Adventureland This file contains information about adventure games and the companies that made them. If you have more information on any of the games in the list or if you find errors or omissions in the file, please let me know. Hans Persson unicorn@lysator.liu.se This version created Sat Feb 6 20:20:41 1999 Adventure Game Types I'm trying to categorize the games a little. So far the system is as follows: Text only (TO) No pictures (of course). Graphics (G) Some kind of graphics. I'll use this only if I haven't seen the game or have forgotten how it looked. Character graphics (CG) Pictures made up of characters. Generally horrible, but not uncommon for a while. Drawn graphics (DG) Pictures drawn for each room as you enter it. Bitmap graphics (BG) Static high-resolution pictures. Interactive graphics (IG) This category is a bit difficult to define. Uninvited (ICOM) goes here, anyway. This category is on its way out. Moving character graphics (MCG) These games have a graphical representation of yourself that you move around the screen. Examples are later Sierra games and LucasArts games. Point-n-Click (PnC) This means that you control the game by pointing at things with the mouse, choosing alternatives from menus or something similar. 3D (3D) These are games with a first-person 3D view of the world (like Doom, Quake, and similar action games). Text input (TEXT) This means that you control the game by entering text. This is the standard way, and is only mentioned if it can be used alongside PnC input. Multiple choice (CHOICE) This means that the game is controlled by choosing actions from a list or menu instead of entering text freely. Sound (SOUND) This means that the game features some kind of sound that isn't music. Music (MUSIC) This means, of course, that the game contains some kind of music score. Video clips (VIDEO) This means that the game features full-motion video. 3P Soft Juanito en Busca de su Beloncito Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Aardvark Trek Adventure Type: TO Written by Bob Retelle in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI * ZX81 * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Derelict Type: TO Written by Rodger Olsen and Bob Anderson in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI * ZX81 * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pyramid Type: TO/CG Written 1984 by Rodger Olsen in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * MC10 * OSI * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 * ZX81 Comments: Find treasures in an old pyramid. Truly awful game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mars Type: TO/G Written by Rodger Olsen in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI * ZX81 * TI-99/4A * PC * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Paranoids Anonymous Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI * ZX81 * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Mars Type: TO Written by Rodger Olsen in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * OSI * ZX81 * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 Notes: This might be the same game as Mars. ====================================================================== A & B Computing Magazine The adventure creation system AdventureScape was published in this magazine. Xanadu was the first game for that system. They later added functionality to the system and allowed games to read their data from disk files so the games could get bigger. Amnesia was the first game written for that new, larger system. Graham West (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 Classic Adventure Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Yet another version of "Colossal Cave." ====================================================================== Abstract Concepts They were started as a "serious adventures" label by Delta 4 Software in 1987. They are distributed by Activision, Inc. Mindfighter Type: G Written 1988 by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: At least the Commodore 64 version of this came with a book. ====================================================================== Access Software Homepage: http://www.accesssoftware.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Countdown Written 1988 by Fergus McNeill. Tex Murphy Amazon: Guardians of Eden Written 1988 by Fergus McNeill. ====================================================================== Acclaim They distribute Pulse. ====================================================================== Accolade Homepage: http://www.accolade.com/ Law of the West Type: BG/MUSIC/CHOICE Written 1985 by Alan Miller, Mini Doggett [graphics] and Ed Bogas [music]. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Comments: You wander around a typical "western movie" town, meet people and have to deal with them. You have a selection of four or five things to say at each turn. Get it wrong and they try to shoot you. Get it right and they might give you some information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Third Courier Type: PnC/MUSIC Written 1989 by Carol Manley and Ivan Manley. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * PC * Tandy Comments: Set in the cold-war Berlin, where you as an agent have to hunt a missing suitcase stolen from the KGB/terrorists. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Altered Destiny Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1990 or 1991 by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: A man is sucked through what he thought was his tv, into a mysterious world populated with strange creatures. He must overthrow an evil being. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Manley in: Search for the King Type: MCG Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: Office clerk Les Manley is, as a competitor of a certain L. Laffer, a typical office nerd on a quest to meet babes and The King. Package blurb: Want more? Get Les! He finds his clothes at K-Mart. He finds his dates at Radio Shack. Now he's out to get rich quick by finding out the greatest entertainment of all time. Follow mild mannered Les Manley as he rocks 'n' rolls across America in search of big bucks, beautiful babes and... The King. * Recognizes over 1,500 words. Even good ones. * Animation so lifelike your hips will gyrate. * Help Les try to impress the stunning Stella Hart. * Over 70 bit-mapped screens make this one heavy game. * Hot music. Hot colors. Hot dang. * A game filled with engaging puzzles and felt paintings. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Manley, Lost in L. A. Type: G Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright. Runs on: * PC Notes: Icon-based user interface. This is a sequel to Les Manley in: Search for the King. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't Go Alone Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Conspiracy Written 1990 by Steve Cartwright. ====================================================================== Acme Software Altair 4 Type: TO Written 1984 by K. Suddick. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Your space ship has crashed on the planet Altair 4, and you must escape. ====================================================================== Acornsoft At some point in time, Acornsoft decided not to publish adventure games any more. Some of the authors then took their games with them to Topologika. Countdown to Doom Type: TO Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Small science fiction adventure. Your spaceship has crashed on the planet Doomawangara. You must acquire the parts needed to repair your ship before the planet's hostile atmosphere corrodes it away. Package blurb: You set off from Earth in your one-man ship, and are soon orbiting Doom. Doomawangara -- *Doom* for short -- with its weird climate that varies from desert to jungle, glacier to swamp; the home, aeons ago, of the Ancients, whose crumbling dwellings at last begin to show up on your scanners, their images giving you the feeling that they're watching you -- not the other way round. Doom, famed across the Galaxy as a *potentially* lucrative source of income, its surface littered with crashed treasure ships, rapidly corroding in the intensely volatile atmosphere. *Only those known as adventurers would dare to land.* You make one more pass over the enticing planet, wondering if *you* have the courage. The decision is made for you when your ship comes under a sudden and violent attack that sends it tumbling out of control until it hits the surface with a force that could have killed you. You pick yourself up and survey the wreckage, knowing that both you and your ship are well and truly *doomed* unless you can find the spares to repair it in time... GAME SIZE: *Medium.* RATING: *Medium.* For more information, see Topologika Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Acheton Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom of Hamil Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Philosopher's Quest Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC Notes: This game had the most evil and unfair first puzzle of all time. The Acornsoft version of this, Killworth's first text adventure, sold 25.000 copies. Package blurb: Peter's best-selling adventure sees you wishing you hadn't waved that old magic wand you found in the junk shop off Market Street. For when you did, the atmosphere turned inside out, taking you with it. And when it turned back again, the shop -- and the shopkeeper were no more... GAME SIZE: *Compact, but with unexpected twists.* RATING: *Difficult.* For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Topologika Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sphinx Adventure Type: TO Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Riddles Type: TO Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC Notes: Some of the puzzles in Castle of Riddles came from the original version of Philosopher's Quest and now appear in the Topologika version of Philosophers' Quest. It had an incredibly unfair maze. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quondam Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC For more information, see Mainframe adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Seventh Star Type: TO Written 1982 by Peter Killworth. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gateway to Karos Type: TO Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spooky Manor Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mini Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam. Runs on: * BBC Notes: Only available in a compilation with Caves and Roman. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Caves Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam. Runs on: * BBC Notes: Only available in a compilation with Mini and Roman. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Roman Written 1983 by D. L. Haslam. Runs on: * BBC Notes: Only available in a compilation with Mini and Caves. ====================================================================== Activision, Inc Activision have released the Infocom games in more different compilations than I care to list at the moment. Homepage: http://www.activision.com/ Email: 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 Written 1986 by Rob Swigart and Brad Fregger. Notes: Compilation of Infocom games (Ballyhoo, Beyond Zork, Deadline, Enchanter, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Infidel, Lurking Horror, Moonmist, Planetfall, Sorcerer, Spellbreaker, Starcross, Stationfall, Suspect, Suspended, The Witness, Zork I, Zork II, Zork III, Zork Zero). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Leather Goddesses of Phobos 2: Gas Pump Girls Meet the Pulsating Inconvenience from Planet X Type: G Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Treasures of Infocom II Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky. Notes: Compilation of Infocom games (A Mind Forever Voyaging, Border Zone, Bureaucracy, Cutthroats, Hollywood Hijinx, Nord and Bert Couldn't Make Head or Tail of It, Plundered Hearts, Seastalker, Sherlock, Wishbringer). The CD version of this compilation includes three more games that are not on the diskette version (Arthur, Journey, Shogun). Zork These are modern graphical games set in the Zork universe from the original Zork games by Infocom. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Classic Text Adventure Masterpieces Written 1992 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * PC * Macintosh Notes: Compilation of Infocom games (Arthur, Ballyhoo, Beyond Zork, Border Zone, Bureaucracy, Cutthroats, Deadline, Enchanter, Hollywood Hijinx, Infidel, Journey, Leather Goddesses of Phobos, Lurking Horror, Mind Forever Voyaging, Moonmist, Nord & Bert, Planetfall, Plundered Hearts, Seastalker, Sherlock, Sorcerer, Spellbreaker, Starcorss, Stationfall, Suspect, Suspended, Trinity, Wishbringer, Witness, Zork I, II, III and Zork Zero). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spycraft: The Great Game Type: VIDEO Written 1996 by William Colby (former director of the CIA) and Oleg Kalougin (former major general of the KGB). Notes: Comes on three CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder Written 1996 by William Colby (former director of the CIA) and Oleg Kalougin (former major general of the KGB). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Santa Fe Mysteries: Sacred Ground Type: VIDEO Written 1996. Notes: Comes on two CDs. ====================================================================== Addison-Wesley The Antagonists Written by Hal Renko, Sam Edwards and Hermie Hermens. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Package includes a diary and a hex listing of the adventure. A tape of the program could be bought separately. ====================================================================== Adventions All the Adventions games are written with TADS. Those that are freeware or shareware can be found on ftp.gmd.de in /if-archive/games/adventions. Email: 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 Universe Unventure These games occur in the future of the Unnkulian world and are set in a science fiction environment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Colossal Cave Revisited (v1.0) Type: TO Written 1993 by David M. Baggett. Runs on: * TADS Notes: A remake of Crowther and Woods' original adventure. Released with complete TADS source code. Freeware. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Horror of Rylvania - Demonstration version Type: TO Written 1993 by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Freeware. The Horror of Rylvania Type: TO Written 1993 by David A. Leary. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Commercial. ====================================================================== Adventure International Founded by Scott Adams (msadams@pcii.net). All the adventures in the Scott Adams Classic Adventures, Others and Questprobe series use the same datafile and interpreter format and can be run using the ScottFree interpreter found on ftp.gmd.de. His games are mainly verb-noun, but had exciting plots and were well-designed. The TRS-80 driver was written by Scott Adams, while the Apple II and Commodore 64 drivers were written by Mak Jukic. Brian Howarth later wrote another Commodore 64 driver, as well as a Spectrum one that was used with a lot (all?) of these games. They (at least some of them) were originally written in BASIC. The interpreter used depended a lot upon who released the game. There are at least two different interpreters for the Commodore 64. Some of the games were released for the Exidy Sorcerer computer. They supplied a hint book for Scott Adams Classic Adventures 1-14 and separate hint sheets for Questprobe 1-3. All these hints are available from ftp.gmd.de. Contrary to popular beliefs, none of Scott Adams' games have been released to the public domain. The Basic versions of Adventureland (date?) and Pirate Adventure (December 1980) were printed in Byte Magazine in an article by Scott Adams, but are still copyrighted. The copyrights for the games were part of the Adventure International bankruptcy proceedings when Adventure International went bankrupt in 1985 and were taken over by the bank (what bank? - I'd like to contact them). Recently, however, Scott Adams put the games up for download from his own homepage. Scott Adams is currently (January 1996) rewriting Adventureland in a new interpreter for Windows 95. All the games up to 1983-1984 (with the exceptions of the VIC-20 and TI-99/4A releases, which were repackaged by those respective companies) come in 8.5" x 5.5" folders designed to look like paperback books. The middle is a piece of styrofoam either with a cutout slot for the cassette or a glued-on sleeve for the disk. The front and back cover with the artwork is a piece of thin cardboard glued around the spine of the styrofoam. The original text games featured the "manual" simply typed on the inner front and sometimes back flap of the cardboard. The SAGA releases came with their own separate instruction booklet titled Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure Instructions. It was generic and applied to all the SAGAs for that particular platform. Nothing more than a registration card was included on either of these releases. They once ran big adverts featuring Scott Adams' picture begging people to send in game ideas. "We want to publish your software!" Doesn't sound like a company about to go bankrupt... Homepage: http://www.pcii.net/~msadams/ They distribute Howarth, Brian and Chameleon Software. For more information, see Alternate Source, The. Scott Adams Classic Adventures These games were rereleased in 1982 with graphics [BG] as Scott Adams Graphic Adventures (SAGA). The TI-99/4A games were distributed by Texas Instruments. The user first had to purchase a ROM cartridge called "Adventure" which came with the disk or cassette of adventure #2, "Pirate Adventure". The other titles required this ROM cartridge to run, but were sold separately. Questprobe The adventures in this series features characters from Marvel Comics. According to Scott Adams, the deal was for a dozen games (I seem to remember having read in some magazine that it was supposed to be four or five) but Adventure International went out of business while game number four was being written. There was also a series of comic books published along with the games (three in all). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zossed in Space Written by Jyym Pearson. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum * TRS-80 Notes: This was Jyym Pearson's first game. Other Ventures These games use a different data file format than the Scott Adams games. For more information, see Med Systems Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labyrinth of Crete Type: G (some) Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Has the interesting feature of allowing the player to move two characters. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Carlston - Galactic Saga Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero. Bob Lafore - Interactive Fiction Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero. Package blurb: You become a main character & your income directs the outcome. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- James Talley - Kid-Venture Written 1983 by Cliff Johnson and Allen Pinero. ====================================================================== Adventure International UK This was really a trading name of Adventure Soft UK. The name was used with permission from Adventure International. For more information, see Tynesoft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gremlins Type: BG (some animated screens) Written 1984 by Brian Howarth and Teoman Irmak [graphics]. Runs on: * Amstrad [Bitmap graphics] * BBC [Text only] * Commodore 16 [Text only] * Commodore 64 [Bitmap graphics] * Electron [Text only] * Spectrum [Bitmap graphics] Notes: Also available in German. Based on the Steven Spielberg movie of the same title. The Commodore 64 version (at least) has a bug: if you type 'GO' and press return, you get a completely new hotel. Comments: Save the town from being overrun by blood-thirsty gremlins. Robin of Sherwood: The Touchstones of Rhiannon Type: BG (some animated screens) Written 1985 by Michael Woodroffe, Brian Howarth, Teoman Irmak [graphics], Simon Woodroffe [help] and Alan Cox [help]. Runs on: * Amstrad [Bitmap graphics] * BBC [Text only] * Commodore 16 * Commodore 64 [Bitmap graphics] * Electron [Text only] * Spectrum [Bitmap graphics] Notes: Dedicated to Tricia (Mike Woodroffe's wife). Three windows: graphics/room description and things/interaction. 93 locations (about half a dozen of these lack graphics and some have identical pictures). This was based on the TV series Robin of Sherwood starring Michael Praed. Fighting Fantasy Rebel Planet and Appointment with F. E. A. R. needed a better parser, but instead of writing one, Adventure International UK bought the rights to the game system Melbourne House used for Terrormolinos. ====================================================================== Adventure Soft UK Adventure Soft UK was set up by Mike Woodroffe to convert imported Scott Adams adventures to other machines. He hired Brian Howarth to do ports and they started to work together on it. After a while, they had converted all the Scott Adams games and had to wait for new ones to arrive. For a while they had their own building in Birmingham, mostly for tape duplication and mail order, but they later moved to Mike Woodroffe's house and let others do the tape duplication. They are distributed by Adventure International UK and U. S. Gold. For more information, see Callisto Computers, Adventure International and Horrorsoft. Temple of Terror Type: BG Written by Simon Woodroffe and Mike Woodroffe. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 Notes: Based on a Fighting Fantasy book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blizzard Pass Type: BG Written by Alan Cox. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Orginally sold as part of a Spectrum 128K starter pack by Tynesoft. Alan Cox holds the rights to this game (except for the Spectrum 128. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kayleth (Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine Presents) Type: BG (some animations) Written 1987 by Stefan Ufnowski and Ann Ufnowski. Runs on: * BBC [Text only] * Commodore 64 Notes: Based on a story by Isaac Asimov. Comments: In the 23rd century, you must overthrow the evil Lord Kayleth. ====================================================================== Aegis Developments Arazok's Tomb Type: BG Written 1987 by Rick Alves and Jo An Roberts. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== A & F Software Haunted Abbey Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Satellite Written 1984. Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zodiac Written 1984. Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Horror Castle Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Dragon Comments: Yet another round of "saving the princess". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shrinking Professor Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharoah's Tomb Written 1984. ====================================================================== Airwave Adventures The Case of the Cautious Condor Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 Notes: Comic strip graphics, no text. Comments: Detective story in the 1930s. ====================================================================== All American Adventures A subsidiary of U. S. Gold, a European distributor for many different American software companies. They distribute Sierra On-Line, Inc, Screenplay and Med Systems Software. ====================================================================== Alligata Crown Jewels Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Alpine They changed their name either to or from Summit Software. Cops Written 1984. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Plague Planet (possibly Plagued Planet) Written 1984. ====================================================================== Alternate Source, The This was a very early company (beginning of 1980s?) which made a variety of things for the TRS-80 (usually named with TAS as an acronym). One of their products was _The Adventure System_, which was basically a Scott Adams adventure system. It could play his adventures and had support for writing your own. They also published at least two adventures of reasonable size with the package, and there were at least 25 more distributed in a package. For more information, see Adventure International. ====================================================================== Alternative Software Lifeterm Type: BG Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below. Comments: In the year 3142, you are sentenced for murder and must spend the rest of your life taking care of a garbage planet - or...? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- S. M. A. S. H. E. D. Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wiz Biz Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Wreck Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This might not have been released separately - see below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Most Adventure Written 1987 by C. A. Sharp in Graphic Adventure Creator. Notes: Compilation of Lifeterm, S. M. A. S. H. E. D., Wiz Biz, and Star Wreck. ====================================================================== American Eagle Probably a distributor. They distribute Phoenix Software. For more information, see Med Systems Software. ====================================================================== A. N. A. L. O. G. Computing This is a magazine, the title of which actually stands for Atari Newsletter And a Lot Of Games. Adventure in the Fifth Dimension Written 1983 by Brian Moriarty in Basic. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit Notes: Published in Analog #11, November 1983. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crash Dive! Written 1984 by Brian Moriarty in Machine language. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit Notes: Published in Analog #18, June 1984. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (unknown title 1) Written in Basic. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit Comments: About a prince who had to fight a dragon. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (unknown title 2) Written in Basic. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit Comments: About a space station. ====================================================================== Angelsoft, Inc They are distributed by Mindscape, Inc. James Bond 007 in: A View to a Kill Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * Macintosh * PC Notes: Based on the screenplay A View to A Kill. Package blurb: All the elegance and daring of James Bond'd finest adventures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen King's The Mist Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * Macintosh * PC Notes: Based on the Stephen King novella "The Mist". Comes in folder with "An Introduction to Interactive Fiction" Manual, reference card, Poster/Map by Michael Fisher/The Garden Studio and disk. Package blurb: Another Saturday. Another stop at the market. And another wait in the checkout line. Until a shadow descends and someone shouts: "The fog! You oughta see it!" And you do: a mist advancing toward Federal Foods, engulfing the blue sky, the familiar landmarks of Bridgton, and ... all thee people in its path. Your typical Saturday has just ended. Mindscape makes YOU the central character in Stephan King'd classic tale of horror. YOU control the action as you desperately fight the hideous things in the Mist and try to uncover what the Arrowhead Project really was. Crazy Mrs. Carmody might be right: this COULD be the end. Enter Stephen King's world of terror - if you dare - and discover that the nightmare is just the beginning... Stephen King's own brand of terror that only the fearless can survive. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Forbidden Castle Written 1985 by Mercer Mayer. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Package blurb: It takes more than courage to reach the forbidden castle and save the princess. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Voodoo Island Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Package blurb: Discover and destroy the source of evil - before it destroys you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rambo: First Blood Part II Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- James Bond 007 in: Goldfinger Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indiana Jones in: Revenge of the Ancients Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dick Francis: High Stakes Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Anirog Catacombs Type: G/MUSIC Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: The parser was abysmally pathetic. The game is practically unsolvable: how would you figure out that you have to "trace symbol" to move a boulder or say "boo" to a demon to scare it. ====================================================================== Apocalypse Wolfen Type: IG Written 1985 by M. J. Sayer. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Application Services Company, Inc They were located at Wichita, Kansas 67277, USA. Adventure Type: TO Written 1981. Runs on: * Southwest Technical Products Corporation 6800 Comments: A pretty faithful version of the original adventure by Crowther and Woods. ====================================================================== Argus Press Software Robocity Type: CG Written 1984 by Pete Torrance in Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Robots have taken over the Earth but need human guidance. Enter one poor countess, who is kidnapped. Save her! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Detective Game Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Valley Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Dungeons & Dragons style adventure set in a mystical valley. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The White Barrows Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Ariolasoft They distribute PK Soft. ====================================================================== Art Department Das Telekommando kehrt zurück Type: IG Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Promotional game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bifi II - Action in Hollywood Type: IG Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Promotional game. ====================================================================== Artic Computing All their games had a two word parser and used a small game driver. 1: Planet of Death Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * ZX81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2: Inca Curse Type: TO Written 1986 by Sam Jay and Paul Jay. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * ZX81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3: The Ship of Doom Written 1982. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * ZX81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4: Espionage Island Written 1982. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * ZX81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5: The Golden Apple Type: DG Written 1982. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: This game introduced graphics and had a slightly better parser. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dead at the Controls Type: DG Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: After crash-landing on a strange planet, you must try to escape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground Zero Type: TO Written 1984 by Colin Smith in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: Unusually serious adventure about surviving a nuclear war. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom of Speldome Written 1984 by Colin Smith in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad ====================================================================== Artworx Gwendolyn Type: CG Written before 1984 by Marc Russell Benioff. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit Notes: It had some animation and sound effects. ====================================================================== ASP Software Demon Knight Type: TO Written 1983 in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Defeat the Demon Knight. ====================================================================== Atkins, Robert Wayne Robert Wayne Atkins can be contacted at 1451 Rhododendron Drive, Acworth, Georgia 30102-3557, USA. All these games cost (May 1994) $6.95 and there are solution booklets (hints, maps, and complete solution) available for $3.95. The Ghost of Briarcliff Castle Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: It is a warm spring day in the year 1897. As you glance over the classified ads in the London Daily Times, your eyes are drawn to one ad in particular which reads: WANTED: An individual who has practical experience in the art of healing. A medical degree is not required. The individual must be single, and willing to live in an old castle on a secluded island off the east coast of England. The ad brings to mind the Book of Healing you inherited from your Gypsy parents. You decide to take a chance and answer the ad. To your amazement, you get the job. You immediately book passage to the island, and arrive at the castle a few days later. As you unpack, you record your inventory of herbs and elixirs in your Book of Healing. By chance, you overhear the servants talking about a Ghost that haunts the castle at night. You laugh to yourself since you were taught that only the simpleminded still believe in ghosts. However, the events that unfold in the days ahead may cause you to reconsider your beliefs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Crown of Queen Anne Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: Queen Anne took the throne in England in the year 1702. We were still a British colony at that time, so she was also Queen of what would soon become known as the United States. Shortly after death in 1714, her Royal Crown mysteriously disappeared. The last known owner of the Crown was an Arabian Desert Sheik. The Crown wasn't found when the Sheik was killed in a tribal war in the year 1936. Many people have searched for the Crown since then, but no one has been able to find it. You desire riches and adventure, so you have traveled to the Arabian desert to look for the Lost Crown, You were getting close to the Sheik's abandoned desert home when your camel went lame. You are now on foot. You have also eaten the last of your food and water. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The House that Nobody Wanted Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: After saving your money for a long time, you now have enough to make the down payment on a house of your own. But prices are higher than you expected, and the only home you can afford is an old one that needs a few repairs. However, the place is partially furnished, and the price includes everything in the home. After you but the house, you discover that its last owner was a rich, eccentric old lady who kept to herself and never socialized. Her entire life was a mystery, and when she died there were no heirs to inherit her property. Today you get to move into your new home. You wonder what you'll find. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder in the Mediterranean Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: All of your friends consider you to be the world's greatest living detective. Recently, one of your friends bought an old English home. The home is located on a small island in the Mediterranean. You have been invited (along with eleven other guests) to help celebrate the purchase of this new island retreat. After flying into a mainland airport, you take a short boat ride over to the island home of your friend. You arrive late Friday night, and you go straight to bed. Unfortunately, the weekend will not be a happy one. Before your very eyes, a man will get shot. While you try to save the dying man's life, the killer will escape. Then you're told the phone line has been cut. And the shuttle boat won't return to the island until 6 PM Sunday evening. So you are put in charge of the investigation. But you had better be careful. The next murder victum might be you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey to the Earth's Core Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: While cleaning out an old dusty trunk in your Grandfather's attic, you discover a diary written by a man named Wendorf MacMillan. The entry dated April 3, 1857 tells where a small gold mine is located in the Rocky Mountains. In the entries that follow, Wendorf tells about a series of underground caves he discovered while digging in his mine. Vividly, he describes his Journey to the Earth's Core. The path is laden whith danger and with great riches, including fistfuls of diamonds at the Earth's Core. After carefully weighing all risks, you decide to make the Journey to the Earth's Core. You will start your journey at a small store in the Rocky Mountains. You have $1,000 to spend on supplies. The store carries a variety of items, such as ropes, weapons, and tools. You should but whatever you think you will need to complete the entire journey. When you leave the store, you will find yourself at the bottom of the tall mountain described in Wendorf's diary. Your first objective will be to find the entrance to Wendorf's Gold Mine. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wild West of the 1870's Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: As you sit quietly in the train station in El Paso, Texas, your mind travels back to tow weeks ago. You remember the words your Ma whispered to you on her death bed: "Honey, I ain't your real Ma. You were left at my front door as an infant, along with this here note." On the old tattered piece of brown paper she gave you, these few words were written: "Please take care of our baby. We're flat broke and we gotta go West to find work. We're afraid to take the baby with us because of the Indians." JH After you buried the only Ma you ever knew, you headed West to find your real folks. Right now you're thinking about all the different things you could do while you look for your folks. You might take up gambling. You could try your luck at Blackjack, or Roulette, or Five Card Stud, or High-Low, or even the Wheel of Fortune. Or you could try Prospecting or Fur Trapping. You've even thought about becoming a Bounty Hunter, or a Sheriff. or maybe even an Outlaw. You'll have to decide soon....because the whistle of your train sounds in the distance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Romance in the Caribbean Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: The telephone rings. You aren't expecting any phone calls, so you wonder who it might be. You lift the receiver and say "Hello?" A male voice says, "Hi. My name is Bill Wilson. I'm the manager at the grocery store where you entered our contest. We just had the drawing and you've won the grand prize." "The grand prize is a one week vacation cruise in the tropical Caribbean. It includes round trip air-fare to Maimi plus $1,000 in cash. The cruise ship leaves this Sunday at 8 PM, and it returns next Sunday at noon." After he gives you the rest of the details, you hang up the phone. A few minutes later you call your boss and he gives you permission to take the next week off. On Sunday, you pack your things and you catch the afternoon flight to Miami. When the plane lands, you take a taxi to the ship dock. A crew member greets you when you board the ship, and he leads you to your cabin. After you unpack, you get into bed. As you drift off to sleep, all your instincts tell you that your dreams of romance will soon come true. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Temple of Death Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: While out were out shopping one day, you get caught in a sudden thunderstorm. You enter a nearby Used Book Store to get out of the rain. To pass the time, you select an old book to read. The author was an archaeologist who visited Mexico about 20 years ago. While he was there he found an old stone temple that his native guide called The Temple of Death. After finding the secret entrance, he ventured inside and got lost for two days. He barely escaped with his life and a few treasures worth a small fortune. Terrified by his experience, he never went back into the temple. A few years later, he recorded his adventure in the book you now hold. Intrigued by the story, you buy the book and you leave the store. Later, you decide to take a two week vacation from your job. You then purchase a few basic supplies and a plane ticket for Mexico... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Future Quest Type: TO Written by Robert Wayne Atkins. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: The time is several years from now. Technology has advanced at a rapid pace. Electronic equipment is now smaller and lighter in weight. The one exception are televisions, which are now bigger and better than ever. There have also been a number of social changes. The government has created a new monetary unit, called a Credit. The government claimed this new type of currency would solve our nation's inflationary problems. However, this new currency didn't stop inflation at all; it simply got several politicians elected. The first official act of these new politicians was to create a government agency called Central Control. The Agency's purpose is to hire and train Special Agents. Those agents are then assigned to work on missions of national importance. That's where you come in. You were just hired as a Special Agent, and you have been assigned to work in the city of Marshallville. In the days ahead, you will be called upon to handle a wide variety of extremely dangerous missions. ====================================================================== Atlantis Software Velnor's Lair Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This had a few RPG elements. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dungeons, Amethysts, Alchemists n' Everythin' / DAA-Adventure Type: G Written 1991. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== ATOD Homepage: http://www.atod.se/ They are distributed by Firebird. Hampte Dampte Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: A puzzle adventure. ====================================================================== Attic They later changed their name to Dragonware. Hellowoon Type: G Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Comments: One of the first German text adventures with some graphics. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ooze - Als die Geister mürbe wurden Type: BG Written 1989 by Guy Henkel and H. J. Braendle. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Horror adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ooze - Creepy Nites Written 1989 by Guy Henkel and H. J. Braendle. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: English (improved) version of Ooze - Als die Geister mürbe wurden ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Drachen von Laas (The Dragons of Laas) Written 1989. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. An English version called Lassian Plague(?) was planned but might never have been programmed/published. Has some role-playing elements. Comments: Two young heroes set out to defeat a menace. ====================================================================== Audiogenic For more information, see Radarsoft. ====================================================================== Automata UK Ltd Pimania Type: G Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * ZX81 Notes: Apparently, there was some kind of competition connected to this game where you could win a sundial valued at £6000. Comments: Not exactly an adventure as such, most odd game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crusoe Type: G Written in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: It was basically a split window game, with the upper portion of the screen showing your current location on an island, the map was a grid of squares and when you moved off the edge of the screen you moved onto the next portion of the map. The bottom few lines of the screen where for your input and the program's responses. You could pick up objects and manipulate using two word commands... such as pick lock, etc. I think the objective is to escape the island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Groucho Written in Basic. Notes: Based on Groucho Marx. Comments: As an adventure game it was very original, but the programming left something to be desired. ====================================================================== Avalon Hill Avalon hill is a part of Hasbro Interactive, Inc (another homepage) at least since 1998. Homepage: http://www.avalonhill.com/ They distribute Oxford Digital Enterprises. Ripper Type: TO (sound effects) Written by John Winnie and Stanley Baronett, Jr. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Map included in package. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Empire of the Overmind Type: TO Written by John Winnie and Stanley Baronett, Jr. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Notes: Rid a desolate, suffering land of the evil 'overmind'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- G. F. S. Sorceress Written 1982. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Comments: Pretty good game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lords of Karma Type: TO Written 1983 or 1984. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * Commodore PET Notes: The adverts for this game had the subtitle "Why, it's better than food." ====================================================================== Avant-Garde Creations Chambers of Xenobia Type: G Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Race for Midnight Type: G Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Aventuras Dinamic Chichen-Itzá Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jabato Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La aventura espacial Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La aventura original Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La diosa de Cozumel Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Templos Sagrados Written 1981 by Steven Sacks. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC * Spectrum Notes: Written in Spanish. ====================================================================== Bantam Imagic Living Literature ====================================================================== Baudville Software Dream Zone Type: IG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1988 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * PC ====================================================================== Beyond Doomdark Trilogy These games use a technique called landscaping to create a 3D graphical picture of what you looked at, regardless of where in the game you were or in what direction you were looking. They are some kind of mix between adventures and war games. All of these games involve controlling several different characters at once. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorderon's Shadow Type: BG Written 1988 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: This was a conventional game using landscaping. Comments: It's a bitch to solve. ====================================================================== Big Sky Software Time Thief Type: TO Written 1988 by Don MacLeod in (heavily modified) Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Probably the most technically advanced Quill-adventure ever written. Massive text compression allows for an advanced parser, huge vocabulary and LOADS of text! The game is great, too! Through two parts, you must discover who is stealing people's time (and hence their lives!). Fantasy setting. ====================================================================== Binary Illusions Flight of the Amazon Queen Type: IG Written 1988 by Don MacLeod in (heavily modified) Quill. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== Blue Ribbon Secret Sam Mission 2 Written 1988 by Don MacLeod in (heavily modified) Quill. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Boldfield Limited Company Black Island Adventure Written 1984 by Phil Collins and Geoffrey Walker. Runs on: * Jupiter Ace ====================================================================== Bomico Project Prometheus Written 1984 by Phil Collins and Geoffrey Walker. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Brøderbund Software They are located at 500 Redwood Blvd., Novato, California, 94948, USA. Brøderbund was founded by Doug and Gary Carlston in 1980, when the personal computer software industry was still in its infancy. The brothers established the company in order to market Galactic Empire and Galactic Trader, computer game programs Doug had written in his spare time when he wasn't practicing law. Brøderbund recently (1998) merged with The Learning Company. Homepage: http://www.broderbund.com/ They distribute Synapse Software, Ultrasoft and Cyan. For more information, see The Learning Company. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadly Secrets Type: G Written 1982 by Scott Schram. Runs on: * Apple II Blood Quest Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: This might not have been ever released. Carmen Sandiego At least some of these were released for the Apple II and probably some for the Apple IIGS as well. There were also some available on the Commodore 64 and some on the Macintosh, but I don't have exact data. ====================================================================== Buffer Micros Mysterious Fairground Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Bug-Byte Twin Kingdom Valley Type: DG Written 1983 by Trevor Hall. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 16 * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Large area to explore, with a fairly developed parser, you could order NPCs about (with varying success) and give items to them, making them use weapons against other NPCs. At one stage you could free some monsters from a prison cell, and duly command them as a personal army. The nice thing about the game was the randomness, NPCs came and left on their own agendas, making each game somewhat different. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Castle Written 1983 by Chris Cannon. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Old Father Time Written 1983 by Chris Cannon. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonquest Written 1983 by Chris Cannon. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Bytepack James Bond: Octopussy Written 1992. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Slovakian. ====================================================================== Callisto Computers Started by Mike Woodroffe, based in Birmingham. He imported the various Scott Adams games from Adventure International for Apple II and Atari 400/800 and later Commodore 64 disk. At the time, the popular computers in Britain were ZX80 and ZX81 and the games scarcely caused a ripple in the market. Then came the VIC-20 (and the imported Scott Adams cartridges) and a whole host of new systems. Tape based Commodore 64s and Spectrums literally created a mass market of what was previously a specialist arena. For more information, see Adventure Soft UK. ====================================================================== Carnell Software Black Crystal Type: G Written in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into six parts. You move your character with the arrow keys. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wrath of Magra Written by Roy Carnell. Notes: Divided into four parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Volcanic Dungeon Written 1981. Runs on: * ZX81 Notes: Distributed on the same cassette as Hangman. ====================================================================== Cascade Mountain Publishing Homepage: http://www.cascadepublishing.com/ Avalon / Once and Future Type: TO Written 1998 by G. Kevin "Whizzard" Wilson in TADS. Runs on: * TADS Notes: This game was announced as Avalon in 1993 and then work progressed over a very long time. Just days before it was finally released, the name Avalon turned out to be taken (game titles can be trademarked) so the game had to be renamed. This is the first commercial release of a text-only game for several years. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chameleon Type: TO Written by Michael Berlyn and Muffy McClung Berlyn. ====================================================================== Castleworks Gameware Slogan: "The innovation behind your imagination" They are distributed by Merit Software. Kronolog - The Nazi Paradox (also known as Red Hell) Written by Michael Berlyn and Muffy McClung Berlyn. Runs on: * PC Package blurb: It is the year 2020 and the Nazi victors of World War II control a world on the brink of ecological disadter. You alone hold the key that can stop their insane destruction of the planet. Can you unearth their dark secret before they stop you! * Digitized Actors, Speech and Sound Effects * Original Midi Sound Track * Over 20 Megabytes of Graphic Adventuring * "Be prepared to unravel one of the most inventive plots to come to the PC!" -Computer Game Review ====================================================================== CCS Journey Across the Abyss Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff of Zaranol Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Diamond Quest Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1942 Mission Written 1984 or earlier. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: This game won the Cambridge Award 1984. ====================================================================== CDS They distribute SCR Adventures. ====================================================================== Celtic Software Located at 77 Williw Park Avenue, Glasnevin North, Dublin 11, Eire. Manor of Madness Type: TO Written 1984 by Colm McCarthy. Runs on: * Spectrum * Oric-1 Notes: Might have been written with The Quill. A graphic version might have been released in 1985. Had a good multiple word parser. Comments: You star as Leonid Smirnoff, who must track down a file concerning Russian spies in Manhattan. The file appears to be located in an insane asylum, so that's where you wind up. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Corridors of the Nethermind Type: TO Written by Colm McCarthy. Runs on: * Spectrum * Oric-1 Notes: A graphic version might have been released in 1985. Had a good multiple word parser. Comments: Fairly small but almost impossible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ? Written by Colm McCarthy. Comments: A third game might have been released in 1985. ====================================================================== Chameleon Software They were located at 4733 N. Mitchner, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA. They are distributed by Adventure International. Maces and Magic Advertised as a "thinking person's dungeon". The three Maces and Magics games (Balrog, Stone of Sisyphus, and Morton's Fork) were adventure games where a player chose one of multiple choices to navigate around a puzzle-filled world. The games were available on the TRS-80, Apple II, and Atari 800. All games required disk drives. The player typically wandered around the world gathering items; to solve puzzles, the player had to "use" found items by naming a one-word action to perform. For example, in a room with a dartboard, the player might choose to use the dart, then would type "THROW" as the action. With a pile of lumber, the player would type "LADDER" to build a ladder. Unfortunately, memory constraints limited the number of synonyms, making the process of solving some of the puzzles annoying. Each game usually provided hints about appropriate words inside some of its messages displayed when starting up each game. The games are probably best known for having a good sense of humor and great setting. Unlike other many other adventure games of the time, most of the descriptions were kept off on disk, and only the current messages were loaded into memory. This allowed for much more descriptive text than the Scott Adams adventures. Monsters and fighting were present, but usually only as a way to slow a player down (or kill the player off) while scuttling between puzzles. The games also tended to be less likely to maintain a realistic world, instead sticking together creative, but disparate puzzles into a world. Balrog represented a dungeon crawl with outdoor and indoor adventures. Stone of Sisyphus represented a mostly internal dungeon crawl. Morton's Fork involved searching around a castle. AS YOU APPROACH THE MANTICORE, THE MONSTER PHOTOS FALL FROM YOUR PACK. HIS EYES BUG OUT AND HE BEGINS TO SALIVATE. 'I MUST HAVE THOSE PHOTOS', HE GRUNTS. YOU MAY OFFER TO SELL THEM (1) OR REFUSE (2). FEW ADVENTURERS HAVE HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF FIGHTING A MANTICORE BARE HANDED. I'LL BE SURE TO TAKE NOTES. Strangely, even though the multiple choice options would conceivably be frustrating by forcing the player into only following certain actions, the outlandish choices (and results) kept the game fun. Example from "Morton's Fork": When the player chooses to gaze into a mirror in a bedroom, the following action happens: ...THE MIRROR SHATTERS... & ACCORDING TO TRADITION, YOUR LUCK IS DOWN 7 FOR 7 YEARS. AS YOU HURRIEDLY LEAVE THE ROOM, A DWARF FROM THE GLAZIERS' UNION PUSHES PAST YOU MUTTERING ABOUT UGLY ADVENTURERS. From "Stone of Sisyphus": A SEARING BLAST OF HEAT RAISES RIVULETS OF PERSPIRATION ON YOUR HEROIC FOREHEAD AS YOU CONFRONT THE DUNGEON HEATING PLANT. THE FIERY TENTACLES OF THE PLANT REACH FOR YOU.... Balrog was the first game; on both the TRS-80 and Apple, the data files for the game alone filled one disk, and thus the game required a two drive machine to run. The later games had smaller adventures, and couple be run on single player machines. One of the interesting technical features of the game is that the game doesn't really have rooms, but "situations" providing a description and a set of options. ====================================================================== Channel 8 Company specializing in adventure games. They distribute Howarth, Brian. ====================================================================== Chymesoft Captain's Log Type: TO Written by Colm McCarthy. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Sci-fi adventure. ====================================================================== Cinemaware They are distributed by Mindscape, Inc. It Came From the Desert Written by Colm McCarthy. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- King of Chicago Written by Colm McCarthy. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinbad and the Throne of Falcon Written by Colm McCarthy. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== Cobra Computer Software Jolly Duplicator Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Codemasters Company owned and operated by two brothers that specialised in action/adventure games that you move a character around with keys, press a key to get an item and another to drop one. Made a quite popular series about an egg called Dizzy and a one off game about a guy called Seymore. The games were mostly released for Spectrum +2s on tapes. Necris Dome Type: DG Written 1987 by Charles Sharp in GAC. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 Comments: "The leader of a cemetery in orbit around Earth plans to attack Earth. You must stop him." ====================================================================== Cognetics Corporation They are distributed by Electronic Arts. Amnesia Type: TO Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: featured a man dressed in a white tuxedo replete with top hat standing in Times Square on the cover. It also included a complete and accurate subway map of the New York City Subway System. The Commodore 64 version had 4 or 5 disks to it. The game was huge. Comments: Your character awakens in a hotel room, naked and aching. You must endeavor to reclaim your identity, figure out why you're a wanted man, and set the record straight. ====================================================================== Coktel Vision Asterix im Morgenland Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20000 Meilen unter dem Meer Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Also available in English. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Indian Mission Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mewilo Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: A voodoo adventure in the caribbeans. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lt. Blueberry Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: From the comic book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Legend of Djel Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Emanuelle Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: Adult game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Geisha Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fascination Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ween Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dargon Attack Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gobliiins Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gobliins II Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblins III Type: IG Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inca Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inca 2 Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost in Time Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. ====================================================================== Colleen Ltd Mystery Voyage Adventure Type: TO Written 1983-1986 by Thomas M. Disch [story] and Kevin Bentley [programming] in KingEdward. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Divided into three parts. ====================================================================== Collins The Mystery of the Marie Celeste Written by Jim Gregory. Runs on: * Commodore 16 Notes: Published in listing form in the book "Commodore 16 Games Book" (Which also includes hints on writing your own adventures). ====================================================================== Commodore They released a few of the Infocom games in separate (boring) packaging, lacking most of the things found in the real versions. They distribute Infocom. 1: The Mutant Spiders Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Some spiders have mutated and threaten to take over the world. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3: The Fourth Sarcophagus Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: "Treasure hunt set in Egypt. Pretty bad." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ship Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest Type: TO Written 1984 by A. D. Ives. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Find the creator of Earth and reunite him with his source of power. Has a Colossal Cave-type setting, with around 120 rooms. ====================================================================== Compute!'s Gazette This was a magazine that published numerous program listings. All the games under this heading were published in listing form and had to be typed in by the user. I think that it was possible to order disks, though. Vampire Hunter Written 1984 by A. D. Ives. Notes: Published in the May 1986 issue. ====================================================================== Comsoft Serpent's Lair Written 1984 by A. D. Ives. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Cookies Under the Floor Lost Written by Jeffrey Hersh (frumple@aol.com) in TADS. Runs on: * TADS Notes: Shareware. ====================================================================== Core Design Universe Type: MCG Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith [producer], Martin Iveson [music], Gary Antcliff [programmer], Gary Antcliff [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Game design], Rolf Mohr [Game design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [In-game text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [manual], Rolf Mohr [Background artist], Rolf Mohr [Original game idea], Rolf Mohr [Additional text] and Rolf Mohr [Box art]. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of Enchantia Type: IG Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith [producer], Martin Iveson [music], Gary Antcliff [programmer], Gary Antcliff [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Game design], Rolf Mohr [Game design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [In-game text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [manual], Rolf Mohr [Background artist], Rolf Mohr [Original game idea], Rolf Mohr [Additional text] and Rolf Mohr [Box art]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heimdall Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith [producer], Martin Iveson [music], Gary Antcliff [programmer], Gary Antcliff [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Game design], Rolf Mohr [Game design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [In-game text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [manual], Rolf Mohr [Background artist], Rolf Mohr [Original game idea], Rolf Mohr [Additional text] and Rolf Mohr [Box art]. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heimdall 2 Written 1994 by Jeremy Heath-Smith [producer], Martin Iveson [music], Gary Antcliff [programmer], Gary Antcliff [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Additional ideas], Stuart Atkinson [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Sprites artist], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [Game design], Rolf Mohr [Game design], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [In-game text], Gary "Jim" Bottomley-Mason [manual], Rolf Mohr [Background artist], Rolf Mohr [Original game idea], Rolf Mohr [Additional text] and Rolf Mohr [Box art]. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Cosmi The President is Missing Type: IG Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: The packaging includes a cassette. Comments: The president of the USA and some more western presidents get kidnapped by terrorists. It is your job to investigate and solve the mystery. ====================================================================== Creative Sparks They distribute Oxford Digital Enterprises. Danger Mouse in Black Forest Chateau Type: BG/CHOICE Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Danger Mouse in Double Trouble Type: BG/CHOICE Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Danger Mouse in Making Whoopee Type: BG/CHOICE Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Aimed at kids. Based on a comic book character. ====================================================================== CRL Group PLC Based in King's Yard. It was run by Clement Chambers and Ian Ellery. Homepage: http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/crl.html They distribute Delta 4 Software. Dracula Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1986 by Rod Pike in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Written in the first person. This was the first adventure game to be awarded a film censorship rating (15 years) in Britain. Divided into three parts: the first contains the journey to the castle, the second Jonathan Harker's experiences in the castle, and the third the killing of the count after his journey to England. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Very Big Cave Adventure Type: BG Written 1986 by St. Bride's School in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack the Ripper Type: BG Written 1988 by St. Bride's School. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: In three parts. Comments: CRL tries to outdo Rod Pike's Dracula (released by themselves!) in gory details. 3 parts follows a man on the run, because people think he is Jack the Ripper, who is on the loose killing prostitutes in London. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder off Miami Type: BG Written 1987 by Fergus McNeill and Jason Somerville. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Causes of Chaos Type: TO Written by Mike Taylor in Compiled Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: "I believe it was the first multi-player adventure for the Commodore 64, though this had to be achieved by the players taking turns. In all honesty, I doubt anyone really played it like that, but it was a good single-player adventure anyway." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pilgrim Type: TO Written 1986 by Rod Pike in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Post-nuclear war setting has player trying to reach the end, where he discovers something called Earth. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolfman Type: TO Written 1988 by Rod Pike in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Man wakes up to discover that he has just slaughtered a young girl - he is the Wolfman! He must make his way to a faraway temple where he can be cured. In sections of the 3 parts, you control his newfound love interest instead of him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Frankenstein Type: TO Written 1987 by Rod Pike in GAC. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: In three parts. Comments: Based on the book (with Pike's usual high gore quotient!) In three parts, of which the last (very fascinating) part takes the monsters viewpoint, from creation till death. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Secret of St. Brides Type: TO/MUSIC Written 1985 by Priscilla Langridge in Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: A girl is taken back in time to a 1920's girl school and must escape across the countryside. Strange game, this one (elephants in the basement etc.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bugsy Type: DG Written 1986 by Priscilla Langridge in Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Humorous 2-parter follows the adventures of Bugsy, a small-time mobster rabbit (!) trying to bribe, steal and blackmail his way to the top of the "Public Enemy"-list in 1920's Chicago. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Book of the Dead Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In two parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loads of Midnight Written 1987. Notes: In three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tomb of Dracula Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Woods of Winter Written 1984. ====================================================================== Cryo Interactive They were earlier called Exxos. For more information, see Exxos. Atlantis: The Lost Tales Written 1984. Notes: Also available on DVD. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Lore Written 1984. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Lore 2 Written 1997. Notes: This games comes on three CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dune Written 1997. Notes: Comes on one CD. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Treasure Hunter Written 1997. Notes: Available in both English and French. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ring Written 1998. Notes: Based on Wagner's opera The Ring of the Nibelungen. It comes on six CDs. Available in English, French, and Greek (only subtitles). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost Eden Written 1998. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Egypt 1156 B. C.: Tomb of the Pharaoh Written 1998. Notes: Available in English, French, Greek. ====================================================================== Crystalware They put out many graphic adventures for Apple II and Atari 8-bit. The company still exists (1998). Homepage: http://members.tripod.com/~Crystalware/ Fantasyland 2041 A. D. Type: G Written 1998. Notes: This came on six disks. Comments: It was a masterpiece for its day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sands of Mars Written 1998. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clonus 2049 AD Type: 3D Written 1998?. Comments: This is set in a post-apocolyptic world where the player has been brought into the far future, chosen to destroy the cyborg nation and reclaim safety for human kind in the once more. ====================================================================== Cyan They are distributed by Brøderbund Software and Red Orb Entertainment. Myst Type: PnC Written 1993?. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Riven Type: PnC Written 1997?. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is a sequel to Myst. It comes on five CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Myst Desktop Edition Written 1997?. Notes: This was released to celebrate Myst's fifth anniversary. It contains Myst (1 CD), Myst Screen Saver (1 CD), Myst manual, Myst Mousepad, and a Brøderbund registration form. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ages of Myst Written 1997?. Notes: This was released to celebrate Myst's fifth anniversary. It contains Myst (1 CD), Riven: The Sequel to Myst (5 CDs), The Making of Riven (1 CD), Myst manual (20 pages), Riven manual (26 pages), Personal Journal, Brøderbund Troubleshooting Guide (8 pages), Myst Troubleshooting Guide (4 pages), Riven Troubleshooting Guide (2 pages), Artifacts for Riven Brochure, Cyan Items Brochure, Myst Hints (2 pages), Free Myst for Mac coupon, Brøderbund Registration Form, The Journeyman Project 3 advertisment. ====================================================================== Cyberdreams Darkseed Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1992 by Mike Dawson and Mike Cranford. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC Comments: 'Horror' mystery set in and around a dark and gruesome world based on the drawings of Alien-artist H.R. Giger. Man wakes up in his new house, only to discover that a mirror in the living room is a portal to an alien world, where creatures are planning to conquer our world! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Darkseed II Written 1995 by David Mullich. Runs on: * PC Comments: Widely regarded as one of the worse adventure games of 1995. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream Written by David Mullich. Runs on: * PC Notes: Based on Harlan Ellison's short story of the same name. This game won Computer Gaming World's "Best Adventure Game of the Year" award, and the Computer Game Developers' Associations' Spotlight Award for "Best Adaptation from Linear Media." Also available in Spanish. ====================================================================== Cyco Automatisering Dracula Type: TO Written 1986. Notes: It was commisioned by Cyco Automatisering as a new year's gift. Comments: Horror game. ====================================================================== Danish Adventure Company Wasteland Type: TO Written 1988 by Michael Svendsen in GAC. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Public Domain Comments: Figure out what is wrong in a village in the desert, and you will soon discover you have to combat an evil lord called Quarrior! ====================================================================== Datamost Earthly Delights Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mabel's Mansion Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Datasoft, Inc They are distributed by IntelliCreations and Radio Shack. Sands of Egypt Type: G Written 1983 by Frank Cohen. Runs on: * Apple II * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dallas Quest Type: BG Written 1984 by James Garon. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 [Music] * Apple II * PC [Music] * PCjr * TRS-80 Color Notes: Based on the TV series. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gunslinger Written 1986. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Lord Type: DG/MUSIC/animations Written 1987 by Kyle Freeman [design], Kyle Freeman [programming] and Gary Wilens [music]. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: It has some "real-time" puzzles, 16-color "draw and fill" graphics, multi-channel music and animation that continued while you typed. It also had a self-running demo, a tutorial adventure, easy and hard skill levels, and a randomizer replay feature. Distributed by Electronic Arts and later by Hi-Tek Expressions. Comments: A journey through a mirror leads you to the alterworld where you must defeat the Dark Lord Nequam that killed your grandfather. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 221B Baker Street Written 1987. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * PC ====================================================================== Davka The Lion's Share Type: G Written 1983 by Robert Aaron, Robb Murray, Lawrence Rublin, Reena Yuvkowski and Mike Levine. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Philistine Ploy Type: G Written 1983 by Robert Aaron and Alan Rosenbaum. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Delphine Software They used a system called Cinematique. They also made a large number of action games. They are distributed by Sony Electronic Publishing. Les Voyageurs du Temps / Future Wars - Time Travellers Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1989 by Paul Cuisset. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: A CD-rom version of this came out and was distributed by Sony Electronic Publishing. The CD-rom had all the music in the game placed on to the CD (that could be listened to like an audio CD). Comments: Our hero, a simple window washer, suddenly finds himself running around in the Middle Ages and thousands of years into the future, trying to stop two races travelling through time in order to kill each other (and, of course, he has to save the king's daughter, too!). A few arcade sequences. Package blurb: He Resides In The Present... He Has Lived In The Past... And He Must Travel Into The Future... There, he will come face-to-face with the ultimate threat to mankind ... alien beings, with a power great enough to spin a web of deceit and treachery that spans the centuries. Mankind's future depends upon your abilities to crisscross through time, solve intriguing puzzles, successfully combat a wide assortment of mutant monsters and alien storm troopers, and still have time to preform a miraculous rescue of two. So step into the time machine and experience the adventure of several lifetimes. * Best Adventure Game - Enchanted Realms Magazine * Winner of the Best French Adventure Game award from "TILT" magazine * Winner of the Best French Adventure Game award from "Generation 4" magazine * Full animation * Eye-cratching graphics * Easy to use point-and-click interface * Pop-up text and command windows ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operation Stealth / Ye Stealth Affair Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1990 by Paul Cuisset and P. Chastel. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Released in the US as Ye Stealth Affair. Comments: Secret agent goes to small South American country to locate a new hi-tech plane which has been stolen. Some (annoying) arcade sequences. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cruise for a Corpse Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1991. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: Agatha Christie-type murder mystery set on a cruise ship in the 1920's that has people dropping dead all over the place while the player has to be at the right place at the right time to watch things happen and to question the passengers, before they are killed. It's extremely linear, sometimes very hard and repetitive, but the plot is solid and very good. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Flashback Written 1991. ====================================================================== Delta 4 Software They started the label Abstract Concepts in 1987 for serious adventures. Homepage: http://www.delta4.demon.co.uk/ They are distributed by CRL Group PLC, Macmillan and SilverSoft. For more information, see Abstract Concepts. Sherwood Forest Written 1984 by Fergus McNeill. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dragonstar Trilogy Written by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest for the Holy Joystick Written 1985 by Fergus McNeill in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return of the Joystick Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bored of the Rings Type: G Written 1985 by Fergus McNeill in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * BBC [Text only] * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: A parody on "Lord of the Rings". This might be based on the book by the same name by The Harvard Lampoon. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Robin of Sherlock Type: G Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: A parody on the games Robin of Sherwood by Adventure International and Sherlock by Melbourne House. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Boggit Type: G Written 1985? by Fergus McNeill in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: A parody on "The Hobbit". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Sleaze Written 1987 by Fergus McNeill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Colour of Magic Type: BG Written by Fergus McNeill in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into four parts. Comments: Based on the book of the same title by Terry Pratchett and contains passages straight from the book. ====================================================================== Deltoid Developments Immortality Rules OK Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Destiny Software Destiny Type: BG/icon-controlled Written 1985 by Jeff Pierce. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== DG Ware Homepage: http://www.dgware.com/ Kingdom of Amphibia Written 1997. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC ====================================================================== Digital Concepts 43035 Hayes Rd. Suite 229 Sterling Heights, MI 48078 (313) 772-1416. Island of Lost Hope Type: BG/SOUND Written 1989 by Michael Dimambro and Don Milosavljevic. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: The screen shows a small graphic of the scene, on-screen mapping, compass and inventory. Comes with manual and disks. Comments: Player must escape small island and board a pirate ship in order to win. Package blurb: You are a young captain searching for the treasure of forgotten souls. Unfortunately in your quest you ran into a band of cutthroat pirates led by the infamous Captain Black. They sink your ship, killing all your crew annd stealing your cargo. You were thrown overboard in the battle and drifted, until washed upon a nearby small island. Now you stand there watching the pirate ship, anchored within sight, as they gloat over their victory. All the resources you had at hand are now lost and only your wits will get you out alive. The treasure seems so distant now and your thoughts are on survival and revenge. Along the way you face numerous obstacles and perils ranging from bloodthirsty pirates to huge snakes. This game is a two-disk graphic text adventure which features a multiple word parser, full keyboard and mouse interface, and a large variety of graphics, animations and sounds. ====================================================================== Digital Fantasia They distribute Howarth, Brian. Beyond the Infinite. Written 1989 by Michael Dimambro and Don Milosavljevic. ====================================================================== Domark Software For more information, see Beyond. Eureka Type: BG/MUSIC/SOUND Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into five parts (prehistory, roman, medieval, world war II and the present). Since each part was set in a different time, it did not matter which one you played first, although the game wouldn't let you play the fifth part until you had the passwords from solving the other four parts (Prehistory, the sound of a dinosaur: meep meep; Roman, who burned Rome: Nero; Medieval, Who killed Arthur: Mordred; World War II, the name of a record: Anvil Chorus). If you managed to solve it all and could figure out the hidden telephone number to call and the first person to do so before 1985-12-31 would win £25.000. If no-one managed to solve the game before then, the money would be distributed among the participating players. The game was solved by 15-year-old Mathew Woodley from the UK 4-5 months before the deadline. A book of maps and hints (written by Ian Livingstone and Mathew Woodley) was published a while after the game was first solved. There was no save command, certain rooms had time limits, there were fighting sequences where you could lose stamina and the game was notorious for killing you. Each part was preceded by an abysmal arcade game in which you could win extra stamina points for the adventure. However, all puzzles in the game are solvable without losing any stamina. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle Master Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * Amiga For more information, see Incentive Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Side Type: 3D Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Eclipse Type: 3D Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Driller Type: 3D Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less Written 1984 by Ian Livingstone [story], Donát Kiss and András Császár. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Dragon Data This company might have been only a British distributor for games originating on the TRS-80 Color Computer. They sold Black Sanctum from Mark Data Products. ====================================================================== Dream Software The Quest for the Holy Grail Type: DG Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Pathetic and extremely humourless game based on the Python movie. Awful parser, very slow graphics and way, way too easy. For more information, see Mastertronic. ====================================================================== DT Soft Mundo Fantastico Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Duckworth Castle Dracula Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Colossal Cave Adventure Type: TO Written by Peter Gerrard. Runs on: * Amstrad ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Odyssey Type: TO Written by Peter Gerrard. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fool's Gold Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Explore some old ruins in the desert. Standard treasure-hunt fare. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Egyptian Adventure Written in Basic. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Underground Adventure Written in Basic. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tunnel Written in Basic. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castlemaze Adventure Written in Basic. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Dynabyte Nippon Safes, Inc. Type: IG Written 1992 by Messrs EUCLIDEA s. r. l.. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Red Adventure Type: IG Written 1992 by Messrs EUCLIDEA s. r. l.. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC ====================================================================== Dynamix Dynamix (a excellent company under Jeff Tunnel) was bought by Sierra about 1990/91. From that on their games were released by Sierra under the Dynamix label (Dynamix - Part of the Sierra Family). They are also famous for their flight and action space sims (A10, Red Baron, the Aces Series, Stellar 7, Nova 9, this year (1997) they released Red Baron 2). Homepage: http://www.sierra.com/dynamix/ For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc. Rise of the Dragon Type: IG Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heart of China Type: IG Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Willy Beamish Type: IG Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC ====================================================================== EduWare Services, Inc The adventure games were written by EduWare's Interactive Fantasies division. The company was closed in 1984. Some of the employees went on to form a new company called Electric Transit. Homepage: http://members.aol.com/dmullich/index.html For more information, see Electric Transit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery House Written 1990 by Jeff Tunnell et al. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: This is the same game that was published by Sierra On-Line. Ken Williams who wrote the game came to EduWare before starting Sierra On-Line. During negotiations with EduWare, he decided that he should start his own software company. So, he broke off negotiations, formed Sierra, and the rest is history. EduWare never actually published "Hi-Res Mystery House" as it was then called, but it was advertised. For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc. Prisoner Written 1981 by David Mullich. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Prisoner 2 Written 1982 by David Mullich. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * PC The Empire Trilogy ====================================================================== Ego Software Fatal Heritage Type: IG Written 1982 by David Mullich. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Flies - Attack on Earth Type: IG Written 1982 by David Mullich. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Eighth Day They produced at least six adventures (with The Quill). Quann Tulla Written by Mike Smith and Gary Kelbrick in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Faerie Written by Mike Smith and Gary Kelbrick in The Quill. ====================================================================== Eldritch Games Ltd They are distributed by Electronic Arts and Mindscape, Inc. The Hound of Shadow Written 1989. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Notes: Includes Manual, reference card and disks. Comments: It is about a guy who gets a curse on him and discovers more and more of the hideous lore and magic that is now on his back. It is fairly related to H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. Some of the people involved in making this game were also involved in creating "Daughter of Serpents" by Millenium, a graphic rpg/adventure also based on Lovecraft's works. Package blurb: The Hound of Shadowis set in England in the 1920's, a country recovering from the ravages of the Great War, when extremes of wealth and poverty rubbed shoulders, when it was fashionable to cultivate an interest in spiritualism and magic. In the course of the game you become involved with murder, revenge, the occult, daemonic possession and other horrors that should have died a long time ago. You will discover many of the awful things that lurk behind a seemingly humdrum existence, and learn through bitter experience that ignorance really can be bliss. The Hound of Shadow uses the Timeline role-playing system to create a Cthulhu Mythos story, inspired by the works of H. P. Lovecraft and set in the 1920s. ====================================================================== Electric Transit Electric Transit was formed by former employees of EduWare Services, Inc after that was closed in 1984. For more information, see EduWare Services, Inc. Wilderness: A Survival Adventure Type: G Written 1989. Notes: This game became Electronic Arts' first affiliated label product. The game has won a couple of awards, including Family Computing's "Best Graphic Adventure of the Year". ====================================================================== Electronic Arts P. O. Box 7578, San Mateo, CA 94403-7578, USA; phone (415) 572-ARTS. 11-49 Station Road, Langley, Berks SL3 8YN, England; phone (0753) 49442. They distribute Interplay Productions, Eldritch Games Ltd, Cognetics Corporation and Electric Transit. Labyrinth of Time Type: G Written 1989. Runs on: * Commodore CD32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes Written 1989. ====================================================================== Elfin Software Ltd Lost over Bermuda Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ziggarat of Dread Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Empire Time Type: IG Written 1983. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dreamweb Type: G Written 1983. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: A very good adventure set in the near future. ====================================================================== English Software Stranded Type: DG Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 Notes: Extremely short, illogical, bad parser etc. Comments: A poor space traveller has crashed on an (almost) deserted planet and must find a way home to Earth. Package blurb: Stranded by English Software. The challenge that's light years ahead. Special Agent Sid's First Graphic Adventure. ====================================================================== Enigma Variations The Famous Five on a Treasure Island Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes. Runs on: * Amiga * Spectrum ====================================================================== Epic Software One of the first companies to create good parsers that could handle more than simply verb-noun. The Wheel of Fortune Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Crystal Written 1984 by D. Woodhouse and C. Hughes. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle Frankenstin Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Kill a monster that apparently is committing a lot of murders. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom of Klein Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Battle a witch to find a magic bottle. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest for the Holy Grail Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Find the holy grail. ====================================================================== Epyx The Robots of Dawn Type: TO Written 1984 by Jon Leupp. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Isaac Asimov. ====================================================================== Exxos They later changed their name to Cryo Interactive. For more information, see Cryo Interactive. Kult Type: IG Written 1989. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: This game was later retitled Temple of the Mutant Sci-Fi Priestesses or something like that. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- KGB Type: IG Written 1989. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== FGC Buccaneer Written 1989. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Very simple program with only a few commands. Guide a ship around the world looking for treasure. Ok for young children, but adults will probably complete it at the first go. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Last Warrior Type: G Written 1989. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== F+K Ware Inka-Tempel Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Firebird (First Floor, 64-67 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1PS, England). They were part of British Telecom. They distribute ATOD. For more information, see Rainbird Entertainment. The Helm Type: TO Written 1984 by Simon Jay in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Find The Helm of Immortality. All comments are of the "Strike me with another gem of brilliance, oh most worthy one"-kind! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Seabase Delta Type: DG Written 1985 by Peter Torrance. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subsunk Type: BG Written 1985 by Peter Torrance in The Quill. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Prequel to Seabase Delta. Comments: You are trapped in a sunk submarine and have to find a way to escape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Runestone Type: G Written 1986 by Alan Davies. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum Notes: A game in which you control three characters. It used landscaping backgrounds to give a large graphical game area. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wild West Written 1986 by Alan Davies. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== First Row Software Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I. Type: TO Written by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Zone Type: G Written by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Some say it's by Accolade. ====================================================================== Free Spirit Software Their games had a weak parser and interface, but funny graphics (not too good, but funny). Sex Vixens from Outer Space Type: G Written by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Planet of Lust Type: G Written by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: This was a sequel to Sex Vixens from Outer Space. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brad Stallion Sex Olympics Type: G Written by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bride of the Robots Type: G Written by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Fridaysoft London Adventure Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== FTL Sundog Type: G Written 1985. Runs on: * Atari ST * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dungeon Master Written 1985. ====================================================================== Gainstar Dungeon Quest Type: BG/SOUND Written 1985. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Superb hand-drawn graphics and sound, but extremely weak parser. ====================================================================== Game Crafters The Adventures of Maddog Williams Type: MCG/TEXT Written 1985. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Nice game, graphically weak but humorous, working parser. ====================================================================== Games Machine Ltd Fabulous Wanda Type: TO (with some text mode arcade game sequences) Written 1983 by Alan G. Osborn in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: A science fiction game where you are in a town, trying to get money and to have a date with Wanda to find the meaning of life. If you were going around too much you were arrested, the same bad luck if you were choosing the wrong place to go. Apparently, one of the puzzles was to reverse-engineer the game to eliminate a problem. ====================================================================== Games Workshop Tower of Despair Type: TO Written 1985 in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Package included a booklet with lots of illustrations, without which the game is _very_ hard to solve. Comments: Two-parter fantasy adventure, in which you must defeat the evil Demon Lord and fight his evil minions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tower II: The Key of Hope Type: DG Written 1985 in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. Comments: Resume your battle against Lord Malnor. ====================================================================== Gameworkz Software Later called Softgold. For more information, see Softgold. ====================================================================== Gargoyle Games They produced games that were side scrolling and involved a lot of picking up objects and placing them in the correct place. They were full of puzzles many of which involved puns on object's names and some of which showed the game's British heritage. Tir Na Nog Type: MCG Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: The adventures of the ancient celtic hero Cuchulainn in the countryside. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dun Darach Type: MCG Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: Cuchulainn has to explore the city of Dun Darach to rescue his charioteer Loeg. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Marsport Type: MCG Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: John Marsh is sent to investigate an alien infestation of the station on Mars. ====================================================================== Gilsoft Africa Gardens Written by Tom Davies. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Devil's Island Type: TO Written 1983 by Colin Smith in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: Escape from a prison. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crystal Frog Written 1985 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mindbender Type: TO Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Global Software The Magician's Ball Type: BG Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Has music (several parts of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells). Comments: Controlling two characters in a fantasy world, you have to (it seems!) defeat an evil witch. The game is very atmospheric, but filled with bugs (You can have all sorts of creatures walking around killing other - sometimes already dead! - creatures - and that you can get to what seems to be the ending without solving more that a few of the puzzles - the best one is that you can unlock all doors in the game with a _dead bird_!!!). Entertaining, nonetheless. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Old Scores Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Package blurb: An adventure of mystery and suspense based around the London South Bank. ====================================================================== Grana Software I think they made some other games too. Excalibur Written 1985 by G. Harrison and K. Grieve. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Gremlin Software/Exile Designs Suspicious Cargo Type: BG/PnC/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1991 by Martin Cowan. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST Comments: Set in the late 21st century on the Saturn moon Titan. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Plan 9 from Outer Space Type: IG Written 1991 by Martin Cowan. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Normality Written 1991 by Martin Cowan. ====================================================================== GT Interactive Software 9 Type: PnC/MUSIC Written 1991 by Martin Cowan. Runs on: * PC Comments: Weird adventure featuring the music of Aerosmith. You inherit the Last Resort and must seek the help of the nine muses to defeat an evil power. Incredibly colorful graphics and the voices of Cher, Christopher Reeve, James Belushi, Steven Tyler. Robert De Niro is credited as being the executive producer! ====================================================================== Harddata The Waster Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. Understands only 10 different commands. Comments: Awful adventure in which you, as a CIA-agent, must travel to Africa and assassinate a right-wing dictator. ====================================================================== Haresoft Hareraiser Prelude Written 1984. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Very weird adventure-type game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hareraiser Finale Written 1984. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Very weird adventure-type game. ====================================================================== Hassett, Greg For more information, see Mad Hatter Software. ====================================================================== Hayden Software Crystal Caverns Type: TO Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crime Stopper Type: TO Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Alibi Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Inca Written 1983 by David Kitchen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Holy Grail Written 1983 by David Kitchen. ====================================================================== Hewson Consultants Quest Adventure Type: G Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== HGC Indiana Smith Type: TO Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== High Energy Software High Energy Software also produce the text adventure design system TADS which has been used to write these adventures. It is freeware and available from ftp.gmd.de. Commercial Freeware/Shareware ====================================================================== Highland Computer Services Mummy's Curse Type: G Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oldorf's Revenge Type: G Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblins Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Creature Venture Written 1983 by David Kitchen. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Horrorsoft Horrorsoft was really Adventure Soft UK in disguise. Tynesoft provided some of the artists for the games. They are distributed by Tynesoft. Personal Nightmare Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC Written by Mike Woodroffe [game], Keith Wadhams [game], Alan Cox [game], Alan Cox [system], Alan Bridgeman [system] and Teoman Irmak [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Both text and iconic input. Game system written in C. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Type: PnC/SOUND/MUSIC (animation) Written 1990 by Mike Woodroffe, Keith Wadhams, Simon Woodroffe, Alan Bridgman [graphics code] and Teoman Irmak and other artists [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Notes: This actually runs under the AberMUD5 MUD driver with a graphical front end added. It's a combination of graphic adventure and RPG. The Amiga version comes on 3 1/2" disks. Includes 21-page Horror Guide manual, 20 page Emelda's Receipts & Spelles For Ye Of Magickal Artes book coded in red, red filter, ingredients card (lists contents that come with game), and additional instructions card. Package blurb: Can somebody help me find my chest? No really, I'm serious! See, I've been remodeling this cold and moldy castle, right? So how was I to know that I'd wake up Queen Emelda -- especially since the old bat croaked hundreds of years ago! Anyway, Queenie-baby wants to come back from the dead and rule the world -- and the only way I can stop her and her monstrous minions is to find a secret scroll of spells, hidden in a big chest somewhere in this huge, 800-room castle. Won't you help your poor innocent little Mistress? Yours cruelly -- Elvira ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvira 2: Jaws of Cerberus Written 1990 by Mike Woodroffe, Keith Wadhams, Simon Woodroffe, Alan Bridgman [graphics code] and Teoman Irmak and other artists [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Part RPG. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvira 3: Waxworks Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1990 by Mike Woodroffe, Keith Wadhams, Simon Woodroffe, Alan Bridgman [graphics code] and Teoman Irmak and other artists [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: RPG with adventure overtones. Uses the same game-system as Elvira I. Comments: The player has to explore four waxworks, namely Jack the Ripper's London, a cemetary, a mine filled with mutants and a pyramid in order to remove a curse put on his family. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Simon the Sorcerer Type: IG Written by Mike Woodroffe. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Simon the Sorcerer II Written by Mike Woodroffe. Runs on: * Commodore CD32 * PC Notes: Sequel to Simon the Sorcerer. ====================================================================== Howarth, Brian Homepage: http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/adbh.html They are distributed by Molimerx Ltd, Channel 8, Adventure International and Digital Fantasia. For more information, see Adventure International UK and Tynesoft. Mysterious Adventures Series Brian Howarth used a basic game design tool for writing Scott Adams databases and wrote his own TRS-80 driver so he could then ship and sell them. This driver became the Adventure International Spectrum driver for all games including Scott's and Brian did a lot of the code used for the graphics system in the later Spectrum games. After all these games Brian was involved in Dungeons & Dragons game stuff. The ScottFree interpreter on ftp.gmd.de will play the Brian Howarth databases. These games were available in both the UK and the US. These games were originally released for the TRS-80. At least some of these games were available for Dragon. The graphics are by someone called Jon. ====================================================================== Humbug Software/Graham Cluley Humorous oddball adventure games in the style of the Infocom classics. Graham Cluley can be contacted at hamrag@cix.compulink.co.uk or gcluley@sands.co.uk. He currently works as S & S International (makers of Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit), a job he got because the MD's children liked his games so much! These games have been very successful as shareware with over 2000 registrations (April 1994). From: 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://members.aol.com/gcluley/ Cheers Graham Homepage: http://members.aol.com/gcluley/ Jacaranda Jim (v5.00) Type: TO Written 1987-1993 by Graham Cluley. Runs on: * PC Notes: Public domain (previously shareware (£6)). Hints and other goodies for registered users are now available electronically. Comments: Many players of Jacaranda Jim ask me what the point of the game is. Do you have to discover the secret of the Wild Women's teapot, uncover a vast treasure hoard or simply get a nice haircut for less than two bob? Well, just as in life the final objective of Jacaranda Jim is a mystery. However, it just might be a good idea to escape from Ibberspleen IV, and continue your journey back home to Earth. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Humbug (v5.0) Type: TO Written 1990-1993 by Graham Cluley. Runs on: * PC Notes: Public domain (previously shareware (£9)). Hints and other goodies for registered users are now available electronically. Comments: You, Sidney Widdershins, are sent to your Grandad's for the school holidays. Why is Jasper the dentist so desperate that Grandad should sell the manor? Why has Grandad hidden a time machine in the cellar? Why does the octopus insist on performing the ancient ritual of Wubble-A-Gloop with you? What doesn't Kevin the clockwork shark like about your haircut? What would YOU do with a trombone, a terrapin and half a pound of lard? ====================================================================== Hutchinson Computer Publishing The Fourth Protocol Type: BG Written 1990-1993 by Graham Cluley. Runs on: * Amstrad PCW * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Frederick Forsyth. Divided into three parts. Both icon and text input. ====================================================================== IBM For more information, see Softwin Associates. Zyll Type: TO Written 1984 by Marshal W. Linder and Scott B. Edwards. Runs on: * PC Notes: Zorkish type of game, but using keys to select from menus rather than typing commands. Two could play simultaneously (cooperatively or competetively). One player used the keys to the left, the other those to the right on the same keyboard. When the other player was nearby, he would show up in your descriptions. It was packaged in their generic plastic boxs type case. ====================================================================== ICOM Simulations, Inc All of these are very graphical adventures where you point and click in the pictures to get things, etc. ICOM has been doing the "Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective" series recently. There are three volumes out on CD-ROM only. They probably shouldn't be regarded as adventures, though. Apparently ICOM were bought by Viacom New Media. The interfaces for these games were rather revolutionary, predating Sierra and Lucasarts' point-and-click romps by a few years. The windows based system used in them look exactly like the Macintosh setups of today. They are distributed by Mindscape, Inc. Déjà Vu: A nightmare Comes True!! Type: PnCMUSIC (some animations) Written 1985. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * Nintendo 8-bit * PC Notes: Comes on two 3 1/2" disks for Macintosh and a 14-page manual. Comes on one 5 1/4" disk for Commodore 64/128 and a 13-page manual. The manual is revised for each platform. Package blurb: Well, kid, you really stepped in it this time! Either you're bein' framed for a murder or you really iced the guy, but if I was you, I'd get outta town. 'Course I ain't you, and you ain't got my sense. Knowin' you, you'll try to figure it all out. Jeesh, some guys never learn. Do ya really think ya got a chance with the cops, the mob and who knows who else all after ya? Well good luck, pal. Oh by the way, did I mention that ya don't even remember who ya are? Deja Vu is a graphic/text adventure in which everything seems vaguely familiar, yet you remember nothing. Advanced Macintosh technology lets you explore your environment with a click of the mouse, but you'll still have to solve this Chandleresque mystery yourself! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Uninvited Type: IG Written 1986. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * Nintendo 8-bit * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadowgate Written 1987, 88. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * CD-I system * Macintosh * Nintendo 8-bit * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Déjà Vu II: Lost in Las Vegas Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple IIGS * CD-I system * Macintosh * PC ====================================================================== IDI Jack the Ripper Type: IG Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== IJK Software Fantasy Quest Type: TO Written 1988. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Imagine Software For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. ====================================================================== Imperial Software Imperial House, 153 Churchill Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, UK. Clues 'O' Written 1985. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of the Seven Faces Type: TO Written 1985 in Machine code. Runs on: * Spectruk Comments: Above-average quest for hunting down an evil wizard. ====================================================================== IMS Waydor Type: G Written 1985 in Machine code. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Incentive Software They also made Graphic Adventure Creator. Ket Trilogy When these games were released in a single package, they featured on-screen mapping. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Winter Wonderland Type: DG Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum The Legend of the Apache Gold Type: DG Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon's Tooth Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle Master Type: 3D Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * PC For more information, see Domark Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle Master 2: The Crypt Type: 3D Written by Peter Torrance in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Infocom For more information about Infocom, see the files gameinfo.txt and fact-sheet.txt, both available at ftp://ftp.gmd.de/if-archive/. Apart from the machines listed below, Infocom also had interpreters for NEC APC, Epson QX-10, Apricot. I don't know of any games released for these. Homepage: http://www.lysator.liu.se/adventure/Infocom/ They are distributed by Commodore and Virgin Mastertronic Ltd. For more information, see Personal Software, Commodore, Legend, Interplay, First Row, Accolade, A. N. A. L. O. G. Computing and LucasArts. The Zork Series For more information, see Mainframe adventures. The Enchanter Trilogy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadline Type: TO Written 1982 by Marc Blank. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * PC * PDP-9/10/11 * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: When you take on DEADLINE, you're not just pitting yourself against a 12-hour time limit to solve one of the cleverest and most baffling cases in the detective genre. You're encountering a totally original concept in interactive adventure that literally puts the case in your hands. Working from an actual dossier on the crime and piecing together the myriad clues along the train, you face a challenge so sophisticated that your suspects possess independent, flesh-and-blood personalities. And some of those personalities are so treacherous that, should you make the wrong move, one of them may do you in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Starcross Type: TO Written 1982 by Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: STARCROSS, Infocom's mindbending science fiction first, launches you headlong into the year 2186 and the depths of space. And not without good readon, for you are destined at that point in time to rendezvous with a gargantuan starship from the outer fringes of the galaxy. Upon docking with the strange craft, you must succees in gaining entry to its mysterious interior. Once within, you will explore as startling, complex and engaging a world as any in Infocom's universe, and come face to face with other-wordly beings, both helpful and harmful. But the great starship serves a far larger purpose than mere cultural exchange. It conveys a challenge that was issued eons ago, from light-years away - and only you can meet it. Suspended Type: TO Written 1983 by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Commodore Plus/4 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * Osbourne * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: They said you would sleep for half a millenium - not an unreasonable length of time, considering you'd be in limited cryogenic suspension. Your body would rest frozen at the planet's nerve center, an underground complex twenty miles beneath the surface. Your brain, they told you, would be wired to a network of computers; your mind would continue to operate at a minimal level, overseeing maintenance of surface-side equilibrium. And you would not awake, so they promised, until your five hundred years had elapsed - barring, of course, the most dire emergency. Good morning. In SUSPENDED, you will strategivally manipulate six robots. Each has a distinct perception of the world, and offers you specific abilities. For instance, one specializes in sight, a second in hearing, and a third in accessing information from computer memory banks. Through them, you will solve an intertwined myriad of realistic and original problems. Should you find yourself baffled by some of the more intricate puzzles, you may wish to consult the underground complex's built-in advisory peripheral for hints. The first time you play SUSPENDED will not be your last. It continually challenges you to hone your strategies and develop new ones, to explore new areas and interactions, and in so doing to improve your score each time you play. And even if you succeed in mastering the first level of play, an advanced second level waits in the program to test your mettle again and yet again. In fact, the game is so designed that you can alter conditions at will before starting, effectively allowing you to customize the game into a new kind of SUSPENDED whenever you desire. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Witness Type: TO Written 1983 by Stu Galley. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Epson QX-10 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * Osbourne * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Color * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: Dead: one gilt-edged society dame. And now it looks like some two-bit grifter is putting the screws to her multi-millionaire old man. All in all, a pretty typical Angeleno clan for these days. But then the shakedown turns ugly, and you're left with a stiff and a race against the clock to nail your suspect ... if, that is, you don't cash in your chips ahead of time! February, 1938. FDR's New Deal is finally rolling. Hitler's rolling too; this time, through Austria. But as Chief Police Detective for a quiet burgh on the outskirts of L. A., you've got other fish to fry. Working from a clue-laden police file and battling a 12-hour time limit, you're up against your toughest case to date: a sordid family affair that may land everyone from the knockout heiress to the pokerfaced Oriental butler in the slammer before it's over. Ahead of you is a Gordian knot of motives and alibis to untangle, and the only testimony you can trust is that of your own eyes - because you are The WITNESS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Planetfall Type: TO Written 1983 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Apricot * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * Osbourne * PC * TI Professional * TRS-80 Color * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: "Join the Patrol, and see that Galaxy!" You'd taken the poster's advice, bait and all, and marched right over to the recruitment station near your home on one of Gallium's backwater moons. A youth's dream of exotic worlds, strange and colorful aliens, and Deep Space heroics, had danced in your head as you signed the dotted line. Ninety-five millichrons later, you'd emerged with a buzz-cut scalp and a permanent layer of de-licing spray covering your body. Also, there was a mop in your hand. You'd been commissioned Ensign 7th Class, Code KP8: licenced to swab. And since that day, the closest you've come to Deep Space heroism was scrubbing down the radioactive leper colony on Ishmael-3. But suppose that jumbo fortune cookie you got at Qwang's Take-out Asteroid last shore leave was right, and your luck does take a turn for the better. Mayby you will indeed narrowly escape disaster. Perhaps you really are about to take an unexpected journey, and meet a short, mysterious stranger. It's even possible that you'll actually travel to an unknown corner of the universe, where you'll save a doomed planet - or die in the attempt. In fact, we'll guarantee it - every last crumb of it. Because that's just the way the cookie crumbles, here in the next dimension. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Infidel Type: TO Written 1983 by Michael Berlyn and Patricia Fogleman. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * DEC Rainbow * Kaypro II * Macintosh * NEC APC * Osbourne * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Color * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: There's an old Egyptian fable that tells how a sacrilegious camel once dined on a high priest's pocketwatch, only to awake in the morning with a bellyful of ticks. The moral, needless to say, is that one should never bite off more than one can can stomach. Evidently, you failed to heed this wisdom - else why would you, a small-time explorer, dare to brave the smouldering heart of the Egyptian Desert in search of a greaat lost pyramid? Now, too lats, you suspect that your boldness has been your undoing, for at this very moment you find yourself marooned by your followers, pursued by the vultures of death, and sustained only by the faint hope that you can somehow survive to reach the pyramid - where the skullduggery, pitfalls, and cliffhanging adventures will really begin. What indomitable inner resource is it that drives you ever onward against such desperate odds? Pride? Unflinching devotion to the cause of archaeological science? Or could it possibly be the prospect that the treasures concealed within the tomb are worth enough on the open market to keep you rolling in filthy lucre for the rest of your born days? We leave the question open, with this footnote: Your quest transcends mere fortune. Here, amid the shifting sands of eternity, dignity and self-esteem are at stake. For you are branded INFIDEL. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Seastalker Type: TO Written 1984 by Stu Galley and Jim Lawrence. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Apricot * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * CP/M * Kaypro II * Macintosh * PC * TRS-80 Color * TRS-80 Model III Package blurb: There's something down there, something terrifying. Now you've got to face it... because now only you can save the Aquadome - the world's first undersea research station. The alarm sounds and your submarine, the Scimitar, stands waiting. But not so fast - you haven't even tested the Scimitar in deep water, and the crew at the Aquadome may have a traitor in its ranks. So be careful! You have terrifying possibilities to consider, mysteries to unravel, life-and-death decisions to make. Success won't come easily. It may not come at all - because if you challence the deep without all your wits, you just might wind up as shark bait. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cutthroats Type: TO Written 1984 by Michael Berlyn and Jerry Wolper. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Apricot * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Commodore Plus/4 * CP/M * Epson QX-10 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * Osbourne * PC * Tandy 2000 * TI-99/4A ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy Type: TO Written 1984 by Douglas Adams and Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Amstrad PCW * Apple II * Apricot * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Commodore Plus/4 * Epson QX-10 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * Osbourne * PC * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Model III Notes: Based on the book of the same name by Douglas Adams ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Suspect Type: TO Written 1984 by Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wishbringer: The Magick Stone of Dreams Type: TO Written 1985 by Brian Moriarty. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Kaypro II * Macintosh * PC * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Mind Forever Voyaging Type: TO Written 1985 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ballyhoo Type: TO Written 1985 by Jeff O'Neill. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trinity Type: TO Written 1986 by Brian Moriarty. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Leather Goddesses of Phobos Type: TO Written 1986 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Moonmist Type: TO Written 1986 by Stu Galley and Jim Lawrence. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hollywood Hijinx Type: TO Written 1986 by Dave Anderson and Liz Cyr-Jones. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureaucracy Type: TO Written 1987 by Douglas Adams et al. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stationfall Type: TO Written 1987 by Steve Meretzky. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: Sequel to Planetfall. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lurking Horror Type: TO/SOUND Written 1987 by Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nord and Bert Couldn't Make Head or Tail of It Type: TO Written 1987 by Jeff O'Neill. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Plundered Hearts Type: TO Written 1987 by Amy Briggs. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Border Zone Type: TO Written 1987 by Marc Blank. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherlock: The Riddle of the Crown Jewels Type: TO/SOUND Written 1987 by Bob Bates. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Atari ST * Commodore 128 * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- James Clavell's Shogun Type: BG Written 1989 by Dave Lebling. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Macintosh * PC Notes: Based on the book of the same name by James Clavell. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey Type: BG Written 1989 by Marc Blank. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arthur: The Quest for Excalibur Type: BG Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Macintosh * PC ====================================================================== Infogrames They might have been called I-Motion at some time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Inheritance Panic in Las Vegas. Type: IG Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Vera Cruz Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Erbschaft (The Heritage) Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Urkunde (The Document) Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Notes: Available in German (probably also in English). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Voyagers du Temps / Reisende im Wind (Travellers in the Wind) Type: IG Written 1989 by Bob Bates and Duane Beck. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Voyagers du Temps II / Reisende im Wind II (Travellers in the Wind II) Type: IG Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Available in French and German (probably also in English). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Der Fall Sidney Written 1987. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest for the Time Bird Type: IG Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Three Musketeers Type: IG Written 1987. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Amiga Comments: Essentially a linear story joined by multiple choice options. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murders in Venice Type: IG Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murders in Space Type: IG Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Sequel to Murders in Venice. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadow of the Comet Type: G Written 1987. Comments: Lovecraft-inspired. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Prisoners of the Ice Type: G Written 1987. Comments: Lovecraft-inspired. Alone in the Dark ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eternam Written 1987. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack in the Dark Written 1987. ====================================================================== Inrac Corporation For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. ====================================================================== Inscape The Dark Eye Written 1987. Notes: Based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. ====================================================================== IntelliCreations They distribute Datasoft, Inc.. ====================================================================== Interactive Technologies Dance of the Vampires Type: BG Written by Martyn Westwood in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Inspired by the classic Polanski horror-movie spoof. ====================================================================== Interceptor Micros Token of Ghall Type: CG Written by Martyn Westwood in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: A truly awful game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heroes of Karn Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1983 by Ian Gray and Tony Greer [Spectrum graphics] in Basic (mostly). Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Your task is to rescue four heroes that are caught under different spells. This game probably has the slowest graphics of any adventure game on the Commodore 64 (they're quite fast on the Spectrum) - some take around one and a half minute to draw. The game also has other characters to interact with, but they can only do two or three things each! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Empire of Karn Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1985 by Ian Gray. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Commodore 64 Notes: Sequel to Heroes of Karn. A third game in the series was planned, but apparently was never finished. The game has some very primitive NPCs which can only perform one or two actions each. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crystals of Carus Written by Richard Dawson, Claire Challis [graphics] and Tom Gibson [music]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This game was a kind of followup to Heroes of Karn and Empire of Karn. Comments: Pretty good. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jewels of Babylon Type: BG/MUSIC Written by Richard Dawson, Claire Challis [graphics] and Tom Gibson [music]. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest at the World's End Written by David Banner. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum Comments: Rescue the princess from the evil wizard. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message from Andromeda Type: G Written by David Banner. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum Notes: Only a few locations had graphics. Comments: A science fiction adventure of the same type as Jewels of Babylon and Forest at the World's End. ====================================================================== Interplay Productions Located in Los Angeles, CA (earlier Irvine, CA). They used a system called Advent 2 to create their games. They are distributed by Activision, Inc and Electronic Arts. They distribute New World Computing. Mindshadow Type: DG (a few animations) Written 1984 by Bill Heineman. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * PCjr * Spectrum Comments: Mindshadow was the first original game Interplay ever did. Based loosely on the old Robert Ludlum novels, it focused on the main character losing his identity and trying to claim it back. It was a very unique game concept at the time and one of the clever aspects was that players would enter THINK NOUN and each time the player entered a word that related to the past, part of your memory came back. You actually won when you reclaimed your whole past. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tracer Sanction Type: DG (a few animations) Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Borrowed Time Type: BG (some animation) Written 1985 by Brian Fargo [story], Michael Cranford [story], David Lowery [graphics], Curt Toumanian [graphics] and Greg Miller [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh Notes: Common commands could be entered with icons. Should be possible to finish without the documentation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tass Times in Tonetown Type: BG/MUSIC (some animation) Written 1986 by Michael Berlyn [story], Muffy Berlyn [story], Brian Fargo [story], Steve Nielsen [story], Bill Heineman [graphics] and Todd Canasta [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: Includes four-page tabloid newspaper. Common commands can be entered with icons. Can be finished without the documentation. Comments: Travel to the _very_ strange town Tonetown in another dimension to save your grandpa from a hideous crocodile creature named Franklin J. Snarl and your dog who has learned to talk. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord of the Rings Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1991 by Rusty Buchert, Scott Bennie, Brian (Fargo?) and Bruce (Schlickbernd?). Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Puzzle-oriented RPG. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord of the Rings II: The Two Towers Written 1991 by Rusty Buchert, Scott Bennie, Brian (Fargo?) and Bruce (Schlickbernd?). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Neuromancer Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1988 by Bruce Balfour, Mike Stackpole, Brian Fargo and Devo [music]. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Apple IIGS * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: Based on William Gibson's cyberpunk novel. Timothy Leary gave some assistance to this project according to the manual. Comes on one 3 1/2" disk for Apple IIGS. The package includes a fold-out reference card, "PAX Verification Code Wheel" and an 18-page manual. This was Interplay's first release under their own name, after being distributed by Electronic Arts and Activision,for a few years. Comments: It's all about hacking into computer bases and upgrading your internal software. It is an RPG but with a lot of adventure elements, though the control system isn't too sophisticated (but it's great fun, anyway). Package blurb: Nowadays, hacking in somewhere you don't belong can get you in trouble. In a hundred years, it will get you killed... You got 30 megs online, three viruses, six icebreakers and a smart-mouth ROM construct riding shotgun. As you go hacking in hard on the immense icy-hard crystal of the new database, something stirs within it. Artificial intelligence? 'You know,' says your ROM construct, 'maybe the ice here is so hard not just to keep cowboys like you out, but 'cause they wanta keep something else in.' And then you remember: They're called Als 'cause they don't care when they kill you. It's party time in Cyberspace. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: 25th Anniversary Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC (some action elements) Written 1992 (1993?) by Bruce Schlickbernd [producer] and Jay Patel [programming]. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: This game was also released in an enhanced CD-ROM version. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: Judgement Rites Type: IG Written 1992 (1993?) by Bruce Schlickbernd [producer] and Jay Patel [programming]. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Interplay's 10 Year Anthology Written 1994. Notes: This is a compilation for PC. It containes Mindshadow, Tass Times in Tone Town, The Bard's Tale, Battle Chess, Wasteland, Dragon Wars, Castles, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Another World. ====================================================================== IntraCorp Murder on the Atlantic Type: IG Written 1994. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== JJK Research Limited Key Fighter Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Jor-And Secret Agent Type: BG Written 1984. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: It was the first in a series. Comments: Locate and deactivate a near-ultimate weapon and escape before the waiting bombers pound the island (and you) into dust. ====================================================================== Jsj Soft Ltd Medialan 1 Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Medialan 2 Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Kayde Software Leopard Lord Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Terror from the Deep Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Swamp Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Kenema Hell's Temple Written 1983. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Dungeons & Dragons style play. Search the temple to complete your quest. ====================================================================== L. A. Enterprises Gypsum Cave Type: CG Written by Brian Wagner in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: In two parts. Comments: Appalingly bad. Worst programming and vocabulary you're bound to come across for a long time. Seems to be about treasure hunting. ====================================================================== Lankhor Mortville Manor Type: IG Written 1986-1987. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari ST * PC Notes: It contained speech synthesis and is mouse-controlled. Comments: French Detective mystery where your task is to question the inhabitants of a large manor house to discover if a death was natural or a murder. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Maupiti Island Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1990 by Sylvien. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Notes: This is a sequel to Mortville Manor. Comments: French detective mystery set around a tropical island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Sect Type: IG Written 1990 by Sylvien. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST Notes: This might be available in French only. ====================================================================== Volker Lanz The Crime of Music Type: G Written 1990 by Sylvien. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Larsoft Company formed by Geoff Larsen. He wrote his games with The Quill on the BBC Micro. He later went on to write for Robico. Witchwood Written by Geoff Larsen. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Based on legends of standing stones, particularly the Rollright Stones. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Puppet Man Written by Geoff Larsen. Runs on: * BBC Comments: A puppet-maker makes such good puppets people believe they're actually alive. Then one goes missing. Mother of the muses offers to help you find it/him/her if you help her out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hex Written by Geoff Larsen. Runs on: * BBC Notes: This game has "real-time". Comments: Witchcraft in a cornish village in 1902." ====================================================================== LBS Victor Loomes Type: IG Written by Geoff Larsen. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. Promotional detective game. ====================================================================== The Learning Company The Learning Company has been bought and sold a number of times since the publishing of Robot Odyssey I. The "new" Learning Company has said, according to one source, that it has no knowledge of Robot Odyssey I and if it was indeed their game, they have no interest in selling, supporting or enforcing their copyright on it. Another source inside TLC says: "There are still a few people from the "old" TLC who where there for the development of RO. I am not sure whom you spoke with about the copyright, but I would not be too sure that TLC is not interested in enforcing the copyright. I am not saying that they are, but I know that people have approached us about gaining the rights to the product and we have not been interested." The Learning Company recently (1998) merged with Brøderbund. Homepage: http://www.learningco.com/ For more information, see Brøderbund Software. Robot Odyssey I Written 1985 by Rick Levenson (levenson@saffron.Eng.Sun.COM). Runs on: * Apple II * TRS-80 * PC Notes: More information can be found here. ====================================================================== Legend Valhalla Type: MCG Written in Basic (mostly). Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Very graphical adventure with pictures of all locations and a lot of small stick men walking around and doing things. It was very slow. It included a rather thick booklet with information about all the gods, giants, etc that you meet. ====================================================================== Legend Entertainment Company Since around 1993-1994 they have used different distributors for each game. Homepage: http://www.legendent.com/ They are distributed by MicroProse, Accolade and Mindscape, Inc. Spellcasting ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Timequest Written 1991 by Bob Bates. Runs on: * PC Comments: A rogue agent from the Temporal Corps has stolen a time machine and used it to the alter the past. You must undo what he has done and track him down. Gateway Written 1992 by Mike Verdu, Michael Lindner and Glen Dahlgren. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eric the Unready Written 1992 (1993?) by Bob Bates. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gateway II: Homeworld Written 1993 by Mike Verdu and Glen Dahlgren. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Companions of Xanth Written 1993 by Mike Lindner. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Gate Written 1993 by Mike Lindner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Critical Written by Mike Verdu. Notes: Distributed by Randomsoft. Comments: You awake aboard your spaceship to discover you are the only crew member still aboard. You must discover what happened to the crew, and learn more about the secret they were protecting. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shannara Written by Lori Cole and Corey Cole. Notes: Distributed by Randomsoft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Control III Written by Michael Lindner and Daniel Greenberg. Notes: Distributed by Accolade ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Callahan's Crosstime Saloon Written by Josh Mandel. Notes: Published by Take Two, distributed by Mindscape, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost Adventures Written by Josh Mandel. Notes: This is a compilation containing Spellcasting 101: Sorcerers Get All the Girls, Spellcasting 201: The Sorcerer's Appliance, Spellcasting 301: Spring Break, Timequest, Eric the Unready, Gateway, Gateway II: Homeworld, and Companions of Xanth. It also contains demo versions of Superhero League of Hoboken (an RPG), Mission: Critical, and Shannara. Distributed by Mindscape, Inc. ====================================================================== Level 9 Computing They produced over a dozen adventure games, available for a wide variety of machines (Spectrum 48K, Commodore 64, Acorn BBC B, Enterprise 64, Memotech MTX-512, NASCOM, Nimbus, Oric 48K, Spectravideo 328, MSX, Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, Amstrad). At least for a while, they had the service of sending out clue sheets for their games for free. I know I had them for Colossal Adventure and Snowball and perhaps something more. They used their own system to create their games, one up to Knight Orc and another one from that and onwards. Level 9 was more or less a family business for the main authors. Early games Verb-noun, 200+ locations. These games used a 32K virtual machine and text compresstion and were able to squeeze in a lot of text in a small amount of memory. These include the Middle-Earth Trilogy, The Silicon Dreams Trilogy, The Time and Makik Trilogy, Emerald Isle, Erik the Viking, The Archers, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 - The Computer Game. Later Games Written with a new game engine called KAOS, which, although more powerful, reduced the size of the games. From now on, all their adventures feature "intelligent characters". These include the Ingrid series, Knight Orc, Lancelot, ScapeGhost. Apparently, Level 9 is still alive (as of 1997), at least as a cover for one of the Austins when doing freelance work. They are distributed by Rainbird Entertainment. The Middle-Earth Trilogy / The Jewels of Darkness The series was later renamed The Jewels of Darkness. A compilation of these three games was released in 1986 but the games had been available separately before that. At least for Commodore 64 and Spectrum, these games are available both in text versions and with graphics. I think the original separate versions were text only and the Jewels of Darkness versions with graphics. The Silicon Dreams Trilogy The trilogy was released in 1986, although the games had been available separately before that. The Time and Magik Trilogy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Emerald Isle Type: DG Written 1985. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Atari 8-bit [Text only] * BBC * Commodore 64 * Enterprise * Memotech MTX * MSX * Spectrum Comments: Treasure hunt on a small island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Saga of Erik the Viking Type: DG Written 1984. Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC * Commodore 64 * Enterprise * Spectrum Notes: Based on the book of the same title by Terry Jones (from Monty Python). The book was later filmed by him. The game and the film have different stories, though. This game was published by Mosaic Publishing, so perhaps it should be on their page? For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Archers Written 1984. Notes: Development by Level 9 Computing. For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 - The Computer Game Written 1984. Notes: Development by Level 9 Computing. For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. Ingrid series Knight Orc Type: BG Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * BBC * Commodore 64 * MSX [Text only] * Spectrum * PC Notes: Divided into three parts. A lot of what happens in this game is a send-up of British Telecom's online game MUD2. Comments: As Grindleguts, the orc, you are in an eternal battle with annoying NPCs killing each other on and off, as you try to discover what has happened to you. Medieval setting. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lancelot Type: BG Written 1988 by Pete Austin and Mike Austin. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * Atari 8-bit [Text only] * Atari ST * BBC [Text only/Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum [Text only] Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: You, as the legendary Lancelot, are out on a quest for the Holy Grail, and must, along the way, save imprisoned knights and damsels in distress! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ScapeGhost Type: BG Written 1989 by Sandra Sharkey, Pete Gerrard and Pete Austin. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. Comments: A police man, killed by criminals, returns from beyond the grave as a ghost, who has to overcome the troubles of ghost-dom, together with his ghost friends, in order to revenge his own death. ====================================================================== Lifestyle Sanctuary Type: G Written 1989 by Sandra Sharkey, Pete Gerrard and Pete Austin. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== LK Avalon The Curse Type: MCG Written 1992. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit Notes: In Polish. ====================================================================== Logical Choice, The Castles of Darkness Type: G Written 1981 by Michael Cashen. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Looking Glass Studios Homepage: http://www.lglass.com/ Thief: The Dark Project Written 1998. Comments: You are hired to steal a valuable jewel but get draged into something larger... ====================================================================== Lothlorien Time Sanctuary Written 1998. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stolen Lamp Type: G Written 1998. Runs on: * BBC * Electron Notes: Excellent. ====================================================================== Lucasfilm Ltd - Games Division For more information, see LucasArts. ====================================================================== LucasArts Originally, they were called Lucasfilm Ltd - Games Division. At least some of their games are written with their adventure creation utility SCUMM (Script Creation Utility for Manial Mansion; 1987, Ron Gilbert and Aric Wilmunder). Apparently they discontinued working for the Amiga after producing Indiana Jones IV: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. They are distributed by Activision, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labyrinth Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1986 by David Fox et al. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: Based on the film of the same name. The game has no facility for ordinary text input, instead you choose from two scrolling lists of words. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Maniac Mansion Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1987 by Ron Gilbert [design], Gary Winnick [design] and David Fox [text]. Runs on: * Amiga * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: Also available in German and French. Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1988 by David Fox [design], David Spangler [design], Matthew Kane [design] and Gary Winnick [design]. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: Also available in German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (enhanced version) Type: MCG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1988 by David Fox [design], David Spangler [design], Matthew Kane [design] and Gary Winnick [design]. Runs on: * PC Indiana Jones ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loom Type: G/MUSIC Written 1990 by Brian Moriarty and Marc Ferrari. Runs on: * Amiga * Macintosh * PC Notes: Also available in German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Loom (CD version) Written 1990 by Brian Moriarty and Marc Ferrari. Notes: This basically the same game as the above, except for better graphics and full speech. Monkey Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Maniac Mansion 2: Day of the Tentacle Type: G/MUSIC Written 1993. Runs on: * PC * Macintosh Notes: Also available in German. Comments: When playing this game, you come to a computer where you can play Maniac Mansion 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sam & Max: Hit the Road Written by Brian Moriarty. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Also available in French. Comments: Dog and Bunny must find missing abominable snowman across the USA. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dig Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: Uses a newly-developed point-and-click interface. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Throttle Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Comments: As a biker it's your job to save your biker gang from some problems that big-game finance have put them in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoda Stories Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LucasArts CD Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Notes: Contains The Secret of Monkey Island, The Secret of Monkey Island II: LeChuck's Revenge and Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LucasArts CD 3 Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Notes: Contains The Dig, Full Throttle, The Secret of Monkey Island, The Secret of Monkey Island II: LeChuck's Revenge, Sam & Max: Hit the Road and some action/adventure games. Marketed as "The LucasArts Archive" in the UK and Australia. ====================================================================== Mac Brayne The Holy Grail Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Macmillan They distribute Delta 4 Software. ====================================================================== Mad Hatter Software Greg Hassett wrote these text adventures from 1978 (when he was 12 years old) to 1981. They were quite popular at the time. These games are now in the public domain. Basic adventures These were written in Basic on the TRS-80, and all of them were later printed in various books and magazine articles (and then "ported" to other computers like the VIC-20). Assembler adventures These games were written in assembler on the TRS-80. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Disk SP2 Written after 1993 by Brian Moriarty and Stephen Spielberg [Script]. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Contains King Tut's Tomb and Sorcerer's Castle. ====================================================================== Magnetic Scrolls They were located at 1 Chapel Court, London SE1 1HH, England. Magnetic Scrolls was founded in 1984 by Anita Sinclair, Ken Gordon and Hugh Steers. They originally wrote adventure games with a very powerful (but sometimes unusually picky) parser, and very nice 16 color hi-res pictures. The company was started in 1984 by Anita Sinclair and Ken Gordon who designed the parser, game engine and database format used together with Hugh Steers. Since 1990 (Wonderland), they are using a new GUI called Magnetic Windows. Homepage: http://www.magneticscrolls.com/ Email: ken@mscrolls.demon.co.uk. They are distributed by Rainbird, Mastertronic and MicroProse. The Pawn Type: TO/BG Written 1985 by Rob Steggles [story], Hugh Steers [programming], Ken Gordon [programming], Geoff Quilley. [graphics] and Peter Kemp. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga [Bitmap graphics] * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST [Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 128 [Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 [Bitmap graphics] * Macintosh * PC [Bitmap graphics] * Sinclair QL [Text only] * Spectrum [Text only] Notes: The package includes a 12" x 16 1/2" poster of the cover art, a 57-page novella "A Tale of Kerovnia" featuring a coded hint section, a 12-page gameplay guide and a platform keyguide. It comes on one 5 1/4" disk for Apple II and on two 5 1/4" disks for Commodore 64/128. Package blurb: Set in the mystical world of Kerovnia, this amusing and complex tale is subtle enough to appeal to the beginner and hardened adventurer alike. A revolutionary text-handling system allows input of complicated interaction with characters (including some very intelligent animals!). The Pawn represents all its characters and objects as if they existed in a real world, storing complex information about their attributes and properties linked to their particular position or context in the game. Your objectives are manyfold: The simplest is to escape from Kerovnia, but you will find others as you wander about the land and communicate with the characters you meet. The Pawn combines a rich text adventure, with stunning colour graphics, and a language parser that will set the standards for years to come. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Guild of Thieves Type: BG Written 1987 by Rob Steggles [story], Ken Gordon [programming], Geoff Quilley [graphics] and Tristan Humphries [graphics]. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Spectrum [Text only] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jinxter Type: BG Written 1987 by Georgina Sinclair [story], Anita Sinclair [programming] and Michael Bywater. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Atari ST [Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Spectrum [Text only] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Corruption Type: BG/MUSIC/TEXT Written 1988 by Robert Steggles [story], Hugh Steers [story, programming], Alan Hunnisett [graphics] and Richard Selby [graphics]. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Atari ST [Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish! Type: BG Written 1988 by John Molloy [story], Pete Kemp [story], Phil South [story], Rob Steggles [story], Richard Huddy [programming], Bob Coles [programming], Geoff Quilley [graphics], Alan Hunnisett [graphics], Chris Kent [graphics], Richard Selby [graphics] and Tristan Humphries [graphics]. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * Atari ST [Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC * Spectrum [Text only] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Myth Type: BG Written 1989 by Paul Findley [story,programming], Geoff Quilley [graphics], Tristan Humpries [graphics] and Chris Kent [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga * Amstrad CPC * Atari ST [Bitmap graphics] * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: This is a short game that hasn't been released to the general public, but was given as a welcome present in the british adventure club Official Secrets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wonderland Type: BG Written 1990 by David Bishop [story], Alan Hunnisett [graphics], Chris Kent [graphics], Geoff Quilley [graphics], Anna Williams [graphics], Michael Powell [music], Bob Coles [programming], Paul Findley [programming], Ken Gordon [programming], Richard Huddy [programming], Steve Lacey [programming], Doug Rabson [programming], Anita Sinclair [programming], Hugh Steers [programming] and Mark Taylor [programming] in Magnetic Windows. Runs on: * Atari ST * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * PC Notes: Package includes a 66-page instruction booklet, poster, map, quick reference guide and installation notes. Contains more than 100 pictures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Magnetic Scrolls Collection, Volume I Type: BG Written 1991. Runs on: * Acorn RISC OS * Amiga * Atari ST * PC Notes: Contains The Guild of Thieves, Corruption and Fish! remade using Magnetic Windows. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Legacy: Realm of Terror Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is a Horror RPG from MicroProse that they have had a hand in developing. ====================================================================== Mahaffey, Jim City of Alzan Written by Jim Mahaffey. Runs on: * Psion Organiser II Notes: Written as a small adventure as a test and a warm-up for the full-blown "Adventure". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Written by Jim Mahaffey. Runs on: * Psion Organiser II Notes: Port of the original adventure. ====================================================================== Mainframe adventures Under this heading are found adventures that have originated on mainframe computers. In some cases they have then been converted to various other machines as well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVENT / Adventure (aka Colossal Cave) Type: TO Written 1977 by Willie Crowther and Don Woods. Notes: The Original adventure game. Never commercially released in this version, although a lot of commercial adaptions of this game exists. The first version was written in Fortran which made it easy to convert it to new systems. Zork (aka Dungeon) Type: TO Written 1977-1979 by Tim Anderson, Marc Blank, Bruce Daniels and Dave Lebling in MDL. Runs on: * PDP-10 (ITS, TENEX, TOPS-20) Notes: All the programmers from the Dynamic Modelling Group in the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. Zork has been converted to most computer systems. Later split up in three parts and released commercially by Infocom. All ports (C, TADS, ...) are based on the Fortran port ("Dungeon") written by Bob Supnik around 1980. "Zork" was originally just a name that was given to any unfinished project around MIT. When the implementors gave Zork an official name for the first time, the called it "Dungeon", but for some reason people kept on calling it "Zork" anyway so that name stuck. For more information, see Personal Software and Infocom. Cambridge University ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Battlestar Type: TO/CG Written 1979 by David Riggle. Notes: Unix based. This may be part of the standard System V games distribution. There are some brief character graphics after launching a Viper ship. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FisK Written 1982 by two undergraduates at Stanford University (Richard Beigel?). Runs on: * DEC-20 Notes: The capitalization of the name of the game is a clue to a puzzle in the game. Comments: A really big, Zork-like game that started at an innocuous house like Zork and led to a big complex of rooms with treasures and bad guys. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HAUNT Type: TO Written 1979 by John Laird (laird@umich.edu) in OPS4. Runs on: * DEC-10 * DEC-20 Notes: It was non-commercial. It was available at USC around 1984. HAUNT was written by John Laird while he was a gratuate student at Carnegie Mellon University in the 1970s. He's now (1998) a professor at the University of Michigan. HAUNT was written in OPS4, which only ever existed on DEC-10 and DEC-20. John doesn't have any copies of it, and says the only copies he knows of would be buried deep in the tape archives at CMU, and he has no desire to go looking for it unless "it's an emergency or something". At one time, John was planning to rewrite it in OPS5 or possible in SOAR, but he got bogged down in "real work". The rewrite only got halfway, but the source for this (in OPS5) has been located. When the source to a version of Haunt resurfaced, I mailed John Laird and asked him if it was OK if I sent the source to the Interactive Fiction Archive. This is his answer: Date: Mon, 28 Sep 98 14:44:30 -0400 From: John E Laird (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. Comments: It was similar to the original Adventure but set in a haunted house. The fun of the game was in the great, weird writing. It was like horror-movie cliches and this amazing sense of humor. The rampaging moose... the cube of LSD... the monster on a slab... the elevator... the bus... the wine cellar that went on forever... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LORD Type: TO Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * DEC-20 Notes: Published by the Helsinki University of Technology. Based on many of J.R.R. Tolkien's books, including The Lord of the Rings. Non-commercial. It is extremely large. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lugi Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * DEC-20 Notes: Written on a TOPS-20 called LOTS at Stanford University, California. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery Mansion Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * HP 3000 Notes: Also known as "Mansion". Comments: Person 1: Way back when I was young (please don't make me say when) and discovered the original "Adventure" I also discovered one other I-F game called "Mystery Mansion." It was vaguely a detective story, although solving the murder was done by simply finding the body, the weapon, and getting the murderer to enter the crime scene... ...but there were other puzzles to solve, also: a Vampire to destroy, a Werewolf to dispatch...lots of NPCs wandering around vaguely...and when the clock struck midnight, the house blew up, and you had to escape...which was pretty difficult... ...does anyone else remember this one? It begins with you at the end of the "Hideous Highway" before the mansion's gate (which you can only open if an NPC is there to help you.... It was quite a convoluted game...lots of magic words (you may remember XIMOW or WIMOH)...and objects like a crystal ball that helped you find NPC's... Person 2: I thought the game truly amazing and as I look back I realize how well it was written - I never found another game that was quite as fascinating. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Warp Type: TO Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * HP 3000 Comments: It had a very advanced interpreter, and the interpreter was probably the main interest of the implementor. ====================================================================== Mark Data Products Black Sanctum Type: TO/BG Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * Dragon * TRS-80 Color [Text only/Bitmap graphics] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Calixto Island Type: TO/BG Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color [Text only/Bitmap graphics] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trekboer Type: BG Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sea Quest Type: BG Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shenanigans Type: G Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (unknown title) Type: G Written 1981 by Olli J. Paavola. Runs on: * TRS-80 Color Comments: It involved a time machine. ====================================================================== Martech The Quest of Merravid Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * VIC-20 * Commodore 64 Comments: You must find the firestones (whatever that is!) and bring them back to their owners, the dwarves. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Odyssey of Hope Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: After Pandora has thrown away all the other virtues, Hope remains - and you must bring it to the Greek gods. ====================================================================== Mastertronic Homepage: http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/mast.html They distribute Magnetic Scrolls and Smart Egg Software. For more information, see Silhouette Software. Se-Kaa of Assiah Type: G Written 1984 by Clive Wilson and Les Hogarth. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. Possibly written by Words and Pictures Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest for the Holy Grail Type: DG Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Pathetic and extremely humourless game based on the Python movie. Awful parser, very slow graphics and way, way too easy. For more information, see Dream Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zzzz Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Possibly written by Words and Pictures Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon's Tomb: The Awakening Type: G Written 1989 by Silhouette Software. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: You first play an archeologist who must save his findings and then his teenage son who must find out what's going on before an ancient evil rises. Comments: Good graphics and good parser ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shades of Grey Written 1989 by Silhouette Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trilogy Written 1989 by Silhouette Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kentilla Type: DG/MUSIC Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: Superb. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kobyashi Naru Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * Amstrad * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Play it Again Sam Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinbad and the Golden Ship Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Med Systems Software They are distributed by Screenplay and All American Adventures. For more information, see Adventure International. Jyym Pearson This series is a continuation of the "Other Ventures" series from Adventure International, and uses the same interpreter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deathmaze 5000 Type: G Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Maze-based game. It's more of a puzzle than an adventure. Labyrinth Type: G Written 1985 or 1986. Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Maze-based game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ASYLUM Type: BG Written 1985 by William F. Denman, Jr. and Michael O. Haire [graphics]. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * TRS-80 * PC Notes: Maze-based game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Asylum II Written 1985 by William F. Denman, Jr. and Michael O. Haire [graphics]. Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Only a small number of this ever got sold. Maze-based game. Comments: Superb. ====================================================================== Melbourne House Their Tolkien trilogy (Hobbit/LoTR/SoM) is infamous for numerous bugs. There is some more information to be found at http://home.virtual-pc.com/isblpx/melb.html. Nowadays (1999), they are owned by Beam International Ltd. Homepage: http://www.melbournehouse.com/ They are distributed by Virgin Games and Mindscape, Inc. Joystick adventures These were a combination of traditional text and scrolling graphics with a minimally animated figure that one moved around the screen. The parser only recognized the first two letters of each word. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hampstead Type: TO Written 1984 by Trevor Lever and Peter Jones. Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Roger Taylor was also involved in this somehow. Also available in Spanish. Comments: You start at the bottom of the social ladder and have to work your way up to the top to Hampstead (one of the better areas in London) using any methods (lying, cheating, stealing). The Hobbit Type: DG/G Written 1983 by Philip Mitchell and Veronika Megler. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * MSX * Oric-1 * Spectrum Notes: Very good parser, vocabulatory and non-player characters for the time. Based on the book of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hobbit (Enhanced Version) Type: BG Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * BBC * Commodore 64 [Music] * PC Notes: This was an improved version of The Hobbit with extra problems, additional text, larger vocabulatory and enhanced graphics. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherlock Type: DG/MUSIC Written 1985 by Philip Mitchell. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: This was a rather buggy game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Terrormolinos Type: G Written 1985 by Peter Jones and Trevor Lever. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Originally developed in The Quill, but they had to write their game driver because The Quill was to weak. This game driver was later bought by Adventure International. Roger Taylor was also involved in this somehow. Two-word parser. Comments: You are going on holiday to Torremolinos, but you have to do ten totally unusual photographs of the town to prove to your neighbours that you have been there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lord of the Rings: Game One (The Fellowship of the Ring) Type: DG Written 1985 by Philip Mitchell et al. Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum Notes: Pseudo-graphical adventure with a lot of different viewpoint characters to choose from. As far as I can remember, one had to change character now and then to solve the game. Very slow. Includes two cassettes, a large booklet and a paperback copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring. Philip Mitchell built the engine on a unix system and got the adventure going there in text version only. Seperate teams of people then ported it to each micro. The Spectrum team was small, consisting of Steve Taylor and Doug Palmer. The C64 team was quite large - about 8 people by the end, as they panicked and brought in some contractors. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadows of Mordor Type: BG Written 1987 by Philip Mitchell, et al. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * PC * Spectrum Notes: Sequel to The Lord of the Rings: Game One. Based on Frodo and Sam's part in The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tolkien Trilogy Written 1987 by Philip Mitchell, et al. Runs on: * Amstrad Notes: This is a compilation consisting of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings: Game One (The Fellowship of the Ring), and Shadows of Mordor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crack of Doom Type: G Written 1989 by Philip Mitchell et al. Runs on: * PC Notes: Based on Frodo and Sam's part in The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Demon's Tomb: The Awakening Written 1990. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Classic Adventure Type: TO Written by John Steele-Jones. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: A remake of the original adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mordon's Quest Type: TO Written 1985 by Peter Moreland [design], Peter Donne [design] and John Jones Steele [programming]. Runs on: * Amstrad * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: 150 locations, 500 words. The Commodore 64 version was buggy, so that if you tried to solve the game you'd suddenly have all sorts of strange objects, leaving the game unsolvable. This bug can be eliminated by resetting the computer after loading the game and then restarting it by typing 'SYS 4828'. Comments: Viciously hard game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Terror Type: DG/MUSIC/animation Written 1984 by Grahame Willis. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Divided into two parts (the second one loaded automatically when you entered the castle; there was no turning back then). Had graphics for all rooms, but I don't think they were necessary in more than a few places. Infamous game (to my knowledge, no one has _ever_ managed to save the princess _and_ kill the count - but the discussion has gone on for years!) Parser capable of commands such as: "GET AXE AND LAMP AND PUT THEM IN SACK". Comments: You volunteer to save a maiden in distress from the castle of a vampire count. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Where Hobbits Dare Type: G Written 1984 by Grahame Willis. Notes: This was planned as a sequel to The Hobbit, but was never released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dodgy Geezers Written 1986 by Peter Jones and Trevor Lever. Runs on: * Amstrad * BBC * Spectrum Notes: It had a song track on the reverse side of the tape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Merry Christmas Type: BG/MUSIC/animations Written 1984 by Grahame Willis. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Sent out around christmas 1984 to all of Melbourne House's business partners (I think). Fairly small game, but very cute, nonetheless. Comments: Help Santa deliver the christmas presents. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Redhawk Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kwah? Type: BG/PnC/TEXT Written 1986 by Simon Price and Mike Lewis. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Sequel to "Redhawk" (about the comic book hero). Comic strip graphics has the player following Redhawk as he tries to break into a huge mansion. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis Through the Drinking Glass Written 1986 by Simon Price and Mike Lewis. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Merit Software They distribute Castleworks Gameware. ====================================================================== Microdeal They also distributed or took over Madness and the Minotaur and Keys of the Wizard from Spectral Associates. For more information, see Spectral Associates. Williamsburg Type: TO Written 1986 by Simon Price and Mike Lewis. Runs on: * Commodore 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mansion House Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 16 * Dragon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- El Diablo Written in Basic. Runs on: * Dragon ====================================================================== Micro Fun They were called Micro Lab up to 1984. Mad Venture Type: TO Written 1981. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: This game had an Alice in Wonderland theme and was very hard (though fair) since everything is subject to Looking-Glass logic. At one point in the game you are heading east along an east-west road. You come to a fork in the road. You can go northeast, southeast or back west. Northeast and southeast lead to useful locations, but if you type 'get fork', you get a silver fork and the road now leads straight east to a new location. It is quite a good game with a real sense of humor and some very nasty (but mostly solvable) puzzles. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Palace in Thunderland Written 1981 by Dale Johnson and Ken Rose. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Death in the Caribbean Type: BG Written 1983 by Philip Hess and Bob Hess. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Micrograf Flint's Gold Type: TO Written 1984 by Andy Mitchell. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Takes place in a Treasure Island setting, featuring characters such as Long John Silver. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Vampire Castle Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC Comments: Yet another game where you have to kill the count himself. ====================================================================== MicroIllusions The Jetsons - George Jetson and the Legend of Robotopia Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1989 by Robert McNally and Michael McNally. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Based on the Hannah-Barbera cartoon. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Faery Tale Adventure Type: MCG/MUSIC Written 1986 by David Joiner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Romantic Illusions at the Dome Type: G Written 1988. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Adult adventure. ====================================================================== Micro Lab For more information, see Micro Fun. ====================================================================== Micro Power Adventure Written 1988. Runs on: * BBC * Electron ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eldorado Gold Written 1988. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizard's Challenge Written 1988. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labyrinths of LaCoshe Written 1988. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== MicroProse They distribute Magnetic Scrolls and Legend Entertainment Company. Dark Lands Written 1988. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Legacy: Realm of Terror Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Notes: This is a Horror RPG that Magnetic Scrolls have had a hand in developing. Package blurb: Your Dream Home Has Turned Into A Living Nighmare!! For the past 400 years, your evil ancestors have been planning this housewarming party just for you. And it's one party you may never leave! Exploring hundreds of reality-twisting rooms in your eerie estate, you'll encounter unearthy puzzles, sinister spells, and forbidden tomes. And you'll battle hideous hosts like grotesque gargoyles and loathsome death leeches as you struggle to vanguish the evil forces contaminating your happy home! Can you survive this living nightmare? The answer lies within the walls of The Legacy: Realm of Terror. Spine-tingling graphics will turn you chalk-white with horror! Hair-raising combat with sickening creatures! Stupefying stumpers in surreal rooms! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return of the Phantom Written 1993. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonsphere Type: G Written 1993. Runs on: * PC Notes: I'm not positive that this game belongs to MicroProse, but at least it's done by the same programmers as Return of the Phantom. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bloodnet Written 1994?. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: A futuristic mix of vampires and cyberspace. A role-playing adventure of high quality. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender Type: G Written 1994?. Notes: Included in the package is a mood-enhancing, background-setting booklet written by Steve Meretzky which contains Rex Nebular's log-entries from some time back. ====================================================================== Microsoft For more information, see Softwin Associates. ====================================================================== Mikrogen The Witch's Cauldron Type: BG Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: An evil witch has transformed you into a frog. You must go through various shapes (fx. a monkey!) to become human again, with all the troubles it gives you. ====================================================================== Milbus Software Hobbit - The True Story Type: TO Written 1993 by Fredrik Ramsberg and Johan Berntsson. Runs on: * PC Notes: It is shareware ($10), available from ftp.gmd.de, /if-archive/games/pc. Comments: It is a very good but extremely short parody of the Melbourne House game of the same name. It is written with BAT files. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Terror of Mecha Godzilla Type: TO Written by Fredrik Ramsberg. Runs on: * PC Notes: Very similar to Hobbit - The True Story. ====================================================================== Mind Games The Desecration Written 1982 by Greg and Gil. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Had three arcade games as part of the plot. Advertised as an "adventurecade". ====================================================================== Mindscape, Inc 3444 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, (312) 480-7667. Mindscape games were, at least originally, released in folders looking like hardcover books that measured 7 3/4" X 9". They featured a 7 1/4" X 8 1/2" browsie manual tucked into a slot on the right side and a sealed envelope of either plastic or cardboard with a cellophane window containing the disks and the rest of the contents. They distribute Angelsoft, Inc, Cinemaware, Eldritch Games Ltd, ICOM Simulations, Inc and Melbourne House. Brattacas Type: IG Written by Psygnosis. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST Notes: This was a port of the unfinished Sinclair QL port of Bandersnatch, the unfinished Spectrum "MegaGame" Imagine Software was working on when it went bust in 1984. Sinclair Research was going to release the QL version, but apparently it fell through at the last minute and it appeared as Psygnosis' first ST game instead. Apparently, one could tell it was intended for the QL from the color palette (red/green/white/black) and the fact that it only used the middle 512 pixels of the screen (at least in the version shown at the 1985 PCW Show). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Racter Written 1982, 84, 86 by Inrac Corporation. Notes: Not an adventure, really. Comments: As Eliza was an early computer program that simulates artificial intelligence, so Racter is a program that simulates artificial insanity [...] A program that interviews you, tells you stories and anecdotes, etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Colony Written 1988 by David Smith. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- D-Generation Written 1988 by David Smith. ====================================================================== Mirage Grandad Type: TO Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Oric-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Haunt Type: TO Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Set in the modern day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Krystal Worlds Type: TO Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Oric-1 Notes: This was in several parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sausages Type: TO Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Mirrorsoft Bermuda Project Type: IG Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Omicron Conspiracy Type: IG Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ashkeron Type: 3D Written 1985. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Spectrum Notes: The game has some degree of real-time action going on, and a number of NPCs which you can command with. Movement is done either with a joystick or keyboard. Comments: The plot is centred around 5 treasures which have been stolen by a wizard - they must be recovered before the local princess is crowned. ====================================================================== Mogul Software This is probably a British company. They distribute Victory Software Corporation. Pyramid Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * TI-99/4A * TRS-80 Color * VIC-20 Comments: Hopeless parser and incredibly illogical puzzles. It only has 15 locations and the descriptions are filled with spelling errors. ====================================================================== Molimerx They distribute Howarth, Brian. ====================================================================== Moltech Software Tahiti Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Written in Swedish. ====================================================================== Mosaic Publishing Mosaic specialize in "bookware" which is better described as interactive fiction than adventure. There is mainly narrative text with only occasional player interaction. Their games are programmed by Level 9 Computing and The Ram Jam Corporation. The Archers Type: G Written by Level 9 Computing. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Your goal is to write scripts to keep the audience ratings for the Archers soap opera up. The game is scripted by the real Archers scriptwriters in collaboration with Level 9 Computing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 - The Computer Game Type: DG/CHOICE Written by Level 9 Computing. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Divided into four parts. Based on the book by Sue Townsend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole Type: DG Written by Level 9 Computing. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Twice Shy Type: BG Written by The Ram Jam Corporation in The Biro. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: The screen is divided into three parts, picture, location description and player interaction. ====================================================================== Mountain Valley Software Their games came out around 1984-85 and had character graphics. According to some people they were awful, according to some they were the best Commodore 64 character graphics ever. There was rarely any plot or real aim of the adventure other than getting to the end. Most problems could be solved with either looking at something or moving it. Smuggler's Inn Type: CG Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Escape from a smuggler hideout. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Volcano of Raka-Tua Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oasis of Shalimar Written in Basic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- King Solomon's Mines Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Himalayan Odyssey Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scroll of Akbar Khan Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Mydor Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lost City Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dark Planet Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery Island Written in Basic. ====================================================================== MP Software Firien Wood Type: TO Written 1982. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blue Dragon Type: TO Written 1983. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Nemesis Located at 10 Carlow Road, Ringstead, Kettering, Northants, UK. The Trial of Arnold Blackwood Type: TO/MUSIC Written 1985. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Dragon Comments: You star as a private detective with amnesia! Along the way you'll have to find a golden amulet for some lord. ====================================================================== Neo Software Homepage: http://www.neo.at/games_clou-e.htm The Clue Written 1985. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ====================================================================== New World Computing They are distributed by Interplay Productions. They Inherit the Earth Type: IG Written 1985. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC Notes: CD-ROM version has speech. Also available in German as Die Erben der Erde. ====================================================================== No Man's Land Tyrann Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Norell Data Systems The Hermit's Secret Type: TO Written around 1986. Runs on: * PC Comments: Very much like Colossal Cave - you wander around, finding treasures and putting them in the appropriate location. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (name unknown) Written around 1986. Notes: Based on the story of the phantom of the opera. ====================================================================== Novagen Mercenary Compendium Written by Paul Woakes. Notes: The same as Escape from Targ/The Second City. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Damocles Written 1990 by Paul Woakes. Notes: This game might actually be the same as Mercenary II. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercenary II Written 1991 by Paul Woakes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercenary III Written 1991 by Paul Woakes. ====================================================================== Number 9 Software Beatle Quest Type: TO Written 1985 by Gary Marsh. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: The game takes place in the year 2953 where you, as Keeper of the history of the Earth, uncover the knowledge of the Fab Four. Using a computer, the band's lyrics are translated into a world inside you mind. Very difficult - perhaps you have to be extremely familiar with the Beatles to make any sense of this game. ====================================================================== Ocean Homepage: http://www.ocean.co.uk/ The Neverending Story Type: BG Written 1986. Runs on: * Amstrad * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 [Music] * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. Might have been distributed by Datasoft, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hunchback - The Adventure Type: BG Written 1986. Runs on: * Commodore 64 [Music] * Spectrum Notes: Divided into three parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hook Type: IG Written 1986. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Island of Death Type: TO Written 1986. Runs on: * Oric-1 Notes: It had ten arcade sequences in it at key points. ====================================================================== Odyssee Die Lange Ruekkehr Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In German. ====================================================================== On-Line Systems For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc. ====================================================================== Origin Dallas Snell, previously at Penguin Software Inc went over to work here, and apparently took Ring Quest with him. Origin are more famous for publishing the Ultima series of RPGs. Ring Quest Type: G (some animation) Written 1986 by Dallas Snell [story], Joe Toler [graphics], Dallas Snell [programming], Ron Goebel [programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: The package contains a laminated colour map, a marker, and a parchment manual. This release apparently did not last long. I have a 1987 Origin catalogue and it is not featured in it. For more information, see Penguin Software Inc. ====================================================================== O'Shea, Kevin Homepage: http://members.aol.com/kjoshea/index.htm The Five Doctors Written 1986 by Dallas Snell [story], Joe Toler [graphics], Dallas Snell [programming], Ron Goebel [programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea [programming]. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Based on Dr. Who. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mind Maze Written 1986 by Dallas Snell [story], Joe Toler [graphics], Dallas Snell [programming], Ron Goebel [programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea [programming]. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Based on Dr. Who. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Key to Time Written 1986 by Dallas Snell [story], Joe Toler [graphics], Dallas Snell [programming], Ron Goebel [programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea [programming]. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Oxford Digital Enterprises They are distributed by Avalon Hill. Macbeth, the Computer Adventure Type: G Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: This came packaged with a copy of Shakespeare's play. It is divided into four parts: In part one you play Macbeth, in part two you play Lady Macbeth, in part three you play one of the witches, and in part four you play Macbeth again. ====================================================================== Palace Software Demoniak Type: BG/TEXT/MUSIC Written 1991 by Alan Grant. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST ====================================================================== Panther Games Alien Drug Lords Type: IG Written 1991 by Alan Grant. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Paragon Software Corporation (600 Rugh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA). Twilight's Ransom Type: G Written 1987, 88. Runs on: * Macintosh * PC Notes: It claimed that if you had a certain piece of hardware from the company it talked. Comments: Your girlfriend has been kidnapped and you have to find her and somehow rescue her in a town that's full of ward and june cleavers during the day but at night junkies and prostitutes and muggers fill the street. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Guardians of Infinity Written 1987, 88. ====================================================================== Pendulo Estudios IGOR: Objetivo Uhikokahonia (IGOR: Operation Uhikokahonia) Written around 1993-1994. Notes: This game is similar to Indiana Jones & the Fate of Atlantis. Comments: It is about a student at a university who had problems with his friends, jealous against his girlfriend whom he could lose, problems meeting the requirements for staying in school, etc. On the other hand there was the typical fat girl being bullied. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hollywood Monsters Written around 1993-1994. ====================================================================== Penguin Software Inc The company was called Penguin Software Inc until late 1985. They got into a dispute with Penguin Books and felt that they didn't have enough money to win a lawsuit. The name was then changed to PolarWare. The Penguin games generally came in small (6" X 8") slipcover boxes containing a white cardboard tray with a foam insert padding and little more than a disk and a manual and warranty card. Apart from adventure games, they also released the Graphics Magician. Homepage: http://206.69.17.3/penguin/penguin.htm For more information, see PolarWare. Transylvania Type: G Written 1982 (rereleased 1984) by Antonia Antiochia in Graphics Magician. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * Commodore 128 * Macintosh Notes: The 1984 rerelease had better graphics and a different title screen. Comments: Search the land of Transylvania to rescue the Princess Sabrina and return her safely to the King before the clock strikes five. On the way, you'll meet a werewolf and a vampire, and, what else, a flying saucer. For more information, see PolarWare. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Coveted Mirror Type: G (some animations) Written 1983 by Eagle I. Burns and Holly Thomason. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Graphics using the Graphics Magician. This version features a few arcade sequences, including a jousting tournament. Comments: In medieval times, you must escape captivity by the evil ruler Voar in search of the fifth and final shard of the shattered coveted mirror that will break Voar's power over the land of Starbury. For more information, see PolarWare. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest Type: BG Written 1983 by Dallas Snell, Joe Toler and Joel Ellis Rea. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * Macintosh Notes: It came on one 5 1/4" disk for the Apple II. This probably wasn't rereleased by PolarWare. A sequel, Ring Quest, followed shortly. Package blurb: You, as the king's newest advisor, must accompany his champion, Gorn, on a mission to rid the kingdom of a vengeful dragon terrorizing the southern provinces. The king has instructed Gorn to heed your advice, as you venture out on your journey to explore Balema and find the reptilian menace. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ring Quest Type: G (some animation) Written 1983 by Dallas Snell [story], Joe Toler [graphics], Dallas Snell [programming], Ron Goebel [programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: This is a sequel to The Quest. It contains two arcade sequences. Package blurb: The Ring of Chaos has possessed the enchantress Lisa and threatens the very fabric of the universe! Unless it is reunited with the Ring of Order, life as we know it may come to an end. The Ring of Order has now found its way into your hands... Having been chosen as Ringbearer, you must track down the elusive Lisa in an effort to put an end to the havoc caused by the Ring of Chaos. Accompanied by Gorn, Champion of Balema, you must traverse a land fraught with perils and rife with fabulous monsters. Lisa must be freed from the demonic power of the Ring of Chaos - and only you can help her. Your only tools are your wits, the Ring of Order, and the strong right arm of Gorn. You will need all of these and more to survive. For more information, see Origin. ====================================================================== Personal Software They had plans to release Zork II as well, but never got that far. For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Infocom. Zork Written 1983 by Dallas Snell [story], Joe Toler [graphics], Dallas Snell [programming], Ron Goebel [programming] and Joel (Ellis) Rea [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II * TRS-80 Model I * TRS-80 Model III For more information, see Mainframe adventures and Infocom. ====================================================================== Phipps Associates Colditz Type: DG Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: Escape from the famous castle Colditz. Quite enjoyable, but the parser is rather lousy. The game has around 70 locations, with split screen graphics in around one third of them. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Greedy Gulch Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Knight's Quest Written DG. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Phoenix Software They are distributed by American Eagle. Adventure in Time Type: TO Written 1981 by Paul Berker. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Birth of the Phoenix Type: TO (?) Written 1981 by Paul Berker. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit Comments: Tutorial adventure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Queen of Phobos Type: G Written 1982 by Bill Crawford and Paul Berker. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Probably only for Apple II. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherwood Forest Type: G (some animation) Written 1982 by Dale Johnson and Dav Holle [graphics]. Runs on: * Apple II Notes: Advertised as "Sof-toon #1" but it might have been the only one. Probably only for Apple II. Comments: Parody of Robin Hood, and featuring Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and Little John. Hardly any plot, but still amusing and well drawn, for the time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Masquerade Type: BG Written 1983 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Notes: Distributed by All American Adventures. There was a $1000 prize for the first person to solve it. The $1000 prize was a parody of the treasure-hunt prize offered by Kit Williams' book of the same name, which after mass hysteria over three years, had finally been solved shortly before this game game out. I have also seen this game as by American Eagle. The graphics were done using Penguin's Graphics Magician. Comments: Private eye is set up against knife-throwing bad guys and bombed hotels - as well as toilets for using bad language! - while exploring a zoo and more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fraktured Faebles Type: BG (some animation) Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Comments: Parody of fables and other bedtime story stuff. You get to meet Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, one of the 3 Little Pigs, the rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding, the Wolf and Grandma, all with essentially no plot at all! ====================================================================== Piranha Interactive Publishing Homepage: http://www.piranhainteractive.com/ They distribute Soap Bubble Productions. ====================================================================== Pixel Games Trader Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Spectrum * ZX81 * VIC-20 Comments: Not really an adventure, more a graphical wander. ====================================================================== PK Soft They are distributed by Ariolasoft. Lapis Philosophorum: The Philosopher's Stone Type: G Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 Notes: Available in English and German. ====================================================================== PK Software PK Software was founded by two guys with names starting with P and K. The Beyond Type: TO Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Even though the name of the game is in English, the game itself was in Dutch. Comments: A horror story playing in a deserted house/hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturn 3 Type: TO Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Even though the name of the game is in English, the game itself was in Dutch. Comments: A science fiction story whose plot was the same as the movie with (I think) Lee Majors. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (unknown title) Type: TO Written 1985 by Dale Johnson and Rick Incrocci [graphics]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Even though the name of the game is in English, the game itself was in Dutch. Comments: It was in Egypt and the only thing I remember is a very tricky problem with scorpions. ====================================================================== Players Premier Software Matt Lucas Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey to the Centre of Eddie Smith's Head Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shrewsbyry Kay Written 1986. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== PolarWare The company was called Penguin Software Inc until late 1985. Oo-Topos, Transylvania, The Crimson Crown and The Coveted Mirror were originally published in 1981-83 and later reissued, rewritten with the adventure creator Comprehend. Mark Pelzcarski was in charge of the company until Talisman was released. PolarWare was bought up sometime around 1988. The original Polarware games, plus the rewrites in Comprehend, were in top/bottom boxes (7 1/2" X 9") with foam inserts and were a little more Infocom-y in their packaging elements (though I don't know how they afforded them, considering how cheap they sold the games). Homepage: http://www.magictree.com/ Comprehend Interactive Novels Perhaps more of the PolarWare games should go in this series. At least Oo-Topos, Transylvania, Crimson Crown and The Coveted Mirror were re-issued in this series after being re-written in Comprehend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Talisman: Challenging the Sands of Time Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics]. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: Package contains a "Rub Me" lamp button, Muhammad's Market catalogue, and a gold Arabian Express credit card. Comments: During the Persian Empire, you and your trusty vizor sidekick, Abu, must find an ancient Talisman that has the power to destroy an evil genie who is devastating the land. ====================================================================== Prism Leisure The Kristal Type: IG Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics]. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Programmer's Guild, The One of the members was Teri Li. Lost Dutchman's Gold Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics]. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spider Mountain Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics]. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Dreadnaught Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics]. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Domes of Kilgari Written 1987 by Bruce "Xerxes" Hoffman, Raimund Redlich [graphics] and Brian Poff [graphics]. Runs on: * TRS-80 ====================================================================== Program Power Eldorado Gold Type: TO Written 1982. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Labyrinths of LaCoshe Type: TO Written 1982. Runs on: * BBC Notes: This program might belong to some other company. ====================================================================== Progressive Peripherals & Software Gothmog's Lair Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gothmog's Pyramid Written in Basic. ====================================================================== Protecto Enterprises Cyberworld Type: G/meshed-in arcade games Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Pryority Software Forbidden Quest Type: G Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== PSS They are distributed by Rainbird Entertainment. Legend of the Sword Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: A very nice adventure game with a pretty good parser and an optional non-exhaustive graphical interface. You could do most things by selecting icons, menu items and lists, but not everything. Fantasy setting, get a magical sword and shield in order to allow killing the big bad guy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Final Battle Type: IG Written 1984 by William Pryor and Donnel Cox. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: This is a sequel to Legend of the Sword. ====================================================================== Psygnosis For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. Innocent Until Caught Written 1993 by Divide by Zero. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Guilty: Innocent Until Caught 2 Type: IG Written 1995 by Divide by Zero. Runs on: * Amiga * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chrono Quest Type: IG/SOUND Written 1995 by Divide by Zero. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST Comments: Superb graphics, good sound, weak interface ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chrono Quest II Type: IG/SOUND Written 1989. Runs on: * Amiga * Atari ST * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Discworld Written 1989. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Discworld 2: Mortality Bytes Written 1989. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ecstatica Written 1989. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizard Written 1989. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- City of Lost Children Written 1989. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chronicles of the Sword Written 1989. Comments: Not a very good game. ====================================================================== Pulse They are distributed by Acclaim. Bad Mojo Type: G Written 1989. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Quarkdata Mystery Towers Type: G Written 1989. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Search a castle for the Quark diamand ====================================================================== Quicksilva The Ring of Power Type: CG (some sprites) Written 1983 by F. J. Preston in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Find a lot of treasures and the Ring of Power (wow!). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thompson Twins Adventure Type: BG Written 1984 by F. J. Preston. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: This was a floppy magazine cover record from Computer & Video Games, October 1984 that you recorded on tape and then played. If you solved the game before November 16th, 1984, you could win a backstage pass to a Thompson Twins concert. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Smugglers Cove Type: G Written 1984 by F. J. Preston. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Velnor's Lair Type: TO Written 1984 by F. J. Preston. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Oric-1 * Spectrum Comments: Adventure in underground caves in search of the evil wizard. It has some RPG flavour to it, in that you could play one of three different classes. ====================================================================== Radar Games Confidential Written 1984 by F. J. Preston. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Probably available for Amstrad and Commodore 64. ====================================================================== Radarsoft They also produced educational software and regular games. Steen der wijzen (The Magic Stone) Type: BG Written 1984 by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. Also available in English and German. Comments: Search a haunted house for a stone that will turn lead into gold! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In den beginne Type: BG Written by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. Comments: Written for a chain store/computerclub (MCN) about buying your first Commodore 64. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- De sekte Type: BG Written by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. Comments: About a strange sect. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Chip Nibble Type: BG Written by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Written in Dutch. Comments: Also written for the MCN (Microcomputer Club Nederland) about an adventure playing inside a Commodore 64. ====================================================================== Radio Shack They distribute Datasoft, Inc. Bedlam Written by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pyramid 2000 Type: TO Written by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Raaka-Tu Written 1981 by Robert Arnstein. Runs on: * TRS-80 Notes: Radio Shack Catalog Number: 26-1915 Package blurb: You never thought that your PhD project would send you to a remote corner of the world, but the research grant came through! You and your team of anthropologists began in India, sailing up the River Ghaghra where it departs from the Ganges. Last night, you entered Nepal on the river, but were forced to come aground when navigation was made impossible by the twisting, narrow stream. For years now, there have been rumors of a civilization still existing somewhere on the fringe of the Himalayas, living as people lived thousands of years ago. Several expeditions have searched for the tribe ofKhazhadim without success. Reports have filtered back of terrible tragedies -- members of expeditions who disappeared without a trace, others who were found later, either dead or unable to recount what they had suffered at the hands of-- what? This morning looks like a good one to start exploring the area. After breakfast, you're planning to set out on foot, perhaps talk to a few natives for any information they might give you, and hire a guide. As you sip your coffee and scan a map of the region, one of your crew approaches, holding by the arm a wrinkled old native, dressed in long robes and wearing a headdress. "Beware! Beware the temple of Raaka-Tu!" the old woman cries. "Do not go into the jungle -- you will never get out!" "We found her snuffing around outside the camp. She keeps yelling something about temples and gods, and 'Beware, beware!'" your photographer says. "She won't talk to anyone but you. Says she has to talk to the leader." The old woman is seated beside you, where she unfolds an unbelievable story about the god Raaka-Tu and his temple of sacrifice. The woman tells of the treasure kept in the temple, the hideous monsters Raaka-Tu employs, and the Khazhadim who serve Raaka-Tu and guard his temple. Though the woman will not consent to be your guide, she points a bony finger to the west, pleading with you one more time to turn back. Seeing that her efforts are useless, she rises, tracing a sign on your forehead for luck, and disappears into the undergrowth surrounding the camp. At last ... you have the key to finding the Khazhadim tribe, and much more. You don't want to alarm the group with the story the woman told you, yet you are anxious to begin the search. Extinguishing the fire with your coffee, you set off alone in the direction the woman pointed, and you are soon surrounded by the impenetrable jungle. It's up to you now ... good luck, and may the gods of the jungle smile upon you and grant you a safe journey. ====================================================================== Rainbird Entertainment Rainbird Entertainment was the top end of Firebird. They distribute Magnetic Scrolls, Level 9 Computing and PSS. For more information, see Firebird. ====================================================================== Rainbow Software Kamelreiten Written 1981 by Robert Arnstein. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Ram Jam Corporation, The Valkyrie 17 Type: DG/MUSIC Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: The original tape featured a very entertaining audio recording on the b-side, follwing an agent tailing a nazi before getting killed (complete with gun shot and screams!). Comments: Player must escape his bill at a ski hotel and deal with killers left and right as he tries to steal the fabled jewel "Valkyrie 17" from a castle. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Days in Carpathia Type: G Written in The Biro. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Notes: Sequel to Valkyrie 17. This might not have been released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Sock Written in The Biro. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tooth Affair; Chicago Written in The Biro. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shadow Warrior Written in The Biro. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Amulet Written in The Biro. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Twice Shy Written in The Biro. Notes: Development by The Ram Jam Corporation. For more information, see Mosaic Publishing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Terrors of Trantoss Written in The Biro. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Random House Alpine Encounter Type: G Written in The Biro. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC * PCjr Comments: You're an American spy/agent on a mission to find vital missile plans before they're sold to a terrorist group. If you fail, diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China will be severely threatened... Spectacular colorful graphic pages accompanied the text, unfortunately the puzzles were too few and perhaps too simple for the seasoned adventurer. Interaction with other characters and a particularly helpful INTERPOL agent assist you in your investigation. Objects are easily manipulated, but they are too few. Set in the Alpenhoff Resort Hotel in Switzerland, this adventure was pretty to look at but too quickly over. ====================================================================== Readysoft Scary Mutant Space Aliens from Mars Type: G Written in The Biro. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Very weak parser. ====================================================================== Red Orb Entertainment Homepage: http://www.redorb.com/ They distribute Cyan. The Journeyman Project 3: Legacy of Time Written in The Biro. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 Written in The Biro. ====================================================================== Revolution They are distributed by Virgin Games. For more information, see Sierra On-Line, Inc. Lure of the Temptress Type: MCG/MUSIC/PnC Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Comments: Much talked-about adventure system allows the controlled person to give most characters in the game just about any order he can perform himself, like asking someone to go to a specific place, get a bottle, go fill it somewhere else and then giving it to someone. Also, all the NPC:s in the game have a life of their own, walking around and doing things by themselves. The problem is the plot, which is very linear, so you wind up just wasting your time looking for these other characters, who you really need, but who are probably off shopping or something else... An evil witch/sorceress has enslaved an entire town. You must escape from her prison and free the town. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beneath a Steel Sky Type: IG Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes. Runs on: * Amiga * Commodore CD32 * PC Notes: Sequel to Lure of the Temptress. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Broken Sword (UK title: Circle of Blood) Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror Written 1992 by Tony Warriner and David Sykes. ====================================================================== Richard Shepherd Software Upper Gumtree Type: DG Written 1984 by Pete Cooke. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Once again, a mad professor is trying to conquer the world! This time, he has started by wrecking havoc on a small town - only you can stop him! Features some interactive characters (not up the Hobbit standard, though) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Invincible Island Type: G Written 1984 by Pete Cooke. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Devils in the Deep Type: G (3D) Written in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transylvanian Tower Type: G (3D) Written in Basic. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Upstart Type: DG Written by P. Cooke (?). Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum ====================================================================== Riverdale Software Suds Type: TO Written in The Quill. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- American Suds Type: TO Written in The Quill. ====================================================================== Robico Software Saga of a Spy Trilogy Realm of Chaos Trilogy There might not have been more than one part of this released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hunt Type: BG Written 1987. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Enthar 7 Type: BG Written 1987. Runs on: * BBC * Acorn RISC OS Assassin Type: TO Written in Machine code. Runs on: * BBC Notes: Over 220 locations. Includes adventurer's notebook. Perhaps this should go in the Saga of a Spy Trilogy above? Comments: As special agent Rick Hanson, you must assassinate a certain general Garantz, before he deploys his nuclear weapons on the world. The text is very descriptive, but the game is let down somewhat by its lack of clues coupled with its poor command vocabulary. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Island of Xaan Type: TO Written in Machine code. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Runesoft They released 2-3 games apart from Robyn Hoode and Paradox. Robyn Hoode Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts (finishing the first part gives you the password to the second). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Paradox Written in The Quill. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoof Type: TO Written 1984 by Jon Slack. Comments: Spoof (indeed!) on kill-the-dragon type adventures. ====================================================================== Saber Software Demon's Forge Type: G Written 1983 by Brian Fargo. Runs on: * Apple II * PC ====================================================================== Salamander Software They made some adventure games for Acorn Atom, Dragon 32 and Oric-1. Dan Diamond Trilogy This series is about a private investigator. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wings of War Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * BBC * Dragon * Oric-1 Comments: Humorous tale of an English officer who must recover a bomb from occupied France during WW2. ====================================================================== Samurai Software "A cut above the rest." They were located at 16 Clapgate Lane, Goose Green, Wigan, WN3 6RN, UK. Castle of the Skull Lord Type: TO Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Spectrum Comments: The packaging doesn't promise too much, I guess, but the parser is fairly bad, and EXAMINE is not understood. The game came in a "special presentation box" - whatever that is - that included a dust cover for your computer. Maybe they should have spent that money on the game instead. Package blurb: In a battle lost in the mists of time, the necromatic Skull Lord attacked and defeated a race of noble Dwarves. The Dwarves lost many treasures, the most valuable of these being the "Crown of Dwarves Kings"... Your Quest: To regain the fabled crown and defeat the all powerful skull lord. The adventure is of the classic format. Simple verb-noun combinations are expected, and will usually be understood. ====================================================================== Scandinavian PC Systems Stugan (The Cottage) Written 1984 in The Quill. Runs on: * PC Notes: Written in Swedish. ====================================================================== Scott Adams For more information, see Adventure International. ====================================================================== SCR Adventures They are distributed by CDS. Castle Blackstar Type: TO Written 1984 by Mark Shepherd and Mike Redman. Runs on: * Amstrad CPC * Apple II * BBC * Commodore 64 * Dragon * Spectrum Notes: It has a screen layout similar to Infocom with status line and location titles. Comments: The objective is for you to find and get rid of an evil orb (!) whilst locating treasures along the way. Very entertaining. ====================================================================== Scorpio Software Ruby Runabout Type: DG Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: What a joke this is! Taking into account the fact that this was a budget release, it's still abysmal. The game only has 40 locations, all with desciptions of the "in a gym" or "in a garage" type (there's no "You are...."). There's no sense in the layout of the locations either - go directly from an arcade to a construction site to the Suez! Supposedly you're a thief who have to steal a ruby, but why bother? ====================================================================== Screenplay They are distributed by All American Adventures. They distribute Med Systems Software. Asylum Type: G Written about 1983. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Atari 8-bit * PC Notes: This game had both text input and scrolling 3D graphics. ====================================================================== Scumbag Software Busted (Release 1) Type: TO Written by Jon Drukman. Runs on: * Advsys 1.2 interpreters Notes: Freeware. Available from ftp.gmd.de. ====================================================================== Sentient Software Founded by Michael Berlyn. Oo-Topos Type: TO Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn and Muffy Berlyn. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC Notes: Two-word parser. For more information, see PolarWare. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cyborg Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit Notes: This had an arcade game buried in it. ====================================================================== Severn Software They were located at 15 High St., Lydney, Glos GL15 5DP, UK. They distribute Softgold. Moria Type: G Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Spectrum * Oric-1 Notes: Based on "The Lord of the Rings". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grail Type: G Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Oric-1 Notes: Similar to Moria. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Encounter Written 1981 by Michael Berlyn. Runs on: * Oric-1 * Spectrum Comments: Rescue a girl from a gang of criminals. ====================================================================== Shadow Software The House of Shadows Written 1983. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Shards Software Jericho Road Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pettigrew Chronicles Written 1985. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In four parts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Galilee Written 1985. Runs on: * BBC * Spectrum ====================================================================== Sierra On-Line, Inc (P. O. Box 485, Coarsegold (Oakhurst), CA 93614, USA) founded by Ken and Roberta Williams. The company was originally called On-Line Systems and changed its name to Sierra On-Line in mid-1982. They later bought Dynamix. Their early games, up to Time Zone and Softporn Adventure, were made under the On-Line Systems name. All the adventure games that were originally marketed under On-line Systems came in small square folders in ziploc bags. They were rereleased as by SierraVenture in 1982 and had much more professional-looking folders (approximately 8" X 11"). The action/arcade games were released under SierraVision for a while. Some of the earlier games like Mystery House, Wizard and the Princess and Cranston Manor, have been released with more different coverart variations than you'd care to know. SierraVenture and SierraVision had an older Sierra On-line type logo employed on the back of the box, on the disk labels and the disk sleeves, and all of it was dumped around 1984, when Sierra employed a new Sierra logo, the more familiar one, and began packaging their games in grey boxes with plastic trays. In 1987, they began using the thin slipcover case. A standard two piece tan box with the Sierra mountain logo on it and a slipcover with the game's artwork. Around 1990 (after King's Quest V) the slipcover became double width to fit the games that had more disks, as Conquests of Camelot and Colonel's Bequest really packed it into the smaller boxes. The two-piece box itself was plain white. Nowadays (1998) they have a new logo and boxes nearly as big as their old ones (Time Zone, etc) used to be. Hint books are available for at least some of their games. Their "enhanced versions" and presumably later releases as well are written in a programming language called SCI (Sierra's Creative Interpreter). They are distributed by All American Adventures. For more information, see Dynamix. HiRes Adventures/SierraVentures This series was published 1979-1982, and contained around ten games. The official numbering stopped after #6. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mickey's Space Adventure Written 1984 by Roberta Williams. Notes: This was a joint project with Disney, before they worked on Black Cauldron. Intended for kids and doesn't belong in any series. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorcerian Written 1984 by Roberta Williams. Notes: Very old. King's Quest Space Quest Leisure Suit Larry Police Quest This series is written by Jim Walls who is a police man in real life (although he retired before he started writing games). Daryl F. Gates who has written the later games is a retired chief of LAPD. Quest for Glory Laura Bow Fairy tales Mixed-up series Manhunter Dr. Brain Krondor Eco Quest Gabriel Knight Phantasmagoria Where do these go? At least some of these games probably belong to the other series of Sierra games, but I don't know which ones. ====================================================================== Silhouette Software For more information, see Mastertronic. ====================================================================== Siliconsoft Legend of the Sword Type: BG/on-screep map Written 1988 by Karl Buckingham. Runs on: * Amiga ====================================================================== Silmarils Ishar Written 1988 by Karl Buckingham. ====================================================================== Silverbyte Xaram Type: G Written 1988 by Karl Buckingham. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== SilverSoft Probably a distributor, possibly for BBC. They distribute Delta 4 Software. ====================================================================== Sim Soft Napoleon's Sandwiches Type: TO Written in The Quill (?). Notes: Divided into two parts. ====================================================================== Simon and Schuster Star Trek: The Kobayashi Alternative Type: TO Written 1985. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: The Rebel Universe Written 1988. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: Borg Written 1997. Notes: Interactive Movie. Comes on three CDs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: Klingon Written 1997. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Philip Marlowe: Private Eye Written 1997. Notes: It comes on one CD. ====================================================================== Simulmondo Dylan Dog - Through the Looking Glass Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1992 or 1993 by Davide Possamai and Gian Battista Ricardi. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Apparently based on some Italian comic book hero. Dylan Dog is a detective who must solve a mystery with a H. P. Lovecraft-flavour. ====================================================================== Sinclair Research For more information, see Mindscape, Inc. ====================================================================== Sirius Software Primarily an Apple II company. Kabul Spy Type: G Written 1982 by Tim Wilson. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Escape from Rungistan Type: G Written 1982 by Bob Blauschild. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blade of Blackpool Type: G Written 1983 by Tim Wilson. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Critical Mass Type: BG Written 1983 by Bob Blauschild. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 Comments: Save the world from a nuclear threat. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gruds in Space Type: BG Written 1983 by Chuck Sommerville and Joseph A. Dudar. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * PC ====================================================================== Sir Rah Software Severed Heads Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1991 by Michael Zerbo in TACL (The Adventure Construction Language). Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Player explores a series of brutal murders linked to a new drug used in cryogenic surgery, in the 23rd century. ====================================================================== Sir-Tech Crypt of Medea Type: G Written 1984 by Arthur Britto and Allan Lamb. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Type: IG Written 1984 by Arthur Britto and Allan Lamb. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: Released in the early to mid eighties. This was the first game in a series of at least three. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Usurper: The Mines of Qyntarr Type: TO Written 1984 by Arthur Britto and Allan Lamb. Notes: Released some time around 1987. ====================================================================== Smart Egg Software They are distributed by Mastertronic and CRL Group PLC. Rigel's Revenge Written 1987 by Ron Harris, Nigel Brooks and Said Hassan. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Federation Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Quest for the Golden Eggcup Type: BG Written 1988 by Harvey Lodder, Nigel Brooks, Simon Donstan and Said Hassan. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 * Inform * Spectrum Notes: It was first released as a homegrown adventure by Harvey Lodder, then Smart Egg gave it a facelift. Harvey Lodder, the original author of this game, is currently (1998) working on an Inform version of the game which will be much bigger than the original. Comments: Zany adventure in which you have been killed and gone off to God's palace. To be resurrected, you must find his golden eggcup (and solve a murder along the way). ====================================================================== Soap Bubble Productions Homepage: http://www.soapbubble.com/ They are distributed by Piranha Interactive Publishing. Morpheus Written 1998. Runs on: * PC * Macintosh ====================================================================== Softalk Magazine Valley of the Minotaur Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: It was your basic find-the-hidden-treasures type of game (the treasures were then deposited in the phone booth from where you start the game), but with a requirement to slay the minotaur in order to complete the game. The game may have been a tad buggy, but I couldn't say for sure. There was a fountain with a pool of acid in which there was a black pearl and that it was possible to retrieve the pearl with a pair of glass gloves. The game appears to have a direct rip-off from Zork I in that there is a giant bat which will deposit you in various locations around the game. I believe the parser was strictly verb-noun. This might have been some shareware non-commercial thing. ====================================================================== Softape Journey Type: TO Written 1980 or earlier. Runs on: * Apple II ====================================================================== Soft Concern The Code Type: TO Written 1984 by Kevin Plunkett. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: The first player to complete this game could win £2,500. Comments: Winning the game is done by roaming a secret military complex, looking for coded clues. Has lenghty desciptions, but not much else going for it. ====================================================================== Softgold Originally called Gameworkz Software. This was an Australian from Melbourne (Daryll Reynolds) who wrote adventures for the C-64. They are distributed by Severn Software. For more information, see Gameworkz Software. Talkies - adventures that talk back to you ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nuclear War Games Type: CG/MUSIC Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: A crazed US Army computer is trying to start a nuclear war between USA and USSR. You must find the code that de-activates it. The Secret of Bastow Manor Written 1985. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery of Munroe Manor Type: CG Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Taking the part of a newspaper reporter, you must discover what's going on with Lord Munroe, who has been acting rather strange since he returned from Egypt. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Case of the Mad Mummy Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Alien Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Search for King Solomon's Mines Type: CG/MUSIC Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murder on the Waterfront Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ninja Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Sof-toon This was an advertising label for Phoenix Software. For more information, see Phoenix Software. ====================================================================== Softside Softside was the leading type-it-in-yourself magazine for the TRS-80 in the 70s. Dogstar Type: TO Written 1979 (May issue) by Lance Micklus. Runs on: * PC * TRS-80 Notes: Dogstar was the first microcomputer adventure game to have its source published, and as a result almost all BASIC adventure games after it were based on its structure and algorithms. (The same thing happened in December of 1980 when Scott Adams published Pirate's Adventure in Byte magazine: once people figured out how it worked, they started creating their own Adams-style adventure games.) Comments: Dogstar was your typical you're stuck in an enemy place with a broken ship... get parts... don't get caught and get away... featuring credit cards, guns, atomic whatzit to power the craft... ====================================================================== Software 2000 They distribute Weltenschmiede. Artventures Choose from a few options with your mouse and so hopefully get along with the game. Good graphics. ====================================================================== Softwin Associates They are distributed by Microsoft. They distribute IBM. Microsoft Adventure Type: TO Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin. Runs on: * Apple II * PC Notes: It is also copyrighted by IBM in 1981. It is a version of the original Adventure (they might have added a point for a total of 351). This version of Adventure is almost identical to the MIT version and might be a port. ====================================================================== Sony Electronic Publishing They distribute Delphine Software. ====================================================================== SophistiChaos Game Design Homepage: http://www.lysator.liu.se/~unicorn/sgd.html Email: unicorn@lysator.liu.se or dz@lysator.liu.se. The Cyberventure Trilogy A (projected) trilogy of cyberpunk science fiction games, currently about half finished. ====================================================================== Southern Software Afghan Attack Type: TO Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. ====================================================================== South Pacific Software Revenge Type: TO Written 1979 by Gordon Letwin. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: You're imprisoned and have to escape and avenge yourself. ====================================================================== Spacecom Die Karavane der siebten Dynastie Type: G Written 1993. Runs on: * Amiga * PC Notes: Shareware. Written in German. Freeware demo version of first fifth available from ftp.gmd.de. ====================================================================== Spectral Associates Madness and the Minotaur and Keys of the Wizard were later distributed by or taken over by Microdeal. For more information, see Microdeal. Madness and the Minotaur Written 1993. Runs on: * Dragon * TRS-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Keys of the Wizard Written 1993. Runs on: * Dragon * TRS-80 ====================================================================== Spinnaker They distribute Telarium Corporation. In Search of the Most Amazing Thing Written 1993. Notes: This is labeled "Educational adventure". I'm note sure if it should be among adventures. ====================================================================== Spoof Software They were located at 58 Railway Road, Urmston, Manchester M31, 1XT, UK. The Prisoner Type: DG Written 1985 in The Quill and The Illustrator. Notes: Based on the TV series of the same name. Comments: You're an ex-Secret Service guy who has been put away for security reasons. ====================================================================== SSI Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse Written 1985 in The Quill and The Illustrator. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Starbyte Crime Time Type: IG/PnC/MUSIC Written 1990 by P. Sabath. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Also in German. Comments: Murder mystery set on a hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Soul Crystal Type: G Written 1990 by P. Sabath. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Star Dreams Aural Quest Written 1984 by Mike Turner in The Quill. Notes: Released on the cassette version of the pop group The Stranglers' 1984 album "Aural Sculpture". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Sandman Cometh Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Divided into two parts. ====================================================================== Summit Software For more information, see Alpine. ====================================================================== Sunshine Press The Eye of the Star Warrior Type: G Written 1984. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Published in listing form in the book "Spectrum Adventures". The entire program is carefully explained. ====================================================================== Superior Software The Quest for the Holy Grail Type: G Written by Thorne D. Harris III and Mark Hattier. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doom Valley Type: G Written by Robert Grumbles and Nick Magnus III. Runs on: * Apple II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Colditz Adventure Type: TO Written 1983 by Martin Dolby. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek Adventure Written 1983 by Martin Dolby. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost City Written 1983 by Martin Dolby. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gideon's Gamble Written 1983 by Martin Dolby. Runs on: * BBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stranded Written 1983 by Martin Dolby. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Swescot Den stulna kungaspiran (The Stolen Sceptre) Written 1983 by Martin Dolby. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Written in Swedish. ====================================================================== Synapse Software (Richmond, CA) They called their parser BTZ (Better Than Zork). BTZ was designed and written by William Mataga. They are distributed by Brøderbund Software. Mindwheel Type: TO Written 1985 by Robert Pinsky [story], William Mataga [programming] and Steve Hales [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC Notes: Came with a book of about 70 pages containing a story outlining what was going on in the game. Comments: One of the best adventures ever released. Extremely large vocabulatory and advanced parser and a great story and puzzles. Almost rivals Infocom - almost! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Essex Type: TO Written 1985 by Bill Darrah [story], Bill Darrah [programming] and William Mataga [programming]. Runs on: * Apple II * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brimstone: The Dream of Gawain Written 1985 by James Paul [story], David Bunch [programming], William Mataga [programming] and Bill Darrah [programming]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * Macintosh * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Breakers Written 1985 by Rod Smith [story], Joe Vierra [programming] and William Mataga [programming]. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ronin Written 1985 by Rod Smith [story], Joe Vierra [programming] and William Mataga [programming]. Notes: This was probably never published, but was ready to be tested. Another person claims to have seen it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- House of Changes Written 1985 by Rod Smith [story], Joe Vierra [programming] and William Mataga [programming]. Notes: This might be unpublished. Another person claims to have seen it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadly Summer Written 1985 by Rod Smith [story], Joe Vierra [programming] and William Mataga [programming]. Notes: This might be unpublished. Another person claims to have seen it. ====================================================================== Talent West Type: TO Written 1984 by Allan Black. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 * Electron Notes: It has some real-time elements. Comments: Quite neat adventure set in the wild west. ====================================================================== Tansoft House of Death Type: TO Written 1984 by Allan Black. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Set in an old film studio. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kilburn Encounter Type: TO Written 1984 by Allan Black. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Set in modern day London. Very Monty Python-like. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Land of Illusion Type: G Written 1984 by Allan Black. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Release your village from a curse. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zodiac Written 1984 by Allan Black. Runs on: * Oric-1 Comments: Recover the signs of the Zodiac and six treasures. ====================================================================== Taskset Souls of Darkon Type: BG Written 1986 by Andy Walker. Runs on: * Amstrad * Commodore 64 ====================================================================== Telarium Corporation (One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, (617)494-1224). Up to 1984, the company was called Trillium. Some of their games are published on the "Windham Classics" label. The 1984 released titles by Trillium/Telarium were eventually sold three different ways. In 1984, they were from Trillium and released in double-folded over folders (8" X 10") with seals holding in the contents. In 1984, the folder form remained the same as the games were marketed by Telarium. Around 1986, the folder concept was dumped and the games came in regular flap type boxes (6 3/4" X 9") with a plastic insert tray. They are distributed by Spinnaker. As Telarium Windham Classics In 1984, the boxes were somewhat derivative of Infocom boxes from 1984-1987. The box resembled a book with a lift up flap and a built in plastic tray containing the elements. The difference was Infocom's games came with a plastic lid and shrinkwrap over the tray. WC's had a perforated cut out cardboard flap sealing in the contents. In 1985, the boxes were regular flap types with the plastic tray sliding out. ====================================================================== Terminal Software Magic Mirror Type: TO Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor. Runs on: * VIC-20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nosferatu Type: TO Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor. Comments: The most enduringly interesting thing about this game is a bug: I forgot to take out the debugging code before sending the final version off to Terminal: the result is, anyone could type "i= 5" to teleport to location 5! (The verb was called "i=" because the "which location I'm in" number was stored in the variable "i".)" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rescue From Castle Dread Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse of the Werewolf Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor. Comments: This contained an unusual random element in that the werewolf would appear in different places during different games. ====================================================================== Tevward Microtech Cave Quest Written 1982 (?) by Mike Taylor. Runs on: * Oric-1 ====================================================================== Thurman, T. J. A. Homepage: http://www.angelfire.com/id/tjat2/avvy.html Avaricius Type: MCG Written by T. J. A. Thurman. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Avalot Type: MCG Written by T. J. A. Thurman. ====================================================================== THQ Inc Homepage: http://www.thq.com/ Red Jack: Revenge of Brethren Written 1998. Comments: You have to find the treasure of the pirate Red Jack. ====================================================================== Time Warp Bozuma Type: IG Written 1998. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlin 1948 Type: IG Written 1998. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Topologika Ltd A number of the games here were originally published by Acornsoft but their authors took the games to Topologika when Acornsoft decided not to publish adventure games and converted them for other computers. This company is still present (1 Roman Way, Peterborough, PE7 3RU, England, +44 01326 377771). They are still in business (1998), doing educational software. Underlying system design: David Seal and Jon Thackray. Implementation for Acorn RISC OS, BBC, Electron and Master: David Seal and Jon Thackray. Implementation for Amstrad, PC and Spectrum: Richard Clayton (Locomotive Software Limited). Implementation for Atari: David Turner. Homepage: http://www.topolgka.demon.co.uk/ The Doom trilogy Science Fiction adventure Miscellaneous ====================================================================== Trillium Corporation For more information, see Telarium Comporation. ====================================================================== Trilobyte Homepage: http://www.tbyte.com/ They are distributed by Virgin Games. The 7th Guest Written 1998. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The 11th Hour Written 1998. Notes: This is a sequel to The 7th Guest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stauf's Playhouse Written 1998. Notes: This is a collection of puzzles from The 7th Guest and The 11th Hour and some new. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clandestiny Written 1996. Notes: Animated graphics on two CDs. ====================================================================== Tynesoft Tynesoft was started by doing distribution for Mike Woodroffe. They also provided the artists for Elvira 1 & 2. They went bust around the time that Elvira 2 was released. They distribute Horrorsoft. For more information, see Horrorsoft. Super Gran: The Adventure Type: BG Written 1985 by Brian Howarth and Mike Woodroffe. Runs on: * BBC * Commodore 64 Notes: Based on a TV series (probably sponsored by a cereal company) about a granny who gets super powers when eating oat meal while battling her arch rival Campbell. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lone Survivor Written by Brian Howarth. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spectrum 128K starter pack Written by Brian Howarth. Notes: Contained Blizzard Pass among other things, later sold separately by Adventure Soft. For more information, see Adventure Soft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxbridge Written by Brian Howarth. Runs on: * BBC ====================================================================== Ubi Soft Entertainment Homepage: http://www.ubisoft.com/ B. A. T. Type: PnC Written by Brian Howarth. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Set in the future. You have a computer implanted on your forearm that helps you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- B. A. T. II Type: PnC Written by Brian Howarth. Runs on: * Amiga Comments: Set in the future. You have a computer implanted on your forearm that helps you. ====================================================================== UK Lead 99Y Type: CG Written by Brian Howarth. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: Written in Swedish. ====================================================================== United Software Inspector Griffu Type: IG Written by Brian Howarth. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== U. S. Gold They distribute Adventure Soft UK. For more information, see All American Adventures. Heroes of the Lance Written 1988. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Ultrasoft They originally marketed their games themselves. They are distributed by Brøderbund Software. For more information, see Telarium Corporation. Mask of the Sun Type: BG/MUSIC (some animations) Written 1982 (rereleased 1984 with music). Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 Notes: Also available in German as Das Geheimnis der Aztekenmaske. It was originally released by Ultrasoft, later rereleased by Brøderbund. Comments: The search for an Aztek artifact known as Mask of the Sun has the player exploring Mexican pyramids and more. You also had a sidekick named Raoul, who dies towards the end of the game---and you hardly care! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Serpent's Star Type: BG/MUSIC Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway. Runs on: * Apple II * Atari 8-bit * Commodore 64 Notes: Sequel to Mask of the Sun. It was originally released by Ultrasoft, later rereleased by Brøderbund. Comments: Indiana Jones-like hero hunts three ancient scrolls in Tibet. ====================================================================== Usbourne The Mystery of Silver Mountain Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Island of Secrets Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 Notes: Published as a book in listing form. Will also work on Commodore 16, but this machine is not listed on the book. ====================================================================== Victory Software Corporation They are distributed by Mogul Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Grave Robbers Type: G Written 1983 (rereleased 1985) by Scott Shumway. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * VIC-20 Notes: This game claims to be the first graphic adventure written for the VIC-20. Adventure Pack I Adventure Pack II ====================================================================== Videofex Los Misterois del Gusano Written 1993. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish, in two parts. ====================================================================== Virgin Games They distribute Melbourne House, Trilobyte and Westwood. ====================================================================== Virgin Mastertronic Ltd Virgin Mastertronic Ltd, 116 Portland Road, London W11 4LA, England. I suppose someone has bought someone else here. They distribute Infocom. For more information, see Virgin Games and Mastertronic. ====================================================================== Weinstein, Jacob Email: 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. ====================================================================== Weltenschmiede Die Kathedrale and Hexuma are a bit buggy: sometimes you get descriptions for the wrong room; some commands sometimes claim that objects from your inventory don't exist while others work on them. Das Stundenglas Type: G Written circa 1988. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Die Kathedrale Type: G Written circa 1990. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Hint book available separately. Inspired by Umberto Eco's _The Name of the Rose_. In German. Comments: The puzzles are very hard and clues are very hard to find: you have to examine each and every noun mentioned in all the long descriptions given everywhere; this is the only way to get a new description which may contain a noun that gives another description that may lead to a vital clue not available otherwise. Other clues are hidden in a 50 pages long, complicated history of the cathedral, which you have to learn more or less by heart to get the right associations when you come upon something in the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hexuma Type: G Written 1992 or 1993. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: Hint book available. In German. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (CD) Written 1992 or 1993. Notes: Contains Das Stundenglas, Die Kathedrale and Hexuma. ====================================================================== Westwood They are distributed by Virgin Games. Fables and Fiends Trilogy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blade Runner Type: IG Written 1992 or 1993. Runs on: * PC ====================================================================== Whalkira Software Johny Melabo Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish. ====================================================================== Windham Classics For more information, see Telarium Corporation. ====================================================================== Wintersoft Juxtaposition Type: G Written 1987. Runs on: * Dragon ====================================================================== Wolf Taran im Abenteurland Type: G Written 1987. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In German. ====================================================================== Wrightchoise Software The Lost Ruby Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum ====================================================================== Zafiro Software Legend Written 1987. Runs on: * Spectrum Notes: In Spanish, in five parts. ====================================================================== Various companies This section lists games that I haven't been able to figure out what company they belong to yet. ? These games are by the same company (but I don't know the name of it). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aardvark Type: TO Written 1987. Notes: Non-commercial game for Unix. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adventure Twinpack Written 1987. Runs on: * Atari ST Notes: I don't know what's in this. Another Fine Mess Written 1987. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Atlantis Written 1987. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bilbo (v2.0) Type: G Written 1989 by Nils Eng. Runs on: * PC Notes: Public domain game from Computer Club Sweden's PD library. It is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. It is written in Swedish. Available from ftp.gmd.de. Comments: Not very good but quite different. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bugsy Malone Written 1989 by Nils Eng. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- C.I.A. Adventure Type: TO Written 1983 by Hugh Lambert and Martin Sprave. Runs on: * Commodore 64 * TRS-80 Comments: Recover a ruby from a secret government project. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Curse Written 1983 by Hugh Lambert and Martin Sprave. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Curses Type: TO Written by Graham Nelson (nelson@vax.ox.ac.uk). Runs on: * Inform Notes: Available at ftp.gmd.de. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dare to Dream Type: G Written by Graham Nelson (nelson@vax.ox.ac.uk). Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dark Tower Type: G Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * Apple II Comments: Text/crude graphics adventure (cruder than Mystery House) and in black and white. The idea was to enter a castle and work your way upstairs to the tower. There were tons of rooms like The Jester's Room (where a jester asks you what you say to a two headed dragon, and if you didn't type "Hello, hello" in the most parser-perfect syntax, he throws you out the window), the Ivy Room (where ivy tries to strangle you), and a room where you find a monster taking a bath! It was probably produced by a company that was affiliated with Microsoft (Microzone or Softzone maybe, or even Scholastic). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep Space 9 Harbinger Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dick Tracy Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dracula's Castle Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonsbane Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eye of Zolton Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eryus Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * Atari 8-bit ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Giant World Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblin Towers Type: TO Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: Above-average treasure hunt inspired by Zork and Colossal Adv. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gordon Saga Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Great Archaeological Race Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Great Cave Adventure Type: TO Written 1984 or before. Runs on: * Amstrad PCW Comments: This is very similar to the Adventure! now widely available, but with differences: there's a UFO room near the Hall of Mountain King at the start, and I'm pretty sure Gotham City and Alice in Wonderland are involved somewhere. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Greedy Dwarf Written 1984 or before. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Horror Hotel Type: TO Written 1988 by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * PC Notes: Written in Dutch. Comments: About a hotel with vampires. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice and Fire Written around 1989. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Infinite Inferno Type: G Written by S. Hugemark and P. Henningsohn. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jara Tava: The Isle of Fire Written by S. Hugemark and P. Henningsohn. Runs on: * Amiga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerusalem 2 Written by S. Hugemark and P. Henningsohn. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Klartz and the Dark Forces Type: TO/G Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 [Graphics] * Dragon [Text only] * Spectrum [Graphics] Comments: Destroy the evil Klartz who travels through time and space corrupting the very fabric of the universe... You must assemble the relics of his victims under the power of light. In theory, this should radiate enough power to destroy Klartz... You must travel through five different time zones: early solar, mid-solar, late solar, far space and outer galaxy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Last in Amsterdam Type: G Written 1992 by John Vander Aert. Runs on: * PC Notes: This was for a contest in the Dutch computer magazine "Computer! Totaal". Written in Dutch. Comments: About a guy searching for his brither and sister in Amsterdam. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord of the Rings Type: TO Written 1981. Runs on: * TRS-80 * Video Genie ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord of the Rings Type: TO Written 1984?. Runs on: * Microbee Notes: The publishers of this game did not have any rights from the Tolkien estate. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- McKensie Written 1984?. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mindbender Written by Paul Styles. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mormonoids from the Deep Written by Robert Carr in World Builder. Runs on: * Macintosh Comments: You're in Mormonville, on the ninth day of a bender, sobering up, with one sixpack left and a car that's out of gas. Your weapons are a suitcase-sized nuclear device, a Colt 45, two fists, and two feet. Arrayed against you are the 'townsfolk.' There's the Angel Moroni, the Holy Ghost, and little Molly Mormon, plus others whose zenophobia makes them truly a force to be reckoned with. Kinky Marie, for instance, is Marie Osmond's psychotic twin sister, who has been locked in a closet for the last seventeen years and in naturally eager to get out. Meanwhile, Beowulf Hernandez, an El Salvadorian death squad leader and CIA hitman, wants to speak to you about that beer truck you wrecked ten miles out of town on your desperate search for booze. In order to survive, you have to battle these bozos while searching for gas so that after you arm the suitcase nuke, you can drive your car out of town to escape the blast, as Mormonville is reduced to rubble. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Paradox Effect Written by Robert Carr in World Builder. Notes: A straightforward text adventure with a very simple parser. Comments: Based on time travel, although I didn't see any time-based puzzles. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pen and the Dark Written by Robert Carr in World Builder. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phantom of the Opera Written by Robert Carr in World Builder. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharaoh's Tomb Written by Robert Carr in World Builder. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Portes du Temps Written by Robert Carr in World Builder. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: In French. Might be by Legend Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Presumed Guilty Type: G/MUSIC Written 1991?. Comments: It is similar to Infocom's A Mind Forever Voyaging (but not nearly as good). You play an AI computer who's framed for murder and must solve the crime. It's almost all menus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantum Game Written 1994. Runs on: * PC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest of Garnath Type: TO Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: A sorcerer must travel through a world filled with magic to find the treasure of late Lord Garnath. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Robots Written in Basic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Romantic Encounters at the Dome Type: TO Written in Basic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Runefall Written in Basic. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sagan om ringen (The Lord of the Rings) Type: TO Written 1984. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Third prize winner in "Swedish Adventure Game Championship", held by a Swedish computer magazine. The game was completely finished but never released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Serpent from Hell Type: G Written 1985 in Basic (partially). Runs on: * Spectrum Comments: As the last surviving knight of the round table, you must find Excalibur and kill Goroth, the Serpent from Hell, before it destroys the world. Worth only the cassette it is recorded on. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shifting Sands Type: TO Written by David R. Moffatt in AdventureWriter. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Notes: Might be PD. Comments: You have magically been transported to Egypt and must explore a pyramid. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Skyland Type: TO Written by David R. Moffatt in AdventureWriter. Star Saga They were these really, REALLY well written text-based space adventures. They were a bit strange in that the computer was only used for making choices and movements, and the actual text was in a series of books that came with the game. The plot behind the game was perhaps the most incredible, thoughtful, and dramatic treatment of a space game that I have ever seen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Success, Inc. Written about 1989. Notes: This is supposed to have been released by Virgin, Melbourne House, or Mastertronic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tebbit Type: TO Written by the author of Dennis through the Drinking Glass. Notes: Not released. Comments: A parody on The Hobbit. It was supposed to have a 'political' spoof slant. Just before it was due to be released, there was a bombing of the conservative party conference in Brighton (early eighties), and the game was not released because it was thought to be in 'bad taste'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Teenagent Written by the author of Dennis through the Drinking Glass. Runs on: * Amiga Notes: The company for this might be called Union or Metropolis. It is also available in Polish. Comments: It is a normal adventure and in the beginning you have to do sort of a training to become a secret agent (you are a teenager of course). The training part of the game was available as a separate demo. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Theseus and the Minotaur Type: TO Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: According to the Greek legend, you must seek out and kill the Minotaur in this two-parter. Along the way, you must also prove your heritage to your father, the king of Athens. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Thief's Adventure Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tomb of Xeiops Type: TO Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Top Secret Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Atari ST ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tripods Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Troops Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Virus Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * VIC-20 Notes: In Swedish ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wild West Written by Anthony Collins in Graphic Adventure Creator. Runs on: * Commodore 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Witch Hunt Type: TO Written 1987 by Jack Lockerby in The Quill. Runs on: * Commodore 64 Comments: An evil witch abducts you from your cosy cottage to a mysterious world. How can you return? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- World Type: TO Written by Doug McDonald. Notes: Public domain. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zauberland Written by Doug McDonald. Notes: Public domain game. In German. Available from ftp.gmd.de.