We had 100 words to tell the beginning of the story that introduces no characters.
All posts by Beau
Zork 1: The Great Underground Empire
Publisher: Infocom
Developer: Infocom
Year: 1980
Platform: Everything
Yes, Zork was the most important computer game of the early 1980’s. Perhaps even more important than King’s Quest. You are standing in an open field, west of a white house, is quite possibly the most well-known line in adventure games. It laid the foundation for many wonderful things to come. And it was an incredibly impressive, engaging adventure when it was released. But other than nostalgia, it has little going for it after all these years.
Survivor XV, Challenge 9: Damn Mutants
So we have a guy who’s developed a superpower, but ends up not dealing with it so well. Word limit of 300.
Wishbringer
Publisher: Infocom
Developer: Infocom
Year: 1985
Platform: Everything
Touted as an adventure game for beginners by Infocom, and Wishbringer certainly fits the bill. I played this text adventure when I was fourteen and required no hints for the duration. But this romp is still enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
Under A Killing Moon
Publisher: Access Software
Developer: Access Software
Year: 1994
Platform: Windows; DOS; Mac; Linux
It took a few years after Martian Memorandum for Chris Jones to release another sequel in the Tex Murphy series, but considering he had to figure out how to utilize that new-fangled CD-ROM thingy, it is no surprise. The series has championed, or at least further developed, new software to enhance the gaming experience, and things are no different in this incarnation. Being released on four CD’s, Under A Killing Moon was the largest computer game in history at the time, while also sidestepping pitfalls seen in future FMV games (e.g. Phantasmagoria). Sadly, however, the innovations weren’t enough to elevate the game quality above the previous offerings.
Survivor XV, Challenge 8: Bygones
This we had a choice. We could either write a eulogy about someone the character disdained, or write a wedding toast where the toaster had been romantically involved with the bride or groom. I chose the latter.
Still Life
Publisher: Microids
Developer: Microids
Year: 2005
Platform: Windows, Xbox
These days I have little worry that when I pick up an adventure game that the production values are going to be fantastic. Sure, there’s going to be the occasional lemon, but with the glutton of previews to be found on the internet, you pretty much know what you’re getting into. Most people seem to agree on what constitutes passable visuals and I can shop accordingly. Unfortunately, the standards for character development do not seem to be so widely agreed upon. In a game where the focus in on the interactivity between the characters, those playing the parts must be charming, engaging, and memorable. Just like when I read a book of fiction, if I don’t care about who I’m watching, little of what’s left is going to affect me. Needless to say, I felt Victoria and the rest of the cast in Still Life left me wanting.
Survivor XV, Challenge 7: Chicken Dance
This week we had to write a story about someone who has become isolated because they stubbornly stick to tradition (like someone at a wedding begging to do the chicken dance…apparently).
Star Trek: Borg
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Developer: Simon & Schuster
Year: 1996
Platform: Windows, Mac
This FMV Adventure by Simon & Schuster touts itself as an interactive movie, and that’s more or less what you get. With less than three hours of gameplay, the game works sufficiently with what it offers. Sadly, it offers very little.
Spellcasting 201: The Sorcerer’s Appliance
Publisher: Legend
Developer: Legend
Year: 1991
Platform: DOS
While a technical improvement in every area over the first game in the series, including graphics, sound, and breadth, I just couldn’t put my heart into Spellcasting 201.
Death By Troggles 
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