information about eight CDs is wrong or there are two different versions, since another person has told me he has the game on five CDs. Countdown Type: MCG/PNC Written 1990. Runs on: * PC Notes: Cross between adventure and action. Very similar in interface to the first two Tex Murphy games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Amazon: Guardians of Eden Type: MCG/PNC Notes: Cross between adventure and action. Similar to Countdown. ====================================================================== Acclaim Distribution Inc They were located at One Acclaim Plaza, Glen Cove, New York, 11542, USA. They distribute Pulse Entertainment Inc. ====================================================================== 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 Notes: The package contains one disk and a small instruction booklet and a folding "quick start" card. The entire game is played with a joystick. 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. Package blurb: If you've ever wanted to strap on a six-shooter, pin a tin star to your chest and match the exploits of a Bat Masterson or Wyatt Earp, then Law of the West is your chance. Hardcase Gunslingers You're going to need true grit, and then some, to play it. Because as the Sheriff of Gold Gulch - as tough a Wild West town as there ever was you'll have all you can do to survive 'til sundown. Standing in your way will be all manner of hardcase gunslingers, desperadoes and dry gulchers looking to rob the town bank, run roughshod over innocent townspeople and plant you in Boot Hill. So, like Masterson in Dodge City and Earp in Tombstone, you'll be forced to face one challenge after another threatening both your authority and your life. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[VGA] Notes: The game comes with a manual and a code wheel. It was available in two different package types. The first was a two-piece box, the second a one-piece box that opened at the top. 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[VGA] 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 Runs on: * PC[VGA] Notes: Icon-based user interface. This is a sequel to Les Manley in: Search for the King. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't Go Alone ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Conspiracy ====================================================================== 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 Runs on: * BBC[1980] For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom of Hamil 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 Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Riddles Type: TO 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 Runs on: * BBC[early 1980s; By Peter Killworth.] For more information, see Mainframe adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Seventh Star Type: TO Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gateway to Karos Type: TO Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spooky Manor Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mini Runs on: * BBC Notes: Only available in a compilation with Caves and Roman. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Caves Runs on: * BBC Notes: Only available in a compilation with Mini and Roman. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Roman 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: activis@netcom.com. 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 Runs on: * Macintosh * PC 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. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Treasures of Infocom II Runs on: * Macintosh * PC 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. * Return to Zork Type: G Written 1993 by William D. Volk (wvolk@activision.com) et al. Runs on: * PC * Zork: Nemesis Type: G Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Comes on 3 CDs. Package contains an Alchemy book and a CD booklet. Package blurb: In a desolate corner of the Underground Empire. An evil demon torments the land. Evil rules the forbidden lands. Here, the souls of the Empire's greatest alchemists lie in perpetual hell... at the hands of Nemesis... uncover the mystery behind the Nemesis' curse... discover the ancient secret of alchemy that will free the trapped souls from evil's grip... * Zork: Grand Inquisitor Type: G Runs on: * PC * Zork: The Undiscovered Underground Type: TO Runs on: * PC * Zork Anthology Written 1994. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Includes Zork I, Zork II, Zork III, Beyond Zork, Zork Zero, and Planetfall. The package includes installation manual, maps, and large glossy 240-page info and hint book for the included games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Classic Text Adventure Masterpieces Runs on: * PC[MS-DOS/Windows 3.1/Windows 95] * 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 and Oleg Kalougin. Runs on: * PC Notes: Comes on three CDs. Package contains a thick jewel case booklet and a reference card. Package blurb: Danger and deception in the new world order. International Intrigue, collaborated on by William Colby, former CIA Director and Oleg Kalugin, former KGB Major General. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder Written by Shannon Gillian and Sam Egan. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Comes on a CD with a jewel case size instruction book. Comments: Murder Mystery with Native American overtones - race against the clock. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Santa Fe Mysteries: Sacred Ground Type: VIDEO Written 1996 by Shannon Gillian and Sam Egan. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Comes on two CDs. Comments: Murder Mystery with Native American overtones. ====================================================================== Addison-Wesley For more information, see Melbourne House. 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hobbit Type: G Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: This was available in two different package styles, an earlier book-style package that included a manual and a copy of the Tolkien novel of the same title. It also has the text "Melbourne House" on the cover, so it's probably safe to assume that this is a port of Melbourne House's The Hobbit. This version is dated October 1985. The later version does not include the novel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fellowship of the Ring Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: The second printing of this is dated November, 1987. This is probably a port of the Melbourne House game of the same title. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadows of Mordor Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: Based on "The Two Towers", the second part of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. This is probably a port of the Melbourne House game of the same title. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crack of Doom Notes: Based on "Return of the King", the third part of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. This is probably a port of the Melbourne House game of the same title. ====================================================================== 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: dmb@ai.mit.edu. 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 Underworld: The Unknown Unventure (v3.01) Type: TO Written 1990-1991 by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Shareware US$10. * Unnkulian Unventure II: The Secret of Acme (v3.0) Type: TO Written 1992 by David M. Baggett. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Shareware US$10. * Unnkulia One-Half: The Salesman Triumphant (v1.0) Type: TO Written 1993 by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Freeware. * Unnkulia Zero: The Search for Amanda (v1.0) - Demonstration version Type: TO Written 1993 by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Freeware. * Unnkulia Zero: The Search for Amanda (v1.0) Type: TO Written 1993 by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Commercial. * Unnkulian Unventure III Type: TO Written by Chris Nebel. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Work in progress. Commercial. * Unnkulian Unventure IV Type: TO Runs on: * TADS Notes: Work in progress. Commercial. Unnkulian Universe Unventure These games occur in the future of the Unnkulian world and are set in a science fiction environment. * The Legend Lives! Type: TO Written by David M. Baggett. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Scheduled for 1994. Commercial. * Ulien Type: TO Written by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Work in progress. Commercial. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 General Founded by Scott Adams (msadams@msadams.com) in 1979. The Adventure International games are mainly verb-noun, but had exciting plots and were well-designed. 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. 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. At least some of the games were originally written in BASIC. Some of the games were released for the Exidy Sorcerer computer, but I don't know which ones. The Basic versions of Adventureland (date?) and Pirate Adventure (December 1980) were printed in Byte Magazine in an article by Scott Adams. When Adventure International went bankrupt in 1985, the copyrights for the games were part of the bankruptcy proceedings and were taken over by the bank. Meanwhile those licenses expired and all rights went back to Scott Adams. On 1997-11-24, Scott Adams put the games up for download as shareware from his own homepage. Adventure International 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... Scott Adams is currently (January 1996) rewriting Adventureland in a new interpreter for Windows 95. A beta version of this was distributed in late 1999. Then finally in August 2000 he published a new game: "Return To Pirate's Island 2". The classic games are available on his website as a free download. Platform-specific information 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. The interpreter used depended a lot upon who released the game. Packaging information The original packaging from around 1978-1980 of the SAGA games features a cover art sheet with some assorted brochures and loading sheets sealed in a polybag with a cardboard strip across the top. The bags all hung on hooks on the store shelves. The original cheapish looking watercolour artwork were done by "Peppy". In 1981, the cover sheet polybag packaging was replaced (all games in this packaging have a 1981 copyright on the front, even though the game might be released some other year). 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) came 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. The cover art is the same as for the polybag packaging. Sometime later, the packaging changed again and the games were marketed in plastic clamshell cases with picture inserts (like for video releases, but smaller - 6.5" x 9"). The front artwork is the same (even though these are SAGA games), although the logos have been moved around a bit. For instance, the screenshots are pictured on the front at the bottom, rather than at the back on the top, the SAGA logo has been moved to the bottom centre rather than in the upper right, etc. The back cover of the insert is completely different. These packages don't have library stamps like the styrofoam games, but they were probably the last versions released. The inserts are all copyright 1982, when the SAGAs were first introduced. Some of the clamshell releases include a generic "Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure Instructions" book, same as from the styrofoam games. Also includes the bonus hint sheet, warranty card, "Need a Backup Disk?" mail in card where you can purchase an additional disk of the game for $4.99, and a small "Do You Write Microcomputer Software?" advertisement designed to look like a floppy disk. Some of the styrofoam versions came with diddly ads like this stuff too. They distribute Howarth, Brian and Chameleon Software. For more information, see Alternate Source, The. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Pirate Island 2 Type: TO/G Written 1999 by Scott Adams. Package blurb: Finally after a 15 years break, Scott Adams has released a new game. There is no package blurb, so find some notes from his website instead: Imagine a world where your imagination replaces your senses. A world full of sea, sand, pirates and treasure ! You wake up in a boat, not knowing your purpose, but as you find your sea legs and begin to explore, many tasks are unraveled. Solve the various puzzles and use your wits to conquer the mysteries of the island. The original adventure master is back with his best creation yet, "Return to Pirates Island 2". A fun game that will appeal to the whole family. Your goal:To collect a set of *treasures*, some hidden well and some hidden, well ... right in front of your nose! Visit exotic locales, find sunken treasure, work with the crusty old pirate, put up with obstinate sea creatures and even learn to really hate alarm clocks! Yes, that Scott Adams sense of humor is back too! Scott Adams Classic Adventures These games were rereleased in 1982 with graphics [BG] as Scott Adams Graphic Adventures (SAGA). From the box of the later graphical releases: When You Sit Down To a Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure... Anything Can Happen As the name implies, the Scott Adams Graphic Adventures are the classic Adventures which have been enhanced with exciting graphics -- graphics which colorfully depict your voyage into wonderment each and every step of the way. Each Adventure challenges the player to accumulate points, crack a mystery or accomplish a goal using the unique tools of Adventuring: two-word commands, some common sense and a little ingenuity. If you've never played an Adventure, you couldn't have found a better place to begin. And if you're an experienced Adventurer prepare for a magical encounter unlike any other. Remember: Anything can happen when you play a Scott Adams Graphic Adventure ... and it usually does! All the original twelve adventures were released in four Value Packs. Kim Schuette's "Book of Adventure Games" (1984) acknowledges that all twelve in four packages were released. Strangely, it also says that only the first three up to that point had been released as SAGAs with graphics and the others were slated for up-and-coming release with graphics. That's a two-year span between releasing the first three and the last nine? 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. * 0: Adventureland Demo Type: TO Written 1979 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Notes: This is called "Special Sampler" on the back and on the cassette. The package is similiar to the original version of Adventureland except the artwork is done in blue-tone instead of colour, and all the green and blue in the AI logo is changed to plain white, to differentiate from the full Adventureland, probably. It's the only retail demo from AI I know of, although demos of other soon-to-come games generally popped up on the SAGA releases, along with a very funny introduction from a very hi-res Scott Adams informing us why we shouldn't accept pirated software---because they might lose sales and go bankrupt! Package blurb: Never tried ADVENTURE? This special inexpensive sampler complete with 3 Treasures is a cut-down version of our large Adventureland. Guaranteed to supply hours of enjoyment: Try an ADVENTURE today! * 1: Adventureland Type: TO/BG Written 1978 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore PET * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * VIC-20[ROM; as 'Adventure Land'] Notes: This game survived Scott Adams' wife Alexis putting the disks with the source code in the oven one time when she got sick of Scott working so much on it. Comments: Ordinary treasure hunting. Package blurb: You wander through an enchanted world trying to recover the 13 lost treasures. You'll encounter wild animals, magical beings, and many other perils and puzzles. Can you rescue the Blue Ox from the quicksand? Or find your way out of the maze of pits? Happy Adventuring... * 2: Pirate Adventure (aka Pirate's Cove) Type: TO/BG Written 1978-1979? by Scott Adams and Alexis Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only; By Brian Howarth and Cliff Ogden.] * Commodore PET * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * VIC-20[Text only; ROM; as 'Pirate's Cove'] Notes: The source code for Pirate's Adventure was published in the December 1980 issue of Byte Magazine. It consisted of a Basic program that implemented the "adventure virtual machine" and several thousand numbers, bytes of data that formed the "virtual machine language instructions" for the actual Pirate's Adventure. After this, adventure writers started to figure out how the game was created and started to create their own adventures using the same design. The same thing had happened before when the source code for Dog Star Adventure was published a while before. Comments: Explore an island and find the pirates' treasure. Package blurb: 'Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum...' You'll meet up with the pirate and his daffy bird along with many strange sights as you attempt to go from your London flat to Treasure Island. Can you recover Long John Silver's lost treasures? Happy sailing, matey... * 3: Mission Impossible / Impossible Mission / Secret Mission Type: TO/G Written 1979 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore Plus/4 * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * VIC-20[ROM; as 'Mission Impossible Adventure'] Notes: Originally and at least through 1982, this game was called Mission Impossible. Then it was renamed Impossible Mission for a while and finally became Secret Mission. It also seems to be available under the name "Atomic Mission", at least for Commodore 16 and Commodore Plus/4. The clamshell release has picture inserts that are embedded and not removable. It has three different inserts -- front, back, and spine. The game is mostly billed as Mission Impossible, however an embossed gold "Secret Mission" was stuck over the plastic above the front insert where "Mission Impossible" was. The spine insert was not covered up and the disk is labeled "Mission Impossible". Pretty rushed way to change a name. There is a synopsis on the back but another embossed gold label was stuck over it "Bonus! Hint Sheet Enclosed". Package blurb: Time is of the essence as you race the clock to complete your mission - if you fail, the world's first automated nuclear reactor is doomed. So, tread lightly and don't forget your bomb detector! If you survive this challenging mission, consider yourself a true Adventurer. * 4: Voodoo Castle Type: TO/G Written 1980? by Alexis Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only; By Brian Howarth and Cliff Ogden.] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * VIC-20[ROM] Package blurb: Count Cristo has had a fiendish curse put on him by his enemies. There he lies, with you his only hope. Will you be able to rescue him or is he forever doomed? Beware the Voodoo man... * 5: The Count Type: TO/G Written 1981 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only; BBC B] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * VIC-20[ROM] Notes: This was the first Scott Adams game that used time as an important element of play. It takes place over a three day/three night cycle. The package includes a User's Guide that is very similar to the generic AI instruction sheets, but has a different cover. Includes warranty card, along with the "Need a Backup Disk?" and "Do You Write Microcomputer Software?" adverts. The clamshell release has picture inserts that are not embedded, not removable. It's also one sheet rather than three. It has no hint sheet. Package blurb: You wake up in a large brass bed in a castle somewhere in Transylvania. Who are you, what are you doing here, and WHY did the postman deliver a bottle of blood? You'll love this ADVENTURE, in fact, you might say it's Love at First Byte... * 6: Strange Odyssey Type: TO/G Written 1981? by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only; By Brian Howarth and Cliff Ogden.] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] Package blurb: Marooned at the edge of the galaxy, you've stumbled on the ruins of an ancient alien civilization complete with fabulous treasures and unearthly technologies. Can you collect the treasures and return or will you end up marooned forever? * 7: Mystery Fun House / Fun House Mystery Type: TO/G Written 1981 or earlier by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] Notes: Originally and at least through 1983 named Mystery Fun House. It turned out there was an actual place called Mystery Fun House and they were upset. Package blurb: Can you find your way completely through the strangest Fun House in existance, or will you always be kicked out when the park closes? * 8: Pyramid of Doom Type: TO/G Written 1981? by Scott Adams and Alvin Files in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * 9: Ghost Town Type: TO/G Written 1981? by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * 10: Savage Island, part 1 Type: TO/G Written 1982? by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * 11: Savage Island, part 2 Type: TO/G Written 1982? by Scott Adams and Russ Wetmore in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * 12: Golden Voyage Type: TO/G Written 1982? by Scott Adams and William Demas in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Text only; Released by Texas Instruments] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * 13: Sorcerer of Claymorgue Castle Type: TO/BG Written 1984 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * Dragon * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 Notes: The Dragon version of this can not be finished due to an interpreter bug. There are two graphics versions of this for the C-64: a disk-based American one (using Phil Case's SAGA+ driver, the same one as in Buckaroo Banzai and the US version of Fantastic Four) and the UK one with Howarth's interpreter. Package blurb: Long ago, in times passed beyond remembrance, Solon the Master Wizard and wearer of the Secret Cloak lost the 13 Stars of Power. The grasping Vileroth believed the Stars to be the only source of Solon's expert wizardry. But, unbeknownst to Vileroth, it was the Secret Cloak that controlled the Stars and protected the wearer from their awesome powers. Unable to master the Stars, Vileroth was undone. In his final days, as Vileroth's strength slipped from him, he concealed the 13 Stars of Power within the Castle of Claymorgue, determined that no one save he should possess them. Solon, learning of Vileroth's destruction, despatches his faithful young apprentice Beanwick to retrieve the Stars. "Tread carefully, O Beanwick! Would that I could assume this quest myself, but alas, I can only send with you these few spells. Claymorgue Castle harbors further spells, but beware -- one unskilled in the arts cannot predict their outcome." * 14: Return to Pirate's Island Type: TO/BG Written 1983 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TI-99/4A[Graphics; Released by Texas Instruments. This came on a standalone cartridge (no disk or cassette). It featured color graphics. It is also available (at least in a test version prior to the release of the cartridge version) on disk.] * TRS-80 * The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Type: TO/BG Written 1985 by Scott Adams, Phillip Case and Kem McNair [graphics] in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only; By Brian Howarth.] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 Notes: Based on the 20th Century Fox movie The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension. Comments: Buckaroo Banzai, a neurosurgeon, rock star and more, must try to fix a jet car that can drive him into the 8th dimension. * Value Pack Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color Notes: This is a compilation cassette featuring #4 Voodoo Castle, #5 The Count and #6 Strange Odyssey. The cover shot is of shrunken-down versions of the original (ugly) cover art for the three games. No instructions printed on the cardboard at all. I suppose there are Value Packs for all the first 12 Classic Adventures. * Cartridge Triple Pack Runs on: * Commodore 16 * Commodore Plus/4 Notes: This contains Strange Odyssey, Atomic Mission (presumably Mission Impossible under a different name), and Pirate Adventure. This had a recommended retail price of £29.85. Questprobe The adventures in this series features characters from Marvel Comics. The original plan was to create a series of twelve games, each accompanied by a comic.Marvel Comics published three issues in its Questprobe series. The fourth comic starring the X-Men was already finished and was published years later in another series called Marvel Fanfare. Adventure International went out of business while game number four was being written. * 1: The Hulk Type: BG Written 1984 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 16 * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 * 2: Spiderman Type: BG Written 1984 by Scott Adams and Al Milgrom [art] in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 16 * Commodore 64 * Commodore Plus/4 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 Comments: Peter Parker, aka Spiderman, must defeat all of his most dangerous enemies: Sandman, Mysterio etc. * 3: Fantastic Four (Human Torch & The Thing) Type: BG Written 1985 by Scott Adams in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Amstrad[Bitmap graphics] * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Bitmap graphics; Disk] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 16 * Commodore 64[Bitmap graphics] * Electron[Text only] * PC[Bitmap graphics] * Spectrum[Bitmap graphics] * TRS-80 Notes: There were two versions of this game, an American disk version and a British cassette version. They differ in graphics and commands but not in text. This game used a new game system to handle the two actors, but rather than to port that, Adventure International UK bought the rights to the game system Melbourne House used for Terrormolinos. * 4: X-Men Notes: This game was never released, but work was underway when Adventure International went bankrupt. Other Ventures These games use a different data file format than the Scott Adams games. For more information, see Med Systems Software. * 1: Classic Adventure Written by John Rausch. * 2: Crowley Manor / The Curse of Crowley Manor Type: TO/BG Written 1981 by Jyym Pearson and Norman Sailer. Runs on: * Apple II[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * Atari 8-bit[There are two different versions for the Atari.] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 * 3: Escape from Traam Type: TO/BG Written 1981 by Jyym Pearson and Norman Sailer. Runs on: * Apple II[Text only/Bitmap graphics] * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 Package blurb: Your small space cruiser is in trouble - and even though you survived the initial crash on a bizarre distant world, you may soon wish that you hadn't! The alien environment of Traam is replete with incredible wonders and sights which no human eyes have ever beheld. You must escape this dangerous world; but be forewarned that if your decisions are not tempered with intellegence (sic) and caution, you may not see home again! * 4: San Francisco 1906 / Earthquake San Francisco 1906 Type: TO/BG Written 1982 by Jyym Pearson and Norman Sailer. Runs on: * Apple II[Text only/Bitmap graphics; 1982] * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 Package blurb: CAN YOU SURVIVE? On April 19, 1906 at 5:18 a.m., one of the most violent earthquakes of modern times decimated metropolitan San Francisco. Now, Jyym Pearson (author of ESCAPE FROM TRAAM and THE CURSE OF CROWLEY MANOR) has crafted his finest Other Venture to date: EARTHQUAKE -- San Francisco 1906! Painstakingly researched with close attention to detail and historical accuracy, EARTHQUAKE puts you into a topsy-turvy scenario: The city's remains are awash with flame; buildings burn and crumble, and death's dark sentry stands watch over all. It is through this madness that you must plunge. Your chances of survival are directly realted to your ability to reason logically. Hopefull, you will escape from fallen San Francisco with your life. EARTHQUAKE features a new powerful data base and is certain to provide you with many hours of thrilling action & challenging puzzles! * Saigon: The Final Days Type: TO/BG Written 1982 (or 1983) by Jyym Pearson, Robyn Pearson and Norman Sailer. Runs on: * Apple II[Bitmap graphics] * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Bitmap graphics; 16K] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80[Text only; 16K; Model I and III.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Lafore - Interactive Fiction Package blurb: You become a main character & your income directs the outcome. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- James Talley - Kid-Venture ====================================================================== 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; By Brian Beukin.] * 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. * Seas of Blood Type: BG Written 1986 by Mike Woodroffe and Alan Cox. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Based on the book of the same name by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson. Has some combat sequences when fighting other ships. Comments: You must explore many islands from aboard your pirate ship. * Rebel Planet Type: BG (some animation) Written about 1986 by Stefan Ufnowski. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on a book by Robin Waterfield. This is said to have been the first Commodore 64 game with animated graphics. * Appointment with F. E. A. R. Notes: I have only seen an announcement of this, I don't know if it was ever released. ====================================================================== Adventure Probe Software They are located at 52 Burford Road, Liverpool, L16 6AQ, U.K. Hedda's Revenge Written by Edwina Brown. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Hero For Soriana Written by Karen Tyres. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle Warlock Written by Ken Bond. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Feline Sleepy Written by Edwina Brown. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Going Critical Written 1998 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hide and Seek Type: TO Written 1997 by Edwina Brown. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Later re-released by Zenobi. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Children Written by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rhyme Cryme Written 1996 by Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] Notes: Was also released by Zenobi. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shimmerkin Written by Christopher Hester. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ten Green Bottles Written 1995 by Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] Notes: Was also released by Zenobi. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- There's a Hole in your Bucket Written 1997 by Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Search for the Wonderful Whotsit Written 1996 by Derek Shaw, Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] ====================================================================== 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 US Gold Ltd. 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[By Mike Woodroffe, Graham Lilley, and Teoman Irmak.] * Commodore 64[Very buggy] * Spectrum Notes: Based on a Fighting Fantasy book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blizzard Pass Type: BG Written 1986 by Alan Cox. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] 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 * Spectrum Notes: Based on a story by Isaac Asimov. Comments: In the 23rd century, you must overthrow the evil Lord Kayleth. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Terraquake (featuring He-Man) Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== 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 Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zodiac Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Horror Castle Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Dragon Comments: Yet another round of "saving the princess". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shrinking Professor Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharoah's Tomb ====================================================================== Airwave Adventures The Case of the Cautious Condor Type: G Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32[Also for Commodore CDTV] Notes: Comic strip graphics, no text. Comments: Detective story in the 1930s. ====================================================================== Alchemist Research An organisation covering many topics, but mainly a Sinclair user group. It was started at the end of 1986. Homepage: http://website.lineone.net/~alchemistresearch/ They distribute Gremlin Graphics. Spaceman Bob Type: TO Written by Andrew Davis. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: You play Spaceman Bob who has to escape from his Darkstar One shuttle craft before a radiation leak kills you. ====================================================================== 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 Software Ltd They were located in Sheffield. Here Comes the Sun Type: G Written 1983 by C.M. Wright and M.D. Russell. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ====================================================================== Alpine They changed their name either to or from Summit Software. Cops ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Plague Planet (possibly Plagued Planet) ====================================================================== 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 Ltd They were located at Units 5-7 Baileygate Industrial Estate, Pontefract, West Yourshire WF8 2LN. They own the rights to software from Hanna Barbera Productions Inc and Summit Software. Homepage: http://www.altware.demon.co.uk/ Aftermath Type: TO Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Druids Moon Written 1987 by Charles A. Sharp. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lifeterm Type: BG Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48k] 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 by Charles A. Sharp. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48k] Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Wreck Written 1987 by Charles A. Sharp. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48k] Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery of the Indus Valleys Written by L.A. Software. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For Gold or Glory Written 1988 by The Dreaming Djinn (Charles A. Sharp). Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Football Frenzy Type: G Written 1987 by Charles A. Sharp. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: A football (soccer) adventure game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Excalibur: Sword of Kings Type: G Written 1987 by Ian Smith and Shaun McClure. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ====================================================================== Alpha-Omega Software They were one of the companies involved in Tom Frost's "Adventure Builder System" (aka "Adventure Builder"). They are now owned by Power House. Custerd's Quest Type: DG Written 1986 by Craig Davies. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: There were in fact, 2 versions of "Custerds Quest". The first, written in the Summer of 1986, was accepted and released by Alpha Omega, the then budget arm of the software company CRL. Half a year later, AO relaunched themselves as the Power House, and relaunched their games with new packaging. Craig Davies took the opportunity to revise "Custerd", using the Quill's text compressor (The Press) which had been released in the meantime. The Power House version thus contained about 10k more text, and is the superior. ====================================================================== Amazing Media They are distributed by Interplay Productions. Frankenstein, through the eyes of the monster Type: PNC Written by Amazing Media. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mummy, tomb of the pharaoh Type: PNC Written by Amazing Media. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== American Eagle Probably a distributor. They distribute Phoenix Software. For more information, see Med Systems Software. ====================================================================== Americana Software Ltd A label of US Gold Ltd mainly doing re-releases. Spy Trek Type: DG Written 1987 in GAC. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ====================================================================== 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's finest adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen King's The Mist Type: TO 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's 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 Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- James Bond 007 in: Goldfinger ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indiana Jones in: Revenge of the Ancients Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dick Francis: High Stakes Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Anirog Catacombs Type: G/MUSIC 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 Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Apogee Supernova Type: TO Written 1986 by Scott Miller and Terry Nagy. Runs on: * PC Notes: Made freeware in 1998, available from the Apogee website (which is also true for Beyond the Titanic). ====================================================================== Apple Computer, Inc Inventor of the graphical desktop. Today mainly selling Macintosh hardware. Apple Adventure Written 1980. ====================================================================== 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 Ltd They also published games under the labels Again Again, Grandslam Entertainments Ltd, Mind Games and Shades. The rights to their games is held by Argus Press PLC. Demon Knight Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest for Eternity Type: TO Written 1984 by David Cockram (original) and Stan Fullman (Spectrum conversion). Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ====================================================================== Ariolasoft They distribute PK Soft and Dragonware Games. ====================================================================== Arla Arla is actually one of the larger Swedish dairies. This game was marketed through adverts on the back of milk cartons. Homepage: http://www.arla.se/ Myulk Type: PNC Written 1998?. Notes: In Swedish. Myst-like adventure. ====================================================================== Art Department Das Telekommando kehrt zurück Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Promotional game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bifi II - Action in Hollywood Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Promotional game. ====================================================================== Artic Computing They were located at 396 James Reckitt Avenue, Hull HU8 0JA, England. All their games had a two word parser and used a small game driver. Adventure 'A' (Planet of Death) Written 1981 in Machine code. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * ZX81[Also for 4K ZX80.] Comments: Escape from the alien planet. Package blurb: In this Adventure you find yourself stranded on an alien planet. Your aim is to escape from this planet by finding your, now captured and disabled, Space Ship. You will meet various hazards and dangers on your adventure, some natural, some not, all of which you must overcome to succeed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure 'B' (Inca Curse) Type: TO Written 1981 by Charles Cecil in Machine code. Runs on: * Spectrum[16K] * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] * ZX81 Package blurb: In the ADVENTURE you find yourself in a South American Jungle, near an, as yet, undisturbed INCA Temple. Inside this temple you will find lots of treasure, your aim is still to get as much treasure as you can. Beware, do not let greed be your downfall. Your adventure is complete when you have returned to the jungle clearing with the treasure. The highest score to date for treasure is 3200 points. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure 'C' (The Alien Space Ship Adventure) / The Ship of Doom Written 1982 by Charles Cecil. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] * ZX81[16K] Package blurb: In Adventure 'C' while on a reconnaissance flight your ship has been drawn by a Graviton Beam onto an Alien Cruiser. Fred, your pet android, informs you that the cruiser is on a Humanoid slave mission, its aim to seek out Humanoid planets from which samples are taken and their brains replaced with microchips. Your aim is to free your ship by pressing the control button in the main computer room. Sounds easy. However, there are various hazards. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure 'D' (Espionage Island) Written 1982. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] * ZX81[16K] Comments: Observe some enemy skullduggery, then escape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure 'E' (The Golden Apple) Type: DG Written 1983 by Simon Wadsworth. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: This game introduced graphics and had a slightly better parser. Comments: Find the 13 treasures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure 'F' (Eye of Bain) Type: DG Written 1984 by Simon Wadsworth. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: This was the final 'Artic Adventure' to be released. Comments: http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/033/sftwre.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure 'H' (Robin Hood) Type: DG Written 1985 by Nigel McGee in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of the 7 Faces Type: TO Written 1985 by Imperial Software (Alan McDonald). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jimg/yr13/yr13_25.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dead at the Controls Type: DG Written 1985 by Dave Stone. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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[48K] Notes: Colin Smith was a former journalist who sold his house in Dorset to raise capital for the launch of the game. Comments: Unusually serious adventure about surviving a nuclear war. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom of Speldome Runs on: * Amstrad ====================================================================== Artworx Gwendolyn Type: CG Written before 1984 by Marc Russell Benioff. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit[40K; Disk] Notes: It had some animation and sound effects. ====================================================================== ASP Software Ltd Cells and Serpents Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Conquering Everest Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[16k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The White Barrows Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Apparently, the games are no longer available (July 1999). 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 Ltd El Dorado Type: TO Written 1985 by Dale Samson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Temple Terror Written 1984 by Robert Burgess. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Ithaca Written 1985 by D. Liddle and J. Kesson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Moron's Quest Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Comments: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Moron Spaceship Written 1986 by P. Sutton and J. Sutton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Marie Celeste Written 1984 by W.D.S.. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mafia Contract Written 1984 by Neil Smyth. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Khoshima Written 1988 by David Ledbury. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Velnor's Lair Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This had a few RPG elements. Is this the same game as under Quicksilva? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dungeons, Amethysts, Alchemists n' Everythin' / DAA-Adventure Type: G Written 1991. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinbad Type: MCG Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== ATOD Homepage: http://www.atod.se/ They are distributed by Firebird Software Ltd. Hampte Dampte Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: A puzzle adventure. ====================================================================== Attic For more information, see Dragonware Games. ====================================================================== Audiogenic For more information, see Radarsoft. ====================================================================== Automata UK Ltd They used to be located at 27 Highland Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England PO4 9DA: phone 01705 735242. The rights to their games is currenlt owned by Interceptor Group. Frogg Adventure Type: BG Written 1996 by Zeljko Juric. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Multiple choise. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Here be Tygers Type: TO Written 1985 by Bob Franklin in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Paradise in Microdot Type: CG Written 1985 by Colin Jones in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Xtroth - The Adventure Type: DG Written 1985 by John Hughes. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Royal Adventures of a Common Frog Type: DG Written 1985 by The Guild (Terry Braverman) in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pimania Type: G Written 1982 by Mel Croucher, Christian Penfold and Chris Edwards in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48k] * ZX81 Notes: There was some kind of competition connected to this game where you could win a sundial valued at £6000. The game contained clues as you solved it that were clues to the location you had to meet the authors, the day of the year and the time. To say the least they were obscure and it took over two years to be solved. The Automata people bought the sundial back from the people who solved it in the end. Comments: Not exactly an adventure as such, most odd game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crusoe Type: G Written 1984 by Jon Smith in Machine code. Runs on: * Amstrad PCW * 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. Jon Smith remembers:Crusoe was, I think, the first attempt to combine player-control of an on-screen character, who roamed around an adventure site you could actually see, with traditional word-parsing instruction... you could talk to the Crusoe character, ask his advice, tell him what to do, get his comments, and then watch him do it (or die in the attempt). I recall it had dozens of variables affecting his life on his desert island, including weather conditions, food, drink, wind strength, and a series of variously dangerous animals. There was also a Man Friday and the animated bones of a castaway with Treasure island links... not very sophisticated by today's standards, but back in 1984 it seemed pretty innovative and got ***** reviews in the mags. The winning screen shows my phone number. Nobody has ever rung up, so I imagine the game was never completed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Groucho 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 1981. Runs on: * Apple II[48K] * Atari 8-bit[40K] * TRS-80[48K; Model I, II, and III.] Notes: Rid a desolate, suffering land of the evil 'overmind'. The same tape had versions of the program for Atari 8-bit, Apple II, and TRS-80 Model II. Package blurb: Embark on an Heroic Quest! The powerful magic of King Alcazar summons you beyond the boundaries of time and space to a different plane of reality, to the Empire of the Over-Mind. The Over-Mind is tyrant of the blue and red planets; part machine, part spirit of evil. Long ages past, it cleverly overthrew the great King Alcazar, but the king escaped to safety and planned revenge that has taken a thousand years to fulfill. Now, at the Conjunction of the Seventeen Planes, the stage is set for YOU to travel to the Empire of the Over-Mind and destroy the infernal abomination! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- G. F. S. Sorceress Written 1982. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80[Model I and III.] Comments: Pretty good game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lords of Karma Type: TO Written 1980. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit[40K] * Apple II[32K] * Commodore 64 * Commodore PET[32K] * TRS-80[48K; Model II.] Notes: The adverts for this game had the subtitle "Why, it's better than food." The same tape had versions of the program for Atari 8-bit, Apple II, PET, and TRS-80. Package blurb: Explore the Magical Universe of Karma! Suddenly you find yourself in the central square of the mythical city of Golconda, in the magical universe of Karma. Just staying alive may be more than you can handle, but the Lords of Karma are watching your every move and they will not let you rest until you have performed may deeds of kindness and bravery. You must explore the verdant forests, twisting hills, rugged mountains, and labyrinthine caverns of the universe of Karma, gradually learning its secrets and completing your tasks. But watch out, there are lurking monsters waiting for lunch -- YOU!! ====================================================================== Avant-Garde Creations They were located at P.O. Box 30160, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA. Phone 503 345-3043. Chambers of Xenobia Type: TO Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: Typical descendant of Adventure, Zork and Adventureland. Collect 13 treasures in an underground cavern, while fighting and killing the treasures' guardians. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Race for Midnight Type: BG/SOUND Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: Combination D & D-adventure game. In the 14th century, search the dead wizard Evro's dungeon for the elements to the antidote that will end your reign as a werewolf before you can strike again at midnight. Silly looking "hi-res" monsters pop up in every room and battles are won or lost via roles of the dice. As the title implies, the game is time-limited and you have 500 moves until midnight. The sound effects were actually good for the time, but the text, graphics and the game itself are well below that standard. ====================================================================== Aventuras AD Aventuras AD is located in Valencia and directed by Andres Samudio. Homepage: http://surf.to/caad/ Chichen-Itzá Type: DG Written by Andres Samudio [Dirección], Juan Manuel Medina [Programmación], Paco Zarco [Gráficos], Carlos Marques [Gráficos] and Eva Samities [Pruebas]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jabato vs Imperio: Libertad Type: DG Written 1989 by Andres Samudio [Dirección], Manolo Gonzalez [Programmación], Carlos Marques [Gráficos], Juan Antonio Darder [Gráficos] and Paco Zarco [Gráficos]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La Aventura Espacial Written 1990 by Andres Samudio, Juan Manuel Medina, Carlos Marques and Juan Antonio Darder. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La Aventura Original Type: DG Written 1989 by Andres Samudio [Dirección], Manuel Gonzalez [Programmación] and Carlos Marques [Gráficos]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La Diosa de Cozumel Type: DG Written 1990 by Andres Samudio, Tim Gilberts, Carlos Marques and Juan Antonio Darder. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Los Templos Sagrados Type: DG Written 1991 by Andres Samudio [Dirección], Juan Manuel Medina [Programmación], Paco Zarco [Gráficos] and Carlos Marques [Gráficos]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wamwort Type: DG Written 1989 by David Calandra Reula. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La Destruccion de America Type: DG Written by Conrado Badenas. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La Guerra de las Vajillas Type: DG Written 1988 in GAC. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. In Two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La Maldicion de Aros Type: DG Written by Carlos Moreno and P.A.C.. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Las Minas Perdidas Type: DG Written 1990 by Alvaro Mandago [Programa], Fermin Mandago [Programa], Miguel Ilarregui [Gráficos] and Miguel Ilarregui [Pantalla]. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Palace Hotel Type: DG Written by Carlos Gacria de Paredes Ucero. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Supervivencia (El Firfurcio) Type: DG Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sir Sigfrid Type: DG Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pepe Carvalho en Los Pajaros de Bangkok Type: DG Written by Javier Cubedo. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: Written in Spanish. In two parts. ====================================================================== Aztec Software I Will Survive! Type: TO Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] Notes: The player must try to survive a nuclear attack. ====================================================================== Ballsoft Avoir Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Bamby Software Mystery Manor Type: BG Written 1984 by D.S. Kelly. Runs on: * Spectrum [mem=48K][48k] ====================================================================== Bantam Imagic They are distributed by Firebird Software Ltd. Living Literature * Sherlock Holmes: Another Bow Written 1985. * I, Damiano Notes: Based on books by R. A. MacAvoy. The Firebird version of this doesn't mention Bantam at all. It's packaged in a 6" x 7" box. Comments: Much worse than the Sherlock Holmes game. Package blurb: Embark on a perilous journey in a land of Danger, adventure and magic. Seek out the sacred stone, containing the secret of life, that will save the beloved city of Partestrada from the powers of Satan and his cohorts. * (unknown) Notes: This game is in the same package style as I, Damiano. ====================================================================== Baudville Software Dream Zone Type: IG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1988 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * PC ====================================================================== Beyond Software The rights to their software is currently owned by Hasbro Interactive. 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. * Lords of Midnight Type: BG Written 1984 by Mike Singleton. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * PC[1991; Ported by Christopher Wild] * Spectrum[48k] * Doomdark's Revenge Type: BG Written 1985 by Mike Singleton. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * PC[1991; Ported by Christopher Wild] * Spectrum[48k] * Eye of the Moon Comments: This was never released, even though it was probably close to finished. * Lords of Midnight: The Citadel Written 1997 by Mike Singleton [programming], James Shaw [programming], David Ollman [programming], Paul Hodgson [programming] and Hugh Batterbury [Executive producer]. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is the first game in this series to be released for the PC, but in spite of the name it is actually the third game of the trilogy, being a quest for the "Eye of the Moon". The CD also contains ports of the first two games. Comments: The story follows on from Doomdark's Revenge. Luxor the Moonprince, an old man now, goes on a quest for the Eye of Moon, but is captured, and imprisoned in a Citadel. So it is up to Morkin and co. to save him. It seems more tricky to play than the original two, featuring a real-time animated interface. For more information, see Domark Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorderon's Shadow Type: BG Written 1985 by Nick Eatock and Simon Welland. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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. ====================================================================== Blue Line Studios They are located at Fuerstensteinerst 47, CH 4053 Basel, Switzerland, Phone ++41 61 331 2822, Fax ++41 61 331 2822. The company was founded in 1994. Homepage: http://www.blueline-studios.com/ Email: studio@blueline-studios.com. The Castle Type: 3D/SOUND/MUSIC/PNC Written 1998. Runs on: * Macintosh Package blurb: When Noemi suddenly finds herself in a dreamlike world, and two men from her past unexpectedly appear, she would never have thought it would all soon turn into a nightmare. As the three people explore the enigmatic castle world in which they are trapped, they encounter an oracle. Its predictions seem to become fulfilled every time. But really every time? And when one of the men suddenly disappears, it is the beginning of great passion -- and an evil plot. A plot you can unravel if you put together Noemi's destroyed diary, solve strange puzzles, find hidden secret passages, and -- remember -- prepare to confront the evil before it's too late... The game consists of over 1,200 crisp 3D-pictures in 16-bit color depth, animation sequences, environment sounds, and background music. It features an intuitive point-and-click interface. The game is the product of nearly two years of development. Players explore the 3D surroundings in quest of the scattered pages of a mysterious diary, getting more and more involved in the story about three people being trapped in an enigmatic world. As the plot gradually unravels, players become aware of having taken on an active role. "We've built an entire 3D world up to the tiniest detail", Dan C. Kueng, president of Blue Line Studios, said. "We want to make you feel as if you are really there." Extreme effort was put into ever so small details. The diary for example, a vital point in the game play, is entirely written by hand. "It would have been so much easier to have used a typeface for the diary", Mary, general assistant and alpha tester, said, "but now, Noemi's diary looks very authentic. It has that certain touch. We love it!" Two CPUs were setup for the 3D rendering that took place in batch mode, running around the clock. Still, the 3D processing stage took well over 16,000 hours. Another important part was the programming. The game keeps track of the players' position and changes. Partially it features AI (artificial intelligence). "We were never satisfied with the result, and kept doing every little thing over and over! At times we thought we'd never ever get this thing finished, but now we are certain that it has been worth it," Dan said. "It was great fun to develop THE CASTLE, and the game has turned out to be all we hoped for!" ====================================================================== Blue Ribbon Secret Sam Mission 2 Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Boffo Games The Space Bar Written 1998 by Steve Meretzky. Notes: This comes on three CDs. ====================================================================== Boldfield Limited Company They are located at Boldfield Computing Cambridge House, 91 High Street, Longstanton, Cambridge, CB4 5BS, England (1999). Telephone: 01954 789978, Fax: 01954 782878. Homepage: http://www.boldfield.com/ Email: sales@boldfield.com. Black Island Adventure Written 1984 by Phil Collins and Geoffrey Walker. Runs on: * Jupiter Ace ====================================================================== Bomico Project Prometheus Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Broderbund 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. * Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * PC * Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC * Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC * Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego Runs on: * Commodore 64 * PC * Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Buffer Micro Ltd Mysterious Fairground Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Buffer Adventure Type: TO Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: You enter the Buffer Micro shop in order to discover what goes on behind the scenes. Unfortunately, it's not possible to leave until you locate your missing credit cards and the beastly staff insist on you buying your way out. ====================================================================== Bug-Byte Software Ltd They were located at Mulberry House, Canning Place, Liverpool L1 8JB,UK. The right to their software is currently owned by Argus Press PLC. Twin Kingdom Valley Type: DG Written 1983 by Trevor Hall. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 16 * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[1984; 48K] 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 Type: TO Written 1983 by Chris Cannon. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dogboy Type: DG Written 1985 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: May also have been released by Zenobi Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- STI (Search for Terrestrial Intelligence) Type: TO Written 1988 by Roy Stead. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Old Father Time Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonquest Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Damsel and the Beast ====================================================================== Bytepack James Bond: Octopussy Type: BG Written 1992 by Marek Forray [graphics] and Milan Blazicek [programming]. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Slovenian. ====================================================================== 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. ====================================================================== Capstone An American Tail: Fievel Goes West Type: PNC Runs on: * PC Notes: After the movie. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dark Half Written 1992. Notes: Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. ====================================================================== Carnell Software Run by Roy Carnell and Stuart Galloway, who both were involved in the optical special effects on Superman. They were located in Berkshire. (unknown) * Volcanic Dungeon Written 1981 by Roy Carnell. Runs on: * ZX81[16K] * Spectrum[1983] Notes: Distributed on the same cassette as Hangman. * Volcanic Dungeon (updated version) Type: BG Written 1984 by Roy Carnell. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: This version featured speech with the aid of a hardware accessory called "Currah uSpeech". * The Wrath of Magra Type: CG Written by Roy Carnell, Stephen Kirk and Stuart Galloway. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into four parts. Was also issued on Mastertronic's Mastervision label. * Black Crystal Type: BG Written 1982 by Roy Carnell and Stuart Galloway in Basic. Runs on: * ZX81[16K] * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into six parts. You move your character with the arrow keys. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Devil Rides In Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A shoot-em-up, not an adventure. The Eye of the Star Warrior Type: MCG Written 1983 by Roy Carnell and Tony Bridges. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: You move your character with the arrow keys. Also published as a listing in "Spectrum Adventures" published by Sunshine Books. ====================================================================== Cascade Mountain Publishing 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I. Type: TO Written by Michael Berlyn and Muffy McClung Berlyn. Runs on: * Inform Notes: This is a new version of the game originally released by First Row Software. This version is about twice the size of the original Dumont. Mark Musante ported the original game to Inform, then the original authors revised and expanded it. It has a built-in hint system. Package blurb: In the surreal tradition of Tass Times In Tonetown... Failing physics--again--would be traumatic enough. But now, you're trapped inside a Particle Accelerator and Reality Translation Integrator, the product of mad genius meeting mixed metaphors. Originally designed to help the human mind understand particle physics, the sub-atomic world inside is a strange blend of mysticism and science, of Zen contemplation and Marx Brothers movies. Dr. Gregory Dumont has sucked you into his P.A.R.T.I., but it's no picnic in there. Cascade Mountain Publishing is proud to announce the release of Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I., their latest full-length interactive fiction adventure. CMP broke onto the scene last year with the long-awaited release of Once and Future, the epic adventure tale that re-established top-quality interactive fiction in the gaming marketplace. This special release of P.A.R.T.I. revives Dr. Dumont and his bizarre particle accelerator from a decade-long slumber. The new version includes an expanded P.A.R.T.I. world, a built-in hint system, and all of the important contents of Dr. Dumont's desk and cork board! The new version of P.A.R.T.I. is available for the first time in the popular cross-platform Inform format, making it compatible for systems ranging from palmtops to workstations (and, of course, PCs and Macs for the more conventional gameplayer.) Explore the wonders of the Science Art Museum (open 24 hours) on your PalmPilot! Visit the UnFair in Linux! Thrill to the Kite Races on your Psion 5! The mysteries of Particle X are in there somewhere, and without your wits and a Diploma of Thought, jealously guarded by the mysterious Professor Parti, it's going to be a long day. Although Dr. Dumont's input was invaluable, P.A.R.T.I. is the brainchild of the First Couple of interactive fiction, Muffy McClung Berlyn and Michael Berlyn. The Berlyns are behind a number of breakthrough games, including Suspended, Cutthroats, Tass Times In Tonetown, Infidel, and Oo-Topos. "We're excited about introducing Dr. Dumont to a whole new class of undergrads," says Michael Berlyn, co-author and publisher. "We're dedicated to changing the way people think about text adventures, and I can't think of a better way to change one's perspective than to step inside Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I." This special release of Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I. is an electronic-only product. For $24.00, you can download the game package from Cascade Mountain's eCommerce server, including an Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file containing important documentation and "props" from Dr. Dumont's office. For more information, see First Row Software. ====================================================================== Castleworks Gameware Slogan: "The innovation behind your imagination" They are distributed by Merit Software. Kronolog - The Nazi Paradox (also known as Red Hell) 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 disaster. 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 CCS is currently owned by Alchemist Research. CCS is short for Cases Computer Simulations Ltd. They were mainly known for their wargames. Staff of Zaranol Written 1984 by M.J. Gearing. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Diamond Quest Written 1984 by Martin Sherlock. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Camelot Written 1983 by C.P.M. Chapman and G.R. Brooks. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Byte Written 1983 by Ofer Ben-Ami and Shelly Ben-Ami. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Journey Across the) Abyss Written 1984 by J.P.W. Smith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1942 Mission Written 1984 or earlier. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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[48K] * Oric-1[This is not totally sure.] 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[48K] * Oric-1[This is not totally sure.] Notes: A graphic version might have been released in 1985. Had a good multiple word parser. Comments: Fairly small but almost impossible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ? Comments: A third game might have been released in 1985. ====================================================================== Central Solutions Central Solutions also published games under the labels Double Play Adventures and Pocket Money Software. 10 Adventure Game Pack Volume Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: A compilation of A Tangled Tale (Double Play Adventures), Jason and the Golden Fleece (Pocket Money Software), Crystal Quest (Pocket Money Software), Sea of Zirun (Double Play Adventures), Time Quest (Double Play Adventures), Dragon Slayer (Double Play Adventures), Eye of Vartan (Double Play Adventures), The Rifts of Time (Pocket Money Software), Commando (Double Play Adventures) and The Hexagonal Museum (Double Play Adventures). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Adventure Game Pack Volume 2 Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: A compilation of Pirate's Gold, Orbit of Doom (by Dave Watson), The Prospector (by Tartan Software), Theatre of Death, Rings of Merlin (by G.F.), The Keeper, Trail, Gaints (by Edward Beck), Goldseeker and The Ring of Dreams. ====================================================================== 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. * 1: Balrog Type: TO Written before 1982. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80 * 2: The Stone of Sisyphus Type: TO Written before 1982. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80 * 3: Morton's Fork Type: TO Written 1981 or 1982 by Chameleon Software. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80[Model I and III.] Notes: The release date is a bit difficult to determine. From one copy of the game the following can be determined: It has a package library stamp of "05-04-82", presumably day/month/year. The package is copyright 1981 (a date which seems to be the same on all the games distributed on original styrofoam packages distributed by Adventure International. The front cover artwork is copyright 1981. Disk 1 has copyright 1980 on it, but that seems to be the same on all older-style disk labels. This copy of the game also had a Morton's Fork disk label stuck on top of a Balrog disk label. The game came on two disks for both Apple II and TRS-80 Model I and Model III. Side one of both disks is the TRS-80 version. Side two of both is the Apple II one. Package blurb: Many have tried to find the secret of the Wizard's Fortress... None have survived! Now its your turn... The wait is over! The third voyage into the sorcerous realms of the highly lauded "Maces & Magic" series is here. MORTON'S FORK continues the grand tradition birthed by its predecessors, BALROG SAMPLER and THE STONE OF SISYPHUS. MORTON'S FORK -- an incredibly powerful adventure which allows the participant to penetrate an arcane world bereft of natural laws and rationality. Where a man's worth is measured against the dark wars he must continually wage, and a life often possesses no more value than discarded chaff. The scenario is set within the confines of an ancient wizard's fortress. Through your keyboard input, you equip your warrior with armor, weapons, gold, as well as with desirable personal attributes. These attributes should include strength, intellegence [sic!] dexterity, charisma, and verily -- even a little luck! You will find yourself searching for both fame and fortune, and alas, neither status is easily attainable! MORTON'S FORK unique features include multiple skill levels corresponding to actual levels in the wizard's castle, increased usage of three dimensional relationships, and even craftier use of traps and snares over those found in BALROG and SISYPHUS. If you have met and surpassed the challenge of other software entertainment, or if you truly yearn for a diverse, novel experience in conjunction with your microcomputer, your search is now at an end. MORTON'S FORK -- power beyond belief. ====================================================================== Channel 8 Company specializing in adventure games. They distribute Howarth, Brian. ====================================================================== Church Army Resource Centre Star Quest Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ====================================================================== Chymesoft Captain's Log Type: TO Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Sci-fi adventure. ====================================================================== CLOAD They issued monthly diskettes with various games and utilities. Quest for Fire Runs on: * TRS-80 ====================================================================== Cobra Computer Software Jolly Duplicator Written 1987 by Michael Monaghan. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Codemasters Codemasters was started, owned and operated by the two Darling brothers after they managed to get out of their earlier contract with Mastertronic. They 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. They 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. Sometime around 1999 they bought Yosemite Entertainment (originally the development portion of Sierra On-Line). Homepage: http://www.codemasters.com/ For more information, see Yosemite Entertainment and Mastertronic. Necris Dome Type: DG Written 1987 by Charles Sharp in GAC. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Comments: "The leader of a cemetery in orbit around Earth plans to attack Earth. You must stop him." ====================================================================== Cognetics Corporation They are now a usability consulting and user interface design company. Homepage: http://www.cognetics.com/ 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 came on two disks. The game was huge. The game comes with a "X-Street Indexer" wheel to find the nearest cross street. You first align the avenue name on the inner wheel with the street on the outer wheel, then the small window in the inner wheel shows the nearest cross street. 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 They are distributed by Sierra On-Line, Inc. Asterix im Morgenland Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20000 Meilen unter dem Meer Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Also available in English. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indian Mission Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mewilo Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Comments: A voodoo adventure in the caribbeans. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lt. Blueberry Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: From the comic book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Legend of Djel Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Emanuelle Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: Adult game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Geisha Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fascination Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dargon Attack Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gobliiins Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gobliins II Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblins III Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inca ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inca 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost in Time Written 1994. Comments: Story about time travel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ween The Prophecy Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Notes: Probably the last game produced by Coktel for Sierra. Comments: Very surreal adventure in which you are sucked into a world that you must progress through and escape. ====================================================================== Colleen Ltd Mystery Voyage Adventure Type: TO 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). ====================================================================== Collins Educational They made mostly eductional software. Nursery Rhyme Adventure Type: DG Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ====================================================================== 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[ROM] 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[ROM] Comments: "Treasure hunt set in Egypt. Pretty bad." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ship Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64[ROM] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ====================================================================== Compass Software Compass seems to have been a one-man operation by Jon R. Lemmon. For more information, see Zenobi Software. Zogan's Revenge Type: TO Written 1986 by Jon R. Lemmon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Sequel to "Blood Of Bogmole". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Anttilis Mission Type: TO Written 1992 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Anttilis Mission 2: Deep Probe Type: TO Written 1992 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Blood of Bogmole Type: BG Written 1986 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizards Skull Type: TO Written 1986 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Blood of Bogmole part 3. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon from the Darkside Type: DG Written 1986 by Jon R. Lemmon in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Followed up by "Golden Mask", "Devil's Hand" and "Shadows of the Past". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon from the Darkside 2: Golden Mask Type: DG Written 1987 by Jon R. Lemmon in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon from the Darkside 3: Devil's Hand Type: DG Written by Jon R. Lemmon in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon from the Darkside 4: Shadows Of The Past Type: TO Written by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hobble Hunter Type: TO Written 1989 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Intruder Alert Type: DG Written 1989 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Intruder Alert 2: Invaders From Planet X Type: DG Written by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Tomb of Ananka Type: TO Written 1993 by Jon R. Lemmon in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Compass Collection 1 Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A compilation of "Project X: Micro Man", "The 'O'Zone", "Demon from the Darkside", "The Golden Mask" and "The Devil's Hand" released on a 3.5" +D disk. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Compass Collection 2 Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A compilation of "Shadows of the Past", "The Hobble Hunter", "Project-X: Micro Man 3: Micro Mutant", "Intruder Alert" and "Invaders from Planet X" released on a 3.5" +D disk. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Blood of Smeagol Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Project-X: Micro Man Written 1985 by Jon R. Lemmon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Project-X: Micro Man 2: O-Zone Written 1986 by Jon R. Lemmon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Project-X: Micro Man 3: Micro Mutant Written 1991 by Jon R. Lemmon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== 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 Notes: Published in the May 1986 issue. ====================================================================== Comsoft Serpent's Lair Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Contrast Software Adventure Island Written 1983 by Michael J. Levers. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Cookies Under the Floor Lost Written by Jeffrey Hersh (frumple@aol.com) in TADS. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Shareware. ====================================================================== Core Design Homepage: http://www.core-design.com/ Universe Type: MCG Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith [producer], Martin Iveson [music], Gary Antcliff [Programming, additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Sprites artist, additional ideas], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Game design, in-game text, sprites artist, manual] and Rolf Mohr [Original game idea, game design, background artist, box art, additional art]. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of Enchantia Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heimdall Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heimdall 2 Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Presumed guilty Written 1989. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Creative Sparks They distribute Oxford Digital Enterprises. Danger Mouse in Black Forest Chateau Type: BG/CHOICE Written 1984 by Brian Belson, Edgar Belka and Kevin Buckner. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Danger Mouse in Double Trouble Type: BG/MCG Written 1984 by Martin Harris and Nick Burroughs. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Danger Mouse in Making Whoopee Type: BG/MCG Written 1985 by Phil Snell. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character. ====================================================================== Creative Juices Creative Juices was run by David Court. They were located at 28 Horseshoe Road, Longford, Coventry CV6 6JY The Challenge of Iythus Type: TO Written 1988 by David Court in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] Notes: The first part of the Hellspawn trilogy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Flush Gordon Written 1988 by David Court. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PHART Written 1988 by David Court. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherlock Holmes: A Matter of Evil Written 1988 by David Court. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] ====================================================================== CRL Group PLC Based in King's Yard, London. It was run by Clement Chambers and Ian Ellery. CRL actually stands for Computer Rentals Ltd. The address of St. Bride's School is St. Bride's School, Burtonport, Co. Donegal, Ireland. They distribute Delta 4 Software. Dracula Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1986 by Rod Pike in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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[48K] Notes: Divided into two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack the Ripper Type: BG Written 1988 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[48K] 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[48K] 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/DG/MUSIC Written 1985 by Priscilla Langridge in The Quill & The Illustrator. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[Drawn graphics] 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[48K] 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. Package blurb: [outer side of the inlay:] Hi kid. I hear ya got a computer at home. Real nice computer. Shame if anything should happen to it. Stop staring, kid. I don't like bein' stared at. Aintcha never talked to a three-foot-high blue rabbit before? Anyway, like I wuz sayin' -- ain't nuthin' gonna happen ta dat nice computer of yours. Not if ya take advantage of my offer. First of all I wantcha ta buy dis game. Den I wantcha ta load it up. Den I wantcha ta help me ta take over all da mobs in Chicago. Don't worry, it don't involve nuthin' illegal. Not unless ya count the odd bit of theft, extortion, murder, robbery, bribery an' corruption an' that sorta thing. Right now I got nuthin'. No cash. Not even a gun. I wanna run da biggest gang in town. I wanna drive fancy cars an' live in plush hotels. I wanna be Public Enemy No. 1 in place of dat fat wimp Capone. It ain't much to ask. Not if ya wanna keep dat computer healthy. YA WANNA STAY HEALTHY -- YA BUY IT [inner side of the inlay:] BUGSY INTRODUCES DA GAME (The girls wanted to do this bit, but how can you refuse a cute little rabbit with a machine gun?) Okay youse joiks! Lissen up an' lissen good. My name's Bugsy. Bugsy Maroon. I'm a pale blue rabbit some three feet in height wit' a cute little powder-puff tail. But that don't mean I ain't as tough as pickled walnuts 'cuz I am. I live in Chicago in 1922 and my aim in life is to take over the mobs an' become Public Enemy No. 1 in place of that fat wimp Capone. I ain't averse ta takin' some advice frum keyboard-bashin' computer buffs providin' they watch their lip wit' me. But I'm gonna warn ya right off -- it ain't gonna be easy. Ya gotta help me woik my way up from a penniless street bunny ta the dizzy heights of a crimelord. Startin' wit' petty theft an' small-time protection rackets I gotta make the money ta buy guns, hire boys an' build up a serious mob. An' if ya t'ink the other mobs is just gonna sit around an' let me do it you're a sucker. The cops might be a minor problem too. Dere's also da problem of -- uh -- gettin' anyone ta take me seriously. Da game feechers a great new menu-driven conversation system which means ya can get me inta smart-mouth conversations wit' any of the various characters in da game. You'll believe a rabbit can shoot his mouth off. In order ta succeed in da game I gotta not only build da gang, pull off da jobs an' get my paws on da big money -- I also gotta acquire da status symbols of da successful crimeboss. Big cars, a swell place ta live, ya know da sorta thing. Da racket business is just like da software business. If ya wanna be successful, ya gotta get in da charts. It's gonna be a big day when I foist make it ta Public Enemy No. 10, but I ain't gonna be happy, 'till I'm right up dere at No. 1, knockin' fatso off his perch. Okay, I guess I flapped my mouth long enough. Now let's get in dere an' start doin' business. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Book of the Dead Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loads of Midnight Type: DG Written 1987 by Penna Productions (Keith Hughes). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tomb of Dracula Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Woods of Winter Type: BG Written 1984 by Andrew Patrick. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Federation Type: TO Written 1988 by Smart Egg Software (Michael White). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Great Detective Written by P. Rolfe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Incredible Adventure Written 1984 by A. Trenker. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The War of the Worlds Type: BG/CHOISE/SOUND Written 1984 by Nigel Taylor. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Cryo Interactive They were earlier called Exxos. Homepage: http://www.cryo-interactive.com/ For more information, see Exxos. Atlantis: The Lost Tales Written 1997. Notes: Also available on DVD. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Lore ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Lore 2 Written 1997. Notes: This games comes on three CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dune Notes: Comes on one CD. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Treasure Hunter 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Egypt 1156 B. C.: Tomb of the Pharaoh Written 1998. Notes: Available in English, French, Greek. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- KGB / Conspiracy Type: PNC Runs on: * PC Notes: The CD version is called Conspiracy and features a new hint system, interlaced video, and stars Donald Sutherland. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Forbidden City Written 1998. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Versailles 1685 Written 1997. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Faust Written 1999. ====================================================================== 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 Notes: This came on six disks. Comments: It was a masterpiece for its day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sands of Mars ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Broderbund Software and Red Orb Entertainment. Myst Type: PNC Written 1993. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Package blurb: The surrealistic adventure that will become your world... This hauntingly beautiful game features stunning 3D photorealistic graphics, a compelling storyline, and mind-bending puzzles. The non-linear gameplay lets players go anywhere, at any time. Unlike other adventure games, there is no inventory, and players never die. Incredibly detailed, Myst offers more depth than any CD-ROM game to date. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Riven Type: PNC Written 1997. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC * Playstation Notes: This is a sequel to Myst. It comes on five CDs. Package blurb: The breathtaking, challenging sequel to Myst. My worst fears have been realized. The damage is more extensive than previously imagined. I must act while there is still time. I must find someone... to send to Riven. Enter a deceptively beautiful world torn apart by age-old conflicts... where secrets lie hidden at every turn... and nothing is as it seems. You must search. You must explore. You must summon every spark of intellect and intuition. Only then will you learn the truth about this troubled land and it's inhabitants. You must let Riven become your world--before an entire world is lost. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Myst Desktop Edition 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 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[1994; Features full speech.] * 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. Package blurb: Dark Seed II continues the unending nightmare of Mike Dawson as he recovers from a nervous breakdown from his earlier encounters with the Ancients. Back in his hometown, Mike's high school sweetheart, Rita, is found murdered after the high school reunion. Unfortunately, Mike has no recollection of the events that night, even though he was seen with Rita. Mike becomes the prime suspect and now must work to clear his name. In digging up the dirty little secrets of his neighbors, Mike unwittingly stumbles into the "Dark World", a place he thought he would never see again. The Ancients have returned to exact revenge on Mike and unleash an evil entity into the "Normal World" to destroy mankind. As, Mike Dawson, you must clear your name and stop the Ancients from carrying out their most ingenious scheme yet. Are you up to the challenge? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ====================================================================== Cybexlab Software Belegost Type: MUSIC Written 1989 by Miroslav Fidler and Frantisek Fuka. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] Notes: In Czech. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Exoter Type: PNC Written 1987 by Miroslav Fidler. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Czech. ====================================================================== Cyco Automatisering Dracula Type: TO Written 1986. Notes: It was commissioned 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 Homepage: http://www.datamost.com Earthly Delights Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mabel's Mansion Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: An arcade adventure with no text input, just joystick and single-key commands. ====================================================================== Datasoft, Inc They are distributed by IntelliCreations and Radio Shack. Sands of Egypt Type: G Written 1982 by Frank Cohen. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80 Color Notes: The game comes on one 5 1/4" disk for Atari 400/800 and includes a fold-out instruction sheet (2 pages) are all that's included (unless you count another brochure to get your own software published). Package blurb: The Sands of Egypt is an action adventure starring you in the role of Lord Charles Buckingham III, the world-famous British explorer. Attacked by nomads while on an archeology (sic) expedition to Egypt, Lord Charles was knocked unconscious and is now hopelessly lost in the fabled land of the Pharaohs. As the drama unfolds, we find him wandering in the wilderness alone. He carries nothing but a compass, his courage, and his wits. As the star, you'll encounter the blistering heat of the barren sands and experience the ecstasy of a desert oasis. Take a rest under the shade of a date palm and enjoy the elixir of life: Water. Continuing the search, you'll risk all to find the secret treasure concealed within the lost pyramid. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dallas Quest Type: BG Written 1984 by James Garon. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[Music] * Apple II[This might not have been available.] * PC[Music] * PCjr[This might not have been available.] * TRS-80 Color Notes: Based on the TV series. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gunslinger Written 1986. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Spectrum[48K] Notes: The ZX Spectrum version was published by US Gold. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Lord Type: DG/MUSIC (animations) Written 1987 by Kyle Freeman [design], Kyle Freeman [programming] and Gary Wilens [music]. Runs on: * Apple II[64K] * 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 * Atari ST * 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 ====================================================================== Daydream Located in Umeå, Sweden. Traitor's Gate Written 1999?. Runs on: * Macintosh ====================================================================== Delbert the Hamster Software All Delbert the Hamster Software was published by Zenobi Software, but they used their own covers. They are distributed by Zenobi Software. Aunt Velma's Coming to Tea! Written by The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian and the Dishonest Politician Written 1992 by The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Desmond and Gertrude Written 1991 by The Spud and Richard Ng. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- First Past the Post Written 1991 by Gareth Pitchford and The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Get Me to the Church on Time! Written 1992 by Gareth Pitchford and The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Larry the Lemming's Urge for Exti... Written by The Spud and Richard Ng. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Life of a Lone Electron Written by Gareth Pitchford and Scott Denyer. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Tomb of Ananka Written 1993 by Jack Lockerby and Jon R. Lemmon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: May have been written by Compass Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Microfair Madness Written 1991 by Gareth Pitchford and The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Personal Computing Whirled! Written 1993 by Gareth Pitchford. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest for the Holy Snail Written by Gareth Pitchford and The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Raymond Pringles Quest for the Fa... Written by The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Flaws Written 1992 by The Spud. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== 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). Is this the same game as under Interplay Productions? 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[Available in both a 16- and a 256-color version. The 256-color version came with an audio CD of the game's theme.] 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 ====================================================================== Delta 4 Software They started the label Abstract Concepts in 1987 for serious adventures. I mailed Fergus McNeill, one of the people behind Delta 4 Software, and asked him about the copyright status of the Delta 4 games and this is the answer I got (February 1999): Copyright status varies from one game to the next. Unfortunately, I've found that trying to grant permission in the past has resulted in one or two particularly sad people from the Spectrum newsgroups jumping up and down and questioning which rights in particular, whether I am able to do this or that, and basically trying to complicate things. As a result [...] I won't be making any statements other than to say that one day I'd like to have the games on the Delta 4 website in some shape or form. However, that will have to wait until I have more time. If there's anything else I can do to help though, please let me know. Homepage: http://www.delta4.icom43.net/ They are distributed by CRL Group PLC, Macmillan Software Ltd and SilverSoft. For more information, see Abstract Concepts. Sherwood Forest Type: DG Written 1984 by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dragonstar Trilogy Type: TO Written by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest for the Holy Joystick Type: TO Written 1985 by Fergus McNeill and Jason Somerville in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return of the Joystick Type: DG Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bored of the Rings Type: G Written 1985 by Fergus McNeill in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64[1986] * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into three parts. Published by Silversoft Ltd. Comments: A parody on "Lord of the Rings". This might be based on the book by the same name by The Harvard Lampoon. Package blurb: From the far reaches of the west, to the dwarvish caves of the east, the awesome power of the Great Ring was known. Even in the Shire, home of the furry-footed boggits, its evil was feared. All knew of it, all except Fordo Faggins. With his fat, boggit chums, he made merry, undisturbed by the circle of gold his uncle Bimbo claimed he'd "found in the road". Then, one day, the familiar grey figure of Grandalf, the old conjuror, came staggering into town. Shortly, a party for all the obese inhabitants of Boggiton was announced. Fordo, contemplating these things and their relevance to the recent appearance of tall, hooded riders with flaming red eyes, found nothing unusual in it, such was his stupidity. All he knew was that there was going to be a party. And parties meant food. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Robin of Sherlock Type: G Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into three parts. Published by Silversoft Ltd. Comments: A parody on the games Robin of Sherwood by Adventure International and Sherlock by Melbourne House. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Boggit Type: DG Written 1986 by Fergus McNeill and Judith Child in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64[48K] * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. Published by CRL Group PLC. Comments: A parody on "The Hobbit". Package blurb: In a hole in the ground, there lived a Boggit. It was not a particularly nice hole, nor indeed, a particularly warm hole, but a hole it was, none the less, and to the little Boggits it was home. The hole was in the Shire, a particularly retarded area with western muddle earth at the time of the third age**. The Boggit was called Bimbo, Bimbo Faggins, and he was a lazy, fat Boggit whose only purpose in life was to blow rings and watch the pretty Elven girls go swimming down at the old mill pond. Being contented with his lot, he vowed never to become part of those adventures which seemed to be growing more fashionable. Thus when he began to notice bad omens -- a black sunrise, a six-headed rabbit, and so, when he spotted Grandalf, the meddling old conjurer, crawling from bush to bush up his garden lawn, he bolted the door and decided to spend the day indoors. But fate cannot so easily be cheated! ** Or somewhere there abouts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Sleaze Type: DG Written 1987 by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into three parts. Published by Pirahna. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Colour of Magic Type: BG Written 1986 by Judith Child, Fergus McNeill and Colin Buckett in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into four parts. Published by Piranha. Comments: Based on the book of the same title by Terry Pratchett and contains passages straight from the book. Package blurb: Enter the extraordinary Discworld, set on a turtle's back. Meet naive, four-eyed Twoflower, the Discworld's first Tourist blessed with more money than sense. You are Rincewind, a youthful Wizard, faced with the miserable task of guiding the ridiculous Twoflower as he wends his blundering way. Wherever you go, the many-legged Luggage will be sure to follow. Meanwhile Death, rather weary from overwork, has a few surprises in store for you... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Galaxias Type: TO Written 1986 by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Deltoid Developments Immortality Rules OK Type: DG Written 1987 by Robert Burgess. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Originally sold for £3.99 by Wildfire Publishing. ====================================================================== Destiny Software Destiny Type: BG/icon-controlled Written 1985 by Jeff Pierce. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- King Written 1988 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== DG Ware 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. Gold Bars Type: DG Written 1983 by Brian Howarth. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Dinamic Software A Spanish software company. They are now called Dinamic Multimedia SA. Homepage: http://www.dinamic.com/ Arquimedes XXI Type: BG Written 1986 by Javier Cubedo and Luis Rodriguez [graphics]. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cobra's Arc Type: PNC/BG Written 1986 by Luis Mezquita and Snatcho [graphics]. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Don Quijote Type: DG Written 1987 by Javier Cubedo and Pablo. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In two parts. In Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Megacorp Type: DG Written 1987 by N. Lecuona and L. Franco. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In two parts. In Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yenght: La Fuente de la Juventud Type: DG Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Disney Software They are now called Disney Interactive. Homepage: http://disney.go.com/DisneyInteractive/ Dick Tracy Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== Domark Ltd The rights to their software is now owned by Eidos. For more information, see Beyond Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eureka Type: BG/MUSIC/SOUND Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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. Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less Type: DG Written 1987 by Imagitec Design Ltd (Robin Waterfield). Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on the novel by Jeffrey Archer. Freescape Freescape was a 3D system developed by Incentive Software Ltd. They made a series of 3D adventures in it. * Driller Type: 3D Written 1987 by Major Developments (Chris Andrews, Paul Gregory, Stephen Northcott). Runs on: * PC * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A gas preassure buildup threatens to blow up the planet's moon. You are sent to drill holes to release the pressure. * Dark Side Type: 3D Written 1988 by Major Developments (Chris Andrews, Paul Gregory, Stephen Northcott). Runs on: * PC * Spectrum[48K] * Total Eclipse Type: 3D Written 1988 by Major Developments. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A pyramid has been built to destroy anything that blocks the sun and now a toatal eclipse is about to occur. I have seen a cover for a game called "Total Eclipse" with an Incentive logo on it. Is this the same game? That game was on cassette for Spectrum and said "Freescape Solid 3D". Comments: Yes, that's the one! * Total Eclipse 2: Sphinx Jinx Type: 3D Written 1991 by Major Developments. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Comes with Total Eclipse on B side. * Castle Master Type: 3D Written 1990 by Teque Software Development Ltd. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] For more information, see Incentive Software Ltd. * Castle Master 2: The Crypt Type: 3D Written 1990 by Teque Software Development Ltd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Only available on Virtual Worlds compilation. ====================================================================== Double Play Adventures A label of Central Solutions. The releases seems to all have been double releases (hence the name). Crystal Quest Type: TO Written 1985 by C. Malin and Scott Jones in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Slayer Type: TO Written 1984 by S. Pilgrim in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eye of Vartan Type: TO Written 1985 by Edward Beck in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hexagon Museum Type: TO Written 1984 by J.W. Devlin and T.S. Skitmore in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Moreby Jewels Type: TO Written 1986 by Ted Bugler in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operation Turtle Type: TO Written 1984 by E. Graham in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Orc Island Type: TO Written 1984 by C. Malin, S. Jones and S. Green in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sea of Zirun Type: TO Written by David Walls in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Swamp Type: TO Written 1984 by Birdwing Software, Sylvie Nuttall and Tony Nuttall in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Tangled Tale Type: CG Written 1985 by D. Watson in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Time Quest Type: TO Written by Peter L. Robinson in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To the Manor Bourne Type: CG Written 1984 by W.A. Hackett in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wizard's Scrolls Type: TO Written 1984 by East Midland Software in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== 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. ====================================================================== Dragonware Games Dragonware Games was founded by Guido Henkel in the early 80's. They later changed their name to Attic. Guido Henkel about his parser technology: The parser system I developed that time was data centric. The input string was analyzed and interpreted with binary search trees. Because german gramnmar is quite complex, the parser was quite sophisticated and i.e. capable of recognizing the context of a word. Having this information plus punctuation and usage of adverbs and adjectives the parser could really determine what was meant. In german language a different order of words might describe quite different things, but the parser was also able to cope with this. The dictionary of the parser had about 1500 words, but through its interpreter capabilities it seemed to have much more. Unknown words were ignored if they were not essential or the meaning of the input could be guessed without them. However if no subject or verb was found, the system returned an "unknown word" error. Guido Henkel about his games: I would love to see the games being freely available. Unfortunately this is not in my hands, because the rights on the games are owned by the respective publishers. Hellowoon and Ooze are belonging to Ariolasoft, but I have no idea who got the rights after they vanished. And also my other games are owned by some publisher. That time the game business was quite hostile for us programmers. Some distributors were known for their exploitation, often even unwilling to pay the hard earned royalties. The continous disadvantaging in the first six or seven years eventually lead to the founding of Attic, together with Jochen Hamma and Hans-Jürgen Brändle. They are distributed by Ariolasoft. Hellowoon Type: BG Written 1985 by Guido Henkel. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Commodore 64 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 Guido Henkel and H. J. Braendle. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * PC Comments: Horror adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ooze - Creepy Nites Type: BG Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Notes: English (improved) version of Ooze - Als die Geister mürbe wurden. Through special EGA programming tricks the game was able to use all 64 colors. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Drachen von Laas (The Dragons of Laas) Type: BG Written 1989 by Guido Henkel and H. J. Braendle. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Notes: In German. An English version called Laasian Plague was planned but was never relased. It was one of the first adventure games with role-playing elements. Comments: Two young heroes set out to defeat a menace. ====================================================================== Dream Software Ltd You could contact them at P.O. Box 64, Basingstoke, RG21 2LB. The Quest for the Holy Grail Type: DG Written 1984 by Chris Newcombe. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crystal Cavern Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dungeon Builder Type: DG Written 1984 by Richard Parratt. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Actually not an adventure, but a text adventure development tool. However it comes with a demo adventure. ====================================================================== DT Soft Mundo Fantastico Type: G Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Duckworth They also published books about adventure games such as "The Adventurer's Companion" by Mike Gerrard and Peter Gerrard, "The Adventurer's Notebook" by Mike Gerrard and "Exploring Adventures on the Spectrum 48k" by Peter Gerrard. Castle Dracula Type: TO Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Colossal Cave Adventure Type: TO Written by Peter Gerrard. Runs on: * Amstrad ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Odyssey Type: TO 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 Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Underground Adventure Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tunnel Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castlemaze Adventure 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 Runs on: * Amiga[1996?; CD only, with speech] * Commodore CD32[Features full speech.] * 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.dynamix.com/ They are distributed by Sierra On-Line, Inc. For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc. David Wolf Secret Agent Written 1989. Notes: This game was made by Dynamix before the Sierra/Dynamix merger. It was marketed under the Sierra label. It is a blend of action and adventure but is very unlike any of the other Sierra games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rise of the Dragon Type: IG Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh[Color] * PC[VGA] Comments: You play a private eye in a future city (LA?). Very Blade Runner in nature. You are fighting an onslaught of a new drug that kills and maims the user. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heart of China Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Adventures of Willy Beamish Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Betrayal at Krondor Type: IG Written 1993 by Raymond E. Feist. Runs on: * PC[VGA] Notes: This game came in a disk version first, which sold rather badly. The CD release a year later was the high seller but by this time Raymond Feist had been released. His newest game, Return to Krondor, bounced across several studios in the last few years before it was picked back up by Sierra. That game came out at the end of 1998 but is very RPG in nature (and thus not listed here). ====================================================================== East Midland Software They are distributed by Double Play Adventures. Who Dares Wins Written 1983 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== 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. For more information, see Electric Transit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery House 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[Disk] * PC The Empire Trilogy * Empire I: World Builders Written by David Mullich. Runs on: * Apple II * Empire II: Interstellar Sharks Written by David Mullich. Runs on: * Apple II * Empire III: Armageddon Written by David Mullich. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Ego Software Fatal Heritage Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Flies - Attack on Earth Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Eighth Day They produced adventures with The Quill. Quann Tulla Written 1984 by Mike Smith and Gary Kelbrick in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum[1985; 48K] Comments: Science fiction adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Faerie Written 1985 by Mike Smith and Gary Kelbrick in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: An advanced fantasy adventure ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Faerie 2 : the Buggon's Gold Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Four Minutes to Midnight Type: DG Written 1987 by Michael White and Martin Rennie in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: An advanced strategy adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cuddles Type: TO Written 1984 by Gary Kelbrick in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: A moderately difficult adventure for "big" kids. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice Station Zero Type: DG Written 1985 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: A beginner's crime solving adventure ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In Search of Angels Type: TO Written 1985 by Gary Kelbrick in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: A crime adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HRH Type: TO Written 1986 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Harvesting Moon Type: DG Written 1985 by Michael White and Martin Rennie. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Weaver of her Dreams Type: TO Written 1988 by Michael White. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earth Shock Type: TO Written 1986 by Michael White. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ronnie goes to Hollywood Type: DG Written 1987 by Michael White and Ross Harris. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ardonicus 3 Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Barf the Barbarian Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Raven Type: G Written 1988 by Alan Bolger and Stephen Kee. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Skelvullyn Twine Type: SOUND Written 1988 by Peter G. Pointon in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Daughter of Serpents Written 1992. ====================================================================== Electric Software They were located at 13 Clarendon Road, London E11 18Z. Phone 01-247-0156 and ask for Tony Zaie. (They Say the World Will Die In) Fire and Ice Type: G Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * Atari ST * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Special features include: Abbrevations and long sentences both acceptable Immedeate response time. Graphic locations. An amazing sense of humour. Save Game feature. The Atari ST version contained quite beautifull pictures. ====================================================================== 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 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. Homepage: http://www.ea.com/ They distribute Interplay Productions, Eldritch Games Ltd, Cognetics Corporation and Electric Transit. Labyrinth of Time Type: G Runs on: * Commodore CD32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Serrated Scalpel Written 1989. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Rose Tattoo Written 1993. Notes: The packages includes 1 CD, a 24-page manual, a 12-page cluebook, a 12-page reference card (!) and a registration form. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Noctropolis Written 1994 by Flashpoint Productions, Inc. ====================================================================== Elfin Software Ltd The rights to their software now belongs to DK'Tronics Ltd. Lost over Bermuda Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Trust a Blonde Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ziggarat of Dread Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Elven Adventurers Run by Jason Nicholls. Conman the Barbaric Type: DG Written 1991 by Jason Nicholls, Brent Ash, Judith Woods, Tina Rothrock. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: A demo version appeared on the covertape "YS issue 80: Magnificent Seven" of Your Sinclair. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadly Silence Type: TO Written 1991 by Jason Nicholls. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dreamare Type: TO Written 1991 by Julie Nicholls, Fergus Nicholls, Jason Nicholls. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Was later re-released by Global Games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Haunting Type: TO Written 1991 by Jason Nicholls, Julie Nicholls, Judith Woods, Brent Ash. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Queen of the Mirror Type: TO Written 1991 by Jason Nicholls. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Empire Time Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dream Web Type: G Written 1995. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: You play a man who is going insane (or is he?) as you track down and try to kill demons who live in people. Excellent dark near-future game in which you are never sure if you are sane or not. Played from a birds-eye perspective. ====================================================================== 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 Type: BG Written 1990 by Colin Jordan. Runs on: * Amiga * Spectrum[48K] * SAM Coupe ====================================================================== Epic Software One of the first companies to create good parsers that could handle more than simply verb-noun. The Wheel of Fortune Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Crystal 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. This is available in at least two slightly different packaging versions. The boxes are the same, but in one the fingerprint file comes on separate cards, in the other it's all on one sheet. ====================================================================== Excalibur Software Run by Stephen G. Groves. Pride of the Federation Type: TO Written 1987 by C.G. Groves, Stephen G. Groves in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== 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 Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Commander Blood Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: This was a strange game. ====================================================================== FGC Buccaneer 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 Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== F+K Ware Inka-Tempel Written 1983 by Nile Koerber. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In German. Has a very simple one-key input. ====================================================================== Firebird Software Ltd (First Floor, 64-67 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1PS, England). They were part of British Telecom. They distribute ATOD and Bantam Imagic. For more information, see Rainbird Software Ltd. The Helm Type: TO Written 1984 by Simon Jay in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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 and Colin Liddle. Runs on: * Amstrad[By C. Liddle.] * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Sequel to Subsunk. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subsunk Type: BG Written 1985 by Peter Torrance and Colin Liddle in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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[48K] Notes: A game in which you control three characters. It used landscaping backgrounds to give a large graphical game area. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wild West Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Imagination Type: DG Written 1987 by Peter Torrance. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Poltergeist Type: DG Written 1986 by Craccer Software Team (Dan B. Nielsen, Peter Lumbye). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wild Bunch Type: CHOISE/BG/DG Written 1984 by Kevin Smith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== First Row Software First Row Software folded a few months after the release of Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I. due to lack of funding. Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I. Type: TO Written 1987 by Michael Berlyn and Muffy Berlyn. Runs on: * PC Notes: This was originally written for Infocom but when they were taken over by Activision, all outside projects were cancelled, and although the alpha version had been delivered, they returned the rights to the game to the authors. For more information, see Cascade Mountain Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Zone Type: G Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Some say it's by Accolade. ====================================================================== Five Ways Software Ltd The rights to their software is now owned by MacMillan Software Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aztex: Hunt for the Sun-God Type: BG Written 1984 by Hill MacGibbon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] King Arthur's Quest Type: BG Written 1984 by Five Ways Software Ltd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Published by Hill MacGibbon. Lone Wolf Based on the Fighting Fantasy books. * Lone Wolf 1: Flight from the Dark Type: BG Written 1984 by Joe Dever and Gary Chalk. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Published by Hutchinson Computer Publishing. Based on the book. * Lone Wolf 2: Fire on the Water Type: BG Written 1984 by Joe Dever and Gary Chalk. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Published by Hutchinson Computer Publishing. Based on the book. ====================================================================== 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 Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Planet of Lust Type: G Runs on: * Amiga Notes: This was a sequel to Sex Vixens from Outer Space. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brad Stallion Sex Olympics Type: G Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bride of the Robots Type: G Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Inca Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Fridaysoft London Adventure Type: TO Written 1985 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Sold for £4.95 (£6.75 for disk/microdrive version). ====================================================================== FSF Adventures Started by Larry Horsfield. Homepage: http://www.fsf-adventures.ic24.net/ The Axe of Kolt Type: TO Written 1990 by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] Notes: Divided into four parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dark Gladiator Written by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Feuerfaust Written by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] Notes: Released as shareware. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Four Symbols Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grabbed by the Ghoulies! Type: TO Written by Larry Horsfield and Scott Denyer. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grue-Knapped Type: TO Written 1990 by Bob Adams and Larry Horsfield [Spectrum conversion]. Runs on: * Spectrum[1991; 48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Helvera: Mistress of the Park Type: TO Written by Bob Adams and Larry Horsfield [Spectrum conversion] in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hermitage Written 1991. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Krazy Kartoonist Kaper Written 1991 by Kez Gray and Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Children Written by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Magnetic Moon Type: TO Written by Larry Horsfield in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: The original price was £3.50 (£2.99 for disk/microdrive version). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenge of the Space Pirates Type: TO Written by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Run, Bronwynn, Run! Type: TO Written 1992 by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spectre of Castle Coris Written 1992 by Larry Horsfield. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] Notes: aka. Axe of Kolt 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Starship Quest Written 1990 by Larry Horsfield in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Sequel to "Magnetic Moon". The original price was £2.50 (£2.99 for disk/microdrive version). ====================================================================== FTL Sundog Type: G Runs on: * Atari ST * Apple II ====================================================================== Funcom Homepage: http://www.funcom.com The Longest Journey Written 2000. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Gainstar Dungeon Quest Type: BG/SOUND Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Superb hand-drawn graphics and sound, but extremely weak parser. ====================================================================== Game Crafters The Adventures of Maddog Williams Type: MCG/TEXT 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 They were located at 27/29 Sunbeam Road, London NW10. Tower of Despair Type: TO Written 1985 by Alan Clark and J. Thompson in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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[48K] Notes: Divided into two parts. Comments: Resume your battle against Lord Malnor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Argent Warrior Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey's End Written 1985 by M. Prescott, C. Gonsalves and T. Everson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Runestone Type: G Written by Alan Davis in BASIC and machine code. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Originally priced at £7.95. Presented in venturescope which combines real-time action, a full text interpreter, multiple command input, dozens of independent characters and 8,000 views from over 2,000 locations. You control three heroes in their main quest to crush Kordomir the Dark One, hopefully retreiving the long lost Runestone of Zaphir in the process. ====================================================================== 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. Gargoyle Games also released games under the label "Faster Than Light" or FTL. Tir Na Nog Type: MCG Written 1984 by Greg Follis and Roy Carter. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Comments: The adventures of the ancient celtic hero Cuchulainn in the countryside. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dun Darach Type: MCG Written 1985 by Greg Follis and Roy Carter. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Cuchulainn has to explore the city of Dun Darach to rescue his charioteer Loeg. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Marsport Type: MCG Written 1985 by Greg Follis and Roy Carter. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Spectrum[48K] Comments: John Marsh is sent to investigate an alien infestation of the station on Mars. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heavy on the Magick Type: MCG/TEXT Written 1986 by Roy Carter and Greg Follis. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Gilsoft International Ltd Gilsoft is perhaps best known as the company behind the popular adventure creature systems "The Quill" and "Professional Adventure Writer". They were located at 30 Hawtorn Road, Barry, South Glamorgan, CF6 8LE. Africa Gardens Type: TO Written 1984 by Tom Davies in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Devil's Island Type: TO Written 1983 by Colin Smith in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Escape from a prison. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crystal Frog Written 1985 by Sentient Software in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mindbender Type: TO Written 1984 by Paul Styles in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Adventures of Barsak the Dwarf Type: TO Written 1984 by P. Napolitano and V. Napolitano in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Denis Through the Drinking Glass Type: TO Written 1983 by Applications Software in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Diamond Trail Type: TO Written 1983 by Tim Gilberts in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape to Eskelos Type: DG Written 1987 by Brian Parks in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hollow Type: TO Written 1985 by Tom Davies in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Madcap Manor Written 1985 by Paul Styles. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Magic Castle Type: TO Written 1983 by Graeme Yeandle in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Moreby Jewels Type: TO Written 1986 by Ted Bugler in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quill Adventure System Type: TO Written 1983 by Graeme Yeandle in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Ok, this is an adventure system, but it came with a small demo adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spy-Plane Type: TO Written 1983 by David Brammer in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ticket Type: DG Written 1986 by Tim Gilberts in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A tutorial game for PAW. When you stand at the bus stop your ticket has blown away and you must find it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Time-Line Type: TO Written 1983 by Graeme Yeandle in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Global Games Seems to have done a number of re-releases of adventure games. Castle Thade Revisited Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Originally released by Spectrum Adventure Exch Club ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clerics Quest Written 1989. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Daemon Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Storm Written 1989. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doctor Goo and the Samorons Written 1991 by Spectrum Adventure Exch Club. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Re-issued by Delbert the Hamster Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dreamare Type: TO Written 1991 by Julie Nicholls, Fergus Nicholls, Jason Nicholls. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Originally released by Elven Adventurers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jewels Of Honour Written 1990. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Limehouse Mystery Written 1989. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Number 6 in the Village Written 1987 by Philip Richmond. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Originally released by Zenobi Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Once Upon a Lily Pad Written 1989. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Sold for £1.99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Set Up! Written 1989. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Survivor Written 1989 by G. Palin. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Thor Written 1989. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Global Software The Beer Hunter Type: G Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Curse of the Mushroom People Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Goo and the Samaroons Written 1988 by Spectrum Adventure Exchange Club. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Magician's Ball Type: BG Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mural Type: TO Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Old Scores Type: G Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 128[On-screen map.] * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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 Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Gremlin Graphics Gremlin Graphics have changed their name to Gremlin Interactive nowadays (1999). The old Gremlin Graphics games are still distributed by Alchemist Research. Homepage: http://www.gremlin.co.uk/ They are distributed by Alchemist Research. 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 Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Normality ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tinderbox Type: BG Written 1985 by Colin C. Chadburn in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Gremlin Graphics is not a company noted for its adventures. "Tinderbox" is a fairy tale, in which youplay the part of Tom, a common foot-soldier, who has to defeat the wicked witch and evil king to gain the hand of the fair Rowella. As an adventure, it's a disgrace. It is written entirely in Basic, and contains large numbers of boring locations where little or nothing happens. The computer does not understand even a simple, standard adventure command such as Look. As Tom happily wades through a lake without so much as getting his feet wet, he may well ponder his bad luck in not signing up as a mercenary with Pete Austin or Brian Howarth. The B side of the cassette contains a long fairy story printed up screen by screen. It is the story of Tom, the common foot, and you've guessed the rest already. All profits go to the Soft-Aid appeal for Ethiopia. It's very fine of Gremlin Graphics to do that, but they might have chosen a halfway decent program to flog for charity. If you care about Ethiopia - and you should - then send a fiver to Bob Geldof. There's no point bothering with "Tinderbox" - it lights nobody's fire. ====================================================================== Griffiths, R. John Beautiful Dreamer Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== GT Interactive Software 9 Type: PNC/MUSIC 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! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- S.P.Q.R. The Empire's Darkest Hour Type: PNC Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Harddata The Waster Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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 Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Very weird adventure-type game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hareraiser Finale 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 Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inca ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Holy Grail ====================================================================== Hewson Consultants Ltd Founded by Andrew Hewson and currently owned by 21st Century Software. They also published games under the Rack-it label. Fantasia Diamond Type: DG Written 1984 by Kim Topley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest Adventure Type: DG Written 1983 by Kim Topley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== HGC Indiana Smith Type: TO 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 * Perdition's Flames Type: TO Written 1993 by Michael J. Roberts. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Source code available to registred users. Freeware/Shareware * High Tech Drifter Type: TO Runs on: * TADS * Ditch Day Drifter Type: TO Written 1990 by Michael J. Roberts. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Included (with source) in the TADS distribution. * Deep Space Drifter Type: TO Written 1990 by Michael J. Roberts and Steve McAdams. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Shareware $15. Source code available to registred users. ====================================================================== Highland Computer Services Mummy's Curse Type: G Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oldorf's Revenge Type: G Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblins Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Creature Venture Written 1982-1983 or earlier. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Hodder & Stoughton Ltd Hodder & Stoughton is primarily a book publisher. Peter Pan Type: DG Written 1984 by Soft Option Ltd (N.D. Head). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: This is the first game from Hodder & Stoughton. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Rats Written 1985 by Five Ways Software Ltd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on James Herbert's novel. Mainly a strategy game with adventure sequences. ====================================================================== Hooy-Program Actually a polish demo group. Homepage: http://members.tripod.co.uk/~hooyprog/ Smok Waweiski Type: CG Written 1987 by P. Kucharski and K. Piwowarczyk. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Polish. Comments: Fantasy game. ====================================================================== 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, 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 Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Part RPG. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvira 3: Waxworks Type: IG/PNC/MUSIC 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[Features full speech.] * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Simon the Sorcerer II Runs on: * Commodore CD32 * PC Notes: Sequel to Simon the Sorcerer. Another person notes that a company is porting this to Amiga (1999) and rewriting it from scratch. If there would have been a CD32 version that wouldn't have been necessary. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Feeble Files Written by Simon Woodroffe. Notes: This comes on 4 CDs. ====================================================================== Howarth, Brian They are distributed by Molimerx, 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. * 1: The Golden Baton Type: DG Written 1981, 1982 by Brian Howarth in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[1983; 48K] * TRS-80[Text only; Model I.] * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20[1984; Reduced version.] * 2: The Time Machine Type: DG Written 1981 by Brian Howarth in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[1983; 48K] * TRS-80[Text only; Model I.] * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20[1984; Reduced version.] Comments: A professor has been caught in time. You must travel to four different time zones (prehistoric time, ancient Egypt, Mary Celeste and the future) in order to find three prisms that can rescue the old geezer. * 3: Arrow of Death, part 1 Type: DG Written 1981, 82 by Brian Howarth in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] * TRS-80[Text only; Model I.] * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20[1984; Reduced version.] Notes: The two parts were sold seperately and can be solved independently. Comments: Find a magic arrow and kill the evil Xerdon. * 4: Arrow of Death, part 2 Type: DG Written 1982 by Brian Howarth in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] * TRS-80[Text only; Model I.] * TRS-80 Color Notes: The two parts were sold seperately and can be solved independently. Comments: Find a magic arrow and kill the evil Xerdon. * 5: Escape from Pulsar 7 Type: DG Written 1982 by Brian Howarth and Wherner Barnes in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[1983; 48K] * TRS-80[Text only; Model I.] Comments: Escape a wrecked space ship. * 6: Circus Type: DG Written 1982 by Brian Howarth and Wherner Barnes in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] * TRS-80[Text only; Model I.] Comments: Some poor spirits are trapped within a circus - blow it up! * 7: Feasibility Experiment Type: DG Written 1983? by Brian Howarth and Wherner Barnes in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[1983; 48K] Comments: Explore an ancient culture. * 8: The Wizard of Akyrz Type: DG Written 1983? by Brian Howarth and Cliff J. Ogden in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[1983; 48K] Comments: Save the king's daughter (and some valuables along the way). * 9: Perseus and Andromeda Type: DG Written 1983 by Brian Howarth in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum Comments: Perseus, from the ancient Greek legend, must defeat the Medusa and ride a pegasus in order to save Andromeda from a remote island. * 10: Ten Little Indians Type: DG Written 1983 by Brian Howarth in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC * Commodore 64 * Dragon * Oric-1 * Spectrum[1984; 48K] Comments: A recently deceased major has converted all his money to gold, which has been shaped into a figurine and hidden somewhere in his home. The whereabouts of this figurine can only be deducted by finding 10 worthless, but otherwise similar figurines. * 11: Waxworks Type: DG Written 1983 by Brian Howarth and Cliff J. Ogden in Scott Adams database. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum Comments: You are trapped within a waxworks. Find statues of famous people (like Hillary and Tensing) to make your way out. Package blurb: You awake with a start, you are alone in the leisure lounge of a deserted waxworks. As events around you take on ominous overtones you begin to wonder if you are dreaming. Beware though because in such macabre surroundings dreams end and nightmares begin.... ====================================================================== Humbug Software/Graham Cluley Humorous oddball adventure games in the style of the Infocom classics. Graham Cluley can be contacted at hamrag@cix.co.uk. He currently works for Sophos Anti-Virus. These games have been very successful as shareware with over 2000 registrations (April 1994). From: hamrag@cix.compulink.co.uk (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://www.grahamcluley.com 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 by Electronic Pencil Company Ltd and David Dunn. Runs on: * Amstrad PCW[Bugs in the implementation made the Amstrad version impossible to solve. A refund was available from the publisher.] * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Frederick Forsyth. Divided into three parts. Both icon and text input. ====================================================================== IBM They distribute Sierra On-Line, Inc. For more information, see Softwin Associates. Zyll Type: TO Written 1984 by Marshal W. Linder and Scott B. Edwards. Runs on: * PC[This might have been for the PCjr originally.] 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 box 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: PNC/MUSIC (some animations) Written 1985. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Commodore 64[1987] * Macintosh * Nintendo 8-bit[1989-1990] * PC[Windows] 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[1989-1990] * PC[Windows] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadowgate Written 1987, 88. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * CD-I system * Macintosh * Nintendo 8-bit[1989-1990] * Nintendo Gameboy Color[As Shadowgate Classic] * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Déjà Vu II: Lost in Las Vegas Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * CD-I system * Macintosh * PC ====================================================================== IDI Jack the Ripper Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== IJK Software Fantasy Quest Type: TO Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Imagination Pilots They are distributed by Warner Interactive Entertainment. Panic in the Park Written 1993. Notes: Starring Erika Eleniak. Comes on three CDs and contains a manual in English, French, and German. ====================================================================== Imagine Software Ltd Imagine went bust and the name was bought by Ocean. Currently the rights is owned by Infogrames. For more information, see Mindscape, Inc, Ocean Software Ltd and Infogrames. Alchemist Type: G Written by Ian Weatherburn. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: A graphic adventure game where the player takes on the role of an alchemist, and must collect various objects and the four parts of the destruction spell to aid him in his quest to kill the evil warlock. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Movie Type: MCG Written 1986 by Dusko Dimitrijevic and F. David Thorpe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: You move around in an isometric 3D enviroment. ====================================================================== Imperial Software Imperial House, 153 Churchill Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, UK. Clues'o' Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of the Seven Faces Type: TO Written 1985 by Alan McDonald [programming], Peter Galbavy [text] and Zoe Meeson [help] in Machine code. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Published by Artic Computing Ltd. Comments: Above-average quest for hunting down an evil wizard. ====================================================================== I Motion For more information, see Infogrames. ====================================================================== IMS Software Waydor Type: G Written 1984 by David Brown. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: The purpose in Waydor is simply to collect a set of treasures and return them to their proper place. The game is set in a fairly undefined world of villages, castles and rolling hills and there are the obligatory underground labyrinths. A few monsters are thrown in for good measure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ghoulies Type: G Written 1985 by D Whitelock in The Quill (rehacked version with added graphics). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Long ago a wicked monk got up to some very nasty business. The Inquisition tried him but he would not spill the beans. His secret now lies in the ruins of an ancient labyrinth, along with some treasure and a lot of extremely unpleasant psychic manifestations - ghouls, ghosts and all the other things that go bump in the night. The locality is terrorised by such creatures. Your job is to seek out the hidden truth and to survive. ====================================================================== Incentive Binary Illusions Flight of the Amazon Queen Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== Incentive Software Ltd They also made Graphic Adventure Creator and the Freescape games. They changed their name to Superscape in 1991. Homepage: http://www.superscape.com/ Ket Trilogy When these games were released in a single package, they featured on-screen mapping. * 1: Mountains of Ket Type: TO Written 1984 by Richard A. McCormack in Partially written in BASIC.. Runs on: * Amstrad[By S. Lipscomb & T. Walsha, contains graphics] * BBC * Commodore 64 * Dragon * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Your objective is to reach the far side of the Mountains of Ket - hence the title. The game has an abysmal combat system but is otherwise quite enjoyable. A special feature is a small creature called Edgar, which has been implanted in your neck - it will kill you if you try to do something cowardly! * 2: Temple of Vran Type: TO Written 1984 by Richard A. McCormack. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Dragon * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Enter the Temple and kill its evil inhabitants. * 3: The Final Mission Type: TO Written by Richard A. McCormack. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Dragon * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Winter Wonderland Type: DG Written 1986 by Tim Walsha and Simon Lipscomb in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * BBC[BBC B] * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] * Amstrad CPC Notes: More information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Legend of the Apache Gold Type: DG Written 1986 by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] * Amstrad CPC Dragon's Tooth Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Timewise Type: DG Written 1986 by Andrew Pointon. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Karyssia: Queen of Diamonds Type: DG Written 1987 by D. Shacklady and R. Shacklady in GAC. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure C: Ship of Doom (update 2) Type: DG Written 1986 by Sean Ellis in GAC. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: An expanded (and unknown) version on Artic's Ship of Doom. In comparation with the original game, this game has added pictures, and much more locations and events. For more information, see Artic Computing. Freescape Freescape was a 3D system developed by Incentive Software Ltd. They made a series of 3D adventures in it. * Driller Type: 3D Written 1987 by Major Developments (Chris Andrews, Paul Gregory, Stephen Northcott). Runs on: * PC * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A gas preassure buildup threatens to blow up the planet's moon. You are sent to drill holes to release the pressure. * Dark Side Type: 3D Written 1988 by Major Developments (Chris Andrews, Paul Gregory, Stephen Northcott). Runs on: * PC * Spectrum[48K] * Total Eclipse Type: 3D Written 1988 by Major Developments. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A pyramid has been built to destroy anything that blocks the sun and now a toatal eclipse is about to occur. I have seen a cover for a game called "Total Eclipse" with an Incentive logo on it. Is this the same game? That game was on cassette for Spectrum and said "Freescape Solid 3D". Comments: Yes, that's the one! * Total Eclipse 2: Sphinx Jinx Type: 3D Written 1991 by Major Developments. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Comes with Total Eclipse on B side. * Castle Master Type: 3D Written 1990 by Teque Software Development Ltd. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] For more information, see Incentive Software Ltd and Domark Ltd. * Castle Master 2: The Crypt Type: 3D Written 1990 by Teque Software Development Ltd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Only available on Virtual Worlds compilation. ====================================================================== Infocom For more information about Infocom, see the files gameinfo.txt and fact-sheet.txt. In a message dated 1999-02-20 to the rec.games.int-fiction news group, Brian 'Beej' Hall (beej@ecst.csuchico.edu) showed a message from Activision regarding the Infocom games: Brian:I recently purchased Masterpieces of Infocom, and think it's great. (I knew I would.) And I thought it was a great gesture when you guys did Zork: The Undiscovered Underground and released it for free. Furthermore I thought it was great that you released the Zork trilogy for free. See a pattern emerging? I think it would be utterly fantastic if you would release the other Infocom games for free (unsupported) download. You would be making tens of thousands of people very very happy. I would appreciate it if you would forward this memo to the appropriate people. Activition:It probably wouldn't surprise you to know that you are not alone in having these sentiments. While there's no official word on this happening yet, with the lowering prices of these titles, and the increasing pervasiveness of the Internet, none of us would be surprised to see them put those out there. While I can't give you an answer, take heart in knowing that your sentiment has already been conveyed. Thanks again for writing, Justin Mills Activision Customer Support They are distributed by Activision, Inc, Commodore, Softsel and Mastertronic. For more information, see Personal Software, Commodore, Legend, Interplay Productions, First Row Software, Accolade, Cascade Mountain Publishing, A. N. A. L. O. G. Computing, LucasArts and Westwood Studios. The Zork Series The Zork series of games comes originally from the mainframe Zork. This game was then split up into three parts and converted to a commercial product marketed by Personal Software. They only got to the first part before Infocom took over and marketed the games themselves, bringing the series up to three games, in total more or less corresponding to the original mainframe Zork. Later, Infocom also released Beyond Zork and Zork Zero set in the same world but adding some new features (on-screen mapping in Beyond Zork, graphics in Zork Zero). Later, after Activision took over Infocom they began releasing new graphical Zork games. Activision has made the Zork games freely availbale. You can get them here. For more information, see Mainframe adventures. * Zork I: The Great Underground Empire Type: TO Written 1980 by Marc Blank and Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Apricot * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Commodore Plus/4 * CP/M * DECmate * DEC Rainbow * Epson QX-10 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * PC * PDP-9[RT-11] * PDP-10 * PDP-11[RT-11] * Tandy * TI-99/4A * TI Professional * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color * Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz Type: TO Written 1981 by Marc Blank and Dave Lebling. 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 * PC * PDP-9[RT-11] * PDP-10 * PDP-11[RT-11] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color * Zork III: The Dungeon Master Type: TO Written 1982 by Marc Blank and Dave Lebling. 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 * PC * PDP-9[RT-11] * PDP-10 * PDP-11[RT-11] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color Package blurb: An old, oddly youthful man turns toward you slowly. His long, silver hair dances about him as a fresh breeze blows. "You have reached the final test, my friend! You are proved clever and powerful, but this is not yet enough! Seek me when you feel yourself worthy!" ZORK III: THE DUNGEON MASTER draws you into the deepest and most mysterious reaches of the Great Underground Empire. Nothing is as it seems. And the one responsible for the shadow and darkness - the Dungeon Master - embodies the greatest mystery of all. In this test of wisdom and courage, you will face countless dangers. But what awaits you at the culmination of your odyssey is well worth risking all. * Beyond Zork Type: TO (with on-screen map) Written 1987 by Brian Moriarty. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Macintosh * PC * Zork Zero: The Revenge of Megaboz Type: BG Written 1988 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II[128K] * Macintosh * PC The Enchanter Trilogy * Enchanter Type: TO Written 1983 by Marc Blank and Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Apple II * Apricot * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * Osbourne * PC * PDP-9[RT-11] * PDP-10 * PDP-11[RT-11] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color Package blurb: When the wicked power of the Warlock subjugates this land, his magic defenses will recognize all who have attained the Circle of Enchanters. So, to a novice we speak - one yet unproven who has the heart to challenge and the skill to dare. Sealed inside, you will find such wisdom and guidance as we can provide. Stealth, resourcefulness, and courage you must find within yourself. You are the sole hope of this land, young ENCHANTER. * Sorcerer Type: TO Written 1984 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * 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[Model I and III.] Package blurb: A cryptic diary is all that remains in the sanctum of Belboz the necromancer, grand and powerful leader of the guild of enchanters. It is feared that he is in thrall to evil sorcery. If so, the freedom of the land and the very existence of the circle of enchanters could be forfeit. To rescue the kingdom and locate your mentor in the treacherous mists of time, you must gain the powers and cunning of a true SORCERER. * Spellbreaker Type: TO Written 1985 by Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[RT-11] * PDP-10 * PDP-11[RT-11] * TI-99/4A * TRS-80[Model I and 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 and 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 and 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[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color 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 * Amstrad PCW[Distributed by Softsel. Package is 30 x 24 cm.] * 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[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color 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[Model I and III.] * TRS-80 Color 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 * 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.] * TRS-80 Color 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 * Amstrad PCW * 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 * Amstrad PCW * 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[Not sure.] * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- James Clavell's Shogun Type: BG Written 1989 by Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II[128K] * 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[128K] * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arthur: The Quest for Excalibur Type: BG Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II[128K] * Macintosh * PC ====================================================================== Infogrames They were called I Motion at some time. Homepage: http://www.infogrames.fr ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Inheritance Panic in Las Vegas. Type: IG Written 1987 by Gilles Blancon. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] The Vera Cruz Affair Written 1985 by Gilles Blancon and Malcolm J. Herd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] * Commodore 64 * MSX * Amstrad CPC Notes: Available in English, French and German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Erbschaft (The Heritage) Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English). Comments: Is this the same as "The Inheritance"? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Urkunde (The Document) Notes: Available in German (probably also in English). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Voyagers du Temps / Reisende im Wind (Travellers in the Wind) Type: IG 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). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Sidney Affair Written 1987 by Gilles Blancon and Malcolm J. Herd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Probably published in German as "Der Fall Sidney". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Der Fall Sidney Notes: Probably a german version of The Sidney Affair. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest for the Time Bird Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Three Musketeers Type: IG Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Amiga Comments: Essentially a linear story joined by multiple choice options. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murders in Venice Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murders in Space Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Sequel to Murders in Venice. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadow of the Comet Type: MCG Written 1994. Comments: Lovecraft-inspired. Package blurb: Follow the Call of Cthulhu and embark on a terrifying quest to solve the darkest of mysteries. Shadow of the Comet, the first adventure in the call of Cthulhu series, is a labyrinth of unsettling mystery and gripping full screen animation. Set in 1910, the portentous seaside village of Illsmouth is represented by over 100 intricately detailed screens. Players become John T. Carter, a brilliant young astronomer, piecing together the puzzling history of the village and its cryptic inhabitants. Incredibly realistic action and supernatural chaos intertwine to draw players deep into the puzzling mysteries within the Shadow of the Comet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Prisoner of Ice Type: MCG Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Comments: Lovecraft-inspired. Package blurb: Board the H.M.S. Victoria for a voyage to places beyond your wildest imagination! From the icy wastelands of Antarctica, to secret German military camps and Buenos Aires espionage, this supernatural action adventure is sure to pique your obsession with horror and intrigue. You're in charge of your own destiny but beware - the twisted events of your voyage will take you to task at every turn. Take the risk. Teleport yourself across the globe to a Socerer's cave, unleash the secrets of aliens frozen in ice or solve the case of smuggled "Top Secret" cargo. Prepare to face the most chilling adventure on ice. Remember, you're one step ahead of capture, one step behind horror! Alone in the Dark This series was the continuing adventures of "Edward Carnaby" who is a "supernatural private eye" who investigates paranormal happenings. * Alone in the Dark Type: MCG Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Notes: Available in English, Italian, and Spanish. Also includes Jack in the Dark. Package blurb: A chilling 3-D foray into the macabre mansion of Derceto. At the time, Jeremy Hartwood's suicide caused a flurry of headlines but little surprise. After all, the place of death was Derceto, the legendary Louisiana mansion where an evil power was rumored to dwell. So the case was quickly dealt with by the police and soon forgotten by the public. Forgotten, that is, by all but the local antique dealer who hired you to enter Derceto and make a list of all the valuables within. * Alone in the Dark II: Hell's Kitchen Type: MCG Written 1994. Runs on: * PC Notes: Available in English, Italian, and Spanish. Package blurb: You are Edward Carnby, and already journalists have nicknamed you "Supernatural Private Eye." You could go on taking life easy in your comfortable office... But suddenly you receive a call for help from a friend of yours, Ted Striker. Little Grace Suanders, who was kidnapped a few days ago, is almost certainly being held hostage in an old Californian mansion: "Hell's Kitchen." * Alone in the Dark III: Hell's Kitchen Type: MCG Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: Edward Carnby looked up. An eagle was visible as it skimmed the light of the moon. Slaughter Gulch, never had a ghost town been so aptly named! The hot sierra wind blew open the sing door to the old saloon bar... A scream echoed throught he night air... The old Navajo witch doctor was right, Emily Hartwood's life was at risk. A sudden crack... A Winchester being loaded... Carnby drew his six-shooter... Empty! The heel of his boot split into pieces. He had to find cartridges... Quickly! The moon began to cloud over. Carnby rushed out. His shoulder hit against a stone object. The statue of Jed Stone towered above him. He felt the second bullet tear into his back... Slowly, he tumbled into the darkness... Alone, Alone in the Dark. * Alone in the Dark Trilogy Written 1996?. Notes: Contains Alone in the Dark parts 1, 2, and 3. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eternam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack in the Dark ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pilgrim: Faith as a Weapon Written 1998. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Timegate: Knight's Chase Written 1995. Notes: Uses the same game engine as the Alone in the Dark series. ====================================================================== Inrac Corporation The company behind Racter. For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. ====================================================================== Inscape The Dark Eye 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 Is now Interceptor Group. Token of Ghall Type: CG Written 1983 by G. M. Elton [writing] and Richard Paul Jones [production]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: A truly awful game. Package blurb: It was not a night to be abroad. Lighting silhouetted the trees, freezing them momentarily into looming, clutching ghouls -- the wind twisting their grasping limbs and moaning through the grass. The traveller pulled his cloak tighter around him as he sheltered in the lee of an overhanging rock, hunched over a cold, spluttering fire. It was not a night to be abroad. With the night screaming around him, the traveller settled on his haunches and mulled over the old crone's tale. The night before had been much different spent as it was at a roadside tavern. There, for a few coppers he had joined a small company of fellow travellers in a mug of hot wine and a welcome bowl of gruel. One of the travellers, a bent old crone, had no money to pay, but the landlord was loth to turn her away. One of the party called for a story and the old crone gladly obliged in return for her board. They settled around the hearth, their bellies and their pipes full as the old woman began to talk... The traveller shivvered [sic!] as he recalled her story -- then, in a warm room full of companions, merely a tale -- but now, alone on a wild night, not to be taken so lightly. Her story was of a time long past, or was it still to come? The crone would not be certain. It seems that at that time the land through which he was now travelling had been ruled by a great and good king -- Ghall. His rule was just and the land flourished. There came a time when jealous eyes were turned upon his kingdom -- jealous, covetous and evil eyes. From the mountains in the north came the invader -- evil swarms of ill formed beings -- Devils, Demons and cavorting Imps all led by their dark Lord Ctullho. King Ghall and all his forces went against this horde, but mere courage and force of arms were no match for the evil magic of Ctullho and his band. Fighting a desperate rearguard action, Ghall retreated to the caves in the western borders. There he invoked the aid of Ghunlhi -- long dead warrior hero, entombed in the marshes to the east. Together the spirit of Ghunlhi and the hands of Ghall fashioned a Token of mystical aspect and instilled within it all that was good in the land -- the spirit and soul of the kingdom. Ghall then went forth from the caves in order to hide the Token where Ctullho would never find it, and pray that sometime it would be recovered by a warrior with the bravery and cunning to restore it to the kingdom, and vanquish the evil Ctullho. Leaving the caves, Ghall's only daugther was enmeshed in an evil web of magic and imprisoned within the form of an animal. Not long after, Ghall himself was captured, but not before he had safely hidden the Token. Though he was taken to the Castle of Shades and tortured, he never revealed the form or the whereabouts of the Token. To this day, Ctullho keeps his head as a trophy. The old crone had cackled with laughter as she stood and pointed at each one of them in turn, "who will recover the Token? ...will you? ...or you?". Her finger rested on the traveller, "Or you?". The traveller remembered the look in her eyes as they bored into his. Was it the wine that made him stand and shout "Aye!"? If it was, it had now worn off. Here in the wilderness he had come to find a Token he was not sure existed and which he would not recognise if he saw it. Here in the wilderness, amid unknown terrors, he had come, alone. It was not a night to be abroad. Comes the morning, traveller, what will you do? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heroes of Karn Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1983 by Ian Gray, Tony Greer [Spectrum graphics], Chris Cox [music], Richard Paul Jones [production] and David M. Banner in Basic (mostly). Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[1985; 48K; Improved parser and graphics but no music.] 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! Package blurb: In the hall of His Majesty Callastheon, Emperor of the Seven Lands, Lord of Karn, the feasting was over. On fur-draped benches around the roaring fire, the nobles of Karn awaited the entertainers. Daeron the Wise, minstrel of Karn, walked slowly across the hall. Today, Karn was the hub of a rich and mighty empire, but, Callastheon recalled, it had not always been so. For long ago, in the days before the Cyrennic dynasty came to power, the forces of good and evil fought in Karn, and the deeds of that time were still remembered at the Feast of the Midwinter Moon. Daeron entered the firelight, and began his tale -- a tale of deeds great and terrible, of battle and victory, conquest and defeat -- the story of the Heroes of Karn. `Your Majesty, my Lords, citizens of Karn.' `Long ago, in the reign of Beren, last of the Mountain Kings of Karn, there came from the distant north a horde of fell creatures, borne on the wings of Darkness. Dragons there were, and Vampires, and weavers of Enchantment, and nameless things from the deep places of the world. They swept down as a dark gale upon the Halls of the Mountain King, and terrible was the slaughter of men. From the Gates of Karn escaped but those few of greatest might. Four was their number, and these were their names: `Beren the mighty, last king of Karn, master of all birds, swordsman unsurpassed. `Istar the Wise, lore-master of great wisdom and still greater powers of magic. `Haldir the Elf-lord, from the northern woods, greatest of minstrels. `Khadim the Dwarf, carver of stone, of small stature, yet great in renown. `These then were the Heroes of Karn, and mighty they were. Yet not mighty enough, for one by one they fell, captives bound with iron and stone and magic spell. And Darkness fell on the land. Darkness unbroken -- until one day there came to Karn a Stranger, from a strange land where men could fly, and machines could think. And the Stranger went forth into the wilderness, and fought with the Powers of Night, and released the Heroes, and with them removed the Shadow from the land of Karn for ever. Then the Stranger departed, and none know to where. `Nor do any know with certainty how he found the Heroes, for they would not tell. Thus, the tale I now unfold may be fact or legend -- who knows? Only the Stranger -- and he is gone.' The Halls of Callastheon are dust and ruins. Daeron passed long ago to the halls of his ancestors, and even the legend he once told is forgotten. Who knows the true story of the Heroes of Karn? Only the Stranger -- wherever he may be. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jewels of Babylon Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1984 by David M. Banner [writing], Terry Greer [graphics] and Richard Paul Jones [production]. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[1985; 48K] Package blurb: 3000 years ago, before the Christian era, a fabulous treasure was created by master craftsmen in the old city of Babylon. Such was the beauty of this collection, many men died to obtain possession of them. The collection was known as the Jewels of Babylon. At the end of the 19th century the jewels were in English hands. In a great gesture of friendship, Queen Victoria intended to give them as a wedding gift to an Indian Princess. On route from West Africa, the ship carrying the jewels was attacked by pirates who took them and left the crew for dead. You are the sole survivor of the attack. After recovering from your wounds, you vow to reclaim the jewels. After much searching, you have located the pirate base on a remote island. Your objective is to search the island, find the jewels and return with them to your ship. Many dangers await you on the island, be wary. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest at the World's End Type: G Written 1984 by David M. Banner [writing], Terry Greer [graphics], Richard Paul Jones [production] and J.A. Banner. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Rescue the princess from the evil wizard. Package blurb: In the continous battling between the forces of Light and Darkness, the Princess, Mara has been captured by the evil Wizard, Zarn. In a sneak attack on the palace, his henchmen abducted her and have taken her to the Wizard's strong hold, deep within the Forest at World's End. Mara's father, the King, has called upon the forces of Light for assistance. In response to his plea, you, the mightiest of the ancient warriors, have been resurrected. You materialise in the Great Valley at the edge of the terrible Forest from which no one has ever returned alive. Your objective is to locate and rescue the Princess and return, with her, to the Great Valley. Little help can be given as there are no maps in existence, but the forces of Light have sent other messengers to help you. Be wary; the dangers are great. Many foes await you in the Forest at World's End. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- After Shock Type: TO Written 1986 by David M. Banner and Terry Greer. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message from Andromeda Type: G Written 1986 by David M. Banner and J.A. Banner. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum[1984; 48K] 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Asiento Type: G Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum[1984; 48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sword of Kings Type: G Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum[1984; 48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Warlord Written 1985 by David M. Banner and Terry Greer. Runs on: * Spectrum[1984; 48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Zacaron Mystery Type: TO Written 1986 by Ben Hall and Jonathan Nicholson. Runs on: * Spectrum[1984; 48K] Notes: Later re-released by Players Premier Software. ====================================================================== 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 and Amazing Media. Mindshadow Type: DG (a few animations) Written 1984 by Bill Heineman. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit[Disk] * Atari ST * Commodore 64[Disk] * Macintosh * PC * PCjr * Spectrum[1985; 48K] Notes: The user interface is similar to the early Legend released - a picture window, lists of nouns and verbs, and a window for reading and entering text. It also features a compass rose. This was sold in at least three different packages: a 8.5" x 9" flat folder, a 5.5" x 7.5" x 1.25" box, and a plastic case. 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 Notes: It has the same split-screen format used by the early On-Line Systems games and the SAGAs - graphics taking most of the screen, a few lines at the bottom for text input. It was packaged in a 5.5" x 7.5" x 1.25" box, similar to the one Mindshadow came in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Commodore 128 * Macintosh * PC * PCjr * Tandy Notes: The user interface is like the early Legend games - a picture window, lists of nouns and verbs, and a window for reading and entering text. Common commands could be entered with icons. Should be possible to finish without the documentation. It was packaged in a flat folder, 8.5" x 9". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[Not sure.] * PC Notes: Includes four-page tabloid newspaper. It has a split-screen interface with pictures and text entry. Common commands could also be entered with icons. Can be finished without the documentation. It was packaged in a 7" x 9" x 1" box. 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Of Light and Darkness: The Prophecy Type: PNC Written 1998. Runs on: * PC Comments: Very myst like adventure that you really never understand. Based on the works of an artist. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Voyeur Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Comments: Game in which you are looking into a large house through the windows. You must record vital information about a mystery unfolding inside and call the police before anyone dies. ====================================================================== Interstel Earthrise Type: G Written 1992. Runs on: * PC Comments: A science fiction adventure made in the same style as the early Sierra games (King's Quest I, Space Quest I). It had a very dated graphical and text interface that was very inferior at the time of release. Good solid game though that put you on an Asteroid that was hurtling toward earth. ====================================================================== IntraCorp Murder on the Atlantic Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== JJK Research Limited Later became Thunderteam. They are now owned by ThunderWare Research Center. Key Fighter Type: TO Written 1984 by Jeroen Kwast. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Dutch. ====================================================================== Jor-And Secret Agent Type: BG 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 Historias de Medialand Type: DG Written 1987 by Javier San Jose. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish ====================================================================== Kayde Software They may have been a branch of Kayde Electronic Services Ltd. Leopard Lord Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Terror from the Deep Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Swamp Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Kelsoft Kelsoft also developed a package of user overlays for Gilsoft's Professional Adventure Writer. Escape into Space Type: TO Written 1987 by G.T. Kellett in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Meteorite Strike Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Kenema Hell's Temple 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 Homepage: http://www.lankhor.com/ 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 Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST Notes: This might be available in French only. ====================================================================== 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. Wychwood Written by Geoff Larsen. Runs on: * BBC Comments: In Wychwood you play a recently-released convict who is trying to obtain the "loot" that he stashed years ago, before he was incarcerated. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Rising of Salandra Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Nine Dancers Written by Geoff Larsen. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Based on legends of standing stones, particularly the Rollright Stones. ====================================================================== LBS Victor Loomes Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Promotional detective game. ====================================================================== Legend May have been a label of Microl. Valhalla Type: MCG Written 1983 by Movisoft (Richard Edwards, Graham Asher, Charles Goodwin, Andrew Owen) in Basic (mostly). Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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 Software Les Portes du Temps Written 1988 by Jerome Legrux [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: In French. Comments: We were all people from the same town working on this game. The older ones decided to create their own company (Legend Software) because they finally didn't want to be released by UBI Soft (unlike their first game). Maybe the distribution would have been better then! For sure I always wanted to become part of a demo group, I surely didn't realise I was part of a full project straight ahead (that is more than any big demo!) ====================================================================== Legend Entertainment Company Legend Entertainment Company was started in 1989 by Bob Bates and Mike Verdu and is located in northern Virginia, USA. Their early games were illustrated text adventures. In 1993, they broke from the text tradition with Companions of Xanth which was their first game to feature a point-and-click interface. Since around 1993-1994 they have used different distributors for each game. If nothing else is noted below, they have distributed the game themselves. In spite of their relative success up to fall 1995, they decided to stop publishing games themselves but instead focus on doing development work for other companies. Homepage: http://www.legendent.com/ They are distributed by MicroProse, Accolade and Mindscape, Inc. Spellcasting 101: Sorcerers Get All the Girls Type: BG (can play text-only) Written 1990 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * PC Notes: The games comes on six 3.5" disks and contains an errata card, a Class of '41 orientation guide, man, and a Sorcerer University registration form. There was a hint book available separately for this game. Package blurb: Sorcerer University Dangerously Close to a Real Education So you want to be a sorcerer, eh? Want to wave that wand of yours in front of beautiful women and watch 'em swoon, don't you? Well, you're definitely going to need magic. And Sorcerer University is the place to get it. Sorcerer U. offers everything an apprentice wizard needs to make it big in the real world. Social Clubs. Join the famous Tappa Kegga Bru or I Phelta Thi fraternities. Make friendships that last the rest of your life, whether you want them to or not. Attend fun-filled frat parties where the brew is cold, but the women aren't. Interesting People. Sorcerer University is famous for its friendly and robust student body (quite a few of them, actually) eager to help freshmen find their way around and get the most out of those late night cramming sessions. Field Trips. Visit the most fascinating places in Peloria, from the Island of Horny Women to the Island Where Time Runs Backwards to the Restaurant at the End of the Ocean. No, you can't skip right to the Island of Horny Women. Intellectual Challenge. Learn the art of sorcery from the masters themselves. Refine your skills in the Simulation Lab, where you'll challenge a ferocious dragon and rescue an imprisoned damsel. Of course, which skills you choose to refine is entirely up to you. Adventure. You've got a mission to accomplish, and it's not some cheapo, Find-The-Missing-Magic Sword quest, either. We're talking END OF THE WORLD-type stuff, here --- and if you blow it, you can forget that frat party next week. Sorcerers Get All The Girls can be played in either "naughty" or "nice" mode. With its obvious satirical content, the game is intended for the amusement of adults, or at least those old enough to see an R-rated movie (or sneak into one). It contains language and a general moral attitude that may offend some. It is recommended that these people buy the game, and then throw it away as a form of protest. Award-winning game designer Steve Meretzky's latest graphic adventure contains the same wicked sense of humor, devilish puzzles and bawdy satire found in his other works, notably The Hitch-hiker's Guide To The Galaxy, Leather Goddesses of Phobos, Planetfall and Zork Zero. Steve profoundly apologizes and promises never to do it again. Honest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Timequest Type: BG Written 1991 by Bob Bates. Runs on: * PC Notes: The package contains at least disks (5 1/4"), registration card, and a product catalog. 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. Timequest demands you save the world, ten times over. Time travel used intelligently, puzzles that don't feel like puzzles, and an actual villain you can loathe (unlike, say, the Thief). It's open-ended almost to a fault, while still maintaining an urgent pace throughout the game. Although it doesn't aspire to the literary qualities of Trinity or A Mind Forever Voyaging, the text still succeeds in evoking people, places, and times far different from the norm. Timequest is a game I am truly saddened to finish every time I play it, compared to the satisfaction at victory, or the relief to be done that I feel upon completing most text adventures. I can't recommend it highly enough. Package blurb: EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO 3,000 YEARS OF HISTORY REPORTED ON FOUR CONTINENTS -- REPORT FOR DUTY IMMEDIATELY. The unthinkable has happened -- a renegade from the Temporal Corps has traveled back in time and altered critical events in history. Only you can prevent this madman from shattering the timestream and destroying current civilization. Your mission will take you to four continents and across three thousand years -- from Stonehenge, the Circus Maximum and the Hanging Gardens in Babylon; to the Aztec Temple of the Sun, the Great Wall of China and the Great Pyramid on Cheops. You will face mystery, intrigue, danger and death as you untangle the masterful web of deceipt. The villain's targets include Julius Caesar, Attila the Hun, Charlemagne, Harun al-Rashid, Genghis Khan, Montezuma, Napoleon Bonaparte and many others. Your orders are to repair the timestream, track this criminal down, and bring him to justice. Good luck. TIMEQUEST is a classic adventure game of breathtaking scope and astonishing depth. The player travels to 80 locations, seeing the effects of his actions unfold over 3 millennia. A treat for science-fiction fans and adventure enthusiasts alike, TIMEQUEST includes classic time-travel puzzles and these Legend features: Superb musical score featuring Roland and AdLib support digitized sound effects unique Legend screen design with pushbutton options menu driven parser ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spellcasting 201: The Sorcerer's Appliance Type: BG (can play text-only) Written 1991 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * PC Notes: The game comes on five 3.5" disks and a manual, Beginning Moonhood, and a Sorcerer University registration form. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederik Pohl's Gateway Type: BG Written 1992 by Mike Verdu, Michael Lindner and Glen Dahlgren. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spellcasting 301: Spring Break Type: BG (can play text-only) Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * PC Comments: It's spring break of Ernie Eaglebeak's junior year, and this time he's battling a rival fraternity for control of the beach at Fort Naughtytail. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eric the Unready Type: BG Written 1993 by Bob Bates. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: "I laughed till my pants fell down!" -- Larry Laffner "More fun than a barrel of monkeys!" -- Guywood Threepbrush Eric the Unready established his reputation by impaling his instructor during jousting class. Then, when Princess Lorealle the Worthy is kidnapped, Eric begins a madcap quest through this hilarious fantasy world packed with dragons and dwarves, wizards, unicorns and the most fearsome beasts of all, the dreaded Attack Turtles. From the mysterious caverns of the Not So Great Underground Empire to the perilous waters of Swamp Trek, Eric cuts a swath of destruction as he unravels the secret of the wicked Queen Morgana and her lover Sir Pectoral. Every player will find at least one favorite movie, TV show or adventure game that has been struck by Bob Bates's pen! From the award-winning author of TIMEQUEST. New menu-driven system for conversing with characters. Intriguing mix of interfaces creates a constantly changing graphical scene. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gateway II: Homeworld Type: BG Written 1993 by Mike Verdu and Glen Dahlgren. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: Five hundred thousand years ago, a technologically advanced race called the Heechee ruled the galaxy. Then they vanished. San Francisco 2112 A.D. A fanatic cult of terrorists plans to bring the Heechee's ancient enemy to Earth and purify humanity in a bath of cleansing fire. You must stop them, but you can't do it alone. The race to stop these madmen catapults you on a journey to new worlds and new adventures and ultimately across the event horizon of a black hole where you discover mankind's last remaining hope for survival -- the Heechee Homeworld. Based on Frederik Pohl's Hugo and Nebula award-winning Heechee Saga. Meet the Heechee face to face. Hold conversations via new intelligent dialogue system, operate alien technology, pilot a starship! Experience the chilling reality of 22nd century Earth Battle murderous robots, carnivorous dinosaurs and spear-carrying humanoids Rescue a prospector marooned in a robot-controlled Heechee starship Escape a frozen planet where crystaline beings metabolize electricity Cross the event horizon of a black hole and explore the Heechee planets hidden in the core ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spellcasting Party Pak Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Notes: My guess is that this is a compilation of the three Spellcasting games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Companions of Xanth Type: PNC Written 1993 by Mike Lindner. Runs on: * PC Notes: Based on the Xanth book series by Piers Anthony. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Gate Type: PNC Written 1994. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: Long ago after centuries of war, the Sartan race smashed the World Seal and sundered the Earth into separate magical realms, each sealed from the other by the powerful Death Gate. In isolation, magic was corrupted, knowledge lost and the common humanity that once bound the world was forgotten. The defeated Patryns, trapped in the nightmarish prison realm of the Labyrinth, became twisted with hatred and plotted their revenge. Born in this savage and unforgiving land, you escape and undertake a new quest to find the pieces of the World Seal, wreak revenge upon the Sartan and deliver your people from the daily torment of their living hell. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Critical Type: PNC/VIDEO Written 1995 by Mike Verdu. Runs on: * PC 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 Type: PNC/VIDEO Written 1995 by Lori Cole and Corey Cole. Runs on: * PC Notes: Distributed by Randomsoft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Control 3 Type: PNC Written 1996 by Michael Lindner and Daniel Greenberg. Runs on: * PC Notes: Distributed by Accolade. This game sold more than 80.000 copies during the first sixty days it was released. This is termed "strategy/adventure/arcade hybrid" on Legend's own web pages. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Callahan's Crosstime Saloon Type: PNC Written 1997 by Josh Mandel. Runs on: * PC Notes: Published by Take Two, distributed by Mindscape, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Adventures Written 1997. Runs on: * PC 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. Much of the information on this page is a condensation of the Level9_Facts.txt file v1.1 1999-01-25 by Miron Schmidt and Manuel Schulz. Apparently, Level 9 is still alive (as of 1997), at least as a cover for one of the Austins when doing freelance work. Level9 nearly did an official Dr Who game but the restrictions "Dr can't die, Dr cant kill anyone, have to license the monsters from the authors of that show etc" killed the project. They are distributed by Rainbird Software Ltd, Mosaic Publishing and Datasoft, Inc. The Middle-Earth Trilogy / The Jewels of Darkness The series was originally titled The Middle-Earth Trilogy but was later renamed The Jewels of Darkness. According to some reports, this was because of conflicts with the Tolkien estate. A compilation of these three games was released in a single box 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. At least the Amstrad version was distributed by Rainbird. * Colossal Adventure Type: TO/DG Written 1983 by Mike Austin, Nick Austin and Pete Austin. Runs on: * Amiga[Drawn graphics; 1986] * Amstrad CPC[Text only] * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Enterprise * Memotech MTX[Text only] * MSX * NASCOM[Text only] * Oric-1[Text only] * PC[MS-DOS] * Spectrum[Text only/Drawn graphics; 48K; Different versions for 48K and 128K. The Jewels of Darkness version came in 1988.] Notes: This was an expanded version of the original Adventure by Will Crowther and Don Woods. The modifications are mostly an enlarged master endgame and a more detailed outside world. In the early versions there was no mention of it being the first part of a trilogy. There seems to be a bug in the Amiga version, in the two-pit room, making the game impossible to solve. * Adventure Quest Type: TO/DG Written 1983 by Mike Austin, Nick Austin and Pete Austin. Runs on: * Amiga[Drawn graphics; 1986] * Amstrad CPC[Text only] * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Enterprise * Lynx[48K] * Memotech MTX[Text only] * MSX * NASCOM[Text only] * Oric-1[Text only] * PC[MS-DOS] * Spectrum[Text only/Drawn graphics; 1986; 48K; Different versions for 48K and 128K. The Jewels of Darkness version came in 1986.] Comments: This is mainly a collection of puzzles which don't always make sense in the context. Package blurb: Explore Middle Earth, finding and following the hidden paths leading to the Dark Tower. Umpteen obstacles bar the way, but we have faith in your skill! This massive, pure-text adventure has over 200 locations and a wealth of puzzles. Middle Earth has long been a tranquil and peaceful place. The battles against the Dark Lord are ancient history, and no dragon has been seen since the sack of Esgaroth. Even the last elves sailed for the West centuries ago, after the rescue of their fellows from the dungeons below Colossal Cavern. But disaster struck. A vast army of orcs swept down from the north, crushing all in their path, and they now besiege the last brave defenders in Minas Tirith. All seems hopeless. Then, to your amazement, you are summoned by the Wizards High Council. "The Orcs are servants of the Demon Lord, AGLIAREPT, who has taken up residence in the Dark Tower on the edge of the world. From safety he controls our enemies. Perhaps one brave hero, acting alone, could sneak into the tower and defeat him. I don't think you've a ghost of a chance, but the King insists we do something. Will you volunteer?" Naturally you refuse. But no one listens. Good luck! * Dungeon Adventure Type: TO/DG Written 1984 by Mike Austin, Nick Austin and Pete Austin. Runs on: * Amiga[Drawn graphics; 1986] * Amstrad CPC[Text only] * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Enterprise * Memotech MTX[Text only] * MSX * NASCOM[Text only] * Oric-1[Text only] * PC[MS-DOS] * Spectrum[Text only/Drawn graphics; 48K; Different versions for 48K and 128K. The Jewels of Darkness version came in 1986.] Comments: A strange dungeon-crawl and treasure-hunt adventure. It introduces a magic system that was in part derived from the one introduced in the role-playing game D & D. The Silicon Dreams Trilogy The trilogy was released in 1986, although the games had been available separately before that. Early advertising calls the series "Silicon Dream" without the "s". All the games in the series center arount Kim Kimberly, legendary secret agent and space navigator. At least the Amstrad version was distributed by Rainbird. * Snowball Type: TO/DG Written 1983 by Mike Austin, Nick Austin, Pete Austin and Ian Buxton [Additional expertise]. Runs on: * Amiga[Drawn graphics] * Amstrad CPC[Text only] * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64[Text only] * Enterprise * Lynx[Text only] * Memotech MTX[Text only] * MSX * NASCOM[Text only] * Oric-1[Text only] * PC * Spectrum[Text only; 48K; The Silicon Dreams version came in 1986.] Notes: I don't think this was meant to be part one of a trilogy from the start. Snowball had more than 7000 rooms, but 6800 of them were part of a color-coded maze. Comments: You must stop the space ship Snowball, carrying thousands of colonists, from crashing into its destination planet Eden. * Return to Eden Type: TO/DG Written 1984 by Nick Austin, Chris Queen and Tim Noyce [pictures]. Runs on: * Amiga[Drawn graphics] * Amstrad CPC[Text only] * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only] * Commodore 64[Drawn graphics] * Enterprise * Lynx[Text only] * Memotech MTX[Text only] * MSX * NASCOM[Text only] * Oric-1[Text only] * PC * Spectrum[Drawn graphics; 48K; The Silicon Dreams version came in 1986.] Notes: Contained about 220 locations. Comments: After approaching Eden, you have to escape to the city of Enoch before certain imprisonment due to false accusations. * The Worm in Paradise Type: TO/DG Written 1985 by Mike Austin, Nick Austin, Pete Austin and James Horsler [pictures]. Runs on: * Amiga[Drawn graphics] * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only/Drawn graphics] * Atari ST * BBC * Commodore 64[Drawn graphics] * Enterprise * MSX * PC * Spectrum[Drawn graphics; 48K; The Silicon Dreams version came in 1985.] Comments: Yet a couple of years later, Kim Kimberley has become a legend on Eden. The player sets out to uncover the government's dark secrets. This game features lots of political statements. Package blurb: A science fiction adventure in 25th Century Eden, with 200+ pictures on everything but the BBC. You may never bite another apple! The Worm in Paradise concludes the Silicon Dream Trilogy, following the award-winning Snowball and Return to Eden (though you don't need to have played these). It's your last chance to give an arm and a leg for an inflatable Kim Kimberley. The robot megapolis of Enoch may be a paradise for the silent majority, but it's a real challenge for those with higher ambitions. Especially if, with your faithful Dagget wrapped round your leg, you intend to save the world. The Time and Magik Trilogy These games weren't originally planned as a trilogy, but they all center around "magik" and magical events. * Lords of Time Type: DG/TO Written 1983 by Sue Gazzard and Ian Buxton [Additional expertise]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC[Text only] * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC[Text only/Bitmap graphics; Master 128 and disk drive needed for graphical version] * Commodore 64 * Enterprise * Lynx[Text only] * Memotech MTX[Text only] * MSX * NASCOM[Text only] * Oric-1[Text only] * PC * Spectrum[1987; 48K; The Time and Magik version came in 1988.] Notes: The first Level 9 game not designed by the Austins. It was initially to be published as "Timelords." Comments: Time-travelling through the distant past, you collect a number of items to defeat the evil Lords of Time. Package blurb: Travel through world history, seeking items to avert the evil future planned by the Timelords. Shed light on the Dark Ages, go romin' with Caesar's legions etc. etc. This massive, pure-text adventure has over 200 locations and lots of puzzles. Into the cauldron you must throw --- an olive branch, makes friendship grow. A dragon's wing, a sign of flight, An ivory tusk, a sign of might. Mix in the teardrop, a touch of sadness, and the evil eye, a sign of badness. Add a dinosaur egg, a sign of birth, with the jester's cap, a symbol of mirth, plus the silicon chip, a vital invention, and the golden buckle, a bone of contention. If you do this, before time runs out, a winner you'll be --- there is no doubt. But take care when you find the lords, or you'll not gain your just rewards, your quest will all have been in vain, and you will have to start again. * Red Moon Type: DG Written 1985 by David Williamson [design], Simon Aspinall [implementation], Pete Austin [design and implementation] and James Horsler [pictures]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Drawn graphics] * BBC[Text only/Bitmap graphics; Only BBC Master 128 had graphics.] * Commodore 64 * Enterprise * MSX * PC * Spectrum[48K; The Time and Magik version came in 1988.] Comments: The Red Moon crystal has to be retrieved. * The Price of Magik Type: DG Written 1986 by Pete Austin [design], Nick Austin [implementation], Mike Austin [implementation], David Williamson [original idea] and James Horsler [pictures]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Drawn graphics] * BBC[Text only/Bitmap graphics; Only BBC Master 128 had graphics.] * Commodore 64 * Enterprise * MSX * PC * Spectrum[48K; The Time and Magik version came in 1988.] Notes: There were three different versions available for the Spectrum: A text-only version, a graphic version with reduced text, and a Spectrum 128K version with full text and graphics. Package blurb: The House of the Red Moon is a weird place, haunted by arcane powers from the mythical past. It is the only place where one might rise from Sorcerer's Apprentice to powerful Wizard, yet cheat the Price of Magik. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Emerald Isle Type: DG Written 1984 by Shaun D. Abbott [design] and James Horsler [pictures]. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * BBC * Commodore 64 * Enterprise * Memotech MTX * MSX * Spectrum[1985] Notes: At some point, this game was meant to be the first in the same trilogy as Red Moon and The Price of Magik. Comments: Stranded on an island, the protagonist finds a lost civilisation. Package blurb: Emerald Isle lies in the Bermuda Triangle, hidden by fogs and treacherous waters and peopled by the remnants of a strange civilisation. This is a massive adventure and, if you read the gold label, you'll probably find this version has over 200 pictures! You play the part of an aircraft pilot, employed to ferry urgent 'documents' around the Carribean. Fierce winds seize the 'plane over the Bermuda Triangle and hurl it to destruction; you escape by parachute at the last moment. As you float down towards an island below, you recognise the coastline from an old map. It is the lonely atoll, "Emerald Isle", which few people visit and from which none return. It is said that only one person may leave -- the ruler of the land -- and that each visitor is tested. Success promotes you to King or Queen, failure promotes you to the next life. Explore peculiar towns, meet peculiar people, learn the peculiar purpose of the 'letters' and travel on a railway which is simplicity itself compared to BR's peculiar fare system. Don't be too afraid of the dark, and watch out for the spider! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Saga of Erik the Viking Type: DG Written 1984 by Pete Austin [game design and programming] and Joan Lamb [graphics]. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * BBC * Commodore 64 * Enterprise[Not sure.] * Spectrum[1985] 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 was distributed by Mosaic Publishing. Package blurb: Travel, as Erik the Viking, in search of the evil Dogfighters who have kidnapped your family. Explore authentic Viking settlements and seek help from Wizards, Dragons and Giants in strange lands. This exciting adventure game is fully illustrated with colourful graphics. For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 Type: DG/CHOICE Written 1985 by Pete Austin [programming] and James Horsler [graphics]. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[In four parts.] Notes: Divided into four parts. Based on the children's book of the same title by Sue Townsend. This was distributed by Mosaic Publishing. Package blurb: I learned today that I am to be the subject of a computer game. The object of the game is to make me popular with everyone, which sounds dead brilliant. Apparently they've written an enormous programme containing 200 kilos of text, which Branbox Henderson says is a lot. Now everyone else can have a go at coping with all the problems that beset me over an entire year of my life. It's an illustrated text game, which means you have artistic pictures to look at while you ponder about what to do next. So have a go, and see what it's like being a budding intellectual and poet who has to cope with my family, friends and the dog. Then you'll know what I have to put up with. Ha! Ha! Ha! For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Archers Type: G/CHOICE Written 1986 by Pete Austin and Joan Lamb [pictures]. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[1987] Notes: Based on the British soap opera of the same name. The dialog was scripted by the real Archers scriptwriters in collaboration with Level 9 Computing. This was distributed by Mosaic Publishing. Comments: Your goal is to write scripts to keep the audience ratings for the Archers soap opera up. For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole Type: DG/CHOICE Written 1987 by Pete Austin and Joan Lamb [pictures]. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Based on a children's book by Sue Townsend. This was distributed by Mosaic Publishing. Package blurb: Welcome to the world of Adrian Mole, as seen through the pages of his diary. The aim of the game is to make Adrian as popular as possible with everyone. Adrian's life is a succession of decisions which you make on his behalf, by answering multiple choice questions. Adrian is already an intellectual (or so he tells us), but trying to make him popular as well is not as easy as it seems. So good luck!!! For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. Ingrid series * Gnome Ranger Type: BG Written 1987 by Pete Austin [written] and Peter McBride [gnomish]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Atari ST * MSX * BBC[Master 128 and disk drive needed.] * Commodore 64[Text only] * Spectrum[128K; In three parts.] Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: The game follows Ingrid the Gnome through various adventures. * Gnome Ranger II: Ingrid's Back Type: BG Written 1988 by Pete Austin [game design], Graham Jones [game programming and text], Peter McBride [game text polishing], Dicon Peeke [graphics], Mike Austin [additional programming], Nick Austin [additional programming], John Jones-Steele [additional programming] and Mike Bryant [additional programming]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Atari ST * BBC[Master 128 and disk drive needed.] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[48K; In three parts.] Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: Ingrid the Gnome has to save her village from an evil real estate guy. * Gnome Ranger III: Gnome Free Notes: This game was never programmed and released, even though it was all written and designed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Knight Orc Type: BG Written 1987 by Pete Austin. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * BBC * Commodore 64 * MSX[Text only] * Spectrum[48K; In three parts.] * 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. In the third part, the player is in for a surprise. Package blurb: Knight Orc is Level 9's most innovative and fun-packed adventure to date. Set in three parts, it casts you as an oppressed orc in a magical world where all is not as it first seems. For generations humans have been persecuting orcs, and now it's time to get your own back. Knight Orc is a challenging game which is truly interactive. Each character leads its own life in the game, and their actions can affect you and the outcome of the adventure. Communications with other characters, learning spells and solving puzzles are all a vital part of the game if you are to escape the mystical world and take revenge on humankind. The graphics are marvellous -- bright, detailed, and a totally new style from that of previous adventures. KNIGHT ORC FEATURES: Character Interaction: The ability to communicate with and give commands to other characters. You will need to co-ordinate a band of five creatures to complete your quest. The characters each lead independent lives, separately within the game, in search of their own goals. High level commands, e.g. move straight to a named place or follow a named character. Superb quality colour illustrations. New improved language interpreter with multiple command sentences and huge 1000 word vocabulary. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lancelot Type: BG Written 1988 by Christina Erskin [story and final game text], Joan Lamb [pictures], Neil Scrimgeour [pictures], Dicken Peeke [pictures], Nusarath Jahan [pictures], Mike Austin [system], Nick Austin [system], John Jones-Steele [system] and Mike Bryant [system]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit[Text only] * Atari ST * BBC[Text only/Bitmap graphics; Needed extra 'sideways' RAM. Only BBC Master 128 had graphics, and could scroll the graphics window up and down off the screen to read more of the text.] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[Text only; 48K; In three parts, different versions for 48K and 128K.] 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 CPC * Amstrad PCW * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * BBC * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[128K; In three parts.] Notes: Divided into three parts. It was originally announced as "Spook". 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 solve his final case and revenge his own death. Package blurb: It's not easy being a ghost; betrayed to a criminal gang and falsely blamed for your own death when they escape with a hostage. Reincarnated in your old haunts, you have just three nights to clear your name. But with your detective skills and new psychic powers, a spirited revenge is a dead cert. The gangsters haven't the ghost of a chance! Spaceghost uses the full power of Level 9's adventure system, with its unique "racetracks" and: hand-drawn pictures on disc; advanced English parser, including go/run to, find, follow etc; true multi-person puzzles, requiring cooperation. ====================================================================== Lifestyle Sanctuary Type: G 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 Thief: The Dark Project Written 1998. Comments: You are hired to steal a valuable jewel but get draged into something larger... ====================================================================== Lothlorien Time Sanctuary ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stolen Lamp Type: G Runs on: * BBC * Electron[Mode 5 graphics] 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 located on PO Box 10307, San Rafael, CA 94912, USA. Homepage: http://www.lucasarts.com/ 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 * Nintendo 8-bit * PC Notes: Also available in German and French. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Maniac Mansion (enhanced version) Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Runs on: * PC Notes: This has enhanced graphics and a different opening song. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 and French. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (enhanced version) Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Type: G/MUSIC Written 1989. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC[Exists both in EGA and VGA versions.] Notes: Based on the movie. Also available in German and French. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loom Type: G/MUSIC Written 1990 by Brian Moriarty and Marc Ferrari. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC Notes: Also available in German. In the CD version some close-up pictures have been removed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loom (CD version) Notes: This basically the same game as the above, except for better graphics and full speech. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Secret of Monkey Island Type: G/MUSIC Written 1990 by Ron Gilbert. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC Notes: Also available in German. This is available both in EGA and VGA versions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1991 by Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman. Runs on: * Amiga * PC * Macintosh Notes: Also available in German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis Type: IG/MUSIC Written 1992 by Hal Barwood. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC Notes: Also available in German and French. There were published four Dark Horse comic magazines based on the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Maniac Mansion 2: Day of the Tentacle Type: G/MUSIC Written 1993 by Tim Schafer [design] and Dave Grossman [design]. Runs on: * PC * Macintosh Notes: Also available in German. This is available both in a disk version and a CD version with speech. Comments: When playing this game, you come to a computer where you can play Maniac Mansion 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sam & Max: Hit the Road Written 1993 by Brian Moriarty. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Also available in German and French. Based on the comic by Steve Purcell. This came out both in a 3.5" disk version (seven disks) and a CD version with speech. The CD version also contains five audio tracks and a demo of the game Rebel Assault. Comments: Dog and Bunny must find missing abominable snowman across the USA. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Throttle Written 1994 by Tim Schafer [design]. 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dig Type: PNC Written 1995 by Stephen Spielberg [Original idea], Brian Moriarty [First, non-released version] and Sean Clark. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Uses a newly-developed point-and-click interface. This is available in at least three different packaging versions: (1) The game on one CD, manual, a reference card, and an audio CD with soundtrack; (2) the game on one CD, manual, a reference card; (3) the game on one CD, manual, a reference card, the novel "The Dig" by Alan Dean Foster (300 pages), and one CD with Full Throttle and a 3-level special edition of Dark Forces. The game was originally designed by Brian Moriarty but it was never released that way. Instead it went through three complete rewrites. The version that was finally published was designed by Sean Clark. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Curse of Monkey Island Type: G Written 1997 by Jonathan Ackley [design] and Larry Ahern [design]. Runs on: * PC Notes: Also available in French. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grim Fandango Type: MCG/PNC Written 1998 by Tim Schafer [design]. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indiana Jones III: The Quest for the Holy Grail Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh Notes: There were some arcade sequences at the end like dodging a bladed wheel. Comments: The plot centered on finding the holy grail and rescuing his father with it after doctor Jones senior had been shot. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoda Stories Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LucasArts Classic Adventures Notes: Contains Loom, The Secret of Monkey Island, Indiana Jones and the fate of Atlantis, Manic Mansion, Zak McKraken ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LucasArts CD 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 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Monkey Madness Notes: This is a collection CD with Monkey Island 1 (with slightly improved sound and graphics and using the interface and interpreter from Monkey 2. It also has with background music coming from some audio tracks on the CD), Monkey Island 2, and Monkey Island 3 Demo. ====================================================================== Lumpsoft They were based in Leeds, England. The Key to Time Type: TO Written 1984 by Sentient Software Ltd in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on Dr. Who. Comments: Dr Who has to find the various pieces of the key to time. Its basically several small treasure hunts chained together and interlinked. It was a very well executed game. It wasn't an official Dr Who game. In fact it avoided mentioning any of the "BBC owned" words/names most elegantly. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Malice in Wonderland Type: TO Written 1985 by Sentient Software Ltd in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Casts you loosely as Steed, from The Avengers. Your aim is to uncover the murderer of a high ranking diplomat at the embassy of an unpronounceable Central European country. ====================================================================== MacBrayne, Jim There was also a third game published, but I don't have the title for it. The Mission Type: TO Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Contained lots of text and was very difficult. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Holy Grail Type: TO Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Contained lots of text and was very difficult. ====================================================================== Macmillan Software Ltd Also published books and eductional software. 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). * Journey to the Center of the Earth Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett in Basic. Runs on: * TRS-80 * House of the Seven Gables Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett in Basic. Runs on: * TRS-80 * Voyage to Atlantis (aka Atlantis) Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett in Basic. Runs on: * TRS-80 * Sorcerer's Castle Type: TO Written 1979 by Greg Hassett in Basic. Runs on: * Apple II * TRS-80 * King Tut's Tomb Type: TO Written 1979 by Greg Hassett in Basic. Runs on: * Apple II * TRS-80 * Enchanted Island Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett in Basic. Runs on: * TRS-80 Assembler adventures These games were written in assembler on the TRS-80. * Mystery Mansion Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett. Runs on: * TRS-80 * Devil's Palace Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett. Runs on: * TRS-80 * Curse of the Sasquatch Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett. Runs on: * TRS-80 * World's Edge Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett. Runs on: * TRS-80 * Enchanted Island Plus Type: TO Written between 1978 and 1981 by Greg Hassett. Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: This is a re-write in assembler of his Enchanted Island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Disk SP2 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 parser, game engine and database format used was designed by Anita Sinclair and Ken Gordon. Since 1990 (Wonderland), they are using a new GUI called Magnetic Windows. They have also been involved in designing an RPG called The Legacy: Realm of Terror. I have been told that some of their games were available for the Amstrad PCW, but I don't know what titles. Homepage: http://www.magneticscrolls.com/ Email: ken@mscrolls.demon.co.uk. They are distributed by Rainbird Software Ltd, 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 * Amstrad PCW * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST[Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 128[Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64[Bitmap graphics] * Macintosh * PC[Bitmap graphics; Could be played in either text or graphic mode] * Sinclair QL[Text only] * Spectrum[Text only; 128K] 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 * Amstrad PCW * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Spectrum[Text only; 1988; Disk for +3.] Package blurb: Why Buy This Game When You Could Steal It? Except you can't. Not yet. An amateur like you? Come off it! Now, if you were a fully paid-up member of the notorious Guild of Thieves, things would be different... Mind you, it's not easy. You might find yourself ditched on a remote jetty by the Guildmaster. You might find that the Guild expects you to ransack a well guarded mansion. To go grave-robbing, Potholing. Or maybe -- if they're really doubtful of your abilities -- everything at once! No problem, really, in a country full of helpful natives and friendly wildlife. Trouble is, you're not in a country like that! You're in Kerovnia. If you've played The Pawn, you'll remember Kerovnia. Except that the place seems to have gone downhill since then... But you'll find that out for yourself soon enough. And just one final hint; don't try any funny stuff. The Guildmaster has seen it all before. So has the Gatekeeper. So has the... Buy why should we give you any hints? Guild of Thieves, from Magnetic Scrolls, the people who wrote The Pawn, winners of numerous major awards. Graphic illustrations to blow your socks off. Puzzles to blow your brains out. Frankly, we doubt that you're up to it... Buy This Game Or We'll Steal Your Computer! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jinxter Type: BG Written 1987 by Georgina Sinclair [story], Anita Sinclair [programming] and Michael Bywater. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST[Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Spectrum[Text only; 1988; Disk for +3.] Package blurb: JUST WHEN A MAN THINKS HIS LUCKS IS RUNNING OUT... ...things start getting even worse. He gets run over by a bus. Sprayed with cheese sandwich by a supernatural being. Smashed against a tunnel by a speeding train. He falls from two thousand feet into an artificial waterfall. He gets drunk, drowned and cursed. He gets incinerated, widdled on, folded, bent, spindled, mutilated and generally mucked about with. And in return? In return he gets the leading role in a perplexing, hilarious race against time and chance, set in a jinxed land menaced by the impending death of good fortune. Who are we talking about? Who is holding this box? You guessed it. Look on the bright side. It could be your luckiest move yet. JINXTER comes from Magnetic Scrolls, authors of international award-winning adventures The Pawn and The Guild of Thieves. It's more than a collection of crossword puzzles; it's a whole universe, where things behave as they do in the real world... with some alarming exceptions. Don't expect tiresome trolls, obvious orcs, silly spells and wet, wimpish witches in JINXTER. Infuriating, enchanting, absurd and hilarious by turns, JINXTER will surprise you with every move you make. But don't forget: every silver lining has a cloud... JINXTER -- SOME PEOPLE HAVE ALL THE LUCK. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 * Amstrad PCW * Atari ST[Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Spectrum[Probably TO; Disk for +3.] Package blurb: The City of London. Deals and chicanery, Porsches and profit, wild animals in handmade suits. And you. Outwardly, you're on the fast track to success. The partnership in the broking firm came through today, along with new car, new office, new secretary... But behind the glittering facade, what corruption lurks unseen? Are you really a winner? Or are you a dead man? Because in the world of big money, there's nothing in between. Corruption. It's new. It's different. It's on everyone's mind. Because these people are rich. Vicious. And they run the country. Corruption is written by Magnetic Scrolls, home of classics like The Pawn and The Guild of Thieves. It's a fast-paced thriller, a battle of wills like nothing else you've ever played. Your only weapons are communication and information. There's nobody you can trust. And it isn't easy. But then, neither is life. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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; Disk for +3.] Package blurb: The tide is turning in the teeming metropolis of Fishworld. The oceans and seas are boiling off into space. The Seven Deadly Fins -- an inter-dimensional group of anarchists -- are on the loose. The Project has been sabotaged... And you're a goldfish. Tough. But then life's like that. Sometimes you're dealt a raw deal. Toast falls buttered-side down. Phones ring when you're in the bath. And there's always chili sauce on your kebab. From rain-soaked forests and London recording studios to the farthest reaches of time and space, Fish! will bemuse, dazzle, and thrill you before confusing, razzling and killing you. Fish! is brought to you by Magnetic Scrolls, authors of such classic award-winning adventures as The Pawn and The Guild of Thieves. It's full of what you're least expecting, lacking in all that's rational, and devoid of much that could reasonably be expected... So, dust down your tackle, dress up your flies, reel in a winner and play Fish! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Package blurb: IT'S NOT EASY BEING A GOD... The golden age of Ancient Greece. A time of men and gods. A place of myths and legends. Where errant Heroes vie with preternatural forces while their gods stand aloof and disinterested. But history is always written by the victor and the tale herein related tells a different story. A chapter from the Unwritten Histories, Myth recounts the struggle of the Olympian deities as they battle to maintain their religious monopoly in the face of the gathering storm of Christianity. At once poignant, subtle and self-effacing, Myth takes a light-hearted look at the roots of popular mythology through the eyes of Poseidon, god of the sea as he travels The Underworld in search of the fable Dark Helmet of Hades. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Package blurb: Everyone has read Wonderland... ... but only one has dreamed... Until now! The newest and largest-ever adventure from Magnetic Scrolls draws you into the bizarre logic of Lewis Carroll's spellbinding imagination. Here you will meet all the main characters from the book ~ the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, the giant caterpillar, the Queen of Hearts, the Duchess and her cook... Here, too, you will be confronted by puzzles, puns, and conundrums, potions and mushrooms, a giant puppy and a miniature tunnel, and challenges enough to keep you within Wonderland's perplexing and magical domains for hundreds of hours. Wonderland ~ written in Magnetic Windows, the radical new adventuring environment from Magnetic Scrolls ~ gives you over 100 stunning graphics, many of them animated... but that's not all. A mouse-click on an illustration reveals information about the objects shown. Pop-up menus of appropriate commands let you play with a minimum of typing. On-screen maps and help, multiple windows, and icons for every object and room in the adventure combine to make the most sophisticated adventure environment ever created. It all helps, but in the end it's down to you. Have you the dreampower to dream your way through Wonderland? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ====================================================================== 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 1972-1977 by Will Crowther and Don Woods. Runs on: * Altair 8800[In C.] * Data General Eclipe MV series * HP 3000[1978] * Macintosh * NASCOM[about 1984] * PC * PDP-1[In Fortran.] * PDP-10 * PDP-11 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. The PDP-10 version only has six-bit character storage and thus is all uppercase. It took advantage of the full 36-bit architecture of the PDP-10 which made porting more difficult. It packed six six-bit "bytes" into a single word (and did comparisons on them!). The PDP-11 version (which required a new parser and rule-base in the porting) has upper/lower case and, reflecting the PDP-11's typical usage patterns, dispenses with the "hours of operation" notion of the cave being "closed". The port to the Altair 8800 was done by Jay R. Jaeger. This was probably the first post of Adventure to a microcomputer and some of the code from this effort seems to live on in modern ports. The port was done with the BDS C compiler. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zork (aka Dungeon) Type: TO Written 1977-1979 by Tim Anderson, Marc Blank, Bruce Daniels and Dave Lebling in MDL. Runs on: * PDP-10[For ITS, TENEX, TOPS-20] Notes: All the programmers are from the Dynamic Modelling Group in the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. Zork has been converted to most computer systems. It was 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, they called it "Dungeon", but for some reason people kept on calling it "Zork" anyway so that name stuck. In 1983, a presentation of Dungeon and Mystery Mansion was given in Montreal at the Internex conference. For more information, see Personal Software and Infocom. Mystery Mansion Type: TO Written 1977 or something like that (reports vary from 1976 to 1980) in Fortran. Runs on: * HP 1000 * HP 3000 Notes: It was also known as "Mansion". Mystery Mansion is available in more than one version. At least revision 17 and revision 16 have been publicly available. Different people have reported about when Mystery Mansion was available. The game originated on the earlier HP1000 and was then also available for the HP3000. The HP3000 was launched in 1976, but whether the game was available then is not known. The reports from people paying the games are probably from the later revisions (there might have been more publicly available versions than the above, of course). Mystery Mansion, like Adventure, has a "twisty maze of passages, all alike". This would seem to indicate that Mystery Mansion is influenced by Adventure since it seems unlikely that two game authors would come up with the same idea independently of each other. However, if one carefully distills the map of the mansion used in the game, it is clear that there is a very clean 3x3x3 grid used in it. The location numbers for each room are incrementing: 1-9 for the basement, 10-18 for the first floor, 19-27 for the upper floor. They are also laid out in a very regular fashion. However, the twisty maze of passages is not part of this neat arrangement: it was clearly added after the fact, as were several other parts of the map. It is also clear that provision was made to add more, and there are two roomnames for locations which do not even exist; apparently the author either had them in earlier versions and removed all but the names, or meant to add them later. Since the source code for the later revisions of Mystery Mansion (where the maze is added) were available for the HP3000, possibly from the launch of the machine in 1976, the author might have been influenced by the original version of Adventure created by Will Crowther in 1972, before it was expanded by Don Woods in 1976-1977. The Fortran source code for Mystery Mansion was available on the CSL tapes (Contributed Software Library) for the HP 3000 in 1984. It is not known for how long it was there. It was also available for the earlier model HP 1000. In 1983, a presentation of Mystery Mansion and Dungeon was given in Montreal at the Internex conference. Port James Garnett has created a port of Mystery Mansion (revision 17) in C and has uploaded the finished game in January 2000 to The Interactive Fiction Archive. The original Fortran IV source code is also included in the package. Comments: 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... 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. 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 with lots of magic words (you may remember XIMOW or WIMOH) and objects like a crystal ball that helped you find NPCs. Cambridge University * Acheton Type: TO Written 1978 (expanded until 1981) by Jon Thackray, David Seal and Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 Notes: Large adventure in the Colossal Cave style. Also available on several other 370 compatible sites. Acheton predates most published adventures barring Colossal Cave (by which its authors were inspired) and Zork (the original Vax version). It has over 400 rooms and 200 objects. For more information, see Acornsoft. * Kingdom of Hamil Type: TO Written 1980 by Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 Notes: Small adventure with some Mathematical bias. Also available on several other 370 compatible sites. For more information, see Acornsoft. * Brand X (later Philosopher's Quest) Type: TO Written 1979 by Peter Killworth and Jonathan Mestel. Runs on: * IBM 370 Notes: Medium sized game. Also available on several other 370 compatible sites. For more information, see Acornsoft. * Quondam Type: TO Written 1980 by Rod Underwood. Runs on: * IBM 370 Comments: Quite difficult. For more information, see Acornsoft. * Monsters of Murdac Type: TO Written by Jon Thackray and Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 Comments: Small adventure. For more information, see Topologika Ltd. * Avon Type: TO Written by Jon Thackray and Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 Comments: Small Shakespearian adventure. For more information, see Topologika Ltd. * Hezarin Type: TO Written 1980 by Steve Tinney, Alex Ship and Jon Thackray. Runs on: * IBM 370 Comments: Large adventure in Colossal Cave style. You set out to free the land of Hezarin from the evil tyrant Anjith. For more information, see Topologika Ltd. * Fyleet Type: TO Written by Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 Notes: Loosely based on the Dungeons & Dragons game. * Quest of the Sangraal Type: TO Written 1987 or 1988 by Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 * Parc Type: TO Runs on: * IBM 370 * Xenophobia Type: TO Written early 1980s by Jonathan Mestel. Runs on: * IBM 370 * Crobe Type: TO Written 1987 or 1988 by Jonathan Partington. Runs on: * IBM 370 Notes: Loosely based on the Dungeons & Dragons game. This was created about a year before Quest for the Sangraal. * Nidus Type: TO Written 1987 or 1988 by Adam Atkinson. Runs on: * IBM 370 Notes: This game is probably lost in the mist of time according to the author. Comments: Defeat the forces of Chaos! * Xerb Type: TO Runs on: * IBM 370 Comments: Bears a passing resemblance to a well-known TV program. * Spycatcher Type: TO Runs on: * IBM 370 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HAUNT Type: TO Written 1979 by John Laird (laird@umich.edu) in OPS4. Runs on: * DEC-10 * DEC-20 Notes: 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 (laird@owl.eecs.umich.edu) 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. It was available at USC around 1984. 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... University of Waterloo (Canada) The University of Waterloo games were written in a language called F (for Fantasy) which was locally created by Mark Niemiec. The F language is based on B (the ancestor of C) and is completely non-portable. Archive tapes for this mainframe exist and it might prove possible to get at the source code for these games. * New Adventure Type: TO Written 1979 or 1980 by Mark Niemiec in F. Runs on: * Honeywell Level 66 * Martian Adventure Type: TO Written 1979 or 1980 by Brad Templeton and Kieran Carroll in F. Runs on: * Honeywell Level 66 Comments: Martian Adventure has a puzzle where there are some keys, and you can't pick them up -- it turns out they are keys on a keyboard and you have to "type keys". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Runs on: * DEC-20 Notes: Written on a TOPS-20 called LOTS at Stanford University, California. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Warp Type: TO Runs on: * HP 3000 Comments: It had a very advanced interpreter, and the interpreter was probably the main interest of the implementor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle Type: TO Written around 1983 by Barry Wilks in Fortran. Runs on: * VAX Notes: This game was not entirely complete, but it was available on a VAX/VMS system at the university of Western Ontario around 1983. For more information, see Software Customization. ====================================================================== Mark Data Products Early versions of these games had trouble running on Dragons (which are almost TRS-80-compatible). After switching a timing routine from looking at how long it took to scan the keyboard to using IRQs, the games ran fine. The problem caused the graphic animations to run too fast. Shenanigans Type: BG Written 1983 by Bob Whithers and Stephen O'Dea. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sea Search Type: BG Written 1983 by Bob Whithers and Stephen O'Dea. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Calixto Island Type: TO/BG (animations) Written 1983 (the TO version might be earlier) by Ron Krebs [text version], Bob Whithers [graphic version] and Stephen O'Dea [graphic version]. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color[Text only/Bitmap graphics; The 16K version was text only, the 32K version had animated color graphics.] Notes: The text-only version was written by Ron Krebs of Mark Data. It preceeded all the graphic versions. The graphic version was a straight remake of the text version. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Sanctum Type: TO/BG Written 1983 (the TO version might be earlier) by Ron Krebs [text version], Bob Whithers [graphic version] and Stephen O'Dea [graphic version]. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color[Text only/Bitmap graphics; The 16K version was text only, the 32K version had animated color graphics.] Notes: The text-only version was written by Ron Krebs of Mark Data. It preceeded all the graphic versions. The graphic version was a straight remake of the text version. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trekboer Type: BG Written 1984 by Bob Whithers and Stephen O'Dea. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Vortex Factor Type: BG Written 1985 by Bob Whithers and Stephen O'Dea. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color Comments: It involved a time machine. ====================================================================== Marlin Games Marlin games was just a label Linda Wright used for her adventures. They are distributed by Zenobi Software. Agatha's Folly Type: TO Written 1989 by Linda Wright in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Beast of Torrack Moor Written 1988 by Linda Wright. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cloud 99 Type: TO Written 1988 by Linda Wright in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Jade Stone Type: DG Written 1987 by Linda Wright in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: In two parts. ====================================================================== Martech Games Ltd Probably a label of Software Communications Ltd. The Quest of Merravid Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * VIC-20[16K] * Commodore 64 Comments: You must find the firestones (whatever that is!) and bring them back to their owners, the dwarves. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Odyssey of Hope Type: CG Written 1984 by Software Communications Ltd (S. Hunt). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: After Pandora has thrown away all the other virtues, Hope remains - and you must bring it to the Greek gods. ====================================================================== Mastertronic Mastertronic was formed by three people: Martin Alper, Frank Herman and Alan Sharam. They all had experience of video distribution. They also had some financial backing from another small group of investors. The company's first premises were in the back of Alan Sharam's offices (he was also a surveyor at the time) in George St, London W1. They used to make up packages of 100 tapes ("dealer packs") and send them out to newsagents, toy shops, motorway service stations, just about anyone who would take them. At that time (1984) the mainstream retailers refused to take budget games because they had had bad experiences in the past. Mastertronic eventually won them over by showing that new games would regularly be produced to replace old stock and by producing games that sold well. Another key figure at the time was an ex-professional cricketer batsman (Nottinghamshire) Richard Bielby who ran a distribution network servicing a large number of small retailers. Martin Alper, who had the most marketing flair, went to the USA in 1986 to set up Mastertronic Inc. The UK company was managed by Frank Herman, whilst Alan Sharam increasingly specialised in sales and logistics (warehousing, packaging, controlling production schedules). After the Sega takeover Frank Herman became deputy Managing Director of Sega Europe and Alan Sharam was Managing Director of Sega UK. Martin Alper became resident in the US and continued to work for Virgin Interactive, which was soon taken over by Blockbuster Video. None of the directors knew anything about games. They used to boast that they never played them. When programmers came in with demos, someone would have to load the games for the directors, plug in the joysticks etc. Mastertronic never employed programmers directly (unlike for instance Virgin Games who had a staff of six) but bought everything from outside, either directly from the authors or from other games publishers. In their heyday they were deluged with games from enthusiastic amateurs and managed to publish quite a few of them. All game authors were paid royalties four times a year. Early in 1987, Mastertronic bought the European part of Melbourne House and the Melbourne House name. Around the summer of 1987 Virgin Group bought the 45% of shares held by the investor group mentioned above. The remaining 55% was held by Alper (25%), Herman (20%) and Sharam (10%) and they sold out in 1988 in a highly complex deal which required their continuing involvement in the business and achievement of profit and cashflow targets. Much of the early output was supplied by just two producers - the Darling brothers who of course formed Codemasters as soon as they could break their contract with Mastertronic, and Mr Chip Software who continued to do games for us for some time. Frank Herman spotted in early 1987 that Sega had no UK distributor for the Master System range. Mastertronic sold everything they could get that year and were then appointed as distributors in France and Germany as well, and thus Sega Europe was born. Branson undoubtedly wanted to buy Mastertronic in order to get into the Sega business. By 1991 nearly all Mastertronic's turnover, and certainly all the profit, came from Sega business. As a result nearly all the staff moved over to Sega when they bought the business in 1991. Only a handful of Virgin games programmers stayed with the publishing side of Mastertronic (quickly renamed Virgin Interactive Entertainment) where they continued handling the non-consols games part of the business. By that time the budget games business was dying and nobody cared about it. In any case the competition had become intense as everyone was now recycling their old full price games as budget games. The average sale between 1984 and 1987 was about 40000 units, easily enough to be able to pay the programmer, music writers etc about £4 - 5000 and also make a nice profit. The games may have sold at £1.99 but the retailer and VAT would take over £1 of that. Mastertronic's top selling game at 147000 units was Ghostbusters, but that was not an adventure. Most of the above description written by Anthony Guter who was financial controller for Mastertronic from 1985 to 1991. Mastertronic might not have been an official distributor of Infocom games, but they acted as a wholesaler of full price software to some major UK retailers like Toys'R'Us and Woolworths. Mastertronic also published games on the labels M.A.D. (Mastertronics Added Dimension, sold for £2.99 instead of the ordinary price of £1.99), Tronix (label used for more adult games), Bulldog Software ("The Best of Brittish"), Ricochet (budget re-releases of games made by other companies) and Mastervision. They are currently owned by Titus. They distribute Magnetic Scrolls, Smart Egg Software and Infocom. For more information, see Silhouette Software, Codemasters and Virgin Games. Se-Kaa of Assiah Type: CG Written 1984 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into two parts. Inlay covers by Words and Pictures Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest for the Holy Grail Type: DG Written 1984 by Dream Software Ltd (Chris Newcombe). Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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 Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zzzz Type: CG Written 1985 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Inlay cover by Words and Pictures Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon's Tomb: The Awakening Type: G Written 1989 by Silhouette Software. Runs on: * Amiga * PC 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trilogy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kentilla Type: DG/MUSIC Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64[Music by Rob Hubbard.] * Spectrum Comments: Superb. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kobyashi Naru Written by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Play it Again Sam Type: BG Written 1986 by Rubberchip. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinbad and the Golden Ship Type: CG Written 1986 by Roy Carnell and Stuart Galloway. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Venom Type: CG Written 1988 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Majik Type: CG Written 1988 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== 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. * The Institute Type: TO/BG Written 1981 by Jyym Pearson, Robyn Pearson, Norm Sailer and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[Bitmap graphics/Music; 1983] * TRS-80[Text only] Comments: You are a mental patient, and your primary action in the game is to get out of your cell, lock yourself in the medicine closet, and repeatedly shoot up with all sorts of hallucinogenic drugs. You spent most of the game lying on the floor, stoned out of your gourd. Escape a lunatic asylum by eating some strange powder that will allow you to travel to Africa and Titanic, among other things, while getting your revenge over the man who locked you up. * Lucifer's Realm Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1982 by Jyym Pearson, Robyn Pearson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * TRS-80[Text only] Notes: I have also seen this as by American Eagle. I've been told that this game is supposed to have been banned in the U.S. Anyone who knows for sure? Comments: After dying in a hospital, you go to hell and meet Hitler and other interesting persons on your way to the Devil, where you must ask to be returned to heaven! * The Farvar Legacy Written 1983 by Jyym Pearson. * The Paradise Threat Written by Jyym Pearson. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deathmaze 5000 Type: G Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Maze-based game. It's more of a puzzle than an adventure. Labyrinth Type: G Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Maze-based game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ASYLUM Type: BG/TEXT/3D 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. Comments: Totally mad plot like something out of "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Asylum II Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Only a small number of this ever got sold. Maze-based game. Comments: Superb. ====================================================================== Medmaster Inc Homepage: http://medmaster.net/Mind%20Traveler.html Mind traveler Written 2001. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Package blurb: Laura Miller, a famous neuroscientist, has developed the Electronic Neural Enhancer, a computer that can communicate with the brain. She and her daughter Nicole die in an auto accident, leaving her husband Todd to explore her work, including the Neural Enhancer. Playing the role of Todd, search deep within the mind, discover new universes, probe the mysteries of time and space, and find a new world where Laura and Nicole still exist. ====================================================================== Melbourne House Melbourne House was really two companies, an Australian software house (Beam Software) and the British Melbourne House. Beam ran Melbourne House as their European distributor and source of games written in Europe. In early 1987, Mastertronic bought the European part of the business and the Melbourne House name. Their Tolkien trilogy (Hobbit/LoTR/SoM) is infamous for numerous bugs. Homepage: http://www.melbournehouse.com/ They are distributed by Virgin Games and Mindscape, Inc. For more information, see Addison-Wesley and Mastertronic. 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. * Zim Sala Bim Written by Russell Grahame. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Joystick-controlled man. Music. Comments: "Arabian Nights" setting. You must explore a palace and escape once you have found the gold. * Grand Larceny Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[1985] * Commodore 64 * MSX[1985] * Oric-1[48K] * Spectrum[48K] 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. For more information, see Addison-Wesley. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hobbit (Enhanced Version) Type: BG Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II[disk] * BBC[disk] * Commodore 64[Music; disk] * 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[48K] Comments: This was a rather buggy game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Terrormolinos Type: G Written 1985 by Peter Jones [game concept and storyline], Trevor Lever [game concept and storyline], Mike Robinson [graphics], Roger Taylor [programming] and James Byrne [programming]. 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. 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. Package blurb: TERRORMOLINOS -- an outrageous holiday spoof set on the Costa Brava, created by the authors of the cult hit HAMPSTEAD. You must survive a two week package holiday -- and return home with ten snapshots to prove it! Terrormolinos takes you to the world of the saucy seaside postcard. Every successful snap develops on screen while you watch. But beware, because every time you make a fatal error, your embarrassing position is colourfully depicted in SAUCIVISION -- the unique graphics system patented by the authors. In TERRORMOLINOS, every holiday disaster can come true! So why spend a fortune going abroad when you can get gippy tummy in the privacy of your living room? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[48K] 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. Package blurb: Live out your wildest fantasies in the mysterious and enchanted world of Middle Earth -- a world of boundless imagination where nothing is certain and anything is possible. You and your fearless band of Hobbits may not be blessed with any super powers or magic, but there are plenty of others who are. Stay close to them because your quest is daunting and your adversaries are ominous and evil. But courage, perseverance and imagination (with a little help from your friends) are enough to destroy even the evil Sauron's insidious control over your world. For more information, see Addison-Wesley. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 1983 by John Jones-Steele. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: A remake of the original adventure. Package blurb: CLASSIC ADVENTURE was the first major computer game and now it's become a classic in its own time. This exciting new release of Classic Adventure for the Commodore 64 will enable you to slay dragons, find hidden treasures and bribe trolls: and as your skill increases through more and more victories and discoveries you too can become a master adventurer. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[48K] 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 Notes: This was planned as a sequel to The Hobbit, but was never released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dodgy Geezers Written 1986 by Peter Jones [storyline], Trevor Lever [storyline], Valerie Saunders [graphic ideas] and Consult Computer Systems [graphic design] in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: It had a song track on the reverse side of the tape. Package blurb: Fresh out of gaol after serving a three year stretch for your part in the Long Ditton Spaghetti Caper, you're itching for that one massive caper which will allow you to live on the Costa Brava for the rest of your life. But what is the caper, and who can you trust to be in your gang? And by the way, who IS that geezer in the white Gucci shoes? DODGY GEEZERS is the latest "real life adventure" from Trevor Lever and Peter Jones, authors of HAMPSTEAD and TERRORMOLINOS, and writers and performers of the diabolical DODGY GEEZERS song on the flip side of this tape. At least the lyrics may give you some useful tips... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Package blurb: Ordinary Kevin Oliver shouts "KWAH" and becomes REDHAWK, superhero extraordinaire, in this original comic strip adventure. Alternating between the characters of REDHAWK and KEVIN you must use all your superhuman skills to battle against the arch-villains and criminals who pose threats to your city. At the same time you must keep a careful check on your popularity rating, your energy level and have enough money to get you around! But remember -- time is of the essence, and unless you cope with the challenging problems posed in this unique graphic adventure, the whole city will go up in a big bang! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Asterix and the Magic Cauldron Type: MCG Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: A prettily presented but buggy and frustrating game. Package blurb: Gaul is divided into three parts... No, four, for one small Gaulish village in Armorica still holds out against the invaders. Fortified by their magic potion, they still successfully resist the Romans. However, the magic cauldron the potion is brewed in has been accidentally shattered into seven pieces which our heroes Asterix and Obelix must recover... ====================================================================== 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 Runs on: * Commodore 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mansion House Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 16 * Dragon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- El Diablo 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 Encounters at the Dome Type: G Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: I've also had this reported as a text-only game. Are there different versions? Comments: Adult adventure. ====================================================================== Micro Lab For more information, see Micro Fun. ====================================================================== Micromysteries Crime City Written 1993. ====================================================================== Micro Power Adventure Runs on: * BBC * Electron ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eldorado Gold Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizard's Challenge Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labyrinths of LaCoshe Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== MicroProse They are mainly known for their simulations. They are currently owned by Hasbro Interactive. They distribute Magnetic Scrolls and Legend Entertainment Company. Return of the Phantom Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonsphere Type: G Runs on: * PC Notes: This was 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 Runs on: * PC 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. Comments: Rather similar to Space Quest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pirates ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pirates! Gold Written 1990. Notes: Updated version of their classic adventure/strategy game Pirates. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Earth Written 1997 by Kalisto Entertainment. Runs on: * PC Comments: You play a warrior in a culture set far after nuclear war. You are infected by a virus that is slowly eating away at you while you attempt to save yourself and the world. ====================================================================== Microsoft Started out as a company making BASIC interpreters for various microcomputers. Later expanded to also develop operating systems etc. They are located in Redmond, Washington, USA. Homepage: http://www.microsoft.com/ For more information, see Softwin Associates. Microsoft adventure ====================================================================== Mikro-Gen Ltd They are perhaps best known for their series of arcade adventures about Wally Week. They were located at 44 The Broadway, Bracknell, Berks RG12 1AG. Genesis II Type: DG Written 1984 by Dale McLoughlin and Shelley McLoughlin. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mines of Saturn Type: TO Written 1982 by Saturnsoft. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Earth Type: TO Written 1982 by Saturnsoft. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Sequel to "Mines of Saturn". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- S.A.S. Assault Type: DG/CHOICE Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Sorcerer's Castle Type: DG Written 1983 in BASIC. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Witch's Cauldron Type: BG Written 1985 by Dale McLoughlin and Shelley McLoughlin in machine code. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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. ====================================================================== Miles Computing The Fool's Errand Written 1987 by Cliff Johnson. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: The instruction booklet (at least the PC version) is copyright 1987, 1989. Package blurb: The award winning Fool's Errand is a game like no other. It tells the enchanting story of the fool in his search for wisdom intertwined with over 80 original puzzles: graphic, word, logic, and more. Each unique puzzle is woven into the threads of the unraveling story. The puzzles give you pieces of the sun's map. But the map is a puzzle as well. And there are more puzzles that lie hidden in the map. You figure it out. And when you do, you will be rewarded with a four-minute animated finale. You will have earned it. ====================================================================== 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. This is a suburb of Chicago. 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. Mindscape is now part of The Learning Company. Homepage: http://www.mindscape.com/ They distribute Angelsoft, Inc, Eldritch Games Ltd, ICOM Simulations, Inc and Melbourne House. For more information, see The Learning Company. 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aliens Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Notes: Based on the comic book series based on the "Alien" movie series. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Lore 1 Written 1995. Comments: You play the orphaned son of a dragon warrior (a clan of warriors who ride dragons into battle). You must uncover you heritage and defeat the evil forces who killed your father. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- John Saul's Blackstone Chronicles Type: PNC Written 1998 by Bob Bates. Runs on: * PC Notes: Based on a novel by John Saul. ====================================================================== Mirage Software Founded by Robert Cook. He writes: From: "Robert Cook" (1stchoice@assessors.fsnet.co.uk) Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 10:29:13 +0100 Regarding copyright of my games, I certainly have to objections to anyone having them. I formed Mirage Software as an 'add-on' to the magazine Oric User Monthly. I passed both over to a guy called Dave Dick, some time in 1990. Believe it or not, the magazine is still going, although I understand it is to close this month. I do not expect there would be any problems at all using the software as public domain, although you may want to just check with him. Grandad Type: TO Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Haunt Type: TO Written by Robert Cook in The Quill. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Set in the modern day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Krystal Worlds Type: TO Written by Robert Cook. Runs on: * Oric-1 Notes: This was in several parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sausages Type: TO Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Krystal Worlds II Type: TO Written 1996. Runs on: * Oric-1 Notes: Divided into two parts. ====================================================================== Mirrorsoft Bermuda Project Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Omicron Conspiracy Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ashkeron Type: 3D Written 1985. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Spectrum[48K] 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Andy Capp Type: MCG Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== 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 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. They distribute Level 9 Computing and Ram Jam Corporation, The. The Pen and the Dark Type: TO Written 1984 by Keith Campbell. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Snow Queen Type: DG Written 1985 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: May also have been published by St. Brides's themselves. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Stainless Steel Rat Written 1984 by Harry Harrison and Sean O'Connell. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on the book by Harry Harrison. The game has three sections in which you are tested on your eligibility to join the Special Corps, try to escape in your spaceship and explore the planet Freibur. The book and cassette package cost £14.95. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Twice Shy Written 1986 by The Ramjam Corporation. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Width of the World Written 1984 by Simon Gould. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: based on the story by Ian Watson. ====================================================================== Mountain Valley Software Their games came out around 1984-85 (some as early as 1981, though) 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 Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oasis of Shalimar ---------------------------------------------------------------------- King Solomon's Mines Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Himalayan Odyssey Runs on: * Commodore 64 * TRS-80[Model I.] Comments: It essentially had a two-word parser, though it would accept more for certain commands like "say". It was much in the vein of the Scott Adams games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scroll of Akbar Khan Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Mydor Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost City Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Planet Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery Island ====================================================================== 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 The Clue Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== New Soft The Black Dwarf's Lair Type: TO Runs on: * Spectrum[16K] Notes: Basicly just a maze. ====================================================================== Newsoft Products Secret Valley Written 1982. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== New World Computing They are distributed by Interplay Productions. Inherit the Earth Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * Macintosh * 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) Notes: Based on the story of the phantom of the opera. ====================================================================== Novagen Software Ltd Mercenary More information about the Mercenary series can be found here. * Mercenary: Escape from Targ Type: 3D Written 1987 by Paul Woakes and David Aubrey Jones. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: This might also be called Escape from Targ. * Mercenary: The Second City Type: 3D Written 1988 by Paul Woakes. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: This is the same game as Mercenary but in a new world and with a different mission. * Mercenary Compendium Written by Paul Woakes. Notes: This contains both Mercenary and The Second City for the price of one. * Damocles - Mercenary II Type: 3D Written 1990 by Paul Woakes. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Spectrum Notes: A PC adaption of this was cancelled by Psygnosis a few weeks before the planned release date in 1995. * Data disk 1 Notes: New missions for Damocles. * Data disk 2 Notes: New missions for Damocles. * Damocles II / Mercenary III - The Dion Crisis Type: 3D Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST Notes: This should have been released for the PC but only a demo was released. ====================================================================== Number 9 Software Later changed name to Number 9 Books and is publishing books about The Beatles. Homepage: http://welcome.to/number9books Beatle Quest Type: DG Written 1985 by Gary Marsh. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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 Software Ltd They are currently owned by Infogrames. They were earlier known as Spectrum Games. Homepage: http://www.ocean.co.uk/ For more information, see Infogrames. The Neverending Story Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1986 by Ian Weatherburn, Simon Butler and F Gray. Runs on: * Amstrad * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[Music] * Spectrum[The Spectrum 128 version was in one part and had music.] Notes: Divided into three parts. Might have been distributed by Datasoft, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hunchback - The Adventure Type: BG Written 1986 by Ian Weatherburn and Simon Butler. Runs on: * Commodore 64[Music] * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hook Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Island of Death Type: TO Runs on: * Oric-1 Notes: It had ten arcade sequences in it at key points. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Batman - The Caped Crusader Type: MCG Written 1988 by Special FX Software Ltd (Jonathan Smith, Charles Davies, Keith Tinman). Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Not to be misstaken for the isometric game and arcade game also by Ocean. ====================================================================== Odisea Software Abracadabra Type: DG Written 1988 by Proein Soft Line. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Odyssee Die Lange Ruekkehr Type: BG Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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. It is not featured in the 1987 Origin catalogue. For more information, see Penguin Software Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bioforge Written 1995. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== O'Shea, Kevin From a mail from Kevin (February 1999): My games, written in 1984, were never released, indeed they have only made it to the public domain during the last couple of years. Homepage: http://members.aol.com/kjoshea/index.htm Email: koshea@bigfoot.com. The Five Doctors Written 1984 by Kevin O'Shea in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based on Dr. Who. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mind Maze Written 1984 by Kevin O'Shea in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Based on Dr. Who. ====================================================================== 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 Palace software was a subsiduary of Palace Virgin Gold, founded 1983 by Pete Stone. Demoniak Type: BG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1991 by Alan Grant. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stifflip & Co Written 1987 by Binary Vision (Paul Norris, Rupert Bowater, Richard Joseph). Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ====================================================================== Palas Bad Night Written 1987 by Bensoft. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Czech. ====================================================================== Panther Games Alien Drug Lords Type: IG 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 ====================================================================== Pendulo Studios Homepage: http://www.pendulostudios.com 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Runaway ====================================================================== 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. They also produced the "Adventures In" series, but these are not essentially adventure titles. Homepage: http://www.magictree.com 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[1984; The first commercial adventure game for the 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 Type: TO Written 1979. Runs on: * Apple II[1980] * TRS-80[Model I and III.] For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Infocom. ====================================================================== Phipps Associates They were located at 172 Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT19 0BR. They also published the books "The ZX80 Pocket Book" and "The Spectrum Pocket Book". Colditz Castle Type: DG Written 1983 by Tony Barber. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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 Type: DG Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A game set in the Wild West. The game draws an on-screen map. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Knight's Quest Type: DG Written 1983 by Mike Farley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] * ZX81[16K] Notes: The game has more than 120 locations and many are underground. The object is to find Merlin's lost treasure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Magic Mountain Type: DG Written 1983 by Mike Farley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Pharaoh's Tomb Type: DG Written 1983 by Mike Farley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Phoenix Software They were located on 64 Lake Zurich Drive, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047, USA. Phone 312 438-4850. They are distributed by American Eagle. Adventure in Time Type: TO Written 1981 by Paul Berker. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit Comments: Travel through four different locations in time via the help of a robot to find and kill the evil Nostradamus before he can take over the world. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Birth of the Phoenix Type: TO Written 1981 by Paul Berker. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit Comments: Tutorial adventure. It's just an ordinary (easy) treasure hunting for the beginner, much different than the other popular tutorial of the time, Mission: Asteroid from Sierra. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dodge City Type: BG/CHOICE Written 1984 by Fraser Orr. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: I have seen claims that it was published by Phoenix Software Ltd, Middlesex. Comments: You must complete arcade on A to get code for adventure on B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Queen of Phobos Type: DG (black and white) Written 1982 by Paul Berker and Bill Crawford. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: Travel on board a Martian spacecraft to locate the mask of Kuh-Thu-Lu, while avoiding the ship's evil occupants, in this science fiction adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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]. Runs on: * Apple II 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 Piranha was a label of MacMillan Software Ltd. They were based on 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF. They distribute Soap Bubble Productions. ====================================================================== Pixel Games Trader Runs on: * Spectrum * ZX81 * VIC-20[16K] Comments: Not really an adventure, more a graphical wander. ====================================================================== PK Soft They are distributed by Ariolasoft. Lapis Philosophorum: The Philosopher's Stone Type: G Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[Not sure.] 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 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 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 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 Key Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Zacaron Mystery Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Serf's Tale Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Pocket Money Software Pocket Money Software was a label of Central Solutions Crystal Quest Written 1985 by C. Malin, Scott Jones in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Was sold for £0.99 and is set in the StarTrek universe. It also appeared on side A of the compilation 10 Adventure Game Pack (Central Solutions) and side B of the compilation Double Play Adventure 03 (Double Play Adventures). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Rifts of Time Written 1984 by Gilsoft International (David Walls). Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Appeared on side B of the compilation 10 Adventure Game Pack (Central Solutions) and on side A of the compilation Double Play Adventure 02 (Double Play Adventures) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason and the Golden Fleece Written by Adrian Seymour. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Appeared on side A of the compilation 10 Adventure Game Pack (Central Solutions). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Witch Hunter Written 1986 by Compass Software. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== PolarWare The company was called Penguin Software Inc until late 1985. All the PolarWare adventures were written with a development system called Comprehend. This system was completed about at the same time as the name change, and all the games released under the PolarWare name were written using Comprehend and marketed as "Comprehend Interactive Novels". Mark Pelczarski was in charge of the company until Talisman was released. PolarWare was bought up sometime around 1988. Packaging information 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 (impressively so, considering how cheap they sold the games). Homepage: http://www.magictree.com/ For more information, see Penguin Software Inc. Transylvania Type: G Written 1985 by Antonio Antiochia in Comprehend. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: This was the first Comprehend game released and was a rewrite of the Penguin Software release of the same name. This version had a few puzzles different (the nailed coffin, a moved cross) compared to the Penguin Software version. For more information, see Penguin Software Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transylvania II: The Crimson Crown (aka The Crimson Crown: Further Adventures in Transylvania) Written 1985 by Antonio Antiochia and Dallas Snell [animations] in Comprehend. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II[There are at least two different versions of the graphics for this game.] * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: This game was never released by Penguin, but was the first Comprehend release. The Apple II version comes on one 5 1/4" disk. It comes with a 12 page parchment Journal, as chronicled by His Majesty's Loyal Chamberlain Mikhail and a 15" x 11" fold-out parchment map "Courtesy Wallachian Chamber Von Commerce". Comments: First half takes place in the much the same world as Transylvania I. Along with playing the hero of the first game, you also take along the Princess Sabrina and her brother, Prince Erik, in this one. Destroy your arch nemesis, that pesky vampire, before he learns the secret of the Crimson Crown and becomes the ruler of Transylvania. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Coveted Mirror Type: G Written 1986 by Eagle I. Burns and Holly Thomason in Comprehend. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: This is a rewrite in Comprehend of the Penguin Software game of the same title. Some of the puzzles are different in this version, compared to the Penguin version. It has a different title sequence and the arcade sequences are removed altogether. The package contains a star chart, a recipe card for an Invisibility Potion, and a manual, The Legend of the Coveted Mirror. As of 1987, it was only released for the Apple II. A 1987 PolarWare catalogue states that it's soon to be coming to other platforms, but it doesn't say which. One of PolarWare's outside programmers broke an agreement, walked away with the advance payments, and left them with nearly finished but unreleasable versions of the game for Amiga, Atari ST, and Macintosh. For more information, see Penguin Software Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oo-Topos Type: DG Written 1986 by Michael Berlyn, Muffy Berlyn, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics] in Comprehend. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: This is a rewrite in Comprehend of a text-only game of the same name published by Sentient Software. Comments: After being captured by space pirates, you must find a way to avoid the aliens, locate your ship and escape. For more information, see Sentient Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Talisman: Challenging the Sands of Time Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics] in Comprehend. Runs on: * Apple II[Came on three disk sides] * 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transylvania III: Vanquish the Night Written around 1988 by Antonio Antiochia in Comprehend. Runs on: * Apple IIGS Notes: This was the last Comprehend release. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank and Ernest's Adventure Type: G Written by Dav Holle in Comprehend. Notes: Based on the comic strip by Bob Thaves. This was never released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Margaritaville Adventure Written by Jimmy Buffett in Comprehend. Notes: Jimmy Buffett has a movie planned and although PolarWare had the storyline for the game all set, the film people wanted to wait on the contract until the movie was set and unfortunately that never happened. ====================================================================== Potter Programs The Staff of Law Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Galadriel in Distress Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * BBC Notes: This game changes the background color of the screen to green and blue when you're hungry, red when you're in danger and so on. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Super Agent Flint Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Prickly Pear Software To Preserve Quandic Type: BG Runs on: * TRS-80 Color Notes: On two disks. ====================================================================== Prism Leisure The Kristal Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Programmer's Guild, The One of the members was Teri Li. Lost Dutchman's Gold Written by Teri Li. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spider Mountain Written by Bob Liddil and Teri Li. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Dreadnaught Written by Biff Mutt and Spud Mutt. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Domes of Kilgari Written by Bob Liddil and Charles Forsythe. Runs on: * TRS-80 ====================================================================== Program Power Eldorado Gold Type: TO Written 1982. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labyrinths of LaCoshe Type: TO 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 ====================================================================== Protecto Enterprises Cyberworld Type: G/meshed-in arcade games Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Pryority Software Forbidden Quest Type: G Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== PSS Legend of the Sword 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 Runs on: * Amiga Notes: This is a sequel to Legend of the Sword. ====================================================================== Psychedelic Hedgehog Software A label used by Andrey John Remic for his games. He also used to publish games as Remsoft Arcade Designs Ltd. The rights are now owned by Alchemist Research. For more information, see Alchemist Research and Remsoft Arcade Designs Ltd. Assasin Type: MCG Written 1988 by Andrey John Remic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Green Sonja Type: TO Written 1991 by Andrey John Remic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Moon Magic Type: DG Written 1991 by Andrey John Remic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Saga of a Mad Barbarian Type: G Written 1992. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Shadow on Glass Type: DG Written 1989 by Andrey John Remic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Games Pack Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A compilation with unknown contents. Originally sold for £15.00, but later released as a budget title for £5.00. ====================================================================== Psygnosis Homepage: http://www.psygnosis.com 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 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 1995. Runs on: * PC * Playstation Notes: Voices are provided by the late Jon Pertwee, Eric Idle and Tony Robinson. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Discworld 2: Mortality Bytes Written 1997. Runs on: * Playstation ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ecstatica Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizard Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- City of Lost Children Written 1997. Runs on: * PC * Playstation Notes: Based on the French film of the same name. With the support and help of the movie's Artistic Director, Marc Caro. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chronicles of the Sword Written 1996. Runs on: * Playstation Notes: Based on Arthurian legend. Morgana, Arthur's sister, is threatening to reveal Lancelot and Guinevere's affair to the world. Enter Gawain, who must off the evil lady before all hell breaks loose. Comments: Not a very good game. ====================================================================== Pulse Entertainment Inc They were located at 2902 A Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA. They are distributed by Acclaim Distribution Inc. Bad Mojo Type: G Written 1996. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Quarkdata Mystery Towers Type: G Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Search a castle for the Quark diamand ====================================================================== Quicksilva Started by John Hollis and Nick Lambert. 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 David Shea and F. J. Preston. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Smuggler's Cove Type: G Written 1983 by John R. Keneally. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Velnor's Lair Type: TO Written 1983 by Derek Brewster in BASIC. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: It was originally released under his own company, Neptune, but later marketed by Quicksilva. 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. Is this the same game as under Atlantis Software? ====================================================================== Radar Games Confidential Written 1985 by D. Healey and C. Guest in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A detective adventure. One of Fox Bay's prominent citizens has disappeared and his wife decides to hire you, Craig Adams, to track him down. From your seedy office you must seek out the man's associates and contacts to build a coherent picture of the facts surrounding the disappearance. This is not a simple matter. Besides gathering information, often from reluctant characters, there are the hazards of day to day life in the town. Comments: 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aurum Type: BG Written by John Vanderaart. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. This is a sequel to Steen der wijzen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Noach 3000 Type: BG Written by John Vanderaart. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. This game was written for a competition for Dossier Commodore, a Dutch Commodore 64 magazine. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hollanditis Type: BG Written by John Vanderaart. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. Comments: A game about the Dutch and the Dutch spirit. One of the subjects was the refusal of the Dutch people to let the Americans place atomic missiles in a place called Woerden. ====================================================================== Radio Shack They distribute Datasoft, Inc and Spectral Associates. Bedlam Type: TO Runs on: * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pyramid 2000 Type: TO Runs on: * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color Comments: An Adventure-clone set in an Egyptian environment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Raaka-Tu Type: TO Written 1981 by Robert Arnstein. Runs on: * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color 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 Software Ltd Rainbird Software Ltd was the top end of Firebird. They distribute Magnetic Scrolls, Level 9 Computing and PSS. For more information, see Firebird Software Ltd. ====================================================================== Rainbow Software Kamelreiten Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Ram Jam Corporation, The They are distributed by Mosaic Publishing. Valkyrie 17 Type: DG/MUSIC Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[1984; 48K] 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!). There are also some answerphone messages. 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. Package blurb: You get home one evening to discover a message on your answering machine. Something you'd thought hidden for good has reared its ugly head once again. Valkyrie 17 is active. Over the next five nights, a series of frantic phone calls convince you that the matter deserves further investigation. You receive a dossier on the activities of Valkyrie 17. Pieced together from fragmentary reports culled from the last forty years you slowly begin to put the whole thing together. Drakenfeur, Heinrich and Reichsmuller. The badge pressed into your hand on the station at... And that last desperate call for help from the Glitz Hotel overlooking Lake Bruntz. Your cover is good. Very good in fact. You spend a few days sniffing around and then head up towards Lake Bruntz. You check in to the Glitz Hotel. It's the last lead you have. You seem to be getting nowhere. Then on your way to the bar you sense a movement in the shadows. You feel a blow on your temple. And everything goes black... Valkyrie 17 is an Adventure featuring both graphic and text locations. You will meet several different characters some of whom may help you while others see your demise as their sole purpose in life. On the reverse of the cassette tape are the answerphone messages. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Type: BG Written 1986 in The Biro. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: The screen is divided into three parts, picture, location description and player interaction. For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Terrors of Trantoss Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Random House Software The Alpine Encounter Type: G Written 1983. 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. Package blurb: A spy thriller adventure program that will challenge the whole family. As an international underdover agent, you have just 12 hours to recover the stolen blueprints to the world's first truly invincible missile. All the clues you need to get the blueprints back are hidden within the luxurious Alpenhof Ski Resort. Check in to the resort to solve the myster and thwart the evil plans of VODAC, a sinister, but brilliantly masterminded secret organization. ====================================================================== Readysoft Scary Mutant Space Aliens from Mars Type: G 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 1998. ====================================================================== Remsoft Arcade Designs Ltd A label used by Andrey John Remic for his games. He also used to publish games as Psychedelic Hedgehog Software. For more information, see Psychedelic Hedgehog Software. Love Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum[16K] ====================================================================== 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 Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32[Features full speech.] * PC Notes: Sequel to Lure of the Temptress. Or not, according to another source. Package blurb: Paranoid population. Psychotic criminals. Power hungry corporations. Big Brother government. Haves and have nots. America? Close. In the not so impossible future. In the melting pot of Union City. All man's social problems are coming to a boil. Under the claustrophobic lid of a steel sky. From the pit of the industrial level To the belly of the commercial sector. To the spheres where the rich and powerful play. It's Man against Man. Man against Machine. Man against Time. In an urban hell only you can liberate. Maybe. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Broken Sword (US title: Circle of Blood) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror ====================================================================== Richard Shepherd Software They were located at Elm House, 23-25 Elmshott Lane, Cippenham, Slough, Berks. 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: DG Written 1983 by Pete Cooke. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Devils of the Deep Type: 3D Written 1983 by Richard Shepherd in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transylvanian Tower Type: 3D Written 1982 by Richard Shepherd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Package blurb: A spine chilling adventure with spectacular 3-D graphics. Can you rid the world of this Transylvanian Terror before he introduces you to the dark world of the Living Dead? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Upstart Type: DG Written 1983 by Pete Cooke. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Inferno Type: DG Written 1983 by Pete Cooke. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: You play Dante. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ship of the Line Type: DG Written 1982 by Richard Shepherd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Super Spy Type: TO Written 1982 by Richard Shepherd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== River Software River software may just be a label Jack Lockerby used for his adventures. They are all published by Zenobi Software. They are distributed by Zenobi Software. The Domes of Sha Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Enchanted Cottage Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack and the Beanstalk Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Bounty Hunter Type: TO Written 1989 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Challenge Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Cup Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ellisnore Diamond Type: TO Written 1992 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hammer of Grimmold Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Into the Mystic Type: TO Written 1991 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Jade Necklace Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lifeboat Written 1986 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Followed up by Davey Jones Locker. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Matchmaker Type: TO Written 1986 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mutant - The Quest Type: TO Written 1984 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Realm of Darkness Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Treasure Island Type: TO Written 1991 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Riverdale Software Suds Type: TO Written in The Quill. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- American Suds Type: TO Written in The Quill. ====================================================================== Robico Software Saga of a Spy Trilogy * Rick Hanson Type: TO Written 1985 by Robert O'Leary and Mike O'Leary. Runs on: * BBC * Project Thesius Type: TO Written 1986 by Robert O'Leary and Mike O'Leary. Runs on: * BBC * Myorem Type: TO Written 1986 by Robert O'Leary and Mike O'Leary. Runs on: * BBC Realm of Chaos Trilogy There might not have been more than one part of this released. * Village of Lost Souls Type: TO Written 1987. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hunt Type: BG Written 1987. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Enthar 7 Type: BG Runs on: * BBC[This is not sure.] * Acorn RISC OS Assassin Type: TO Written in Machine code. Runs on: * BBC[BBC B] 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 Runesoft were located at Charwood House, Crossgate Drive, Nottingham NG2 1LW, UK. They released 2-3 games apart from Robyn Hoode and Paradox. Robyn Hoode Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into two parts (finishing the first part gives you the password to the second). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Paradox Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoof Type: TO Written 1984 by Jon Slack. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: Spoof (indeed!) on kill-the-dragon type adventures. Fed up with his mundane existence and his nagging wife (Dro Ning), not to mention his whinging kids (Mo Ning and Complay Ning), Yaw Ning decides to leave them and look for adventure down at the local (The Drink Ing?). There he hears tell that Spoof the Magic Dragon has returned... ====================================================================== Ruppelware ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Treasure Hunt Type: TO Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 Comments: You have to find ten treasures. Kelly's Rescue When the first game was presented the series was supposed to have five parts. When the second game came out it had shrunk to three parts. The third part never showed up. The ultimate aim of the series is to rescue your girlfriend Kelly. * Part I: The Getaway Type: TO Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * Part II: The French Connection Type: BG Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== RWAP Software They sold an updated version of Talent Computer Systems' The Lost Kingdom of Zkul for later version of the Sinclair QL OS as late as 2001. Homepage: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/RWAPSoftware For more information, see Talent Computer Systems. The Lost Kingdom of Zkul Runs on: * PC Notes: Re-release of the adventure by Talent Computer Systems ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Prawn Runs on: * PC Notes: Re-release of the adventure by Talent Computer Systems ====================================================================== Saber Software Demon's Forge Type: G Written 1983 by Brian Fargo. Runs on: * Apple II * PC ====================================================================== Sacred Scroll Software They were located at 37 Brynhedd, Hendreforgan, Gilfach Goch, Porth CF39 8UT Era of Enchantment Type: TO Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operation Thunderbowel Type: DG Written 1988 by G.M. Dobbs in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: The game is a James Bond spoof where the british govenment have decided to oulaw the Commodore 64, but is threatened by the evil Ernie Stavros Blobum who uses C64s to smuggle diamonds. It was originally sold for £2.00. ====================================================================== 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. Based on Raymond Chandler's famous character, Sam Spade. * Franklin's Tomb Runs on: * Dragon * Oric-1 Notes: May have been available for the ZX Spectrum as well. * Lost in Space Runs on: * Dragon * Oric-1 Notes: May have been available for the ZX Spectrum as well. Comments: Set on board a space ship. * Fishy Business Runs on: * Dragon * Oric-1 Notes: The Oric-1 version is very rare. Only about 100 are believed to have been produced. It may have been available for the ZX Spectrum as well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wings of War Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC * Dragon[32K] * 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[48K] 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. ====================================================================== Sanctuary Woods They also seem to have been called Presto Studios at one time or another. The Riddle of Master Lu Type: PNC Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Journeyman Project 2: Buried in Time Type: G Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Notes: Comes on 3 CDs. The manual is a small booklet in the jewel case. There is nothing else in the package but advertising. Package blurb: Hidden somewhere in the sands of time lies a chilling story of deception and betrayal... Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you assume the identity of Agent #5 of the Temporal Security Agency.  Falsely accused of altering Earth History, you are forced to walk the shadows of time, unearthing clues and escaping mortal danger while seeking crucial evidence that could clear your name and reveal the true identity of the conspirators who've framed you!  But when the trail leads to a startling discovery, you soon realize that Earth's future is in your hands.  For if you fail, the truth will lie forever, BURIED IN TIME. ====================================================================== Satchel Software Jara Tava: The Isle of Fire Type: BG Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Scandinavian PC Systems Mainly publishes business software. Homepage: http://www.spcs.se Stugan (The Cottage) Runs on: * PC Notes: Written in Swedish. May have been translated to English. ====================================================================== Sales Curve Interactive Homepage: http://www.sci.co.uk/ Kingdom O' Magic Type: PNC Written 1996 by Fergus McMeill. Runs on: * PC Comments: An adventure in which you play one of two different characters Thidney, a seven foot tall green lizard and Shah-Ron, a 5"9' tall babe. It's written by Fergus McNeill of Delta4 and it's a parody on several different things, but mainly on fantasy and Tolkien. There are actually three different adventures in the game, at the start you choose which adventure to play with which character. ====================================================================== Scorpion Also released games under the names Scorpio Gamesworld and Scorpio Software. They were located at 307 Corn Exchange Buildings, Cathedral Street, Manchester. Codebook Caper Type: DG Written 1984 by Andrew Reed. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Randy Warner and the Aztec Idol Written 1985 by B.J. Curtis in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Time Quest Written 1985 by B.J. Curtis in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruby Runabout Written 1984 by Andrew Reed. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Serpent from Hell Written 1985 by Richard Shirley, Paul Johnson. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Scott Adams Scott was the first person to put an Adventure game (also known as Interactive Fiction) on a personal computer. This was in 1978 and the computer was a 16k Radio Shack TRS-80 model I. Scott went on to write over a dozen different adventure games for the personal computers of the 1980s. Many people have written Scott and explained how his early games help led them into a career in computers today. Scott is 48 years old now and living in Wisconsin. He is married and has 5 children. Homepage: http://www.msadams.com For more information, see Adventure International. ====================================================================== SCR Adventures They are distributed by CDS. Castle Blackstar Type: TO Written 1984 by Mark Shepherd, Mike Redman, Andrew Cummins and Richardson. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Apple II * BBC * Commodore 64 * Dragon[32K] * Spectrum[48K] Notes: It has a screen layout similar to Infocom with status line and location titles. The game has a 200-word vocabulary. A 'modest prize' was offered to the first few players to complete it. Planned to be the first in a series of related quests. 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 Code Book Caper Type: DG Written 1984 by Andrew Reed. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Uses single key input. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Randy Warner and the Aztec Idol Type: CG Written 1985 by B.J. Curtis in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruby Runabout Type: DG Written 1984 by Andrew Reed. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Serpent from Hell Type: DG Written 1985 by Richard Shirley and Paul Johnson in Basic (partially). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Time Quest Type: CG Written 1985 by B.J. Curtis in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== 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. The Amulet Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Malice in Wonderland Type: TO Written 1985 by Lumpsoft in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oo-Topos Type: TO Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn and Muffy Berlyn. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC[VGA] Notes: Two-word parser. For more information, see PolarWare. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scoop Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Mines of Moria Type: G Written by Mike Howard. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] * Oric-1 Notes: Based on "The Lord of the Rings". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grail Type: G Written 1983. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Similar to Moria. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Encounter Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Rescue a girl from a gang of criminals. ====================================================================== Shadow Software The House of Shadows Type: TO Written 1983 by James Southgate. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Shards Software Jericho Road Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: An adventure with a Christian theme, written by a minister. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pettigrew Chronicles Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] Notes: In four parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Galilee Written 1985. Runs on: * BBC * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Sierra On-Line, Inc History In 1980, Ken and Roberta Williams founded On-Line Systems. The company changed its name to Sierra On-Line in mid-1982. They later bought Dynamix. Their development section was spun off as Yosemite Entertainment and originally killed off in 1999, but it was later bought by Codemasters and is still in business. As a publishing house, Sierra is still very much in business, even though it has changed hands several times. It was originally privately owned under Ken Williams, then sold to Cendant, and is now owned by Havas Interactive. Packaging 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 cover art 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. Technology All the SierraVenture games were written using different frameworks. Starting with King's Quest, Sierra started using a common interpreter called AGI which made their games much more portable. 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 and IBM. They distribute Dynamix and Coktel Vision. For more information, see Dynamix, Yosemite Entertainment and Codemasters. HiRes Adventures/SierraVentures This series was published 1979-1982, and contained around ten games. The official numbering stopped after #6. * 0: Mission Asteroid Type: DG Written 1980 (rereleased by SierraVenture in 1982) by Roberta Williams and Ken Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64[1983] Notes: This was actually released after #1 and #2 but it was a tutorial adventure and as such it was given the low number. Comments: Prevent an asteroid from hitting Earth and destroying it. * 1: Mystery House Type: DG Written 1980 (written during 1979; rereleased by SierraVenture 1982) by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: This was released into the public domain at Sierra's 10th anniversary (around 1987-88 (?)). This might have been the first graphical adventure written. The graphics were actually black and white line drawings with stick figures for people but that didn't stop the game from being an instant success. The game eventually sold 10,000 copies at $24.95 and established Sierra. Comments: Search an old house for a treasure while learning who's killing off the house's members. You even get to kill two people (one completely innocent) before the game ends, but of course that doesn't make you a murderer! For more information, see EduWare Services, Inc. * 2: The Wizard and the Princess / Adventure in Serenia Type: G Written 1980 (rereleased by SierraVenture 1982) by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC[As Adventure in Serenia.] Notes: This is usually regarded as the first adventure game with color graphics. It was definitely Sierra's first. Ultima had color graphics around the same time, but that's an RPG. Serenia was later used as the town in King's Quest V. It was released for the PC as Adventures in Serenia, copyright On-Line Systems 1980, IBM 1982. Comments: Wander around the land of Serenia in search of a princess imprisoned by an evil wizard. * 3: Cranston Manor Type: G Written 1981 by Harold DeWitz and Ken Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit Comments: Search the mansion of a late millionaire for sixteen treasures. * 4: Ulysses and the Golden Fleece Type: DG Written 1981 (rereleased by SierraVenture in 1982) by Bob Davis and Ken Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[1984] Comments: As Ulysses you must travel ancient Greece in search of the golden fleece. * Softporn Adventure Type: TO Written 1981 by Chuck Benton. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * PC Notes: This is the only text-only adventure that Sierra has released. It was released sometime during Ulysses and Time Zone, but did not carry a number and was not really considered a part of the hi-res series (though it was billed as such). It was marketed for less than a year although it later became a lot more popular when it was rereleased with graphics as Leisure Suit Larry. It's been released with two different folders, one in color and one in black and white. * 5: Time Zone Type: G Written 1982 (written 1981; probably rereleased by SierraVenture in 1982) by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: It originally retailed for $99.95 (which, unsurprisingly, hurt sales). Time Zone came in an 8.5" X 11" box, including the a large manual with jacket holders for the 6 disks and a fold-out poster of the cover art with the slogan "Therein time... lies the answer." Six disks was very much at the time. Comments: From the opening lines of the game "A terrestrial guardian or keeper, of sorts, has chosen you for the task of securing the earth's future by destroying the evil ruler of the distant planet Neburon and offers you the ability of time and space travel in order to do so." On your way, you get to explore 7 continents-Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Antarctica, and Africa during 7 different time periods 400,000,000 BC, 10,000 BC, 50 BC, 1000 AD, 1400 AD, 1700 AD, 2082 AD, plus Neburon, 4082 AD. * 6: Dark Crystal Type: BG Written 1982 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit Notes: It is based on the Jim Henson animated movie of the same name, which it follows closely. This is the first of the numbered hi-res adventures to begin production under the then new SierraVenture line. It is also the last hi-res adventure to be numbered. The Apple II version includes two disks, a large manual and a fold-out poster. Both the manual and the poster feature the artwork that was used for the theatrical poster for the film. Comments: As Jen, the good Gelfling, find and restore the missing shard of the Great Crystal that will stop the evil Skeksis and their henchmen, the Garthim, from taking over the world. Jen finds help in the female Gelfling, Kira, and her pet ball of fluff, Fizzgig. * The Gelfling Adventure Type: BG/CHOICE Written 1984 by Al Lowe. Notes: This was a simplified version of Dark Crystal intended for a younger audience. It featured the same graphics and storyline as the original, but the puzzles were all menu oriented. You'd get three choices and via the spacebar pick the one that you thought would advance the game. In 1985 it was marketed by Encyclopaedia Britannica in an abridged version including a student booklet and a teacher's manual. Both versions are on one 5 1/4" disk. King's Quest * King's Quest: Quest for the Crown Type: MCG/SOUND Written 1984 (written 1983; rereleased 1987) by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Amiga[1986] * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC * PCjr[This was the first commercial game product released for the PCjr.] * Tandy Notes: This was originally a demonstration product for the PCjr, commissioned by IBM, and also published and distributed by them. The real original version was for PCjr only. This first version had a manual written by IBM and came with a keyboard overlay with a scene from the game on it that was designed for the IBM "chicklet" keyboard. Since the PCjr wasn't a blockbuster, neither was KQ, so Sierra also released separate versions for Tandy and CGA. All three were booting and all three versions used different kinds of copy protections. The original version was either four (CGA) or 16 colors (EGA; supported by the PCjr and Tandy versions). The game was later re-released for DOS, supporting CGA/EGA/PCjr/Tandy. (and re-re-released later...). It was the first adventure game to feature object blocking to allow a moving character on screen to go behind and in front of objects, thus creating Sierra's "3-D Animated Adventure". An AGI IBM version came on one 5 1/4" disk and one 3 1/2" disk. In 1984 the game was packaged in a grey box with a plastic insert tray, in 1987 it was repackaged with a slipcover gold case and a tan Sierra box. Both versions include a 12 page parchment manual. Comments: As Sir Graham, help King Edward recover the three lost treasures of Daventry - a magic mirror, a treasure chest of gold, and an enchanted shield, while meeting Rumplestiltskin, the Leprechaun Kingdom, Goliath, and the witch from Hansel and Gretel. * King's Quest: Quest for the Crown (Enhanced Version) Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1989 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: This is the same game as the above, but with improved graphics (but still only 16 colors). A few puzzles changed slightly, like the location of the pebbles and the name of Rumplestiltskin. The Amiga version takes up four disks instead of the original one. The IBM version came on nine 5 1/4" disks, three 3 1/2" disks. It was originally released in the same box as the 1987 version of the original and with the same manual. A sticker was placed on the box stating it had "enhanced graphics". Later rereleased in its own box in the post-1990 type Sierra slipcovers. Comments: Not an improvement over the original version. * King's Quest II: Romancing the Throne Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1985 by Roberta Williams and Annette Childs [story]. Runs on: * Amiga[1987] * Apple IIGS[(?)] * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC * PCjr Notes: 16 color graphics in AGI. The IBM version came on two 5 1/4" disks and one 3 1/2" disk and features a 12 page parchment manual. It was released in 1985 in a grey box with a plastic insert tray and repackaged in 1987 with a gold slipcover and a tan Sierra box. Comments: Sir Graham, who is now king, searches the land of Kolyma for the keys to unlock the three doors that will lead him to the maiden Valanice, held captive in a tower. Along the way, he meets King Neptune, Little Red Riding Hood, Count Dracula, and of course, Batman. * King's Quest III: To Heir is Human Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1986 by Roberta Williams, Annette Childs [story], Al Lowe [programming], Bob Heitman [programming] and Bob Kernaghan [programming]. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS[(?)] * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC * TRS-80 Color[Coco 3.] Notes: This is the first game in the series to feature spell casting. 16 color graphics. In 1986 it was packaged in a grey box with a plastic insert tray. In 1987 it was repackaged in a gold slipcover case with a tan Sierra box. The IBM version is on three 5 1/4" disks and two 3 1/2" disks. It includes a 16 page parchment manual featuring the recipes for 7 spells. Comments: As Gwydion, discover your true identity and find a way to escape captivity by the evil wizard Manannan. You must also save the land of Daventry from the ravages of an evil dragon while meeting Medusa, the three bears, pirates, and the abominable snowman. * King's Quest IV: The Perils of Rosella Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1988 by Roberta Williams and William Goldstein [music]. Runs on: * Amiga[1989] * Apple IIGS[(?)] * Atari ST * PC Notes: 16 color graphics with professionally composed midi music. Supports mouse and sound card. King's Quest IV exists in two versions released simultaneously, one using the old AGI game system and another which is Sierra's first release in SCI (higher resolution than KQ III). Sierra were afraid that the SCI version wouldn't run on many computers, but it turned out that almost everyone bought the SCI version so the AGI version was cancelled quickly. It includes a 23 page parchment manual. The IBM version comes on eight 5 1/4" disks and four 3 1/2" disks. It was rereleased in 1989 with different cover artwork and a slighly revised manual. Comments: Princess Rosella, daughter of Graham and Valanice, travels to the land of Tamir in search of the magic fruit that will ail her dying father and the talisman that will restore the fairy Genesta's power. Along the way, meet the Seven Dwarves, Cupid, the Frog Prince and Pan before your final battle with the evil Lolotte. * King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart go Yonder! Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1990 (around 1991 on CD) by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Amiga[1991] * Macintosh * Nintendo 8-bit * PC[VGA] Notes: 16 color graphics on disk, 256 color graphics on disk, 256 color graphics on CD. The IBM disk version in 16 colors contains six 5 1/4" disks and ten 3 1/2" disks. The IBM CD on one CD-rom with a redesigned box. This is Sierra's first game with 256 color graphics and their first using the now familiar icon system which is also employed in KQ VI. It contains a 36 page manual featuring symbols to cast spells. Comments: King Graham and new sidekick, Cedrick the talking (and annoying) owl, travel the land of Serenia looking for the evil wizard Mordack who has kidnapped Graham's family and his castle. Meet a talking willow, gypsies, the Yeti, and the Ice Queen on your way to find them. * King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1992 (1993 on CD) by Revolutions Software, Roberta Williams and Jane Jensen. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: The IBM floppy version comes on eleven 5 1/4" disks and features a short opening sequence with spoken dialogue. The IBM CD-rom version comes on one CD and features an elongated opening sequence and revoiced dialogue. Voice work by Robby Benson as Alexander. Both versions are done in 256 colors. The disk version contains a 52 page parchment manual, Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles. The CD version contains a 32 page manual, Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles, and a 16 page technical manual (both in jewel case). The Game is icon based, like KQ V and features some spells like KQ III and V. It was simultaneously released in three different slipcover case boxes - in red, blue and white. It features "The Girl in the Tower" theme song, composed by Mark Seibert opening cartoon by Kronos. It is also available in German. Comments: Prince Alexander of Daventry traverses to the four lands of the Green Isles - Isle of the Crown, Isle of the Beast, Isle of Wonder and Isle of the Sacred Mountain in search of Cassima, the girl in the tower he sees in the magic mirror. Meet Beauty and the Beast, the Winged Ones, a talking garden, and an evil genie as you try to rescue her. * King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1994 by Roberta Williams and Lorelei Shannon. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Released 1994 on CD for Windows 3.1 only. Rereleased around 1995 on CD for Windows and DOS (PC version) with a new box. The IBM version is on one CD and contains a 16-page manual in jewel case. Contains a universally hated simplified icon system - that is, one icon that lights up, telling you you're supposed to do something at that part of the screen. What fun. The only improvement over VI is the higher resolution, which doesn't necessarily make the graphics look any better. Comments: Sappy Saturday morning cartoon fluff brings the King's Quest series to a grinding halt as Rosella and Valanice get separated and search for each other. In their journeys, they encounter the Troll Kingdom, the strange town of Falderal and the evil Malicia, who you might recognise as Cruella when she was in Disney's 101 Dalmatians (Disney should sue). * King's Quest VIII: Mask of Eternity Type: 3D Written 1998 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * PC Notes: This comes on one CD. Package contains an instruction bookled and a quick reference card. Comments: This is a mix of adventure and role-playing game with combat sequences. * King's Quest 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition Written 1994. Notes: Contains KQ1 (both the old and the enhanced version), KQ 2-4, KQ 5 (English and French), KQ 6 (English and German), and a preview of KQ 7. * King's Quest Collection Series Written 1997 or 1998. Notes: Collection contains the games King's Quest 1-7, the two Laura Bow games and Mixed-Up Mother goose. Space Quest The Space Quest games chronicle the adventures of Roger Wilco. More information can be found in the The SpaceQuest FAQ. * Space Quest I: The Sarien Encounter Type: MCG Written 1986, 87 by Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Comments: As the Spacelab Arcada is boarded by the evil Sariens who steal the Star Generator to help them dominate the galaxy, Space Janitor Roger Wilco escapes to the planet Kerona, where he takes up the fight. After defeating the Sariens he is rewarded with the Golden Mop. The game is filled with a Spaceballs-like humour. * Space Quest I: The Sarien Encounter (enhanced version) Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1990. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC Notes: This is the same game as the above, but with improved graphics. The Amiga version of this takes up 6 disks instead of the original one. In this version Roger has blond hair instead of brown as in the original. * Space Quest II: Vohaul's Revenge Type: MCG Written 1987 by Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC Comments: Roger is kidnapped and enslaved by the Sarien 'Sludge Vohaul' and must escape from the Orium mines to defeat Vohaul again. The humor in this game is somewhat more scarce than most of the series. The game is not a big improvement from the first. * Space Quest III: The Pirates of Pestulon Type: MCG Written 1989 by Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC Notes: SQ3 was the first SQgame to come in 320x200 resolution and to support music cards (Roland MT32 and Adlib). It was awarded 'Best Adventure Game of the Year' and is generally recognized as the funniest SQ game. It is also available in Spanish. Comments: Roger must flee from an android, hunting him for Mail Fraud in SQ2. Having escaped that, he must rescue 'the Two Guys from Andromeda' (creators of the SQseries) from the software ScumSoft (a pun on LucasArts game system!) and return them to earth. * Space Quest IV: Roger Wilco and the Time Rippers Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1991 by Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: This was released both as a disk version and a CD version with speech. The CD version can either run under DOS or in a window. SQ4 came with 256 colors VGA handpainted graphics and video captured animation + digitized SoundBlaster effects. Comments: Rogers old 'friend' Vohaul is back, and Roger goes on an odyssey through several Time eras - including Space Quest XII Space Quest X and a short visit back to Space Quest I (with authentic SQ1 graphics -- he actually gets in trouble in a bar because a couple of guys don't like his 256 color attitude). At the end, he beats Vohaul -- helped by his (yet unborn) son, Roger Jr., and returns to his own time and SQ4. * Space Quest V: Roger Wilco in the Next Mutation Type: MCG Written 1993. Runs on: * Amiga * PC[VGA] Notes: After the production of SQ4 the duo behind the series split up. Scott Murphy left Space Quest, and Mark Crowe moved to Sierras sister/daughter company Dynamix. SQ V was actually written by Mark Crowe and produced by Dynamix, though it was labelled Sierra. Also available in Spanish. Comments: Roger goes to the Academy and becomes captain on his own spacecraft -- a garbage ship, collecting trash in space. Soon he gets involved in a plot where evil mutants led by his own commanding officer, Captain Quirk, tries to take over StarCon. While defeating them, he also meets his love, Beatrice Wankmeister. SQ5 is stuffed with references to popular SF-movies. * Space Quest VI: The Spinal Frontier Type: MCG/SPEECH Written 1995 by Josh Mandel and Scott Murphy. Runs on: * PC Notes: Space Quest VI comes on 1 CD, with a booklet, including some puzzles that serves as a sort of copy protection. The game has voice-over speech and can be installed under DOS or Windows. It was designed and mainly written by Josh Mandel, co-writer of earlier SQ-games, but due to some troubles with Sierra he left the company and Scott Murphy finished the game. This is probably why you find some inconsistencies and puzzles without hints here and there. According to Sierra, this will be the last game in the Space Quest series. Comments: Roger is demoted to second class janitor but gets kidnapped (again) and is saved by beautiful corpsman Stellar Santiago. She is later kidnapped to take part in a mind altering/body switch project, and a miniaturized Roger must travel inside her body to save her. Again full of reference to SF. * Space Quest 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition Written 1994. Notes: Contains SQ 1-5. * Space Quest Collection: Roger Wilco Unclogged Notes: Package contains an instruction booklet and a CD with Space Quest 1-5. * Space Quest Collection Series Written 1997 or 1998. Notes: Contains six games according to the cover, including SQ 6, so the others would be SQ 1-5, I suppose. Leisure Suit Larry Meet Larry. He's just turned 40, and he's still single. If you can get past the glow of his Grecian formula, you can see his hairline beginning to make a hasty retreat from his forehead. Larry's leisure suit is of the highest quality (100% manmade material, permanent press too!). He wears at least 11 gold chains and his freshly-capped teeth could blind you in a bright light. Down at the singles bar he tells all the chicks, "Sure, I'm single... I got in a fight with my ol' lady and she threw me out." He doesn't tell them the "ol' lady" was his mom, or that he was 38 at the time. * Leisure Suit Larry I: In the Land of the Lounge Lizards Type: MCG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1987 by Al Lowe, Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC[VGA, 16-colour AGI graphics.] * TRS-80 Color[Coco 3.] Notes: This is based on the game Softporn Adventure by Chuck Benton. It includes a 12-page manual and a Lefty's napkin. The PC version comes on two 5 1/4" disks and one 3 1/2" disk. Package blurb: Become the loveable nerd Larry for one fabulous night. You'll dance. You'll drink. You'll gamble. And, if you play your cards right, you might even meet the girl (or girls) of your dreams. Leisure Suit Larry is a humorous, harmless endeavor for adults. The object of the game is to help Larry overcome his jerkisms and lose his "you-know-what." It's a silly, risque romp through the singles scene and a challenging adventure game that will test your street smarts and suave sophistication. So, slip into your leisure suit and venture out into "the land of the lounge lizards." We guarantee it'll be a night you will never forget. * Leisure Suit Larry I: In the Land of the Lounge Lizards (enhanced version) Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1991. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC Notes: This is the same game as the above, but with improved graphics. This version takes up 4 disks instead of the original 1. [Amiga] * Leisure Suit Larry Goes Looking for Love (In Several Wrong Places) / Leisure Suit Larry II Type: MCG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1988 by Al Lowe. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC[16-colour SCI graphics (higher res than 1).] Notes: Package includes a 14 page manual featuring the phone numbers and pictures of 16 girls (the copy protection). The PC comes version on six 5 1/4" disks and three 3 1/2" disks. Comments: Larry gets tracked by the KGB in LA, a cruise, a nudist beach, an airport, a crowded flight, and an Amazonian jungle-cum-island resort after accidentally (and cluelessly) gaining posession of an onklunk musical instrument containing a top secret microfiche. Of course, as Larry, it's up to you to save the world from Dr. Nonookee and find the native island girl of your dreams and marry her, all amidst a subquest to grow better hair than Minoxodil. Package blurb: On cruise ships, in laid back Los Angeles and in other exotic locations, Larry is suddenly attracting the attention of all kinds of nubile nymphettes. He's been propositioned by a bikini'd babe at the poop-deck pool, suffered the seductions of a sadomasochistic spinster, even played "hide the onklunk" with a sexy Spanish senorita. Why is it that some of the loveliest ladies in the western hemisphere are so hot to get their hands on Larry - and why is he resisting their advances? Why is it that Larry has suddenly started looking only for Miss "Right" (as opposed to Miss "Right-Now") and will he find her? Find out when you play... Looking for Love (in several wrong places). * Leisure Suit Larry III: Passionate Patti in Pursuit of the Pulsating Pectorals Type: MCG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1989 by Al Lowe [story, programming] and Carlos Escobar [programming]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC[16-colour SCI graphics.] Notes: Package includes a 24-page "NonToonyt Island" magazine and a postcard from the Island of NonToonyt featuring a drawing of Larry and Patti. The PC version comes on eight 5 1/4" disks and four 3 1/2" disks. Comments: Game starts off with lovable Larry getting dumped by the "girl of his dreams" from the end of the last game (who converts to lesbianism) and his subsequent firing from the company job by the girl's father. Left on his own, Larry is back to square one until he meets lounge singer Patti. Patti's more adventure-oriented section (which includes her getting herself into all kinds of down and dirty outdoorsmanship) features an arcade game where you must successfully row yourself down a river while avoiding obstacles. You'll never guess where Larry and Patti end up. Package blurb: Are you a smooth, suave, single guy on the make, or maybe you fancy yourself the sleek, sexy femme fatale? Whoever you are, get ready for a look at the other side of life. In Sierra's latest 3-D adventure, Lesiure Suit Larry III: Passionate Patti in Pursuit of the Pulsating Pectorals, you're BOTH! Leisure Suit Larry III is the first Sierra game ever to allow you to switch roles and see the story from another point of view. In our first ever role-switching adventure, you'll experience a new dimension of computer adventure. Become Larry, trying to find himself in the jungle of NonToonyt Island, and Passionate Patti, searching for the man of her dreams (who seems to have dropped off the face of the earth). * Leisure Suit Larry V: Passionate Patti Does a Little Undercover Work Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1991 by Al Lowe and Craig Safan [music]. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: The author swore after completing part III that he would never write part IV. The joke behind the skipping of Part 4 is explained through several references to Leisure Suit Larry 4: The Missing Floppies. Larry begins Part 5 with partial amnesia about what happened during his last sequel (not to mention with Patti). The 16-colour PC version comes on four 5 1/4" disks, the 256-colour PC version on eleven 5 1/4" disks. The package includes a 14-page Playspy magazine with a Passionate Patti centrefold, an Aerodork Airlines travel schedule brochure, and a 32-page Sierra Game Manual. It is also available in Spanish. Comments: Leisure Suit Larry's graphic style received a serious overhauling in this game, to the point of employing a silly, cartoony sense of drawing that certainly manages to kill the mood, if nothing else. Package blurb: SEX, THUGS AND ROCK 'N ROLL. They're back in their silliest, sexiest adventure ever. Larry teams up with Passionate Patti for a rollicking gender-bending romp through the sleazy underside of the underworld SWITCH SEXES ON THE FLY. Yes, every time you take a plane ride, you'll switch back and forth between Larry and Patti. Double the trouble, double the fun! IT'S LARRY & PATTI vs. A GALLERY OF GOONS. Passionate Patti is a fledging spy for the FBI, sent to ferret out corruption in the music industry. Larry, cult-hero of the computer age and certified fashion disaster, is auditioning hostesses for TV's syndicated steam-fest, America's Sexiest Home Videos, But watch out! The Mob wants to get pornography off the air and back onto their balance sheet. Help Larry and Patti take on organized crime, the FBI, and the Citizens Against Nearly Everything in their spiciest computer caper yet. * Leisure Suit Larry VI: Shape Up or Slip Out Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1993 by Al Lowe. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC[256-colour SVGA graphics.] Notes: Released on both CD and disk. The CD version has better graphics, more points and Larry's voice. The CD version includes a 35-page Sierra Game Manual and a fold-out insert in the jewel case. The PC version comes on one CD. This is also available in French. Comments: Game is basically a rehash of the first game with elements of the second thrown in. The plot is nonexistant. Package blurb: As a consolation prize for his humiliating performance on a TV dating show, Larry wins two weeks at the fabulous La Costa Lotta Spa (first prize one week!). Surrounded by nine smart, savvy, beautiful women, Larry will surely meet Ms. Right. Right? WRONG! * Leisure Suit Larry VII: Love for Sail Type: MCG Runs on: * Macintosh * PC * Leisure Suit Larry 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition Written 1995. Notes: This collection is not entirely certain that it should be under Larry, it might be one of the other series that don't have a 15th anniversary collection. It came in a green box, similar to the ones for King's Quest and Space Quest. * Leisure Suit Larry's Greatest Hits and Misses Type: MCG Written 1996. Runs on: * PC Notes: Contains Leisure Suit Larry 1 (both original and enhanced versions), 2, 3, and 5 (there is no part 4) and some Vegas Gambling type games (which evolved into Leisure Suit Larry Casino) on a CD and some documentation. * Leisure Suit Larry Collection Series Written 1997 or 1998. Notes: Contains five games according to the cover, but which ones? 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. * Police Quest: In Pursuit of the Death Angel Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1987 by Jim Walls. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC[VGA] Comments: Sonny Bonds, cop in the Lytton police force, has to track down the Death Angel, a infamous drug dealer. * Police Quest: In Pursuit of the Death Angel (enhanced version) Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1991. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: This is the same as the abve game, but with improved graphics. The Amiga version takes up 4 disks instead of 1. * Police Quest II: The Vengeance Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1988 by Jim Walls. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC Comments: Sonny Bonds must once again track down Jessie Bains, the Death Angel, as he struggles to take revenge against those that put him away. * Police Quest III: The Kindred Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1990 by Jim Walls and Jan Hammer [music]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC[VGA] * Police Quest IV: Open Season Written 1993 by Daryl F. Gates. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: Also available in Spanish. * Police Quest: S. W. A. T. Written 1995 by Daryl F. Gates. Notes: Action-ish game. * Police Quest: S. W. A. T. 2 Written 1998 by Daryl F. Gates. Notes: Action-ish game. * Police Quest Four most wanted Written 1996. Notes: Contains Police Quest 1,2,3 and Open season * Polica Quest Collection Series Written 1997 or 1998. Runs on: * PC Notes: Contains Police Quest 1-4 and SWAT on a CD and an instruction booklet. Quest for Glory * Hero's Quest / Quest for Glory I: So You Want to be a Hero Type: MCG/MUSIC/TEXT Written 1989 by Lori Ann Cole. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: This game was originally called Hero's Quest but this created copyright problems with Gremlin because of their licence for a board game. Comments: Playing either as a thief, wizard or fighter, you mush enter the city of Spielburg to save the Baron's daughter (and perhaps gather a bit of treasure along the way!). * Hero's Quest / Quest for Glory I: So You Want to be a Hero (enhanced version) Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1991. * The Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire Type: MCG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1990 by Lori Ann Cole and Corey Cole. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC * The Quest for Glory III: Wages of War Written 1992. Runs on: * PC[VGA] Notes: This is also available in French, German, Italian and Spanish. * Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness Written 1994. Runs on: * PC[VGA] * Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire Written 1998 by Cole. Runs on: * PC Notes: This comes on 2 CDs with an instruction bookled and a reference card. Comments: Good game, but part IV remains the best. * Quest for Glory Anthology Written 1996. Notes: This contains QfG1, QfG1 (enhanced version), QfG2, QfG3 in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, and QfG4. * Quest for Glory Collection Series Written 1997 or 1998. Runs on: * PC Notes: Contains one CD with QfG 1: So You Want to be a Hero, QfG 2: Trial by Fire, QfG 3: Wages of War, and QfG 4: Shadows of Darkness, an instruction booklet and another CD with the QfG 5: Dragon Fire original soundtrack music and a game demo. Laura Bow In the roaring 20's, seemingly mousey Laura Bow is a detective in the very best Jessica Fletcher sense of the term. That is, whenever she drops in on the party, people drop like flies. The first game is pretty tight, and rather logically reasoned, but the second is poorly executed and involves more guesswork than it does actual deductive skills. No further Laura Bow games are being planned, apparently, as Amon Ra was released 6 years ago (1998). * The Colonel's Bequest Type: MCG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1989 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC[16-colour SCI graphics.] Notes: The package includes a 15-page playbook, a Misty Acres Plantation featuring 23 fingerprints of the suspects (the copy protection), cardboard magnifying glass with red filter (to decipher the encoded fingerprints), monographed notebook from Tulane University, pencil from Tulane University. The PC version comes on ten 5 1/4" disks and four 3 1/2" disks. Comments: The Colonel's Bequest, an old send-back to "Ten Little Indians" and the Agatha Christie novels of the 1920's, was the first Sierra game to be laid out in play format through eight acts or chapters (a tactic they now employ often). Laura's friend Lillian invites her to her secretive uncle's estate, but little does she know one by one someone will start killing off the Dijon clan to get at his fortune. Game includes a fair share of both deductive puzzles, and typical adventure ones. Features two different endings, a right one and a wrong one, based on your final action. The game closes with a detective rating, dependant on how much of the mystery you actually solved. Package blurb: Why has the reclusive Colonel Dijon called his rivalrous relations together? It's a mysterious re-union at his secluded mansion, deep in the bayous of Southern Louisiana! It is the year 1925, and the roaring '20's are well underway. As Laura Bow, young college student, you've been invited to visit the Colonel's isolated estate. Watch as the Colonel announces his intention to bequeath his millions to all present! Immediately, you sense greed and suspicion among the Colonel's relatives and associates. The air becomes thick with anger betrayal. As the drama unfolds you must evade the dangers that await you everywhere, and expose the killer before he or she strikes again! * Laura Bow II: Dagger of Amon Ra Type: MCG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1991 by Roberta Williams and Bruce Balfour. Runs on: * PC[VGA, 256-colour graphics.] Notes: The package includes a 60-page Leyendecker Museum manual featuring the bios of 12 Egyptian Gods and Goddesses (the copy protection), a Leyendecker Egyptian Exhibit brochure, a 30-page Sierra Game Manual and an additional instructions card. It was released both on disk and later, on CD. The PC version comes on six 5 1/4" disks and one CD-rom. The CD version adds speech (unless that's in the diskette version as well?). Comments: Laura Bow moves to the Big Apple for her promising new career as a reporter and is quickly assigned the scoop of learning about the newly excavated artifact, the Dagger of Amon Ra, at the Leyendecker Museum. Of course, you know she can't go anywhere without people getting bumped off around her, so luckily by the end of the game, she'll have a much bigger scoop to worry about. Game is played in six acts, although the mystery itself doesn't start until the conclusion of the second act and is basically over after the fourth act (the fifth is a chase scene from the murderer and the sixth is your providing the coroner with the criminals and their motives) so it's disjointed, to say the least. A pointless romance for our heroine is thrown in and it does succeed in stopping the action cold. A high point is the many different endings, most of which are comical. Based on how well you solve all the mysteries, Laura could get promoted, demoted, murdered, or drive her father to an insane asylum and other suspects to suicide. Package blurb: Laura Bow, intrepid heoine of The Colonel's Bequest, is back! This time she's trapped in a huge, imposing museum in the dead of night, surrounded by socialites, miscreants, thieves... and a cold, relentless murderer. What is the ancient secret of The Dagger of Amon Ra, and who is willing to kill for it? What's the motive for murder? Greed? Religious outrage? Patriotism? Rivalry? Laura Bow, cub reporter for a major New York newspaper, better find out fast! Are you ready to meet the challenge? Can you discover the truth about the pricless Dagger of Amon Ra before the killer discovers... you? Gabriel Knight * 1: Gabriel Knight: The Sins of the Fathers Type: PNC/MUSIC Written 1993 by Jane Jensen. Runs on: * PC Notes: 256 color VGA graphics. Comes in both disk version (3 disks) and CD-ROM. Featuring the voice talents of: Tim Curry (Gabriel), Leah Remini (Grace), Mark Hamill (Det. Mosely), Michael Dorn, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Rocky Carroll and Virginia Capers, as the ever-unintelligible narrator. Package includes a 42 page technical manual and a 32 page graphic novel, beautifully illustrated by Terese Nielsen. This was Sierra's first straight-to-CD release project and featured a very expensive all-star voice-over cast. The CD release originally came in an origami-shaped box, marketing not seen since the days of Infocom's equally hard-to-stack Starcross saucer. Floppy owners did not get such luxury, as the disk based version of the game (as well as later releases) came in a regular rectangular box. Sins of the Fathers was awarded Computer Gaming World's and Computer Game Review's 1994 Game of the Year title, a title it most certainly deserved. Comments: Gabriel Knight, dashing skirt chaser-cum-fiction writer, joins forces with his sarcastic Asian sidekick, Grace, and balding law inforcement pal, Detective Mosely, to learn more about the voodoo-related crimes plaguing New Orleans, in efforts to inspire his latest novel. Little does he know what he's getting into, as Gabriel will be anything but a commonplace bookstore owner by the time the game is over. Excellent. Package blurb: He started out writing a book on voodoo. Now he's fighting for his very soul. Gabriel Knight is the last in a long line of Shadow Hunters, those fated to fight the dark forces of the supernatural. Haunted by a centuries-old curse, he is tormented by terrifying nightmares. Now he must spend every waking moment scouring the side streets and back alleys of New Orleans for the key to the dark past. And when he sleeps -- the nightmare begins. * 2: Gabriel Knight: The Beast Within Type: PNC/MUSIC/VIDEO Written 1995 by Jane Jensen. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Starring Dean Erickson as Gabriel and Joanne Takahashi as Grace. Available on CD only in 256 colors SVGA. The PC version comes on six CDs (another source says 5 CDs) in one double-width jewel case. Includes a 24 page manual in jewel case. Comments: Gabriel is back, surrounded by more murders, proving once again that Jessica Fletcher has got nothing on him. Now vacationing in his estate in Germany, with Grace grudgingly running the show back in New Orleans, Gabriel's vacation is cut short by the townspeople seeking vengeance on the supposed werewolf killing of one of their little girls. Chapters alternate between Gabriel's investigations of the murders through a coveted German hunting lodge, and Grace's trudging around Germany, in search of both Gabriel's location and the connection between old German history, and the plight of the werewolf. An excellent storyline is marred by Sierra's use, once again, of the single icon "Light Up Interface." Where Sins of the Fathers was non-linear animation with voice-overs, The Beast Within is very linear full motion video shot with real (we think) actors. Dean Erickson and Joanne Takahashi are unable to find the spark that made Tim Curry and Leah Remini so endearing. Both Takahashi's crabby screen presence and Grace's endless quest for the next pixel that will unfold mountains of pointless historical text upon the viewer are the definite low points, although it's a toss-up which is more difficult to stomach. Otherwise, superbly written with some definite unsettling moments packed in. Package blurb: From the darkly prolific mind of creator Jane Jensen comes the next Gabriel Knight Mystery: The Beast Within. Now we find Schattenjager, or Shadow Hunter, Gabriel and his assistant Grace Nakimura deeply embroiled in a murderous mystery that unravels half a world away. Play as both Gabriel and Grace as they are dispatched to Munich to solve a series of mutilation murders thought to be the work of werewolves. Gabriel confronts his own demons while Grace traces an historical mystery, that of the strange demise of Mad King Ludwig II. The hunters become the hunted, and the only hope for deliverance lies in the most desperate of schemes... * 3: Gabriel Knight: Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned Type: PNC Written 1999. Runs on: * PC * Gabriel Knight Mysteries (Limited Edition) Written 1998. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is a compilation which contains Gabriel Knight 1: Sins of the Fathers (1 CD), Gabriel Knight 2: The Beast Within (6 CDs), Gabriel Knight Soundtrack (contains Gabriel Knight 1 & 2 game manuals and Sins of the Fathers graphic novel in digital form; 1 CD), Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers (novel by Jane Jensen, 400 pages), Gabriel Knight: Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned - Prologue (graphic novel, 16 pages). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mickey's Space Adventure Written 1984 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC * PCjr * Tandy Notes: This was a joint project with Disney, before they worked on Black Cauldron. Intended for kids and doesn't belong in any series. The PC version comes on two 360KB 5 1/4" disks. Comments: Same format as Winnie the Pooh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Black Cauldron Type: MCG/CHOICE Written 1984, rereleased 1986 by Roberta Williams [design], Mark Crowe, Scott Murphy [programming] and Ken Williams [programming]. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Macintosh * PC * PCjr * Tandy Notes: This game was aimed at kids and followed the Disney movie pretty closely. The original booting version copyrighted 84, 85 with CGA/PCjr/Tandy support. Re-released as DOS-based in at least two different versions, both copyright 86, 87 and supporting CGA/EGA/PCjr/Tandy. All versions feature enhanced sound for PCjr/Tandy, and the booting versions feature 16 colors on PCjr and Tandy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood Type: IG Written 1986. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * PC Comments: Similar to the very early Sierra games. Dark Crystal-like. How does that go together with Interactive Graphics? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon's Keep Notes: I don't know if this really is an adventure. Comments: Mainly text-based interactive reading adventure for younger children. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Troll Tales Notes: I don't know if this really is an adventure. Comments: Mainly text-based interactive reading adventure for younger children. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mixed-up Mother Goose Written 1987, 90 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Apple IIGS * Macintosh * PC[VGA] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mixed-up Mother Goose (enhanced version) Type: MCG/MUSIC Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: This is the same game as the above, but with improved graphics. The Amiga version was on two disks instead of one. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Rush! Written 1988 by Doug MacNeill and Ken MacNeill. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC Notes: This was one of the last Sierra games to use the AGI interface. Comments: You play a man from New York who decides to go to California during the height of the gold rush. Middle portion of the game revolves around your transport to California via three methods (two by sea and one by land). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Manhunter: New York Written 1988 by Dave Murry, Barry Murry and DeeDee Murry. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Manhunter 2: San Francisco Written 1989 by Dave Murry, Barry Murry, DeeDee Murry and Barbara Ward. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS[Not sure.] * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Codename: Iceman Type: MCG Written 1989 by Jim Walls. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Comments: You have to take the role of a secret agent. This game had a pretty good submarine simulation that was a bulk of the middle of the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Conquests of Camelot: King Arthur, The Search for the Grail Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1989 by Christy Marx. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: A love affair between the famous knight Lancelot and King Arthurs wife, Gwenhyver, has set off a series of disastrous events that has put Britain into despair. And now, three of the Round Table's most renowned knights have vanished. As Arthur, you must go on a long journey, taking you all the way to Arabia, to save the knights and find the Holy Grail. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eco Quest 1: The Search for Cetus Runs on: * PC Notes: Mix between educational software and adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eco Quest 2: Lost Secret of the Rainforest Written 1991. Runs on: * PC Notes: Mix between educational software and adventure. There is both a DOS and a Windows version of this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Conquests of Long Bow: The Adventures of Robin Hood Written 1992 by Christy Marx. Runs on: * Amiga * PC[VGA] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Freddy Pharkas, Frontier Pharmacist Written 1993 by Al Lowe and Josh Mandel. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: Apart from the game, the package contains a manual called "Modern Day Book of Health and Hygiene" and a registration form. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Torin's Passage Written 1995 by Al Lowe. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Runner Type: VIDEO Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Notes: Mostly live action video. Comments: Horrid game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phantasmagoria Written 1995 by Roberta Williams. Runs on: * PC Comments: You play a young female writer who has bought an old house, which (surprise) turns out to be haunted. Drama (and endless grainy video shots) ensues as your not-too-likeable boyfriend turns into a madman and tries to kill you. This game received a lot of attention prior to its release due to the fact that it contained an unprecedented amount of video sequences and came on a whopping 7 cd's. Supposedly it was four years in the making, but the effort was wasted. The story totally lacks originality, the acting gives a whole new meaning to the word "dreadful", and there's just nothing to do but to follow the very linear storyline. Apparently Roberta Williams was trying to get away from her cutesy King's Quest image, so the game has some quite gory sequences, which can be turned on and off. I seem to recall that Sierra put a self-induced age limit (15) on the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phantasmagoria II: A Puzzle of Flesh Written 1996. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phantasmagoria Stagefright Written 1997 or 1998?. Notes: From the cover, it seems to contain both the Phantasmagoria games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rama Written 1996. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rama (limited edition) Runs on: * PC Notes: This version was packaged with a copy of Arthur C. Clarke's novel "Rama II". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lighthouse Written 1996. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shivers Written 1996. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shivers II: Harvest of Souls Written 1997. Runs on: * PC Notes: Runs under SVGA in 256 colors. Comes on 2 CDs. Comments: You take the role of a wannabe rock star who has planned an encounter with your band in a small desert town. However, when you turn up in the town, everybody has vanished. Gathering clues from a number of your own rock videos, you slowly discover that an old Indian curse has made the town's inhabitants disappear. The game is very much in the vein of The 7th Guest, which means that you have to roam the city to gather information and solve logical puzzles along the way. The game is a definite improvement over both its predecessor and T7G, as the storyline is fairly non-linear, the interface is a delight to use, and the story and characters work quite well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Betrayal in Antara Written 1997 by Peter Sarrett. Runs on: * PC Notes: Comes on two CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mixed-up Fairy Tales Runs on: * PC[VGA] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Dr. Brain Written 1991. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC[VGA] Notes: This is a borderline case of adventure. It takes place in a castle, but it's merely a question of solving logical, mathematical puzzles. Contents: 8 disks plus 1 demo disk (1991 Coming Attractions), 256 Color Read Me Flyer, Castle of Dr. Brain Game Manual, Castle of Dr. Brain Hint Booklet, Fantastic Book of Logic Puzzles by Muriel Mandell, illustrated by Elise Chanowitz, Sterling Verlag, New York 1986: 128 pages pocket book (just bonus, has nothing to do with game), Sierra product catalog ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Island of Dr. Brain Runs on: * PC[VGA] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Turbo Science Notes: Kind of Educative. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Roberta Williams Anthology Notes: It containes Mystery House, The Wizard and the Princess, Mission: Asteroid, Time Zone, and Dark Crystal as Apple II images (Dark Crystal was added at the last minute and isn't listed among the other games). It also contained Kings Quest 1 (both the old and the new version), King's Quest 2-7, Laura Bow 1 and 2, Mixed Up Mother Goose (both versions) and the first chapter of Phantasmagoria (not the whole game). It also contains background information about Roberta Williams and King's Quest, a few videos (including a sneak preview of King's Quest VIII), and box covers and the KQ VIII art as jpg files. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pepper's Adventures in Time Type: PNC Runs on: * PC Comments: Pepper travels back in time to save history. A kid's adventure with historical figures like Benjamin Franklin. ====================================================================== 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 ====================================================================== Silverbyte Xaram Type: G Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== SilverSoft Probably a distributor, possibly for BBC. Now owned by CRL Group PLC. They distribute Delta 4 Software. Super Wumpus Written 1981. Runs on: * ZX81[16K] ====================================================================== 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 Promethean Prophecy Type: TO Written 1985/1986. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC Comments: Really good Star Trek interactive fiction (first contact, strange alien culture, cool comments from Bones). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: The Rebel Universe Written 1988. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: Borg Written 1997. Notes: Interactive Movie. Comes on three CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: Klingon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dylan Dog - The Murderers Type: IG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1992. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dylan Dog - The Mummy Type: IG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1992. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Sinclair Research Ltd Founded by Sir Clive Sinclair and the company behind the Sinclair computers. Homepage: http://www.sinclair-research.co.uk For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. ====================================================================== Sirius Software They were located at 10364 Rockingham Drive, Sacramento, Ca. 95827, USA. Phone 916-366-1195. They were primarily an Apple II company. All their 5 adventure games were painfully derivative of Sierra's hi-res adventures. Brøderbund apparently rereleased many of the games, along with Ultrasoft's, after Sirius went out of business (probably 1984). The Sirius games were originally just packaged around a manual doubling for a folder and later got dinky little boxes, about 5.5" X 7.5" that were basically the same size and style as an Atari 2600 cart replete with punch out hook at the top. For more information, see Broderbund Software. Escape from Rungistan Type: G/MUSIC (graphics in black and white, animation) Written 1982 by Bob Blauschild. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Features an arcade sequence skiing while avoiding trees. Comments: After escaping from prison, you must find a way to leave communistic Rungistan, Africa for democratic Nuggyland (picture leaving Russia for America). The Rungistanees have no intention of letting you cross the border back to safety alive. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kabul Spy Type: G (some animation) Written 1982 by Tim Wilson. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: Play an American agent being sent to Afghanistan to find and rescue professor Paul Eisenstadt, who is being held captive by the KGB. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Critical Mass Type: BG/MUSIC (animation) Written 1982 by Bob Blauschild. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: Features an arcade sequence where you waterski around buoys. Comments: You have four days to prevent a nuclear terrorist from blowing up the five largest cities in the world (New York, Miami, Rome, London, and Paris). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blade of Blackpoole Type: G Written 1982 by Tim Wilson. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 Notes: It comes on one 5 1/4" disk for Atari 800/1200 and includes a fold-out instruction sheet. Comments: Routine adventure where you collect and store treasures before you can obtain and bring back the big treasure, the Sword of Myraglym. Package blurb: Methinks if I live 'till the seas have withered I'll ne'er know of more adventure than befalleth those that quest for the sword bearing the name Myraglym. Many have abandoned their earthly toils to pursue this great sword o'magic. Legend saeth this mighty blade rests in the caverns 'neath the lake at Blackpoole, where evil serpents and horrid plants have a taste for the flesh of humans. And yeah, even man has taken arms against his fellow man in search of Myraglym. So come hither be ye brave. For if ye seek a life of adventure, ye too must go in search of the Blade of Blackpoole. Travel with wisdom and cunning and the magic powers of Myraglym shall be for none other. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gruds in Space Type: BG/SOUND (animation) Written 1983 by Chuck Sommerville and Joseph A. Dudar. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC[Might not have been released.] Comments: Travel your space freighter through Saturn and Venus in order to pick up fuel to deliver on Pluto. Some of the alien Gruds might just help you out on your quest. ====================================================================== 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: * Apple II * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Type: IG 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 Notes: Released some time around 1987. ====================================================================== Smart Egg Software They are distributed by Mastertronic and CRL Group PLC. Rigel's Revenge Type: TO Written 1987 by Ron Harris, Nigel Brooks, Said Hassan and Ross Harris. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Federation Type: TO Written 1988 by Michael White. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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[48K] 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). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Labours of Hercules Written by Terry Taylor. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Plot Hatcher Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Snille Publishing Homepage: http://www.snille.se/ Gilbert och den kemystiska ön Type: PNC Written 1999. Runs on: * PC Notes: A gamed aimed at making kids interested in chemistry. Available in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish and English. ====================================================================== Soap Bubble Productions Homepage: http://www.soapbubble.com/ They are distributed by Piranha Interactive Publishing. Morpheus Written 1998. Runs on: * PC * Macintosh[PowerPC, System 7.5] ====================================================================== 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[48K] 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 * 1: Skull Island Runs on: * Commodore 64 * 2: Ninja Killer Type: CG/SPEECH Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Absolutely awful. Lousy parser, because lots of memory is wasted on a few lines of _really_ bad speech (too bad that you can hardly make the game say anything but "so sorry" - ARGH!) A ninja must recover a statue from his arch enemies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Alien Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Search for King Solomon's Mines Type: CG/MUSIC Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder on the Waterfront Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ninja Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Sof-toon This was an advertising label for Phoenix Software. For more information, see Phoenix Software. ====================================================================== Softsel They distribute Infocom. ====================================================================== Softside Softside was the leading type-it-in-yourself magazine for the TRS-80 in the 70s. Dog Star Adventure Type: TO Written 1979 by Lance Micklus. Runs on: * PC * TRS-80 Notes: Dogstar was the first microcomputer adventure game to have its source published (in the May 1979 issue of Softside), 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.) A lot of later Basic adventures (like those by Greg Hassett) were built on the Dog Star design. Dogstar was also available from something called The Software Exchange, Inc. At some point in time, the ownership of Dog Star Adventure ended up with Misosys, whose owner gave Tim Mann (mann@src.dec.com) permission to post all his old software. The TRS-80 .BAS file that can be downloaded from here has a primitive form of copy-protection (or maybe it was anti-cheat protection): one of the line numbers early on is zapped to 65535, which stops the LIST command and the SAVE,A command from listing or saving beyond that point. 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... Package blurb: DOG STAR ADVENTURE by Lance Micklus The evil General Doom and his Roche Soldiers are ready to launch an attack against the Forces of Freedom, led by Princess Leya. Enroute to a secret command center on the planet Harris 7, Princess Leya's ship was attacked by Doom. She is now being held prisoner on one of his battle cruisers. It is a sorry day indeed! The capture holds extra prizes for Doom and his men: onboard Princess Leya's ship is the entire treasury of her Freedom Fighting Force in a chest containing Melidium Crystals, the currency used in this galaxy. The Princess is also wearing a necklace made of shinestones. Encoded in one of the stones is the location and strength of her Freedom Fighting Force. Hopefully, Doom has not yet discovered the secret of the necklace. I, your computer, am your puppet. I'm hidden aboard the Princess's ship. It is possibly, although very difficult, that we may be able to save the day by rescuing Princess Leya, her necklace, and the treasury. But even if we don't, anything we can do to foil General Doom's plans may help win a victory for peace in the galaxy. We must be very careful of guards who are all over the ship. We could easily be caught and imprisoned. Sometimes you may only have enough time to give me one command, which if not the appropriate action to take, could easily end the game for both of us. I understand ordinary English in one- or two-word commands. If you want me to go somewhere, just give me a direction. I can GET or DROP something just by your typing GET or DROP plus the name of the object. You can SAVE a game on either tape or disk by typing SAVE. A previously saved game can be restored with the command LOAD. Other words I understand include HELP, INVEN, LOOK, SCORE, and QUIT. In addition to these, there are many other words in my vocabulary. The fun of playing ADVENTURE is not only trying to figure out what to do, but how to explain it to me. HISTORY, HINTS and TIPS The game of ADVENTURE was developed several years ago at the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Stanford University. The original game was written in FORTRAN and required a rather large amount of disk drive storage space. The object of the game was to explore an immense cave and bring back to a building aboveground the many treasures found beneath the earth. Had it not been for the difficulties involved in implementing the game on various computer systems, ADVENTURE might very well have become more popular than STAR TREK. With the advent of microcomputers, a new effort was made to overcome the need for disk drives and large amounts of memory. As a result of this effort, several new versions of ADVENTURE have been released, not only for the TRS-80, but for other systems as well. Even though these new micro versions of ADVENTURE may deviate substantially from the original, they all share that same childish logic characteristic of ADVENTURE. In playing the game, you are basically trying to solve a puzzle. At times you may find yourself running around in circles; you may even go somewhere and find you actually went nowhere. Use your imagination and apply childlike logic. Finally, never forget that everything in this strange computer-created world has a purpose ... there are clues everywhere! GOOD LUCK! (The above text is the article associated with Dog Star Adventure in Softside.) ====================================================================== Software 2000 They distribute Weltenschmiede. Artventures Choose from a few options with your mouse and so hopefully get along with the game. Good graphics. * Holiday Maker Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. * Die Kathedrale Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. * Die Stadt der Löwen Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. * Jonathan Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. * Der Schatz im Silbersee Type: IG Written 1994. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. The game is based on the novel by Karl May. ====================================================================== Software Customization Homepage: http://nexus.vrx.net/ The New Castle Type: TO Written 1990-1999 (still under development) by Dan Gahlinger in Pascal. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is a reimplementation of the game Castle done from memory and transcripts of old games. Package blurb: It is said that there is an Old Castle nearby where long lost treasures lay in wait of a Brave Knight to uncover them and find his fortune. For more information, see Mainframe adventures. ====================================================================== Software Projects They are perhaps best known as the publishers of Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy. McKensie Type: TO Written 1983 by E.E.K.. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Based on the world famous explorer Captain Vito who, while on a scrounging mission for lithium crystals to fuel his spacecraft, has managed to be captured by space bandits. He has just one hour to escape before the air supply runs out. ====================================================================== Softwin Associates They are distributed by Microsoft. They distribute IBM. Microsoft Adventure Type: TO Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin. Runs on: * Apple II * PC[Might have been for the PCjr originally.] * TRS-80[Model I.] 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. Johnny Mnemonic Type: PNC/VIDEO Written 1995. Notes: Came out at the same time as the film. ====================================================================== SophistiChaos Game Design Email: unicorn@lysator.liu.se or dz@lysator.liu.se. The Cyberventure Trilogy A (projected) trilogy of cyberpunk science fiction games, currently about half finished. * Enhanced Type: TO Written 1993 by Hans Persson and Dominik Zemmler in TADS. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Shareware ($10), available at ftp.gmd.de. The registered version includes a 12-page hint booklet and complete source code (TADS 2.1). Package blurb: The first part of the Cyberventure trilogy (soon to be followed by Sensorer and Icebreaker). Enhanced is a science fiction text adventure set in a cyberpunk environment, complete with your first opportunity to experience cyberspace. As Enhanced begins, you are trying to survive yet another day in the big city with no money, no job and no hope. Walking down the street in the government research project area, you suddenly see a sign that you haven't seen before. "Volunteers needed for military research project! Do you want to make money? Do you want to help your country? Can you start at once? No special skills needed. Enter here." Since you think that all of the items on the list fit you perfectly, especially the part about needing money, you enter the door indicated on the sign and sign up to be a research subject. You have to fill out and sign a multitude of forms, asking you about all sorts of things from what grades you had in school to if you have any friends or relatives who know where you are. Once you finish all the boring paperwork you are lead through a lot of white-painted corridors, all alike. Finally, you emerge in what looks like a surgery. You are made to lie down on an operating table where you are tied down and covered with green cloth. You see a plastic mouthpiece being lowered down over your mouth and you feel yourself floating away... When you come to, you find that some things about you have changed. You also find that the people doing the research seem to regard you as some kind of prototype, not a human being. Perhaps it would be good for your health if you could get out of this mess... * Sensorer Type: TO Written by Hans Persson and Dominik Zemmler in TADS. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Currently under development. * Icebreaker Type: TO Notes: Planned. ====================================================================== Southern Software Afghan Attack Type: TO Written 1984 by Mark Phillips and Andrew Graham in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into two parts. ====================================================================== South Pacific Software Revenge Type: TO 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. They are distributed by Radio Shack. For more information, see Microdeal. Madness and the Minotaur Runs on: * Dragon * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Keys of the Wizard Type: TO/SOUND Runs on: * Dragon * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color ====================================================================== Spectrum Holobyte They are now owned by Infogrames. Deep Space 9 Harbinger Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dondra - A New Beginning Type: G Written 1987 by Sean Barger. Runs on: * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: It was labelled "First in the Questmaster series" but there might not have been any more games published in the series. It had a few RPG elements. ====================================================================== Spinnaker Software Corporation They were located at 37 Seaview Road, Wallasey, Merseyside L45 4QN. They distribute Telarium Corporation. In Search of the Most Amazing Thing 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. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] 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 Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Starbyte Crime Time Type: IG/PNC/MUSIC Written 1990 by P. Sabath. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Also in German. Comments: Murder mystery set on a hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Soul Crystal Type: G Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Star Dreams Aural Quest Type: DG Written 1984 by Mike E. Turner in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Released on the cassette version of the pop group The Stranglers' 1984 album "Aural Sculpture". Contains over one hundred locations. Written by the same person as The Sandman Cometh. Comments: The game is packaged as a parody of a motion picture, coming in a video style case, complete with a comprehensive illustrated booklet. This theme is carried on into the program with film style credits and opening; even the loading screen being a tongue in cheek representation of the Board of Censors' authorisation certificate. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Sandman Cometh Type: G Written 1984 by Mike E. Turner. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Divided into two parts. Written by the same person as Aural Quest. It sold for £10.95. Package blurb: There has long been a feeling in the software press that adventure games have tended to be very repetitive in their choice of material. The Sandman Cometh is a major departure in the kind of thinking behind games writing. The adventure represents a series of dream sequences, each with its own set of logical problems in an otherwise illogical scenario. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Spell of Christmas Ice Type: TO Written by Mike E. Turner in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Presented as "A very easy adventure for novices and children". ====================================================================== Static Software Arnold Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Summit Software A label of Alternative Software Ltd. For more information, see Alpine and Alternative Software Ltd. ====================================================================== Sunshine Press The Eye of the Star Warrior Type: G 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 Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost City Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gideon's Gamble Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stranded Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Superscape Homepage: http://www.superscape.com/ For more information, see Incentive Software Ltd. ====================================================================== Swescot Den stulna kungaspiran (The Stolen Sceptre) 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 Broderbund 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[Joe Vierra] * 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 * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[Joe Vierra] * Macintosh[?] * PC Notes: This was distributed with a hardcover book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brimstone: The Dream of Gawain Written 1985 by James Paul [story], David Bunch [programming], William Mataga [programming] and Bill Darrah [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64[Joe Vierra] * Macintosh[?] * PC Notes: This was distributed with a hardcover book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Breakers Written 1985 by Rod Smith [story], Joe Vierra [programming] and William Mataga [programming]. Runs on: * Commodore 64[Joe Vierra] * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ronin Notes: This was probably never published, but was ready to be tested. Another person claims to have seen it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- House of Changes Notes: This might be unpublished. Another person claims to have seen it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadly Summer Notes: This might be unpublished. Another person claims to have seen it. ====================================================================== System 4 La Corona Type: DG Written 1988 by Pedro Amador Lopez. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Take 2 Bureau 13 Type: SOUND Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Comments: You control your choice of special agents in charge of investigating paranormal activity. The agents included a thief, priest, mech and vampire among others. Good solid adventure game with excellent sound. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Dahlia Written 1998. Runs on: * PC Comments: You are a detective who is hunting for the legendary Black Dahlia killer set in the future. ====================================================================== Talent Computer Systems Both West and The Lost Kingdom of Zkul were written with a game generator designed by Alan Black. Talent changed its name to Colin Ross Malone Ltd. and is still (1999) in business. They now concentrate on educational products and documentation for large organisations such as HP and the National Health Service. At some point, their address was Curran Building, 101 St James Road, Glasgow G4 0NS, UK. For more information, see RWAP Software. West Type: TO Written 1984 by Alan Black. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Electron * Sinclair QL Notes: It has some real-time elements. The original list price was £19.95. Comments: Quite neat adventure set in the wild west. Package blurb: You are on the track of a notorious gang of bank robbers who have gone to ground near an abandoned mining town deep in Indian territory. Your task - to outwit and outgun the robbers, collect as much loot as possible and piece together clues on how to escape. A demanding and exiting text adventure for the experienced games-player, using over 200 words and as many phrases. There are over 130 locations to search - not all of them easy to find. Events happen in real-time outside your control - Indians charge, rattle-snakes slither past and robbers appear and shoot you. How long can you survive? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Kingdom of Zkul Type: TO Written by Alan Black. Runs on: * Sinclair QL Notes: This belongs to the same series as West. The original list price was £19.95. An updated version of this game was sold for later version of the QL OS by RWAP Software in 1998. Comments: Fantasy game. Package blurb: Explore the ancient dwelling-place of the Dwarves - where the Wizard guards the last precious secret. A classic and complex text adventure with hundreds of locations and a huge vocabulary. Set in real-time with traps, tasks, puzzles and mazes - and a special note-pad feature to aid you. ====================================================================== Tansoft House of Death Type: TO Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Set in an old film studio. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kilburn Encounter Type: TO Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Set in modern day London. Very Monty Python-like. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Land of Illusion Type: G Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Release your village from a curse. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zodiac Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Recover the signs of the Zodiac and six treasures. ====================================================================== Tartan Software It looks like Tartan Software was a one-man operation by Tom Frost. They were located at 61 Bailie Norrie Crescent, Montrose, Angus, Scotland. Castle Eerie Type: DG Written 1987 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Crown of Ramhotep Type: DG Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eleven Plus 2 Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape Type: TO Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gordello Dynasty Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gordello's Demise Written 1991 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Green Door Type: TO Written 1988 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Dragon Written 1991 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Takes place at the 1990 Adventure Probe Convention in and around the Strathallan Hotel in Birmingham, UK ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Magic Treasure Adventure Type: TO Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Open Door Type: TO Written 1988 by Tom Frost in Adventure Builder System. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Prospector Type: DG Written 1987 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rays Type: TO Written 1987 by Audrey Meridith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Red Door Type: TO Written 1988 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shipwreck Type: DG Written 1987 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spy Trilogy Written 1986 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The White Door: Crisis at Christmas Type: TO Written 1987 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Offers the choise to play the husband or the wife. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Yellow Door Type: TO Written 1987 by Audrey Meredith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Was later reworked and re-released as Rays. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Six-In-One Written 1987 by Tom Frost and Audrey Meredith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A compilation of "Crisis At Christmas", "Escape", "Green Door", "Open Door", Rays" and "Red Door". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Double Agent Written 1987 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Golden Locket Written by Keith Burnard. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gordello Incident Type: TO Written 1989 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Prince of Tyndal Written 1987 by Tom Frost. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Taskset Souls of Darkon Type: BG Written 1985 by Andy Walker. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Was later re-released by Bug-Byte. ====================================================================== Telarium Corporation (One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Phone (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. Telarium went defunct sometime before 1989, but some of the games continued to be marketed by Spinnaker a while after that. They are distributed by Spinnaker Software Corporation. As Telarium * Fahrenheit 451 Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1984 by Len Neufeld and Byron Preiss. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Tandy Notes: Based on the novel of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Comes with a manual, Notes from the Underground and a Criminal Alert Notice card. Comments: You are Montag, a fireman whose job it is to burn books, but instead you join a secret organization that tries to preserve books. Package blurb: The time is not too long from now. The place is New York City. Yet it is a setting few of us would ever recognize. For this is a world where simply owning a book is dangerously illegal. Where Firemen come not to save houses, but to burn them for the books inside. And where you, once a dedicated Fireman, are now a rebel with a passion for books --- and the most wanted fugitive in the country. There are still a few people who can help you --- your fellow members of the Underground. They can tell you how to fool the deadly Mechanical Hounds, how to steal a Fireman's uniform, how to avoid the military ID checkpoints. Yet escape is not your main concern. You are possessed, driven onwards by your own unflinching ideals. You feel a desperate need to fight, to push back ignorance, to vindicate every page a Fireman has ever burned. But how? How can a hunted criminal bring the books of the world back from the edge of extinction? The chances seem pitifully small. And yet, with a little cunning, a little stealth, a little careful planning... Fahrenheit 451 is the first computer adventure game to be produced in collaboration with Ray Bradbury. It offers an advanced parser, mutiple disk sides for extended play, and the ability to be played with or without graphics. Also included with this package is a specially written prologue by Mr. Bradbury that establishes the background for the game. RAY BRADBURY, world-renowned author of such science fiction classics as The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man, has written for television, theatre, radio, and film, and has been published by virtually every major American magazine. Written over thirty years ago, Fahrenheit 451 remains his best-known work, and is an acknowledged classic as well as one of the world's finest science fiction novels. "I'm thrilled to be participating in the evolution of my Fahrenheit 451 into a computer adventure. For anybody curious about what happens to Montag after the book ends, or about what science fiction software might be, here is an exciting place to start." -- Ray Bradbury * Rendezvous with Rama Type: DG/MUSIC Written 1984 by Ronald Martinez. Runs on: * Apple II[2 disks] * Commodore 64[2 disks] * Macintosh * PC Notes: It is based on the book of the same name by Arthur C. Clarke. The package includes a 9-page Rendezvous with Extraterrestrial Phenomena Commander's Handbook with a seal on it (comes with a cover in both black and red - the black may be from the Trillium release and red, the Telarium), a coded hint sheet featuring LRSC protocol messages to Commander Norton (originally contained inside the sealed manual) and a 21" x 9" fold-out blueprint-type grid map of the ship. The map is necessary so solve the game. The game contains two action sequences that can be practiced with a special command. Comments: Explore the strange alien vessel Rama, complete with cities and some very extraordinary inhabitants. * Amazon Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1984 by Michael Crichton. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: This game contains two arcade sequences. The plot more or less follows Crichton's novel "Congo", except it takes place in the Amazon. I have reports that it was published by a company called FilmTrack (Michael Crichton's own software company). This report also says the game is from 1982. Could it have been published there first and then later by Telarium? Comments: You must penetrate a South American jungle, along with your sidekick, the obnoxious parrot Paco, to find a lost city and discover why an entire expedition was killed. * Dragonworld Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1984-1985 by Byron Preiss and Michael Reaves. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Tandy Notes: Based on the book by the same title by Michael Reaves and Byron Preiss. This game was released in two different versions, one of which contained arcade-style games that were added to the overall game. The arcade games were accessed by entering certain locations (one was in a swamp). It was possible to complete the game without entering the arcade sequences. The Commodore 64 version was 5 disks (with the arcade games on the last one). Another source reports a Commodore 64 version on two 5 1/4" disks (both sides) with arcade games. The package contains Amsel's 12-page notebook with a winged dragon on the cover, featuring a wordlist and a coded hint section. Some packages also came with a large sticker of a dragon designed to look like stained glass. Comments: The main character was a king and the adventure begun with a sea voyage. After a ship wreck the hero eventually reached a friend of his called Hawkwind who accompanied him from then onwards. Package blurb: You are Amsel of Fandora. Scientist. Researcher. And somewhat of a visionary. Until now, you have led your life as a hermit. But a lot has happened, and your life has changed. You can no longer afford to seek the peace and solitude you once enjoyed. For there is much to be done. But you are not alone. You have your friend Hawkwind. He knows the terrain of Simbala, for he is the leader of that great country. And, in light of what has just happened, you'll need his help and guidance. The Last Dragon has been kidnapped. The message came to you through the mystical Dragonpearl. It can tell of the past and predict the future. And though the image in the Dragonpearl is clouded with mystery, the message it conveys is clear: The Last Dragon is being held captive deep in the Southland of Simbala. Only you and Hawkwind can save him. The bond of friendship shared by the three of you permits you to do nothing less. It won't be easy. But then again, you and Hawkwind would fight to the death to save the Last Dragon. * Shadowkeep Written 1984 or 1985 by Ultrasoft. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: From Volume 1, No. 1 of the Trillium newsletter (Fall/Winter 1984): Alan Dean Foster, whose book Shadowkeep(TM) is the first novelization of a computer game (the game was created and designed by Ultrasoft), was excited about the project from the start, "Everyone seems to look upon the computer as a tool, but it's actually not a tool, it's a gate. It's a gate into other worlds, the fringes of which we've only begun to explore." Foster's understanding of computers allowed him to easily translate the book from the software (a computer first!). The book by Alan Dean Foster is called "Shadowkeep" and bears the text "A tale of wondrous adventure based on the fantastic universe created by Trillium." The book is (C) 1984 by Spinnaker Software Corporation and published by Warner Books. This is the first game to have inspired a novel by a major science fiction writer. * Nine Princes in Amber Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * PC * Tandy Notes: Based on the books "Nine Princes in Amber" and "The Guns of Avalon" by Roger Zelazny. Written by a group of about 20 people. Also available in Spanish. The PC version comes on 3 5 1/4" disks. The Spanish version (at least) would only run on Amstrad PCs, but could be hacked to run on any PC. Comments: Corwin, one of the Princes of Amber, must fight his brothers for power and travel from our world into Amber. * Perry Mason: The Case of the Mandarin Murder Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1985 by Erle Stanley Gardner and Paisano Productions. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * PC * Tandy Notes: Based on the works of Erle Stanley Gardner. Came on two 5 1/4" disks for Commodore 64/128. The package includes Criminal Defense Procedures Lawyer's Handbook Vol. 67, No. 3 containing a fold-out verb/sentence structure chart. Also includes a survey to be filled out and sent to Telarium concerning what the player thought of the breakthroughs in this game. Package blurb: Her name is Laura Kapp, and she looks as if she's in trouble. It doesn't take long for you to find out how: her husband wants to divorce her: Not your favorite kind of case at 7 in the evening. But then, it isn't like Perry Mason to leave an attractive young woman in distress either -- especially when her husband is Victor Kapp, the most famous restaurateur in Los Angeles. You take the case. And what a case it is. Because barely 12 hours later, Victor Kapp is dead -- murdered. Laura is in jail, charged with his death. And facing trial very, very soon. Only she swears she didn't do it. And you think she might be right. You'll have to work fast -- and smart. Dig into people's lives. Like Russell Miller, the food critic whose career was ruined when he gave Victor's restaurant a bad review. Margot Duboq, Kapp's chef and the secret of his success -- she seems to have a secret of her own. And the Master's couple, Julian and Suzanne, he a bitter partner of Kapp's, she reputedly a very close friend. You'll have help: the savvy Della Street -- your secretary -- and the wily detective Paul Drake. And if you're good, you'll convince the jury that your client isn't the killer. If you're very good (after all, you are Perry Mason), the real murderer will break down and confess -- but only after you've figured out the true twisted story. Of course, for a person of your talents, it ought to be just another day at the office... * The Scoop Type: G/MUSIC Written 1986 (rerelased by Spinnaker 1989) by Jonathan Merritt [story] and Dale Disharoon, Inc [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II * Apple IIGS * PC * Tandy Notes: Based on a 1930s story by Agatha Christie and the London Detection Club (Dorothy L. Sayers, E.C. Bentley, Anthony Berkeley, Freeman Wills Crofts, and Clemence Dane. Features menu choice input, and recommends a joystick. This was probably the last game published under the Telarium label (though it was later published as by Spinnaker as well). Came with an 18-page manual and a newsprint front page from The Morning Star (Monday, November 9, 1930). The PC version came on two 5 1/4" disks. (compatible with Tandy 1000/3000). The Spinnaker version of the game is pretty much the same as the original. The title screen is altered some and the graphics and sound are a bit improved. Comments: A reporter from a rival is murdered while investigating the death of a young woman. As a crime reported for a London newspaper, it's up to you to "get the scoop" on who committed these deadly crimes. Package blurb: Get the scoop, and you'll be the top reporter in London. Fail, and you'll go back to writing obituaries ... or be one yourself. You're the new reporter at the Daily Courier, and you've just been scooped! Geraldine Tracey is murdered. No one knows who did it. Your rivals from the Morning Star have beat you to the story, and your editor is furious. Save your paper - and your job! - by solving the murder and scooping the Star. You'll have to work quickly. Question witnesses. Follow suspects. Search for clues. Why did Fisher, who discovered the body, go there that fateful Saturday night? What happened to the murder weapon? Where is Mrs. Tracey's husband? You'll have to work carefully. Some people you meet won't want to talk to you, but you might overhear what they tell their friends. Others may hide the truth, and you'll have to find them out. And remember - someone has killed once and could kill again to get rid of a troublesome reporter! * Starman Jones Notes: Based on work by Robert A. Heinlein. This was probably never published. It was never published by Telarium, says another source, but may have sold by Spinnaker after the Telarium name was discontinued. * The Grand Adventure Notes: Based on work by Philip Jose Farmer. It was never released, according to Farmer himself. 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. * Below the Root Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1984 by Zilpha Keatley Snyder [story], Dale Disharoon [programming] and Bill Groetzinger [graphics]. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC * PCjr * Tandy Notes: Partial map included in the package. Joystick was required to play the game. It also featured a menu choice input system. The story was based on the Green Sky Trilogy by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. The game's name is the name of the first book in the trilogy. Ms. Snyder writes mostly for children and young adults. The Green Sky Trilogy was for young adults. The three books in the series are "Below the Root", "And All Between", and "Until the Celebration". Package blurb: Green-Sky is headed for a certain disaster. Uncover the hidden secret and save this mysterious land from a resurgence of violence. * Swiss Family Robinson Type: G/MUSIC Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: Comes with a Nature Key to help you identify things on the island. Package blurb: As Fritz, you and your family face the challenge of survival on a deserted tropical island. * The Wizard of Oz Type: G/MUSIC Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC * Tandy Package blurb: As Dorothy, you'll meet many unusual and wonderful characters like the Munchkins and Scarecrow as you make your way to the Emerald City. * Treasure Island Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1985 by Ann Weil and Lee Jackson. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * PC * Tandy Notes: Follows Stevenson's classic fairly close. Package blurb: As Jim Hawkins, search for pirate gold and for a way to outwit Long John Silver, a clever and cunning buccaneer. * Alice in Wonderland Type: G/MUSIC Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: Features menu choices like The Scoop, but requires joystick to play. Package blurb: As Alice, you'll meet the Mad Hatter and other famous characters on your journey. But hurry! You must get out of this magical land before it vanishes. * Robin Hood Notes: This game is mentioned in a Spinnaker catalog, but it is likely that the game never was published. ====================================================================== Telstar Fable Type: 3D/SPEECH Written 1997. ====================================================================== Terminal Software They were located at 28 Church Lane, Prestwich, Manchester M25 5AJ. Magic Mirror Type: TO Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor. Runs on: * VIC-20[8K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of the Werewolf Comments: This contained an unusual random element in that the werewolf would appear in different places during different games. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Merlock the Mede Written 1985 by Andy Hackett and Peter Dwyer. Runs on: * Spectrum[48] Notes: Side A contains "The Deeds of Glengarry Hall" and side B "Ashes of Alucard". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Space Island Written 1983 by Docimodus. Runs on: * Spectrum[48] ====================================================================== Tevward Microtech Cave Quest Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== The Digital Village They are distributed by Simon and Schuster. Starship Titanic Written 1998 by Douglas Adams [Concept and story]. Runs on: * PC Notes: Also available in German as "Raumschiff Titanic" (released in 1999 by NBG). The German version is completely translated with German speech and German board magazine. Comes on 3 CDs with a 16-page CD-booklet and a 16-page (20 pages in German) board magazine for first class (hints). Packaged in a normal-sized box. ====================================================================== 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 Broderbund Software. Robot Odyssey I Written 1985 by Rick Levenson (levenson@saffron.Eng.Sun.COM). Runs on: * Apple II * TRS-80[64K] * PC Notes: More information can be found here and at www.droidquest.com. ====================================================================== The Software Toolworks The Software Toolworks was founded in 1980 by Walt Bilofsky. This company was later renamed Mindscape. Homepage: http://www.toolworks.com/ For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. The Original Adventure Type: TO Written 1981 by Will Crowther and Don Woods. Notes: This was a port of ADVENT. It was endorsed as the "official version" by Crowther and Woods, in return for a small royalty. Although many versions of Adventure were both sold and freely distributed, and although the game spawned an entire segment of the software industry, we were the only company ever to pay Crowther and Woods anything. A user who earned all the points and found all the treasures would get a secret code from the program. On receipt of the code, The Software Toolworks would send the player a lovely Certificate of Wizardness, bearing (facsimile) signatures of both Crowther and Woods, and an embossed seal. ====================================================================== 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 THQ Inc. develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software for the leading hardware platforms in the home video game market. The Company currently publishes titles for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy and PCs in most interactive software genres, including action, adventure, driving, fighting, puzzle, role playing, simulations, sports and strategy. The Company's customers include Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us, Kay Bee Toys, Target, Electronics Boutique, Best Buy, other national and regional retailers, discount store chains and specialty retailers. They are located at 27001 Agoura Road, Ste 325, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301. 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 Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlin 1948 Type: IG 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 South Harbour, Harbour Village, PENRYN, Cornwall TR10 8LR, +44 01326 377771). They are still in business (2001), 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.topologika.co.uk/ The Doom trilogy Science Fiction adventure * Countdown to Doom Written 1987 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS[Available only as part of a compilation with Return to Doom and Philosopher's Quest.] * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1988; Disk for +3.] Notes: Expanded by about 50% when republished by Topologika. On-line hint system (actually used in conjunction with a paper sheet of numbered questions - answers are accessed via the game itself). For more information, see Acornsoft. * Return to Doom Type: TO Written 1988 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS[Available only as part of a compilation with Countdown to Doom and Philosopher's Quest.] * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1988; Disk for +3.] Notes: On-line hint system (actually used in conjunction with a paper sheet of numbered questions - answers are accessed via the game itself). Package blurb: The planet Doomawangara (*Doom for short*) is a dangerous place. As the only explorer ever to survive it (*'Countdown to Doom'*) you should know! However, an unexpected distress call sends you flying back to Doom in a mission to rescue an ambassador who has been kidnapped by renegade robots. After surviving a deceptively simple beginning, you'll meet lots of original 'Killworth' puzzles: alternative universes, weird weather; an empty field will never look the same again! You'll acquire a talkative four-legged friend, who'll make you feel like laughing one minute, and crying the next - maybe even both at the same time! The game ends with a danger-a-minute sequence that would even scare Indiana Jones (half) to death. Game size: "large" and Difficulty level: "advanced." * Last Days of Doom Type: TO Written by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[For +3.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Philosopher's Quest Written 1987? by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS[Only available as part of a compilation with Countdown to Doom and Return to Doom.] * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Atari ST * BBC * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1988; Disk for +3.] Notes: On-line hint system (actually used in conjunction with a paper sheet of numbered questions - answers are accessed via the game itself). This version is larger that Acornsoft's version. For more information, see Acornsoft. Acheton Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC[1980] * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1988; Disk for +3.] For more information, see Acornsoft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom of Hamil Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1988; Disk for +3.] Notes: The Acornsoft version was a cutdown of the original, the Topologika version is the full thing. For more information, see Acornsoft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Monsters of Murdac Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[For +3.] For more information, see Mainframe adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Avon Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1989; Disk for +3.] For more information, see Mainframe adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hezarin Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[For +3.] For more information, see Mainframe adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SpySnatcher Type: TO Written after 1985 by Jon Thackray, Jonathan Partington and Peter Killworth. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[For +3.] Comments: Whodunnit adventure in MI7. Can you track down the mole leaking secrets to Ruritannia? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Giant Killer Type: TO Written about 1985 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Acorn RISC OS * Atari ST * BBC * Electron * Master * Nimbus * PC * Spectrum[1988; Disk for +3.] Notes: Mathematical adventure for secondary education. ====================================================================== Top Ten Software Axe Type: DG Written 1987 by Darryl Still and Dave Baines. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Based upon the Science Fiction classic, "Axe: A Tale of Carthelion" by Frank Oliver. Barrin & Mirriam, a young brother and his sister are pitched headlong into a deadly battle against the forces that do evil within the walls of Lochgor. You take on the role of Barrin and must track down the city of Lochgor and its evil inhabitants by using all your cunning and by interacting and com- municating with your allies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Great Peepingham Train Robbery Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspector Flukeit Type: DG Written 1986 by Axxent Software (Colin Jordan) in Worldscape. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Werewolf Simulator Type: G Written 1988 by Screaming Djinn. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadenders Written by Carol Sharp. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: May have been published by The Dreaming Djinn. ====================================================================== Trillium Corporation For more information, see Telarium Corporation. ====================================================================== Trilobyte, Inc Started by two scotts called Graeme Devine (who coded Pole Position for Atari and had worked at Activision) and Andrew Glasser. Their big hit was 7th Guest. Homepage: http://www.tbyte.com/ They are distributed by Virgin Games. The 7th Guest Runs on: * PC Package blurb: Henry Stauf's mansion has been abandoned for as long as anyone dare remember. Stauf was a master toymaker, a maker of amazing puzzles - and this strange house was his greatest creation. Now, the mansion stands empty, rotting ever since the children started dying, ever since the six guests came. Now there are only the eerie lights and the terrible sing-song rhymes of the children... And suddenly, you are in the house. You move from room to haunted room step-by-terrifying step, as scenes from that night of horror come to life. Because Stauf's game isn't over. There were six guests the world knew about - and there was one other. Stauf's mad mansion lives again. And only you can end the nightmare and learn the secret of The 7th Guest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The 11th Hour Runs on: * PC Notes: This is a sequel to The 7th Guest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stauf's Playhouse 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. ====================================================================== Tsunami Blue Force Type: G Written 1991 by Jim Walls. Comments: You play a rookie cop trying to solve the fourteen-year old murder case of your father and mother. Bad graphics and a buggy game all around. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Flash Traffic Type: VIDEO/CHOICE Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Comments: You select dialogue choices to progress the story. You are an FBI agent trying to keep San Franciso from exploding from a nuclear device. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ringworld ====================================================================== 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 * Spectrum 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 Notes: Contained Blizzard Pass among other things, later sold separately by Adventure Soft. For more information, see Adventure Soft UK. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxbridge Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Savage Island 2 Type: BG Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: A re-release of the Scott Adams title with added graphics. Comments: Was there a Savage Island 1? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizards Spell Type: GB Written by S. Walpole. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Ubi Soft Entertainment Homepage: http://www.ubisoft.co.uk/ B. A. T. Type: PNC Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: Set in the future. You have a computer implanted on your forearm that helps you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- B. A. T. II Type: PNC Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Set in the future. You have a computer implanted on your forearm that helps you. ====================================================================== UK Lead Started as a "serious" label of the demo group CCG. Email: hitch-hiker@earthling.net or marvil@algonet.se. 99Y Type: CG Written 1986 by Staffan Vilcans and Martin Vilcans in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Written in Swedish. Comments: The aim of the game is to find a diamond that can save the Earth from destruction. The game has very few puzzles and very many red herrings so the main problem is to find the diamond. ====================================================================== United Software Inspector Griffu Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Ultrasoft (US) They originally marketed their games themselves. They probably folded in 1985. They are distributed by Broderbund 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. ====================================================================== Ultrasoft (SL) Worked together with Slovakian magazine BAJT. Chrobak Truhlik Written 1991 by Sybilasoft (Michal Hlavac). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Slovakian. The title can be translated as "Dung Beetle Scuttle", where Scuttle is name of this bug and means something like "lubber", "tomnoody" or "nit" in Czech and Slovakian language . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dokonala Vrazda 1 Type: TO Written 1987 by Ludovit Wittek. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Slovakian. Title can be translated as "Perfect murder". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dokonala Vrazda 2: Bukapao Written 1988 by Ludovit Wittek. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Slovakian. Sequel to Dokonala Vrazda 1. ====================================================================== Ultrasoft (DE) Proteus Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Union Logic Teen Agent Runs on: * Amiga * PC 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. ====================================================================== Usbourne The Mystery of Silver Mountain ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Island of Secrets Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II * BBC[32K] * Commodore 64 * Electron * Spectrum[48K] * TRS-80[32K] * VIC-20[16K] Notes: Published as a book in listing form (ISBN 0860208230). Will also work on Commodore 16, but this machine is not listed on the book. The book also includes a map. ====================================================================== US Gold Ltd They also had a label called "Go!". They are now (1999) a part of Eidos Interactive. They also released games under the labels Americana Software Ltd, Go!, Kixx and Rainbow Arts. They distribute Adventure Soft UK. For more information, see All American Adventures. Captain America Written 1988 by Adventuresoft UK Ltd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Released on the Go! label. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Touche ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gunslinger Written 1986 by Datasoft. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Killed Until Dead Written 1987 by Artech Inc. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Various companies This section lists games that I haven't been able to figure out what company they belong to yet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aardvark Type: TO Notes: Non-commercial game for Unix. Adventure Twinpack Runs on: * Atari ST Notes: I don't know what's in this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Another Fine Mess ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Assault Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Atlantis Runs on: * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A To Snad Ne?! Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. In Czech. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aural Quest Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curses Type: TO Written by Graham Nelson (nelson@vax.ox.ac.uk). Runs on: * Inform Notes: Available at ftp.gmd.de. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dare to Dream Type: G 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). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Darth Vader Adventure Type: TO Written 1978-1979 or earlier in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * TRS-80 Notes: The source code lists no author. Comments: It had a very primitive two-word parser, stole a small amount of plot from Star Wars, and featured an object called a turboencabulator. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Avaloe Notes: Probably for TRS-80. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dracula's Castle ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonsbane ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Prison Planet Type: TO Written by Peter Clark in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eye of Zolton ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eryus Runs on: * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Giant World ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblin Towers Type: TO Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Above-average treasure hunt inspired by Zork and Colossal Adv. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gordon Saga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Great Archaeological Race ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Very Big Cave Adventure Type: TO 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grottan Notes: In Swedish. Comments: Humorous but perhaps more a maze than an adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hired to Kill Type: TO Written 1983 by Tom Powell. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hounds of Hell Type: TO Written 1991 by Peter Clark in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[128k] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fruity Frank Runs on: * Amstrad ---------------------------------------------------------------------- hastur.rlyeh.net Written in DNS (Yes, Domain Name Server). Notes: This must be one of the most bizarre implementations of an adventure games ever created. It is implemented in TXT records in DNS, the system that is normally used to convert computer names to IP addresses. It's really a choose-your-path book but with an extremely weird implementation. A sample session: pooh:~ :-) nslookup - hastur.rlyeh.net > set querytype=txt > set domain=adventure > 1 Server: hastur.rlyeh.net Address: 193.215.252.2 1.adventure text = "You are walking along a country road, you \ spot a pizza lying in the middle of the road. \ You are ravenous with hunger. Do you (2) walk \ past, or (3) attack the poor helpless pizza?" adventure nameserver = hastur.rlyeh.net hastur.rlyeh.net internet address = 193.215.252.2 > 3 ... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerusalem 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Klartz and the Dark Forces Type: TO/G Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64[Graphics; In two parts.] * Dragon[Text only] * Spectrum[Graphics; 48K] 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 Vanderaart. 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh Shxx! Written by Dominic Morris in GAC. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: Imagine...you're sleeping off a heavy night and suddenly you sense a movement from deep in your bowels, you dash to the outside loo, sit down feel thoroughly relieved, and go to stand up ... you're stuck! Your posterior is firmly superglued to the porcelain god.... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Paradox Effect Notes: A straightforward text adventure with a very simple parser. Comments: Based on time travel, although I didn't see any time-based puzzles. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Pen and the Dark Type: TO Written by Keith Campbell. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phantom of the Opera Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharaoh's Tomb ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Gate 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Runefall 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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. * 1 Type: TO * 2 Type: TO * 3 Type: TO ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tomb of Xeiops Type: TO Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Top Secret Runs on: * Atari ST ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tripods ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Troops Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Uppsjö Type: TO Written around 1985 in Basic. Runs on: * ABC80 Comments: It was a rather simple treasure hunt game with a verb-noun parser that only understood a handful of words. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Virus Runs on: * VIC-20 Notes: In Swedish ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wild West 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zakil Wood Runs on: * MSX ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zauberland Written 1985 by Phillip Koehn. Notes: Public domain game. In German. Available from ftp.gmd.de. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zenos Runs on: * TRS-80 Comments: About being in a ghost town that was taken over by aliens. ====================================================================== Viacom New Media Beavis and Butthead in Virtual Stupidity Written 1995. Runs on: * PC Notes: Based on the MTV animated series. Comments: Good game in spite of the material. ====================================================================== Victory Software Corporation They are distributed by Mogul Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grave Robbers Type: G Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 Notes: This game claims to be the first graphic adventure written for the VIC-20. Adventure Pack I * Moon Base Alpha Type: TO Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 * Computer Adventure Type: TO Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 * Big Bad Wolf Type: TO Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 Adventure Pack II * African Escape Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 * Hospital Adventure Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 Notes: Written by a medical doctor. * Bomb Threat Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 ====================================================================== Videofex Los Misterois del Gusano Type: TO Written 1993. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish, in two parts. ====================================================================== Virgin Games The Virgin Group was founded by Richard Branson who is also the owner. In mid-1987, Virgin bought about half of Mastertronic from an investment group. The rest of the company was acquired from the original founders in 1988. One of the reasons for Virgin to buy Mastertronic was probably to get at the Sega distribution that Mastertronic had. Virgin Games is now owned by Titus. They distribute Melbourne House, Trilobyte, Inc and Westwood Studios. For more information, see Mastertronic. The Atlas Assignment Type: TO Written 1983 by Martyn Charles Davis. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ghost Town Type: TO Written 1983 by John Pickford in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: A Wild West text-based adventure game set in a deserted American town after the California Gold Rush. You get line maps of streets and buildings. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Island Type: TO Written 1983 by Martyn Charles Davis. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Used the Currah uSpeech. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Circle of Blood Written 1996. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Broken Sword Written 1998. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is the Sequel to Circle of Blood. ====================================================================== Volker Lanz The Crime of Music Type: G Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Weinstein, Jacob Email: jacobw@phoenix.princeton.edu. 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. ====================================================================== Warner Interactive Entertainment They distribute Imagination Pilots. ====================================================================== 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 * PC Notes: In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Kathedrale Type: G Written circa 1990. Runs on: * Amiga * PC 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 * PC Notes: Hint book available. In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (CD) Notes: Contains Das Stundenglas, Die Kathedrale and Hexuma. ====================================================================== Westwood Studios They are located at 2400 North Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV 89128-0420, USA. They were sold to Virgin. Homepage: http://www.westwood.com/ They are distributed by Virgin Games. For more information, see Infocom. Fables and Fiends Trilogy * Legend of Kyrandia Type: IG Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: In this you play Brandon. * Legend of Kyrandia 2: Hand of Fate Type: IG Runs on: * PC Comments: In this you play Xanthia, a female potion mixer. * Legend of Kyrandia 3: Malcolm's Revenge Type: IG Runs on: * PC Comments: In this you play Malcolm, the evil court jester who was stopped from destroying Kyrandia in the first two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Circuit's Edge Type: 3D Written 1989. Notes: This game was also worked on by Infocom. Comments: Cyberpunk 1st person game. Blade Runner Type: IG Runs on: * PC Package blurb: Los Angeles November, 2019 Armed with your investigative skills and the tools of the Blade Runner trade, you'll be immersed in a world that lives and breathes around you with breakthrough lighting and visual effects. Your ability to survive will be put ot the test in the richest game environment ever created for your PC. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Whalkira Software Johny Melabo Written 1987 by Manuel Gonzalez. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Windham Classics For more information, see Telarium Corporation. ====================================================================== Wintersoft Juxtaposition Type: G Runs on: * Dragon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ring of Darkness Written 1983 by J.F. Humphreys and D.A. Briskham. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Wolf Taran im Abenteurland Type: G Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Wrightchoice Software ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Ruby Type: DG Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In 1891 Queen Victoria hid a ruby somewhere on the Isle of Wight, and though hundreds of people searched the island, the jewel was never discovered. When the Queen died, ten years later, the secret of the ruby's location died with her. The Crown - Journey Written 1987 by Andrew J. Wright. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Operation series A series of spy story adventures. It was a trilogy and offered a prize of £500 to the first one to solve all three. * Operation Stallion Written 1987 by Andrew J. Wright. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] * Operation Berlin Written 1987 by Andrew J. Wright. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ====================================================================== Xenon Bajke Type: DG Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Bosnian. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Smrkci Type: DG Written by Ales B. Ivanko, Matej Gasperic and Ales Jaklic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Czech. Features the Smurfs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Strumpfovi Type: DG Written 1986 by Ales B. Ivanko, Matej Gasperic and Ales Jaklic. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Bosnian. Probably a translation of Smrkci. ====================================================================== Yosemite Entertainment Yosemite Entertainment was started as a spinoff of the original development portion of Sierra On-Line. It was originally killed off in 1999, but was later purchased by Codemasters and is still going strong. For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc and Codemasters. ====================================================================== Zafiro Software Legend Type: DG Written by Phantasy. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In Spanish, in five parts. ====================================================================== Zenobi Software Zenobi Software was started by John Wilson (aka the Rochdale Balrog) in late 1982, first as a part-time job, but since early 1986 it became his full time job. The company was operational from 1982 to 1997, but John Wilson is still (2001) selling the Zenobi Adventures CD for £5 as well as selling out the old stock. They were located at 26 Spotland Tops, Cutgate, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL12 7NX, UK. Homepage: http://www.zenobi.co.uk Email: . Alien Research Center Written 1990 by Shaun McClure and Ian Smith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Apprentice Written by Jeremy Piper. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- April 7th Written 1992 by Geoff Lynas. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arnold the Adventurer 1 Written 1991 by Delbert the Hamster Software. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arnold the Adventurer 2 Written 1992 by Delbert the Hamster Software. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Had Arnold the Adventurer on side B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arnold the Adventurer 3 Written 1992 by Delbert the Hamster Software. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aurascope Written by Square Peg. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Balrog and the Cat Type: TO Written 1988 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) and George E. Hoyle. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Has The Goblin's Gazette on side B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Bardic Rites Written by Jamie Murphy. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bart Bear 2 Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning of the End Written by Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Behind Closed Doors Type: TO Written 1988 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Behind Closed Doors 2: The Sequel Type: TO Written 1988 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Behind Closed Doors 3: Revenge of the Ants Type: TO Written 1989 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: aka. The Ants' Revenge Comments: There's a bonus game on the B side, "A Stroll In The Bleak Forest", an Ultimate-style 3D arcade adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Behind Closed Doors 4: Balrog's D... Written 1989 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) and George E. Hoyle. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: The full name of the game is a closeley guarded secret (Ok, I couldn't find it!). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Behold Atlantis Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Bermuda Triangle Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beyond El Dorado Written 1995 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Black Tower 1 Written 1984 by Diane Rice. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Tower 2: A Serpentine Tale Written by Diane Rice. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Boyd File Type: TO Written by Alex Williams. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Alex Williams also wrote "Matt Lucas" for Players Premier Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian: The Novice Barbarian Written 1994 by George E. Hoyle. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bulbo and the Lizard-King Written 1987 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) and Sean Doran. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Civil Service Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Corporal Stone Written by James Taylor. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crystals of Kings Written by Keith Burnard. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of Calutha Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of Nimue Written 1995 by Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Tower Type: TO Written 1992 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Darkest Road 1 Written 1991 by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Darkest Road 2: 't was a Time of Dread Written 1991 by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Silent Song trilogy - part 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Darkest Road 3: The Unborn One Written 1991 by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Davy Jones Locker Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deek's Deeds Written 1991 by Jason McHale. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demigod Written 1989 by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Desert Island Written 1991 by Walter Pooley in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Also published by GI Games in the same year. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Diarmid Written by Dennis Francombe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Quest Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dungeon of Maldor Written by Alan Devey. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Dungeon Romp Written by Karl Bunyan. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eclipse Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Elfin Wars Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Emerald Elf Written by George E. Hoyle. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The End is Nigh Written by Jonathan Scott and Stephen Boyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Hodgkin's Manor Written by Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Escaping Habit Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Everyday Tale of a Seeker of Gold Written by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) and Sean Doran. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Final Chorus Written by Jamie Murphy. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fisher King Written by Dennis Francombe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Fistful of Necronomicons Written 1995 by George E. Hoyle. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Flameout Written 1994 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For Pete's Sake Written by Jonathan Scott and Stephen Boyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From Out of a Dark Night Sky Written 1989 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuddo & Slam Written 1988 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblin Gazette 1 Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: More of an on-screen magazine really. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblin Gazette 2 Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: More of an on-screen magazine really. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Golden Pyramid Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Golden Sword of Bhakhor Written 1991 by Dennis Francombe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamster Droppings Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Handful of Hamsters Written 1993 by Delbert the Hamster. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: Delbert the Hamster collection containing: Aunt Velma, Raymond Pringle, Desmond and Gertrude, The Dishonest Politician, Larry the Lemming, Snow Joke and Brian, Star Flaws. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hit Written by Shaun McClure and Ian Smith. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hob's Hoard Written 1991 by Dennis Francombe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hospital Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The House on the Tor Written by Alan Davis. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The House Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Impact Written 1992 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jester's Jaunt Written 1991 by June Rowe and P. Cardin. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Khangrin Plans Written by Jamie Murphy. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kidnapped Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Knight Life Written by Stephen Boyd and Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kobyashi Ag'Kwo Type: TO Written 1991 by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labour Pains Written by Jonathan Scott and Stephen Boyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Labours of Hercules Type: TO Written 1987 by Terry Taylor in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Laskar's Crystals Written 1992 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Laskar's Return Written 1992 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Legacy for Alaric Written 1989 by Palmer P. Edritch. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Legacy for Alaric 2: The Magic Isle Written 1990 by Palmer P. Edritch. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Legacy Written 1990 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Leopold the Minstrel Written by Jamie Murphy. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lightmare Written 1989 by Scott Johnson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Little Wandering Guru Written by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loose Ends Written by Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost in Time Written 1993 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Temple Written 1990 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lycanthropy Written by Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Marooned Written 1992 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Meltdown Written 1993 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mines of Lithiad Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Miser Type: TO Written 1990 by Jack Lockerby in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission X Written 1991 by Walter Pooley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mummy's Crypt Written 1992 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder - He Said Type: TO Written 1993 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder Mystery Weekend Written by Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Norman's Lament Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Six in the Village Type: TO Written 1987 by Philip Richmond. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- One of our Wombats is Missing Type: TO Written 1990 by Mike Gerrard and Kez Gray. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Oppressed Land Written by Mark Walker. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Out of the Limelight Written by Jonathan Scott and Stephen Boyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pawns of War Written 1989 by Leslie Floyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pawns of War 2: Infiltrator Written 1989 by Leslie Floyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Pendant of Logryn Written 1989 by Jamie Murphy. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Perseus Written by Dennis Francombe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix Type: TO Written 1991 by Traveller in Black. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix 2: Violator of Voodoo Written 1991 by Traveller in Black. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix 3: Aztec Assault Written 1992 by Traveller in Black. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix 4: Celtic Carnage Written 1993 by Traveller in Black. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Nova Written 1987 by Mark Cantrell. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest for the Holy Something Written 1992 by Craig Davies. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Radiomania Written by Keith Burnard. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Alert Written by Jonathan Scott. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Retarded Creatures and Caverns Type: TO Written 1989 by The Balrog in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Has "A Legacy For Alaric" on side B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rhyme Cryme Written 1996 by Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sam's Un-Excellent Adventure Written by Ian Osborne. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Secret of Little Hodcome Written 1987 by The Balrog (aka John Wilson) and Sean Doran. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Se-Kaa of Assiah Written 1984 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Also released by Mastertronic Ltd ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Beheaded Smuggler Written 1988 by Patrick Walsh. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherlock Holmes: Lamberley Mystery Written 1991 in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Silverwolf Written 1992 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Slaughter Caves Written 1990 by Mike Jessop. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snow Dogs Trilogy part 1: Crack City Type: DG Written 1989 by Garry Cappuccini in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Comments: What happened to the other two parts? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snow Joke! Written 1991 by Delbert the Hamster Software. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Song of Taliesen Written by Dennis Francombe. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Staff of Power Written by Sue Medley. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stalker Written 1990 by A. Woods and P. Page. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stranded Written by Dave Hawkins. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tales of Mathematica Written by Karl Bunyan. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxman Cometh Written 1991 by Steve J. Clay. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxman Cometh: Tax Returns Written 1991 by Steve J. Clay. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxman Cometh: The Final Demand Written 1991 by Steve J. Clay. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher Trouble Written 1989 by The Guild in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Also released by Pegasus Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tears of the Moon Written 1992 by Clive Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Teenage Emergency Written by Alan Devey. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ten Green Bottles Written 1995 by Karen Tyers. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Theme Park U.K. Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Theme Park U.S.A. Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- There's a Bomb Under Parliament Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thirty-Nine Steps Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Time Warrior Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Traveller's Tales Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Treasure of the Santa Maria Written 1991 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble With Trolls Written 1996 by George E. Hoyle. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Well of Zol Written 1994 by Laurence Creighton. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The White Feather Cloak Written 1992 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is the World Round Anyway Written by Jonathan Scott and Stephen Boyd. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Witch Hunt Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wizard of Oz Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizard Quest Written by Sean Vennard. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wizard's Skull Written 1992. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zen Quest Type: TO Written by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Amulet of Darath Written by Macsoft (M.S. Walker, Trevor Taylor). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bog of Brit Written 1990 by Stormbringer Software (Ian S. Brown). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Elfindor Written 1990 by Sigmasoft (K. Maddocks). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: K. Maddocks may have been one of the programmers behind P.A.W ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Game Without a Name Written by Dented Designs (Zippy). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gods of War Written 1990 by Nebula Design Software (Mark Cantrell, Ted King). Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jester Quest Written 1988 by Nebula Design Software (Louise Cantrell, Mark Cantrell). Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Twilight Written 1992 by Northern Underground (Kane Conway). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Man About the House Written by Electric Storm Productions (Gareth Pitchford). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Menagerie Written 1990 by Stormbringer Software (Ian S. Brown). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder Hunt Written 1986 by Moonchild Software (Craig Davies). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder Hunt (Remake) Written 1992 by Craig Davies. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder Hunt 2 Written 1992 by Craig Davies. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder He Said Type: TO Written 1993 by Jack Lockerby. Runs on: * Spectrum[128K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nightwing Written 1989 by Softel (Clive Wilson). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Search for the Nether Regions Written 1993 by Electric Storm Productions (Gareth Pitchford). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Theseus and the Minotaur Type: DG Written 1990 by The Guild, Anthony Collins [programming], Anthony Collins [design] and Peter Collins [graphics] in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] Notes: Also released by The Guild. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Twelve Days Written 1993 by Moonstone (Diane Rice). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Written 1991 by Bass-On (Jason McHale). Runs on: * Spectrum[48K] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zenobi Adventure CD Written by John Wilson. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: A compilation of every Zenobi game published. ====================================================================== ZXIF Started as a side project to the ZX Spectrum maagazin ZXF. Homepage: http://www.zxf.cjb.net/ Blink Type: TO Written 2003 by Colin Woodcock in PAW. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Sold for £1.99 Package blurb: It starts with a bull in a china shop. Sort of. A souvenir shop, actually, in sunny Bostagel, home of the tourist in North Cornwall. When I take the little decorative post office, the bull makes a run at me. Time stops. Over to you.