2006-03-25 joyhouse.zip (90.61 KB)

Brainex Door Manager executable

A small game in which you have to overcome some computer hardware problems in order to get your program to compile. Two-word parser, split screen, limited vocabulary. If you use MS-DOS, you probably deal with harder stuff on a daily basis. No save game feature.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

2006-01-17 amis.zip (148.96 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1.5), hints

The original. What more can be said? This was the first adventure game; the whole genre is named after it. Without it, Infocom would have been just another maker of business software, Sierra On-line would be primarily known for adaptations of coin-op videogames, and Volker Blasius would have a life. A detailed description of this game's history and significance can be found in Graham Nelson's "The Craft of Adventure".

Ignoring the profound historical significance for a moment, it's a treasure hunt in a cave, like most of the early adventures (including Zork). It has a verb-noun parser, minimal detail, two big annoying mazes, magic words, nonsense puzzles, and occasional death without warning. None of this matters. Download it anyway. You cannot consider yourself a true adventurer until you've played this game.

There are many different versions of this game, some of which include additions by later authors. The original gave a total of 350 points. Later additions usually award a higher final score.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (03 Jul 2000)

1997-12-04 adventions.tar.gz (1.08 MB)

TADS executable (version: 2.0G, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser, all the Adventions games gzipped together)

1997-12-04 adventions.zip (1.08 MB)

TADS executable (version: 2.0G, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser, all the Adventions games zipped together)

1993-10-26 ccr.sit.bin (481.13 KB)

Macintosh executable, TADS source code (version: 1.0, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser)

1993-10-26 ccr.sit.hqx (655.11 KB)

Macintosh executable, TADS source code (version: 1.0, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser)

1993-07-25 ccr.oldtr.tar.Z (352.14 KB)

TADS 2.1 or earlier executable, TADS source code (version: 1.0, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser)

1993-07-10 ccr.tar.Z (264.27 KB)

TADS executable, TADS source code (version: 1.0, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser)

1993-07-10 ccr.zip (374.29 KB)

MS-DOS executable, TADS source code (version: 1.0, additional material by David Baggett, full-sentence parser)

1993-07-22 firstadv.zip (159.08 KB)

AGT executable (version: 1.4, ported by David Gasior, bundled with MS-DOS runtime, full-sentence parser)

1993-08-04 hugecave.zip (437.88 KB)

AGT executable (version: 2.0, additional material by David Malmberg, bundled with MS-DOS runtime, full-sentence parser, 1000 points)

1996-07-02 adv350.lha (68.28 KB)

Amiga executable (ported by Don Ekman and David Kinder, 350 points)

1996-11-20 adv350jg.lha (82.26 KB)

Amiga executable (ported by Jim Gillogly and David Kinder, 350 points)

1997-08-03 adv350r4.lha (69.92 KB)

Amiga executable (version: DECUS release 4, ported by David Kinder, 350 points)

1996-02-06 adv430.lha (161.50 KB)

Amiga executable (version: 2.5, ported by David Kinder, additional material by Donald Woods, 430 points), C source code

1996-01-08 adv550.lha (201.46 KB)

Amiga executable (ported by David Kinder, additional material by Ken C. Wellsch, 550 points), C source code

1996-05-28 adv551.lha (123.36 KB)

Amiga executable (ported by David Kinder, additional material by Doug McDonald, 551 points)

1996-01-08 adv660.lha (274.78 KB)

C source code, Amiga executable (version: 10.06, ported by David Kinder, additional material by Mike Arnautov, 660 points, requires Kicksart 2.04)

1996-11-20 Adventure.lha (644.33 KB)

Amiga executable (ported by David Kinder, contains all of Kinder's amiga ports listed below)

1993-06-30 hugecave.lzh (237.20 KB)

Amiga executable (additional material by David Malmberg, 1000 points)

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

1992-12-06 adventr.arc (64.75 KB)

Atari ST executable (ported by Marvin W. Rasmussen)

2003-07-06 beebgames.zip (1.32 MB)

BBC executable (additional material by Mike Austin, Nick Austin, and Pete Austin)

1997-02-13 ColossalAdventure.zip (19.77 KB)

BBC executable (additional material by Mike Austin, Nick Austin, and Pete Austin)

1995-03-19 advc64.zip (88.38 KB)

Commodore executable (ported by Jim Butterfield), BASIC source code (version: 4)

1997-06-09 C64adv.zip (2.78 MB)

Commodore executable

1997-05-17 Int-Fic.zip (96.11 KB)

Commodore executable

2005-02-11 cpm-advent-b03.zip (118.01 KB)

CP/M executable (version: B03, ported by Mike Goetz, 580 points)

2000-08-13 cpm-advent.zip (736.95 KB)

CP/M executable (version: A02, ported by Mike Goetz, 350 points), FORTRAN source code, CP/M executable (version: B00, 550 points), CP/M executable (version: B01, 550 points), CP/M executable (version: A02, 580 points)

2002-11-15 advent.blb (190.83 KB)

Glulx executable (version: 5, ported by Simon Baldwin, GUI enhancements)

2000-04-01 advent.ulx (163.50 KB)

Glulx executable (version: release 5, ported by Andrew Plotkin)

1997-01-03 colossal.hex (121.24 KB)

Hugo 2.2a executable (ported by Kent Tessman)

2001-12-19 adv440-linux.tgz (98.93 KB)

Linux executable (ported by Mike Arnautov, 440 points)

2002-01-04 adv550_glk_linux.tar.gz (146.54 KB)

Linux executable, Linux executable (ported by Mike Arnautov)

2002-01-04 adv660_glk_linux.tar.gz (213.96 KB)

Linux executable (ported by Mike Arnautov, 660 points)

2006-12-30 adv770-1.80-linux-glk.tgz (717.16 KB)

Linux executable (version: 1.80, additional material by Mike Arnautov, 770 points)

1993-01-13 adventure-11.hqx (134.81 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: 1.1, ported by Anthony C. Ard, 550 points)

1999-01-29 Adventure.sit (100.93 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: 2.5.m2, ported by Jacob Munkhammar, additional material by Donald Woods, 430 points)

2005-12-02 HCMacPkg.sit (710.41 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: 1, ported by Al Golden, additional material by David Malmberg, 1000 points), hints, maps in GIF format

1994-04-29 advos2.zip (70.15 KB)

OS/2 2.x executable (ported by John W. Kennedy, additional material by Jerry D. Pohl, three-score version)

1992-11-12 adv.arc (55.75 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Jerry D. Pohl, three-score version)

1992-11-12 adv350de.zip (138.78 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Don Ekman), FORTRAN source code, walkthrough

1997-03-05 adv350kb.zip (76.99 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Kevin Black, 350 points)

1994-10-11 adv350kp.zip (220.38 KB)

FORTRAN source code, MS-DOS executable (ported by Ken Plotkin)

1996-09-16 adv370.zip (56.05 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Paul Munoz-Colman, 370 points)

1999-08-21 adv375.zip (60.00 KB)

MS-DOS executable (additional material by Walt Bilofsky and Jim Gillogly, 375 points)

2001-12-30 adv440.zip (124.20 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Mike Arnautov, 440 points)

2002-10-19 adv550_glk.zip (886.27 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Mike Arnautov and David Kinder, 550 points)

1993-07-22 adv550.zip (115.75 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: B00, ported by Steve Dover, 550 points)

1993-03-25 adv551.zip (118.40 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 6.6, ported by Magnus Olsson, additional material by Doug McDonald, 551 points)

2002-10-19 adv660_glk.zip (468.19 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Mike Arnautov and David Kinder, 660 points)

1995-11-29 adv660.zip (199.93 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 10.06, additional material by Mike Arnautov, 660 points)

2006-12-30 adv770-1.80-dos.zip (732.34 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1.80, additional material by Mike Arnautov, 770 points)

2006-12-30 adv770-1.80-win-glk.zip (1.17 MB)

Windows executable (version: 1.80, additional material by Mike Arnautov)

1996-06-16 advbds.zip (140.99 KB)

C source code, MS-DOS executable (ported by Bob Withers, three-score version)

1996-02-05 advent25.zip (95.56 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.5, additional material by Donald Woods, 430 points)

1993-03-25 advtc2.zip (98.40 KB)

MS-DOS executable (by Jerry D. Pohl, three-score version), C source code

2006-10-17 CCave.zip (1.57 MB)

Windows executable (version: V2006.1.2, ported by C. Young, relies on graphics, music, primitive parser, GUI version)

2005-12-02 HCWinPkg.zip (774.07 KB)

1000 points, hints in Z-code format, maps in GIF format

2004-11-01 advent_rus.zip (259.05 KB)

MS-DOS executable in Russian, C source code in Russian

1992-11-12 winadv21.zip (127.25 KB)

Windows executable (version: 2.1, ported by Wolfgang Strobl and Ken C. Wellsch, additional material by David Platt, 550 points)

2000-12-28 adv350-pdp10.tar.gz (48.85 KB)

FORTRAN source code

2003-04-08 adv350-php.zip (54.47 KB)

PHP source code (ported by Matt Cox, requires MySQL)

1996-11-13 adv350jg.zip (62.31 KB)

C source code (version: 1.2, ported by Jim Gillogly, 350 points)

1997-03-05 adv350kb-src.zip (64.56 KB)

FORTRAN source code (ported by Kevin Black)

2002-11-01 adv350r4_f77.tar.gz (51.85 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: DECUS release 4, ported by Linards Ticmanis)

1996-12-12 adv350r4.tar.gz (51.06 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: DECUS release 4, ported by Kevin Black)

1996-09-16 adv370s.zip (181.10 KB)

FORTRAN source code (ported by Paul Munoz-Colman, 370 points)

2001-12-17 adv440.tgz (156.53 KB)

FORTRAN source code (additional material by Peter Luckett and Jack Pike, 440 points)

1993-03-25 adv550s.zip (131.48 KB)

C source code (ported by Ken C. Wellsch, additional material by David Platt, 550 points)

1995-11-29 adv660.tar.Z (227.66 KB)

C source code (version: 10.06, additional material by Mike Arnautov, 660 points)

2006-12-28 adv770-1.80-C-src.tgz (619.12 KB)

C source code (version: 1.80, additional material by Mike Arnautov)

2002-01-04 advent_acode.tar.gz (778.67 KB)

A-code source code (ported by Mike Arnautov, 550 points), A-code source code (ported by Mike Arnautov, 660 points), solution

2003-08-20 advent_forth.zip (56.92 KB)

Forth source code (350 points, compatible with Gforth, Win32Forth, bigFORTH, VFX Forth, Swiftforth, and PFE)

2002-09-30 advent_unisys2200.zip (24.95 KB)

MAPPER source code (ported by Jared Mathes)

2003-03-18 advent-5.2.2-5.tar.gz (161.34 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 5.2/2, ported by Johann Gunnar Oskarsson, additional material by David Long)

2003-03-19 advent-orig550.tar.gz (115.35 KB)

FORTRAN source code (additional material by David Platt, 550 points), PL-6 source code, A-code source code

1996-03-18 advent-original.tar.gz (50.42 KB)

FORTRAN source code (This is the ur-text from which most other versions are derived.)

1992-12-21 advent.tar.Z (155.56 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 5.2/2, additional material by David Long, 501 points)

1996-01-29 Adventure2.5.tar.gz (67.18 KB)

C source code (version: 2.5, additional material by Donald Woods, 430 points)

1994-04-29 advos2s.zip (58.45 KB)

C source code (ported by John W. Kennedy, additional material by Jerry D. Pohl, three-score version, for OS/2)

1994-02-16 advqnx.tar.gz (38.63 KB)

C source code (additional material by Jerry D. Pohl, three-score version, for Unix)

1992-12-16 advsrc.zip (115.03 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 6.6, additional material by Doug McDonald, 551 points)

1993-03-18 cave.zip (45.12 KB)

AGT source code (350 points)

1995-12-29 hugecv-s.zip (216.23 KB)

AGT source code (additional material by David Malmberg, 1000 points), solution

2000-10-12 colossal.hug (121.68 KB)

Hugo source code (version: Release 2.2a, ported by Kent Tessman)

2003-04-26 Avontuur.inf (149.62 KB)

Inform source code in Dutch (version: 8, translated by Yuri Robbers)

2006-11-12 polyadv_320a.zip (1.22 MB)

TADS source code (version: 3.20a, ported by David Baggett, David Picton, and Bennett Standeven, original 350-point version, 550-point version by David Platt, 551-point version by David Long, 580-point version by Mike Goetz, and combined 701-point versions)

2003-07-22 level9.zip (1.26 MB)

Spectrum executable (optional graphics)

1997-11-27 zx.zip (2.88 MB)

Spectrum executable (optional graphics)

2006-11-12 polyadv.gam (849.18 KB)

TADS executable (version: 3.20 Rev. A, ported by David Baggett, David Picton, and Bennett Standeven, original 350-point version, 550-point version by David Platt, 551-point version by David Long, 580-point version by Mike Goetz, and combined 701-point versions)

2006-06-12 Advent.z5 (135.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 9, ported by Graham Nelson, 350 points)

2001-11-23 advent.z6 (115.50 KB)

Z-code 6 executable (version: 10, ported by Jason C. Penney)

2003-04-26 Avontuur.z5 (150.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in Dutch (version: 8, translated by Yuri Robbers)

2000-05-17 aventure.z5 (126.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in French (translated by Jean-Luc Pontico)

1998-04-19 abent.z5 (123.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in German (version: 5, translated by Toni Arnold, full-sentence parser)

2005-12-02 HugeCave.z8 (325.00 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 1, ported by Al Golden, additional material by David Malmberg, 1000 points)

2005-12-02 HugeHint.z5 (122.00 KB)

hints in Z-code format for Humongous Cave 1000-point version

2002-12-10 nuntalylihu.z5 (144.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in Lojban (version: 5)

1997-12-09 aventura.zip (79.16 KB)

Z-code executable in Spanish (version: 1, translated by José Luis Díaz)

1995-01-19 Craft.Of.Adventure.txt (96.89 KB)

essay by Graham Nelson, containing quite a bit of background on this game

1996-09-24 ColossalAdventure.clues (18.34 KB)

clue sheet

1995-11-24 col-adv.step (6.45 KB)

solution

1998-02-07 Adv_walk.zip (7.51 KB)

solution and map in GUEmap format for 350 point version

1997-09-12 adv660-hints.txt (23.86 KB)

hints for 660-point version

1993-08-02 adven550.sol (25.93 KB)

solution for the 550-point version

1997-08-17 adventure-walkthrough.txt (13.75 KB)

solution for the 350-point version

1992-12-31 adventure.step (10.29 KB)

solution for the 350-point version

1999-12-26 hcavesol.zip (68.01 KB)

solution to 1000-point "humongous" version

1995-11-21 jgunness.zip (159.04 KB)

Walkthrough for Level 9 version

1996-10-15 Sols1.zip (213.57 KB)

solution

1992-12-02 winadsol.zip (29.96 KB)

solution to the 550-point version

1998-03-21 Macabre.zip (1.97 MB)

Amiga executable (relies on graphics, plus two other games)

1996-02-09 Severed_Heads.Readme (908 bytes)

author's note

1995-07-02 Severed_Heads1.lha (487.03 KB)

Amiga executable (floppy version, disk 1)

1995-07-02 Severed_Heads2.lha (493.61 KB)

Amiga executable (floppy version, disk 2)

1996-02-08 Severed_HeadsHD.lha (863.89 KB)

Amiga executable (version: 1.1, had disk version)

2002-04-05 Severed_Heads.txt (1.50 KB)

solution

An adaptation of the Shakespeare play by one of the latter-day demigods of IF. While ample intelligence and creativity went into the making of the game (unsurprisingly, with Graham behind it)--the parser is completely hacked to make all the responses Elizabethan--it doesn't work very well as a game. You get long chunks of the play as cut-scenes, and the game amounts to figuring out what to do to trigger the next cut-scene--but some of the actions are so obscure that having the text of the play on hand doesn't help. Worse, you can't speak to any of the other characters, since that would presumably violate the confines of the play. The Elizabethan responses are amusing, but they're probably the best thing about this game.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (02 Jul 2000)

1997-09-29 tempest.z5 (152.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 3)

2000-03-27 tempest.sol (892 bytes)

Walkthrough

Teddy bears, as anyone who owns one can tell you, come to life when you're asleep. This game puts you in one bear's shoes, making mischief and preparing for a big day. Although allegedly an "interactive children's story", it will probably leave most genuine children baffled, through both its vocabulary and its several major references to other prominent text adventures. Small, with good puzzles based on overcoming the limitations of being two feet tall and made of cloth. Contains an adaptive hint menu.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1997-09-24 bear.sol (4.07 KB)

solution

1997-10-13 bear.z5 (103.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 2, as entered in 1997 competition)

1999-02-23 bear.z5 (107.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 5)

2000-03-31 bearg.z5 (131.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in German (version: 4, translated by Gunther Schmidl)

2002-10-02 osito.z5 (125.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in Spanish (version: 4, translated by José Luis Díaz)

1998-01-24 bear.sol (1.33 KB)

solution

2006-12-25 NightBeforeChristmas.zblorb (121.97 KB)

Z-code executable (version: 1)

A game of historical significance: originally written in TRS-80 BASIC, this was the first adventure game to be widely available on microcomputers. It's a minimalist treasure hunt set in and around a cave - an imitation of Colossal Cave, only without the prose. Good sense of freedom, somewhat eccentric design, two-word parser (except the Inform port), magic words, a maze, and a limited light source.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1997-11-27 trs.zip (429.95 KB)

TRS-80 executable (version: 4.16)

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2003-07-06 beebgames.zip (1.32 MB)

BBC executable

1997-06-09 C64adv.zip (2.78 MB)

Commodore executable (ported by Fredrik Ekman)

1997-05-17 Int-Fic.zip (96.11 KB)

Commodore executable (ported by Fredrik Ekman)

2000-04-20 adaminte.zip (218.24 KB)

Spectrum executable (optional graphics)

1997-11-27 zx.zip (2.88 MB)

Spectrum executable (optional graphics)

1998-03-29 adamsinform.zip (206.57 KB)

Z-code 5 executable

1996-11-23 Adventureland.z5 (48.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1, ported by Graham Nelson, full-sentence parser)

1993-08-02 advland2.zip (74.75 KB)

BASIC source code, C source code (ported by Morten Lohre), MS-DOS executable, hints and general information

1997-12-03 AdamsGames.zip (104.69 KB)

ScottFree executable

1993-08-25 AdamsHints.tar.Z (39.03 KB)

hint sheet

1993-08-25 AdamsHints.zip (41.81 KB)

hint sheet

1993-02-08 adamssol.zip (37.31 KB)

solution

1995-11-21 jgunness.zip (159.04 KB)

solution

1998-03-20 SAhints.zip (32.95 KB)

hint sheet and map in GUEmap format

1996-10-15 Sols2.zip (38.22 KB)

solution

1996-11-26 Sols3.zip (172.32 KB)

solution

2006-12-26 paee.zip (2.86 MB)

Glulx executable in Spanish (version: 1.1)

You wake up with amnesia in an abandoned research station in the Arctic. As you explore, psychometric visions give you glimpses of the lives of four scientists and the tragedy that befell them. Before you can escape, you'll have to learn your own history. Consistently grim and claustrophobic in tone, with good character development and plenty of suspense. Good detail, with lots of special cases handled. More of a story-game than a puzzle-game, with frequent noninteractive sequences that somehow manage to avoid feeling intrusive, but contains quite a few mechanical puzzles all the same.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1997-09-19 babel.gam (435.31 KB)

TADS executable (as entered in 1997 competition)

1997-09-15 hints.txt (4.76 KB)

hints

1997-09-13 walk1.in (1.89 KB)

solution

2000-03-03 babel-31.hqx (699.46 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: Release 3.1)

2000-02-11 Babel.exe (690.63 KB)

Windows executable (version: 3.1)

2000-02-11 Babel31.gam (454.80 KB)

TADS executable (version: 3.1)

1998-06-17 BabelMap.pdf (248.32 KB)

map

2006-03-25 quest2.zip (287.01 KB)

MS-DOS executable

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures2.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2003-03-18 wadewar3.zip (114.42 KB)

MS-DOS executable

2002-05-19 wadewar3.z5 (140.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 106)

2001-12-23 wadewar3walkthrough.txt (8.02 KB)

solution

2002-05-06 baum.zip (154.31 KB)

T.A.G. executable in German (version: 1.1, bundled with MS-DOS runtime)

Yes, it's the game included in the TADS distribution as sample code. At Caltech, the tradition on Ditch Day is for underclassmen to try to get past the obstacles that the seniors put on their doors. In your case, this means a treasure hunt in the Great Undergraduate Excavation. Lightweight in both mood and puzzle content. Includes hunger and sleep. Contains Planetfall references and one grid-mappable maze.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

2004-09-26 ditchrexe.zip (682.78 KB)

Windows executable in Russian (version: 1.0), TADS source code in Russian (translated by Andrey Grankin)

1996-10-07 ditch.inf (39.69 KB)

Inform source code (ported by Chris Markwyn, incomplete)

2000-08-23 iditchs-html.zip (98.67 KB)

Inform source code (ported by Neil Cerutti)

2000-08-23 iditchs.zip (78.70 KB)

Inform source code (ported by Neil Cerutti)

2002-06-01 ditchday.zip (109.63 KB)

TADS source code, TADS executable (version: 1.0)

2004-09-26 ditchr.zip (205.47 KB)

TADS executable in Russian (version: 1.0), TADS source code in Russian (translated by Andrey Grankin)

2000-02-04 ditch_maps_dia.zip (14.33 KB)

maps in Dia format

2000-02-04 ditch_maps_ps.zip (16.57 KB)

maps in Postscript format

2001-05-04 ditchday_map_printer.gmp (3.77 KB)

map in GUEmap format

2001-05-04 ditchday_map_wide.gmp (3.62 KB)

map in GUEmap format

2001-05-04 ditchday_map.txt (1.09 KB)

note about maps

1995-03-27 ditchday.sol (1.60 KB)

solution

1995-07-19 ditchday.step (1.51 KB)

solution

2002-05-22 abyss.zip (17.09 KB)

MS-DOS executable

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures2.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures2.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures2.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

Being a BASIC text adventure from the early 1980-ies, In Search of Dr. Livingston features (quite unsurprisingly) almost no plot and minimalist descriptions. Those are quite doubtful virtues in themselves; unfortunately, the game has got a few more confusing surprises for the player. One of them was the way it only understood commands in upper case for the most part; this was especially delusive because some of the commands (e.g., QUIT) were understood both in upper and in lower case, and as I found out later, at a couple of points in the game lower-case input was required. Then, there were several minor bugs or, rather, behaviour inconsistencies - sometimes, one action would have different results when repeated for no apparent reason (like room exits mentioned in the descriptions: some of them were totally unavailable in spite of being listed, but a few of them would suddenly get you somewhere after you tried entering them several times). The worst of all, however, were the puzzles - mostly of the "try something random" type. I quickly found myself completely unable to solve the game, and resorted to the source code that came with it. Even then, it wasn't *that* easy - as mentioned above, the game was written in BASIC, and untangling the spaghetti code turned out to be quite a feat. In fact, I lost patience before long and gave it up, feeling I already spent more time on it than it was worth. An even harder task, however, was thinking of one single reason why someone would play this. The only thing I could come up with was nostalgia; since, however, my personal childhood isn't burdened with memories of playing primitive (or any, for that matter) text adventures, In Search of Dr. Livingston had got no chances on me, sorry.

Rating: *

Reviewed by Valentine Kopteltsev (19 Jul 2004)

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures3.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

1994-11-06 african.sfx (17.66 KB)

Commodore executable (ported by Gary Driggs, additional material by David Malmberg)

1994-11-06 afrsrc.lzh (23.81 KB)

BASIC source code (additional material by David Malmberg, compatible with C-64 BASIC)

1997-06-09 C64adv.zip (2.78 MB)

Commodore executable (ported by Gary Driggs, additional material by David Malmberg)

1997-09-29 african.zip (58.06 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by Tony Baechler, additional material by David Malmberg), BASIC source code

2005-10-09 drlvgstn.zip (7.39 KB)

TRS-80 executable

2005-09-30 beyond-walkthrough.txt (3.64 KB)

solution

2005-09-30 beyond.blb (1.24 MB)

Glulx executable (version: 1, optional graphics)

2005-09-28 beyond.cfg (100 bytes)

support file

2005-09-28 beyond.ini (5.67 KB)

support file

2005-09-30 beyond.z8 (313.00 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 1)

2005-09-27 COPYING (12.28 KB)

license

2005-09-27 README (1.66 KB)

documentation

2005-09-30 relinfo (87 bytes)

release info

2005-12-10 Beyond.zip (1.32 MB)

Glulx executable (version: 2), Z-code 8 executable

2005-12-10 Beyond.exe (1.95 MB)

Glulx executable (version: 2, optional graphics, bundled with Windows runtime, Windows installer)

2005-12-10 Beyond_txt.zip (323.25 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 2)

2006-01-12 pill.exe (1.30 MB)

Windows executable (version: 1.2)

2006-01-12 pill.gam (638.82 KB)

TADS executable (version: 1.2)

2005-03-31 teller.zip (119.59 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 1, original competition entry), solution

2005-12-04 telling.z5 (214.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 2)

2005-12-26 qustfire.zip (20.45 KB)

TRS-80 executable (version: 1.1), Assembly language source code, solution

2004-11-01 zenobi48k.zip (7.11 MB)

Spectrum executable (in the subfolder "GI Games/Precis")

Pure old-school minimalism, with one use per item and lots of filler rooms. Your goal is to rescue a captive professor from a poorly-guarded high-tech prison on a remote planet. The parser isn't limited to two words, but it's kind of stupid, with a little guess-the-verb and demanding adjectives for disambiguation even when there's no ambiguity. A few rooms are illustrated, and the illustrations sometimes show crucial items that aren't mentioned in the text descriptions, so keeping the graphics on (and being able to see them) is a must.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (22 May 2005)

2004-11-01 zenobi48k.zip (7.11 MB)

Spectrum executable (in the subfolder "GI Games/Precis")

2004-11-01 zenobi48k.zip (7.11 MB)

Spectrum executable (in the subfolder "GI Games/8th Day")

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures3.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

1997-11-27 trs.zip (429.95 KB)

TRS-80 executable

1995-11-17 atari8gm.zip (790.45 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2001-04-30 BASIC_Adventures3.atr (90.02 KB)

Atari 800 executable

2000-01-09 Time_Adventure.zip (2.18 KB)

map in GUEmap format

This very short game was probably just a coding exercise. Generic you has received an anonymous threat, and so you are trying to escape from wherever you are to get to somewhere else. Apart from one optional puzzle, this isn't very interesting.

Rating: **

Reviewed by David Welbourn (27 Dec 2002)

2000-04-14 choice.gam (81.89 KB)

TADS executable (version: 1)

An intriguing premise--you've been hired to guard a cave against a bunch of looting adventurers--but the implementation lets it down. The competition release was entirely unfinishable due to bugs, but there are still plenty of bugs in the latest release. The cave itself is large and well described, so if you enjoy cave settings you may enjoy this, but the game itself needs work.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (28 Jan 2001)

1999-10-01 guard.z8 (338.00 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: Release 1, original competition entry)

2000-01-01 guard.zip (241.60 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 2), debugging history, graphic puzzle clue

A rather macabre story where you must find your way to a Halloween party organized by IF author Neil DeMause, with a severed hand as your only guide. Not much of a story really but the writing is good and the 2 puzzles work. See the other Speed IF #2 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by George Pappas (25 Jul 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF02.zip (122.37 KB)

Z-code z5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_2.html (4.86 KB)

solution

An adaptation of the famous scene from the Odyssey in which Odysseus attempts to escape from the Cyclops; it was designed as an experiment in converting situations from classic literature into IF puzzles. As such, it's only partly successful. The puzzles are fairly easy if you are familiar with the episode in question, but probably impossible otherwise. Interesting nonetheless as a recapitulation of a well-known story.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Emily Short (03 Aug 2002)

2002-05-05 Cyclops.z5 (76.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

A neat one-big-puzzle game about dungeon design. Basically, the player lays out doors and deathtraps according to various constraints and then watches an Adventurer try to escape. Highly enjoyable, reasonably deep simulation with a well-thought-out user interface and a good sense of humor (including quite a few references to other games.) Varicella-style gameplay: a repeated fail-and-restart cycle, with each play-through being fairly short. Contains graphical elements that, although not strictly necessary for winning the game, help enormously in keeping track of what you've put where.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (23 Feb 2002)

2002-02-10 lock-key.blb (263.54 KB)

Glulx executable (version: 1.12)

2002-02-10 win-lock.zip (352.97 KB)

Glulx executable (version: 1.12, bundled with Windows runtime)

2003-01-28 lock.hnt (9.11 KB)

solution

You're woken up by the telephone, having slept a lot longer than you should have, and there'll be hell to pay if you don't get out of the house in a hurry. A very short game with a devious twist that the IF theorists out there will find interesting. Gains immeasurably on replay.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (03 Jul 2000)

2000-02-12 905.exe (106.95 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1.01)

2000-02-12 905.z5 (60.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1.01)

2000-01-03 905notes.txt (506 bytes)

author's notes

2001-07-13 ACgamesForPalm.zip (638.44 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1.01, ported by Trevor Menagh, converted to PalmOS .prc file)

Brief and charming, though not overwhelmingly coherent, Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style romance. You determine the destiny of a young and rather flighty woman in some indeterminate premodern period. Not all outcomes reflect the same underlying reality (a la Aisle).

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Emily Short (09 Feb 2003)

2002-02-14 rncomp.sit (240.77 KB)

Z-code 5 executable

2002-02-14 rncomp.zip (239.56 KB)

Z-code 5 executable

Since this is a small game, and finding out what happened is an important plot point, all I'll say about the premise is that it's a real-life emergency situation in which you play hero despite your own injuries. Dramatic, but a bit buggy and low on detail. Once past a certain point, your required actions and their motivations become far from obvious.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1997-09-30 down.hex (92.11 KB)

Hugo executable (version: Release 1)

1997-09-30 down.sol (292 bytes)

solution, Walkthrough

2000-01-14 down.hex (97.23 KB)

Hugo executable (version: Release 4)

2000-01-14 down_source.zip (33.06 KB)

Hugo source code (version: Release 4)

Hilarious spoof of a broad range of TV shows, including Brady Bunch, Three's Company, the Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Bewitched. Most of the jokes turn on familiarity with those shows (and a few others), so you're unlikely to appreciate this one if you're not well acquainted with the source, but this is nicely done--it captures the feel of the shows even as it mocks them. Features adaptive hints, though they don't always work as well as they might (particularly in the first section).

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (21 Jul 2000)

2000-04-13 chico.exe (204.95 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1)

2000-04-13 chico.z5 (158.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

To play this game, you should have a working knowledge of German. A brief synopsis in English: You wake up in a strange land and have to defeat an evil wizard by solving various puzzles in a Zorkish tradition.

Der Spieler wacht in einer fremden Umgebung auf und erfährt durch einen Brief, dass der Magier Galdor mit Hilfe eines Amulett besiegt werden muss. Außer dieser zugegeben sehr simplen Story bietet Das Amulett eine große Landkarte, ein paar nette Knobeleien und einen relativ guten Parser. Die große Spielumgebung mit weit verstreuten Gegenstände zwingt allerdings zu einigem Umherwandern und beinhaltet ein (sehr kleines) Labyrinth. Außerdem weiß ein Eremit zu allen wichtigen Fragen eine Antwort.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Matthias Oborski (23 Dec 2002)

1998-11-19 amulett.zip (69.14 KB)

MS-DOS executable in German (version: 2.0)

2001-03-10 Amulett.gmp (3.47 KB)

Map (in GUEmap format)

Uncle Zebulon was a crackpot who fancied himself a wizard. Now that he's dead, you discover that his fancies were true. A pleasant little game set in a mixed fantasy/modern environment (like much of the Zork and Unnkulia games), with simple magic-based puzzles.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1995-08-31 zebulon.zip (67.75 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1, original competition entry)

2003-01-16 zeb3src.zip (61.79 KB)

TADS source code (version: 3.0)

2003-01-16 zebulon3.zip (85.02 KB)

TADS executable (version: 3.0)

2000-06-23 zeb.hnt (1.64 KB)

ROT-13 encoded hints

1996-07-26 zebulon.sol (1.62 KB)

Walkthrough

Peculiar and highly linear little game. The prologue is interesting, but it ends up being almost entirely irrelevant to the rest of the game; essentially, you find yourself wandering around heaven and hell. Some of the puzzles require rather exact syntax, unfortunately, or require that you foresee various unpredictable results. On the other hand, the writing is solid, and heaven and hell are rendered somewhat imaginatively--there's more than fluffy clouds and fire and brimstone, at least. Not a spectacular effort, but a reasonably entertaining 30 minutes.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (21 Jul 2000)

2000-03-17 Ccake.zip (79.21 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1), solution

2003-05-27 ccake.zip (52.39 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2000-02-04 Heist.zip (236.95 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 5)

1997-12-15 heist.z8 (350.00 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 4)

1997-10-14 heist.sol (14.14 KB)

walkthrough

A completely stupid little sketch involving dinosaurs and time travel. Breaks the fourth wall to comment on its own lameness.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (04 Apr 2001)

2000-04-01 dino.zip (635.20 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2001-01-15 golf.exe (313.07 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1.01)

2001-07-13 ACgamesForPalm.zip (638.44 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1.01, ported by Trevor Menagh, converted to PalmOS .prc file)

2001-01-15 golf.z5 (191.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1.01)

2000-04-01 dino.zip (635.20 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1), MS-DOS executable

2000-10-20 mary.exe (132.45 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2)

2000-10-20 mary.z5 (86.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 2)

'Fresh Sushi' is a treat. It's not a challenging or long game: all you need do is feed your friend's pet fish. But it shines in its treatment of its characters. This is most notable with the pet fish, who has a boorish comment or reaction for almost everything you do (including new comments on repeated actions, in some cases). But it's also clear that some thought was put into both the player character's character and also that of your absent friend, whose art studio you are visiting (eg: look at the painting).

Rating: ****

Reviewed by David Welbourn (10 Aug 2002)

2001-11-20 SpeedIF_WON.zip (166.70 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2006-10-08 Sushi.zblorb (319.99 KB)

Z-code executable (version: 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_WON.html (5.80 KB)

solution

A somewhat confusing story about your departure and return to your homeland, and about your confrontation and eventual battle with a Zumpf. Since this game was for a speed-IF, there probably wasn't time for the author to invent many of the details needed to support such a complicated backstory, and thus magical effects and oddly-spelt words are used to help paper over the cracks instead. It almost works.

Rating: **

Reviewed by David Welbourn (09 Aug 2002)

2001-11-20 SpeedIF_WON.zip (166.70 KB)

TADS executable

2002-09-18 speedIF_WON.html (5.80 KB)

solution

2001-11-20 SpeedIF_DNA.zip (286.15 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_DNA.html (8.98 KB)

solution

Commemorates one of Douglas Adams's better known eccentricities: that of never being available, since he was always in the bath. Very short game; no puzzles.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by David Welbourn (10 Aug 2002)

2001-11-20 SpeedIF_DNA.zip (286.15 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_DNA.html (8.98 KB)

solution

2001-11-20 SpeedIF_DNA.zip (286.15 KB)

TADS executable

2002-09-18 speedIF_DNA.html (8.98 KB)

solution

2000-03-01 helpwin1.zip (1.11 MB)

Windows executable (version: 1.0.0), hints

2000-03-01 helpgam1.zip (738.35 KB)

TADS executable (version: 1.0.0), hints

2000-12-07 pan.zip (23.13 KB)

Windows executable (version: 1.0)

This is the forbear of the Zork trilogy, written at MIT before Infocom was formed. The first game to feature a full-sentence parser, albeit a crude one by today's standards. Very derivative of Adventure, from the maze of twisty little passages to the orange smoke that accompanies ressurrection. Basically, a treasure hunt in a cave. Two mazes (counting the coal mine), a little randomized combat, and a nonsense puzzle or two. Much historical interest, however. Nearly everything in this game can be found in the Zork trilogy, although some crucial details are different. Available in various stages of its development; unlike Adventure, which used a very rigid database, this game was designed to be easy to modify, and got modified a lot.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (03 Jul 2000)

1996-01-08 Dungeon.lha (293.90 KB)

Amiga executable (version: 2.7A, ported by David Kinder)

1992-11-30 Dungeon.lzh (179.47 KB)

Amiga executable (version: 2.5, ported by Loren J. Rittle)

1997-06-11 dungeon.spk (191.47 KB)

Acorn Archimedes executable (version: 2.7A, ported by Julian Arnold)

1992-12-06 dungeon.zoo (213.74 KB)

Atari ST executable (ported by Kurt Olsen)

1998-10-19 Dungeon-Glk.sit.hqx (513.01 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: 3.2B, ported by Andrew Plotkin)

1993-01-13 zork-27m.hqx (266.28 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: Release 2.7, ported by Anthony C. Ard)

2002-03-06 dungeon_dosglk.zip (253.04 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 3.2B, ported by Steve Nickolas and Andrew Plotkin, additional material by Robert M. Supnik)

2002-10-13 dungeon_winglk.zip (506.32 KB)

Windows executable (version: 3.2B, ported by Andrew Plotkin, additional material by Robert M. Supnik, requires Glk.dll)

2003-04-21 dungn22a.zip (168.50 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.2A)

2003-04-21 dungn25a.zip (152.93 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.5A)

1997-03-05 dungn26b.zip (184.18 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.6B)

2003-04-21 dungn27a.zip (163.37 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.7A, ported by Ian Lance Taylor)

2003-10-29 dungn32b.zip (374.47 KB)

FORTRAN source code, MS-DOS executable (version: 32B, ported by Volker Blasius, additional material by Robert M. Supnik)

1992-12-21 Dungeon_source.sit (167.38 KB)

C source code (in MacBinary format)

2003-04-21 dungeon-2.5.6.tar.gz (442.31 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 2.5A)

1994-10-05 dungeon-3.2A.tar.Z (296.29 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 3.2A, ported by Robert M. Supnik)

1994-11-04 dungeon-3.2B.patch (3.19 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 3.2B, patch to 3.2A source code)

1997-08-23 dungeon-3.2B.unidiff (4.32 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 3.2B, ported by David Bristow, patch to 3.2A source code, for Larry Wall's)

1998-10-19 dungeon-glk.tar.Z (317.09 KB)

C source code (version: 3.2B, ported by Andrew Plotkin, uses GLK library)

1997-03-05 dungn26b-src.zip (157.59 KB)

FORTRAN source code (version: 2.6B, ported by Kevin Black)

2003-04-21 dungn27s.zip (254.99 KB)

C source code (version: 2.7A)

1996-06-06 tads_dungeon.zip (312.58 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 0.3, ported by Darin Johnson, game file and source code)

2001-08-15 zorkvms.zip (344.89 KB)

VMS executable (version: 14 Aug 2001), FORTRAN source code

2004-09-05 zdungeon.z5 (184.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 13, ported to Inform by Ethan Dicks)

2001-06-10 Dungeon.zip (8.00 KB)

maps in GUEmap format

1996-03-14 dung-map.zip (21.17 KB)

map in Postscript format

1994-10-25 dungeon.ps (31.80 KB)

map in Postscript format

1994-10-05 dungeon.sol (18.52 KB)

solution to version 3.1

2001-09-29 cycles.z5 (116.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1, as entered in 2001 competition)

2001-09-29 walkthru.html (3.01 KB)

solution

2002-02-22 cycles.z5 (118.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 3)

2002-02-22 cycles_hints.htm (3.03 KB)

hints

2000-02-08 vita.zip (60.34 KB)

AGT executable, AGT source code

2000-02-15 fly.zip (37.32 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.70), C source code

2002-04-26 fotr.bin (4.00 KB)

Atari 2600 executable

2002-04-26 fotr2600.tgz (30.88 KB)

Atari 2600 executable, Assembly language source code

2002-03-21 introcomp02.zip (563.02 KB)

Atari 2600 executable (incomplete)

2000-03-26 son0.gam (85.91 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1)

2001-04-14 circus.zip (965.14 KB)

Adrift 3.90 executable (version: 1.03)

You're a Native American boy charged with saving your village from a monster. Well-researched and nicely done setting, but buggy--the competition release had a bug that made it unfinishable, and while the latest release cleaned up that particular bug, it has lots of others, including one that, again, makes the game unfinishable. It would be nice to see this cleaned up, since it's a setting that's never been done before in IF. As it is, however, it's too buggy to be worth trying.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (09 Jul 2000)

1999-10-01 waterbrd.gam (272.73 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1, original competition entry)

2000-01-01 waterbrd.gam (274.25 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1.1)

2001-01-07 Waterbird.wlk (4.99 KB)

solution

2000-03-05 valsharg.zip (486.70 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 3.00), MS-DOS executable in Spanish

Another Z-Abuse, this one of the game Super Star Trek--originally written by Mike Mayfield in BASIC and published by Dave Ahl in his book of BASIC programs, with contributions from Bob Leedom. Chris Nystrom ported it to C, and John Menichelli did this port. Basically, you pilot the Enterprise around killing Klingons and refueling; it certainly doesn't lose anything in the Z-machine medium, though it's not inherently thrilling.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (16 Jul 2000)

2000-02-29 ztrek.inf (51.48 KB)

Inform source code (version: Inform port)

2000-02-29 ztrek.z5 (29.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Inform port)

You're wandering around a beach, engaging in menu-based conversations and ruminating on the meaning of it all. Lots of branching available--there are dozens of endings--and the characters you meet are reasonably interesting. Since most of the action lies in the menus, the interactivity aspect is somewhat limited; once you've covered the major menu choices, the playing experience is limited to going back and searching for branches you might have missed (as opposed to, say, thinking creatively about new ways to experience the game). The beach itself is fairly well rendered, but it doesn't play much of a role. Competent, but limited by its format.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (05 Mar 2001)

2000-09-28 bigmama.z5 (180.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 8)

2001-04-08 bigmama.inf (174.44 KB)

Inform source code (version: Release 8)

A small murder mystery, very imitative of Infocom's mysteries, set on an expensive little boat in the middle of the ocean. Lots of irrelevant detail for the player to sift through. The characters are a bit buggy and disappointingly mechanical for a character-based genre. The whole game has a time limit. It is possible to win without figuring everything out, which gives the game some replayability.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1995-08-30 tow.zip (88.58 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1, original competition entry, game file and instructions)

1995-09-06 tow11.gam (155.75 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1.1)

2000-06-10 Undertow.sol (1.35 KB)

Walkthrough

B-movie big monster spoof: defend Tokyo, and rescue lovely reporter, from the ravages of a colossal chicken. Very small, but with opportunity for irrelevant actions (like dropping live alligators onto ships from a helicopter). Satisfyingly satirical, with an interesting double perspective (the player controls both the hero of the movie and a member of the audience). Title sequence contains character graphics. Has a hint menu.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1998-09-30 tokyo.z5 (78.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1, original competition entry)

2000-07-03 Tokyo2.z5 (105.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 2)

2000-08-18 Cercla.zip (94.64 KB)

AGT executable

2000-02-09 cercla.zip (62.23 KB)

AGT source code

2000-02-08 Peacock.z5 (76.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

Extraordinarily rich and imaginative. You wake up on a strange beach with no memory of who or where you are, and you explore the land and your own memory over the course of the game. Learning the rules of the game's universe takes a while--there are ways of interacting with other people and things that take some getting used to--but the learning is well worth it. There are also several well-realized and complex NPCs, whose personalities and faults shape the plot. The level of detail is perhaps the most impressive thing, however--everything that should be examinable is, and all the NPCs can talk about a wide variety of topics. The game points toward a sequel, though the author has said that the sequel may be static fiction rather than IF; still, this one is well worth playing on its own. Unique.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (09 Jul 2000)

2000-08-07 worlds-apart-21.hqx (1.61 MB)

TADS executable (version: Release 2.1, bundled with Mac OS runtime)

2005-08-11 worlds.exe (1.52 MB)

Windows executable (version: 2.2)

2005-08-11 worlds.zip (605.98 KB)

TADS executable (version: 2.2)

You're on your way to a friend's wedding when terrorists strike. Not all of the puzzles make a lot of sense, due to technical and game design problems, and the adaptiveness of the hint menu doesn't work very well--it's impossible to read some of the hints until you've already failed to solve the problem (and, often, died as a result) in a given game. Some clever multiple-solution puzzles, though, and generally reasonably solid in an action-movie sort of way (i.e., action-movie suspensions of disbelief are often necessary). The PDF documentation is quite professional-looking.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (01 Mar 2001)

2000-09-30 bestman.z5 (128.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2000-09-07 bmanmap.pdf (27.23 KB)

Map in PDF format (includes spoilers)

2000-09-04 bmanpkg.pdf (216.82 KB)

PDF documentation file (not necessary to complete game, but helpful)

2000-09-30 readme.txt (561 bytes)

author's notes

You're at the end of an adventure, but now you need to get out of a pit. Short but reasonably entertaining, though one of the funniest bits (the fake full score listing) is stolen from Enlightenment; there are lots of random silly things to try, and the puzzles feel vaguely Zorklike. The competition release had an unfortunate bug that made it very difficult to win the game, so get the more recent release instead.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (12 Jul 2000)

1999-09-27 wossname.z5 (70.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 5, original competition entry)

2000-02-27 wossname.z5 (75.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 10)

Not to be confused with the epic 'Lost New York' by Neil deMause, "Lost In New York" is a short one-puzzle game. Well at least I believe it is a short one-puzzle game as I just can't solve it!

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Stephen Griffiths (23 Sep 2000)

2000-01-11 liny.zip (13.86 KB)

Alan 2.8 executable

A light fantasy romp about a luckless (and talentless) musician who ends up chucked in an oubliette after offending the King. The result is a puzzle-solving exercise with a humorous touch in the mold of Sorcerer or Frobozz Magic Support. Mild hints are provided by Hitchhiker's Guide-type reference books. The puzzles are creative, but for the most part not too difficult; it's possible to get trapped in one area, but you are warned about this. Surprisingly solid for a first release.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by R. Serena Wakefield (12 Jul 2000)

2000-04-01 Aug4Source.zip (186.36 KB)

Inform source code (version: Release 1)

2000-04-01 Aug4.z8 (351.50 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: release 1)

2000-04-01 Aug4Solution.zip (21.98 KB)

solution

While The Cove does contain specific puzzles and a list of tasks to accomplish, it's not precisely a text adventure; rather, you live through a pivotal moment in the protagonist's life. The goal of the game is to experience the environment as thoroughly as possible.

The text is expansive and rather poignant. The game's one or two puzzles are for the most part self-evident in their solution, and most of the points are scored by simply looking at the right bits of scenery to trigger your character's memories.

The Cove isn't meant to be a game, and it shows, but it is an excellent example of how a story that would be hopelessly banal in a standard format can be compelling and emotional in IF.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by R. Serena Wakefield (12 Jul 2000)

1999-10-06 cove.z5 (126.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2000-05-26 Cove.z5 (127.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: release 3)

2000-07-13 DAAW.sna (48.03 KB)

Spectrum executable (two-word parser)

2000-07-05 AtWork.z5 (76.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: release 1, ported by Duncan Cross)

2001-05-07 atwork.sol (1.63 KB)

solution

1995-10-17 gerbil.zip (183.05 KB)

MS-DOS executable

2000-07-13 GerbilRiot.sna (48.03 KB)

Spectrum executable

2000-05-13 GerbilRiot.z5 (77.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: release 2, ported by Duncan Cross, full-sentence parser)

2000-06-03 GerbilRiot.sol (2.29 KB)

Solution

2000-02-09 guilty.hex (241.18 KB)

Hugo executable (version: 2.09, graphics and sound resources not included)

2000-02-09 guilty.zip (3.76 MB)

Hugo executable (version: 1.09)

2002-09-27 guilty.exe (4.07 MB)

Hugo executable (version: 2.09)

1999-12-03 gbsource.zip (109.06 KB)

Hugo source code (version: Release 2.08)

2002-12-10 GuiltyBastards.txt (3.74 KB)

minimal solution

Scenes from a handful of ordinary lives alternate with chapters of a child's colorful science-fantasy. Sweet and sad, and complex enough that you may need to go through it twice in order to fully understand how all the fragments fit together. Very story-driven, with menu-based conversations and virtually no puzzle content. My only complaint is that it isn't terribly interactive - indeed, you're practically driven through it on tracks, and any actions that you don't take tend to be rendered unnecessary. But the story is intriguing enough, and well-written enough, and moving enough, that this seems a small quibble. This is probably the most successful example I've seen of interactivity at the service of fiction, rather than vice versa.

The author intended this game to be played with colored text. Although I normally dislike such things, I agree that it works in this case. A monochrome version is also provided for those who feel differently.

(NB: The first release of this game credits Opal O'Donnell as the author. This was a deliberate deception on the part of the real author, carried out with the permission of the real Opal O'Donnell.)

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1998-10-07 bug.txt (639 bytes)

Way to avoid a bug in the competition release

1998-09-14 photobw.z5 (183.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: competition release, black and white version)

1998-09-13 photopia.z5 (184.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: competition release)

1998-09-16 read1st.txt (1.57 KB)

blurb

2002-03-31 photo201.zip (639.67 KB)

Glulx executable (version: 2.01, optional graphics, bundled with Windows runtime)

1998-12-25 photopia.exe (235.95 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: Release 1.22)

2001-07-13 ACgamesForPalm.zip (638.44 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1.22, ported by Trevor Menagh, converted to PalmOS .prc file)

1998-12-25 photopia.z5 (189.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1.22)

1999-12-20 fotopia.z5 (209.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in Spanish (translated by José Luis Díaz)

2000-07-02 photopia.sol (3.79 KB)

Walkthrough

A very strange effort that jumps wildly from genre to genre. It starts out as a detective-style mystery--you're an ex-spy asked to steal some plans from a professor--but quickly turns into something between a farce and a satire, and takes various detours into other realms along the way. There are several clever multi-part, multi-object puzzles along the way, and there are plenty of funny bits, but the whole thing ultimately feels a little disjointed; the game isn't so much a send-up of any particular genre as a grab bag of different settings and conventions, and the player is likely to say "Huh?" a lot. There are a few bugs as well, though they're not major, and there's a hint menu.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (21 Jul 2000)

2001-03-28 break-in.z5 (204.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 7), Z-code 5 executable (version: 9)

The original SpeedIF. A (very) short tale of love, murder and jealousy, over the coffin of the hero's dead wife. Well written but not much more.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by George Pappas (21 Jul 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF01.zip (28.66 KB)

Z-code z5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_1.html (2.69 KB)

solution

There is a toaster. There is no bread. Or anything else. It's more fun than watching paint dry, but not by much.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by David Welbourn (30 Dec 2002)

2000-09-06 ToasterCompNosrc.zip (489.83 KB)

Alan executable

2000-09-06 ToasterCompWithSrc.zip (658.53 KB)

Alan executable, Alan source code

2001-05-23 walkthrough.zip (727.72 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

Closer to static fiction than a game, but still a masterfully done work, Exhibition tells the story of an artist through four people--his wife, a critic, a boy, and a student--exploring the gallery where his paintings are hanging, shortly after he's committed suicide. You play all of the characters; you can switch back and forth between them whenever you want, and the way you go through the story--whether you view all of the paintings as one character before you go on to the next character, or view one painting as all four characters, or some combination--is likely to affect how you experience the story, since the various takes on the artist have very little in common. The writing is terrific; each of the characters has a distinctive voice, and what they say about the artist illuminates them as much as it does the artist. The major drawback, however, is that the interactivity aspect is minimal; there's very little to do other than look at each painting through each set of eyes, meaning that the story doesn't really have any sort of pace; if the player finds the whole thing somewhat distancing, as some have, that may be why. Still, it's an intriguing experiment. There's background music as well--Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," natch--though some have elected to turn it off, since it does get repetitive after a while.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (22 Jul 2000)

1999-09-26 boy.mp3 (801.21 KB)

Sound file

1999-09-26 critic.mp3 (871.43 KB)

Sound file

1999-09-26 exhibit.gam (669.49 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 2, original competition entry, not packaged with sounds)

1999-09-28 readem.txt (948 bytes)

Author's notes

1999-09-26 student.mp3 (759.18 KB)

Sound file

1999-09-26 wife.mp3 (1.15 MB)

Sound file

2000-02-11 exhibit.exe (4.31 MB)

Windows executable (version: 2.1, packaged together with sounds)

2000-02-11 exhibit21.gam (4.18 MB)

TADS executable (version: 2.1, packaged together with sounds)

A wacky blend of particle physics, elementary Zen, and pure surreality; one of the most bizarre examples of true IF ever published. Some of the puzzles are tough and require you to think in new directions, but there are none that I would call truly unfair. Recommended for those who found Trinity too tame.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by R. Serena Wakefield (22 Jul 2000)

2000-05-05 dumont.z5 (219.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 4.11, ported by Michael Berlyn, Mark Musante, and Gunther Schmidl)

2000-05-05 dumontfeelies.pdf (201.22 KB)

copy protection

2000-05-05 dumontmanual.pdf (40.15 KB)

documentation

2000-05-08 dumontmaps.pdf (29.85 KB)

hintbook maps

A very primitive reworking of Zork I, stringing text descriptions of puzzles together (complete with their solutions) and giving you only two real choices at each juncture: continue or quit. Continuing is rewarded by a random string of Zork spoilers. Intended as a satire of postmodern IF, and as an artifact it works; as a game, it's playable for the nostalgia value and that's about it.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by R. Serena Wakefield (23 Jul 2000)

2000-03-26 guestret.z5 (12.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable

Your significant other is missing and all you’ve got is a threatening invitation for Neil deMause’s apartment. A short, but well written piece of Interactive Fiction that manages to build up atmosphere leading to an appropriate ending. See the other Speed IF #2 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by George Pappas (24 Jul 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF02.zip (122.37 KB)

Z-code z5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_2.html (4.86 KB)

solution

Another SpeedIF 2 game set in the same "visit to Neil Demause’s house» theme. This one fits in the horror tradition of tales about cursed objects. Though it does manage to build up the mystery initially, in the end it loses the plot. See the other Speed IF #2 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: **

Reviewed by George Pappas (24 Jul 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF02.zip (122.37 KB)

Z-code z5 executable (version: Release 1), Z-code z5 executable

2002-09-18 speedIF_2.html (4.86 KB)

solution

2001-09-29 gostak.z5 (86.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2002-03-05 gostak.z5 (86.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 2)

2001-09-29 castles.z5 (212.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 32, as entered in 2001 competition)

2002-02-15 castles-1.1.tar.gz (114.77 KB)

Inform source code (version: 112)

2002-02-17 castles-1.1.z5 (206.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 112)

Puzzle-fest epilogue to the long and sprawling Mulldoon Legacy, set in some of the same locations. The puzzles in "Murders" are mostly quite ingenious, and several make good use of liquid simulations and heat and cold. A few seem a bit unfair, but there are not too many of those.

Mood is also strong: there's a sense of isolation and an ominous quality that tinge much of the game. It's not full-blown horror, exactly, but it is surreal and somewhat frightening, and grows more so as the plot progresses.

As story it's a little less successful. There was some newsgroup discussion about the meaning of the ending, but it doesn't seem to be universally obvious. (Some people speculated hopefully about a forthcoming Mulldoon III to tie off the ends.)

While it may be best as a follow-on to Legacy, Mulldoon Murders is playable even if you haven't played the first game. People who found Legacy dauntingly enormous may still enjoy this installment.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Emily Short (30 May 2004)

2002-02-14 Mullmurd.z5 (226.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 3)

What MST3K Presents "Detective" is to Detective, this game is to A Fable. Since the MiSTing was performed by a different author, however, there is some difference in style. This time, the emphasis is less on the game's bugs and more on its pretentions. On the whole, it doesn't work as well as MST3K1, mostly because it doesn't do as much with the raw material. Features colored text and sounds and images ripped from the MST3K TV show, flagrantly violating copyright.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1997-02-02 mst2snds.zip (576.34 KB)

Optional sounds for the AGT version

1997-02-01 mst3k2.zip (400.46 KB)

AGT executable (optional graphics, bundled with MS-DOS runtime)

2000-07-15 MST3K2src.zip (26.86 KB)

Inform source code (version: Release 5)

2000-07-23 mst3k2.z5 (118.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 5, ported by Stuart Moore, no multimedia)

It's time for your Go lesson, but your teacher has mysteriously disappeared. Can you find her and figure out what's really going on? Contains some actual puzzles, but also a huge pseudo-maze and whole lot of busywork; doesn't actually require much Go knowledge until the endgame. An interesting diversion, but it could have been so much more.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by R. Serena Wakefield (29 Jul 2000)

2000-03-20 njag2.z5 (144.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 2)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF03.zip (150.92 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_3.html (6.40 KB)

solution

You're a Dwarven Reclaimer, who is charged with going into ancient Dwarven cities and cleaning them up for future habitation. In the case of this particular city, this includes getting the power and water working again, surveying the city itself, and exorcising three ghosts. Your basic fantasy puzzle-fest, including a bit of random combat, mechanical puzzles, a maze you don't need to map and some spellcasting. Some minor bugs involving the rail-car. An afternoon's entertainment.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by R. Serena Wakefield (30 Jul 2000)

1999-12-10 deephome.z5 (130.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2000-01-18 deephome.sol (3.64 KB)

Solution

2000-06-16 SpeedIF03.zip (150.92 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_3.html (6.40 KB)

solution

Suburban hysteria is a rarely used theme in interactive fiction and this SpeedIF game is a worthy take. The fight for your front lawn’s decoration is delivered with effective prose and simple puzzles that promote the story. See the other Speed IF #3 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by George Pappas (01 Aug 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF03.zip (150.92 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_3.html (6.40 KB)

solution

An Iguana magically produces a series of objects that were included in the premise for SpeedIF #3. Not much of a game, more of an inside joke. If you are not into it, it's a waste of time. See the other Speed IF #3 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: **

Reviewed by George Pappas (01 Aug 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF03.zip (150.92 KB)

TADS executable

2000-02-20 mansion-19.2.tar.gz (208.82 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 19.2, ported by James Garnett), C source code

Of the two English translations available, "Dead Reckoning" is preferable; it has been translated by a native speaker of English, and avoids some of the vague and confusing elements of "Shattered Memory" that may make the game hard to play. With that out of the way, the play experience is somewhat surreal. This is another game that starts with the player's amnesia, though the explanation this time is somewhat different from the usual. Gameplay is mostly not terribly difficult, except for some guess-the-phrasing problems, and one or two places where the action required is not something that one would consider common in IF. Fortunately the hints provided for "Shattered Memory" are general enough to be used with "Dead Reckoning" as well. This is a short game without a lot of puzzles that most reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode. It does have a distinctive flavor that seems to set it apart a bit from most English-language IF, and is worth a try.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Emily Short (26 Sep 2003)

2001-10-07 clues.z5 (10.50 KB)

hint menu in Z-code format

2001-09-29 readme.txt (3.68 KB)

documentation

2001-09-29 shattmem.z5 (83.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 8, "bad English" version)

2003-07-31 deadreck.z5 (85.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1, translated by Nick Montfort, "good English" version)

2002-01-22 Olvido.zip (53.91 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in Spanish (version: 3)

Taking the goat to the butcher may have a potential as a theme but there is no evidence of that in this SpeedIF game. Sparse prose, non-existant puzzles and awkward handling of the minimal plot showcase the limits of the concept. See the other Speed IF #3 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: **

Reviewed by George Pappas (01 Aug 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF03.zip (150.92 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_3.html (6.40 KB)

solution

Martians are into the habbit of building replicas of earth's monuments in this simple little game. As in many SpeedIF games the puzzles are almost non-existant and the whole game feels quite rushed. Still could bring a smile if you are into the spirit of SpeedIF. See the other Speed IF #4 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: **

Reviewed by George Pappas (10 Aug 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

A small life moment during history making. You are meeting yor lover after a long time in the Eiffel tower, in a sequence with an almost dream like atmosphere as the world gradually retreats to the background. Shame that the only puzzle spoils the mood. The game contains graphics. See the other Speed IF #4 games for different takes on the same premise.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by George Pappas (10 Aug 2000)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

A scrap of randomness atop the Eiffel Tower. Weak, even by SpeedIF standards: it's startlingly badly-implemented for its wee size, with a virtually unguessable solution.

Rating: *

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (17 Apr 2003)

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

Hugo executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

2000-06-16 SpeedIF04.zip (488.14 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1)

2002-09-18 speedIF_4.html (9.30 KB)

solution

1994-02-01 dogstar.sfx (13.50 KB)

Commodore executable (ported by David Malmberg)

2002-02-16 dogstar.bas (18.00 KB)

BASIC source code (ported by Gern)

1995-04-13 time.readme (569 bytes)

author's note for the Amiga version

1995-04-07 time1.lha (391.35 KB)

Amiga executable (disk 1)

1995-04-07 time2.lha (629.49 KB)

Amiga executable (disk 2)

1995-04-07 time3.lha (616.30 KB)

Amiga executable (disk 3)

2003-03-02 time1.zip (2.87 MB)

Alan 2.5 executable (version: 1.2), MS-DOS executable

2000-02-09 mule.zip (106.35 KB)

AGT executable (bundled with MS-DOS runtime)

2000-02-09 mule_s.zip (110.91 KB)

AGT source code

2000-04-26 psionics.zip (232.85 KB)

MS-DOS executable

An almost puzzle-less one-room joke game set in a shop providing solutions. This WackyComp entry stays true to the competition's spirit mainly thanks to its prose that is filled with wordplays. The wacky plot satirizes adventure conventions quite effectively for such a small effort

Rating: ***

Reviewed by George Pappas (20 Jul 2000)

2000-08-16 knot4.zip (9.81 KB)

Alan source code

1999-03-20 wackycmp.zip (36.56 KB)

Alan 2.8 executable (Requires Alan 2.8 interpreter)

1999-03-24 WackyComp.txt (1.04 KB)

The rules of David Glasser's 1999 WackyComp

A menu-driven, character-graphics-based rock band simulation in which you regulate your promotional activities and drug intake in an attempt to maintain your health and creativity without going broke. Not a text adventure, but if you're here for 1980's shareware nostalgia, you could hardly do better.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (07 Sep 2000)

2000-05-03 rockstar.zip (115.49 KB)

MS-DOS executable

2002-01-26 cia.bas (15.63 KB)

BASIC source code

1997-06-21 cia.inf (32.46 KB)

Inform source code (version: Release 1, ported by J. Kevin Thomas)

1997-06-19 cia.z5 (53.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1, ported by J. Kevin Thomas, full-sentence parser)

1996-10-15 Sols2.zip (38.22 KB)

solution

This is one of those games that you can't say very much about without weakening the impact, but I'll say what I can. The content can be broadly described by two words: violence and gimmicks. Despite some structural allusions to Zork, it's story-driven (or possibly gimmick-driven) with no puzzles, except insofar as the story itself is rather puzzling. Nightmarish, disjointed, short enough to be played at one sitting, does some interesting things technically (including some tricks that I didn't notice until poking around in my second play-through). Far from perfect as a work of art, but I don't count the time spent playing it as wasted.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (19 Sep 2000)

2000-02-12 shrapnel.exe (142.45 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 1.01)

2001-07-13 ACgamesForPalm.zip (638.44 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1.01, ported by Trevor Menagh, converted to PalmOS .prc file)

2000-02-12 shrapnel.txt (998 bytes)

Author's notes

2000-02-12 shrapnel.z5 (96.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 1.01)

2000-08-07 stupid.zip (15.79 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 2.31)

2002-06-20 windy.zip (114.76 KB)

Adrift executable (version: 1.2), point list

A time-travel game with a Doctor Who-ish story involving a dystopian future, the ruins of Atlantis, Nazi England, Time's Guardian and Time's Enemy. A huge game with diverse settings, but ruined by unduly hard puzzles and bad design. If you don't know why "linearity" is considered a bad thing in adventure games, give this one a try - it persistently locks the player into small areas, where you must already have the right equipment (often hidden where it's easily missed) to do the thing that takes you to the next small area (often within a time limit). No going back to regions you visited before, either - perhaps this is meant as indicative of the nature of time, but it hardly makes a good game. Other than that, competently built, with a high code-to-bug ratio, weak prose (it describes things as "feeling evil" so often it becomes funny), and a few nice puzzles amidst all the mediocre ones.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

2000-02-04 Tatctae.zip (249.24 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: 7)

1997-05-21 tatctae.z8 (369.50 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: Release 7)

1996-10-29 time.sol (18.41 KB)

Walkthrough

2003-02-08 enigma.z5 (98.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable in Italian (version: 30)

2000-02-09 oceana.zip (255.51 KB)

AGT executable, AGT source code

2000-02-09 oceana.zip (255.51 KB)

AGT source code

2002-01-26 elgon.bas (30.69 KB)

BASIC source code (ported by A. Laughton)

A laughably bad attempt at pathos and moral anguish: "I just can't believe that dear little Billy, the kid I used to sit on my knee, became a murderer." If the writing weren't bad enough, the only input the player has is at the very beginning and the very end. The rest of the time, you just page through endless "Click here to continue" prompts. It's all CYOA-style, and yet the author couldn't even be bothered to give us the occasional illusion of choice. Instead, we have what may as well be a noninteractive short story, except you have to read it through an inconvenient hypertext thingy.

If you feel you must play it, the easiest way is to select the file Child.dxr using a Shockwave-enabled browser. (You spare yourself two megabytes of download time that way, too.) If you must play it offline, you'll need all of the files (including Child.dxr), with the files ending in .x32 in a subdirectory called "Xtras". If you're going to be downloading the other Competition 2000 games, I suggest grabbing the complete set instead, which will have it already set up correctly when unpacked. But no matter how you download this work, it isn't worth the trouble.

Also, be warned that some of the filenames have spaces in them, and thus might require special handling. In fact, I had to rewrite sections of this Guide's back-end just to accomodate this lousy game, which leaves me not at all inclined to be charitable in this review.

Rating: *

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (17 Apr 2001)

2000-09-30 Child.dxr (378.75 KB)

Online version (requires Shockwave)

2000-01-09 Dirapi.dll (946.00 KB)

Driver

2000-01-09 Iml32.dll (385.00 KB)

Driver

2000-09-30 quest.exe (102.65 KB)

Windows executable (version: competition release, Requires the above dll's in the same directory and x32 files in a subdirectory called Xtras.)

1999-12-29 Font Asset.x32 (48.00 KB)

Multimedia file

1999-12-29 Font Xtra.x32 (225.00 KB)

Multimedia file

1999-12-29 Text Asset.x32 (49.50 KB)

Multimedia file

1999-12-29 TextXtra.x32 (326.00 KB)

Multimedia file

A primitive RPG set in an 8x8x8 dungeon with randomized contents. Accepts one-word commands and usually only pays attention to the first letter. Way retro, and exists in many variants (most of which are not at the Archive). If Wumpus is the antecedent of text adventures, this is the antecedent of Roguelike games.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Sep 2000)

2000-08-07 wizards-castle.zip (33.15 KB)

MS-DOS executable (ported by J. F. Stetson)

2002-02-17 temple.zip (21.01 KB)

BASIC source code (version: 4.2, by John Belew, optional graphics, sound, compatible with GWBASIC)

2004-10-03 wizard.zip (9.88 KB)

BASIC source code (ported by J. F. Stetson)

2000-09-18 wcastle.inf (57.03 KB)

Inform source code (version: initial release)

2000-09-18 wcastle.z5 (33.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: initial release, ported by Adam Biltcliffe)

An exceedingly well-crafted game, and a pleasure to play. Originally released as freeware with an optional registration (to get "feelies" and hints), but now the feelies are free too. Features multiple paths and a surreal atmosphere.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Mark Musante (02 Jan 2002)

Large, highly complex and introspective game. You're a fellow named Terry, in rehab for nicotine addiction, and the drug you're put on sets you on an internal journey of sorts. Nearly everything in the game functions on a symbolic level, and trying to unravel everything is challenging--there's been no little debate on the rec.*.int-fiction newsgroups about what everything means. Thematically rich, but also plenty of fun as a game--the puzzles are challenging but fair, on the whole. What's notable about this is that, for the most part, the puzzles serve the purposes of the story rather than getting in the way of the story--the author manages to weave the plot into the obstacles to be overcome. The central relationship in the game is a puzzle in itself--much as the protagonist doesn't fully understand the relationship, you the player spend most of the game trying to figure out the dynamics. At two points in the game, the plot branches (in a sufficiently subtle way that you may not realize there was another choice), such that two lengthy sections of the game have two entirely separate paths through them (after which the paths rejoin). Complex, but thoroughly rewarding. Originally shareware, but the author has now released it as freeware.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (01 May 2001)

2001-11-30 gripsrc.zip (356.57 KB)

Source code to version 5.0

2001-11-30 grip.gam (696.44 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 5)

2001-12-04 gripfeelies.zip (9.71 MB)

additional PDF documents (including registration key for hints)

1998-05-15 grip.sol (15.43 KB)

Walkthrough

2001-08-20 Losing_Your_Grip_Solution.zip (11.65 KB)

solution

2000-11-04 akron.taf (21.74 KB)

Adrift 3.80 executable (version: 0.1)

You're the only witness to a kidnapping, and must go to the rescue. Two-word parser with some pre-defined function key macros. Split-window format. Straightforward puzzles, although you could get stuck if you miss one of the clues.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

2000-08-21 Crime_Adventure.taf (14.72 KB)

Adrift executable (ported by Mark Whitmore, full-sentence parser)

1993-02-24 crimeadv.zip (42.59 KB)

MS-DOS executable

1993-02-25 crimeadv.sol (1.03 KB)

solution

The Second American Civil War has passed, and you're picking through the rubble for loot, via satellite link to your trusty robot. An interesting spin on the division between PC and protagonist, since the game actually involves a character manipulating a machine (and certain key points indicate that the analogy is no accident). The second half or so of the game takes a sharp turn, one that some have called heavy-handed; whether or not you find it that was, it's the sort of story that needs emotional impact to make it work, and the impact wasn't really there for me. Your mileage may vary, of course, and it's certainly a well-crafted work: the writing is impeccable, the setting thoroughly described, and generally there's plenty of attention to detail. Alternate endings abound, and it's impossible to see even most of the text on a given play through, so there's lots of replayability. In short, it's well put together, even if the message doesn't resonate in quite the way the author intended.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Duncan Stevens (22 Jul 2000)

2000-08-31 LASH-r11.hqx (471.79 KB)

Macintosh executable (version: Release 11)

2000-08-07 LASH.zip (259.91 KB)

MS-DOS executable (version: Release 11)

2000-08-07 LASH.z8 (361.50 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 11)

1997-11-27 trs.zip (429.95 KB)

TRS-80 executable

1995-03-19 advc64.zip (88.38 KB)

Commodore executable (version: 3.0, ported by David A. Hook), BASIC source code

2002-01-26 quest.bas (10.13 KB)

BASIC source code (ported by Lee Dusbabek)

For those unfamiliar with the television program, Mystery Science Theater 3000 consists of bad sci-fi movies with humorous heckling added. This game changes the medium, but keeps the spirit. Matt Barringer's Detective is mercilessly lambasted in imitation of the show's silly and irreverent style. If you've never seen the show, you might not get much out of it; if you've neither seen the show nor played Detective, you'll probably want to give this one a miss, although the use of multiple narrative voices (the original game and the commentary) is interesting once you notice it.

Rating: Not rated

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1997-01-31 mst1agt.zip (202.16 KB)

AGT executable (version: Release 101, ported by Graeme Cree, bundled with MS-DOS runtime)

1995-08-15 mst3k1.zip (84.08 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 101, original competition release (includes source code, game file, and walkthrough))

1996-09-12 mst3k1.inf (129.53 KB)

Inform source code (version: Release 101, Silver Screen Edition)

2000-07-15 MST3K1src.zip (35.13 KB)

Inform source code (version: Release 7)

2000-07-23 mst3k1_2.z5 (138.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 7, Latest version (no color scheme))

1999-06-14 mst3k1.z5 (103.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: Release 101, Silver Screen Edition)

2000-04-01 dino.zip (635.20 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

2000-09-20 RtDoom.z5 (175.00 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

1999-10-19 Doom2.zip (93.53 KB)

MS-DOS executable

1999-12-02 Doom2.pdf (907.25 KB)

documentation

2000-03-17 topologika_manuals.zip (42.50 KB)

documentation in HTML format

1997-02-13 CountdownToDoom-tape.zip (17.16 KB)

BBC executable

2003-07-06 beebgames.zip (1.32 MB)

BBC executable

2000-09-20 CtDoom.z5 (129.50 KB)

Z-code 5 executable (version: 1)

1999-10-19 Doom1.zip (58.95 KB)

MS-DOS executable

1999-12-03 Doom1.pdf (1.74 MB)

documentation

2000-03-17 topologika_manuals.zip (42.50 KB)

documentation in HTML format

A massive work, solidly built on the same principles as Curses!. This will take you months to solve. The sheer quantity of puzzles is staggering, and virtually every kind of puzzle you've ever seen in a text adventure is represented (excluding the maze of twisty litte passages all alike, but including a liquid measurement problem and a cryptic crossword clue). The story concerns a search for an elderly relative in his museum. The museum turns out to be a museum of magic, and the magic turns out to be strange stuff indeed. From the museum, the player can sometimes escape into self-contained sub-worlds through visions, time travel, or other means, often learning more about the nature of magic or the history of the Mulldoons in the process. Alternate solutions abound, and many parts of the museum can be reached in more than one way. Humorous, imaginative, full of surprises, and most of all, devious. Relies on character graphics in a couple of places.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (02 Apr 2002)

2000-08-04 Mulldoon.z8 (458.00 KB)

Z-code 8 executable (version: 6)

2000-01-06 mulldoon2.sol (34.21 KB)

solution

2002-04-19 mulldoonmaze.sol (1.79 KB)

erratum to solution

Your roommate is cramming for an important exam, and if he doesn't pass, you'll have to endure his company for another semester. You have to clear the apartment of distractions - a task made difficult when four of his friends drop by for an all-night party. A small game with exceptionally rich detail and a good sense of humour. Has a time limit, but it's so large compared to the game that I don't expect anyone will run afoul of it without trying to do so.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Carl Muckenhoupt (30 Jun 2000)

1996-10-17 kissing.gam (201.57 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 1, original competition entry)

1996-10-17 kissing.sol (3.16 KB)

Walkthrough

2000-10-22 kissing.zip (114.17 KB)

TADS executable (version: Release 2.1)

2000-10-16 kissing.sol (3.24 KB)

solution

2003-07-06 beebgames.zip (1.32 MB)

BBC executable

The English translation of the title is "Oskar and the Death". To play this game, you should have a working knowledge of German. However, here is a brief synopsis in English: As private eye T. Fink, you have to find out who is trying to poison your client in his own house.

Privatdetektiv T. Fink macht sich auf den Weg nach Dodeleben, um herauszufinden, wer seinem Klienten Oskar Lintzmeyer nach dem Leben trachtet, dessen Gesundheitszustand sich immer weiter verschlechtert. Im Hause seines Klienten sucht er nach Indizien, die zum Schuldigen führen könnten.
Die technischen Mängel sowie Rechtschreib- und Grammatikfehler trüben leider den Eindruck. Schade, denn eine ausgereiftere Version dieses Spiels wäre ein netter kleiner Zeitvertreib für zwischendurch.

Rating: **

Reviewed by Matthias Oborski (19 Dec 2002)

1997-03-12 oskar.zip (24.59 KB)

Alan 2.6(2) executable in German (version: 1.1)

2001-02-09 Oskar.gmp (1.50 KB)

Map (in GUEmap format)

2000-11-04 cave.taf (83.47 KB)

Adrift executable