| Adventure Fun-Pak Apogee Software, 1989 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A collection of very simple, often frustrating games. Rogue Runner is an ASCII adventure with similarities to Kroz, except that most of the maze is invisible and the souls of previous adventurers home in on you. The Thing is a very simple text adventure based on the old Wumpus game. These are some of Scott Miller's earliest games. There are 4 games in the Adventure Fun-Pak: Rogue Runner Complete version history:Adventure Fun-Pak v1.0 Freeware Episodes (298k)Apogee generously released Adventure Fun-Pak and Puzzle Fun-Pak as freeware under the Adventure & Puzzle Fun Packs Freeware License in May 2004. They are both in the same zip file.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Adventures of Maddog Williams in the Dungeons of Duridian Game Crafters, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Maddog Williams is essentially a text adventure with VGA graphics. Detailed descriptions of rooms and objects can still be obtained by asking for them, but you can already see what's in the room and get a hint as to what items might be worth examining. Unlike a text adventure, Maddog must be moved around using the arrow keys so that he can interact with objects and move from screen to screen. Kind of like a point-and-click adventure, without the mouse support. He can also fight in real time, advancing, retreating, and swinging his sword, rather than the turn-based fighting in a text adventure. Like most adventures, points are scored for collecting objects and meeting objectives, and your goal is to complete the story. In this case, your goal is to drive the evil out of Duridian so that people can live in peace. Quite an interesting gaming experience. There are 8 chapters in this game, with only the first chapter playable in the shareware version. The Adventures of Maddog Williams in the Dungeons of Duridian Registered Version (2323k) Game Crafters has generously released this game as freeware under the The Adventures of Maddog Williams Vol 1 Freeware License.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beneath a Steel Sky Revolution Software, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former commercial) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A point-and-click adventure set in a dystopian future with a hero whose life has obvious parallels to John from Brave New World. As Robert Foster, you are the son of citizens of the city, but you have been raised by a tribe that lives in the wilderness. Security agents kidnap you and return you to the city, but you manage to escape following a helicopter crash. With only your faithful sidekick, a robot named Joey, you must escape the city and find out why you were brought here. The graphics and sound are quite good in this immersive world, and interaction with the people who live in it is ingenious and full of witty dialog. It takes a lot of thinking to solve some of the puzzles. The CD-ROM version of the game replaces the text with voice and adds cut scenes that are drawn like comic books. Beneath a Steel Sky CD Version (67874k) Revolution Software generously released this game as freeware under the Beneath a Steel Sky Freeware License.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beyond the Titanic Apogee Software, 1986 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A text adventure that takes place during the maiden voyage of the Titanic. The player's goal is to survive the disaster and return to San Francisco. All shareware versions of Beyond the Titanic that I've found have the same executable file, but an early version contains a text file requesting a donation of $5 to register the game, while a later version requests $5 or $10 and mentions Supernova and Kingdom of Kroz. An early version of Kingdom of Kroz was also included with the later version. Complete version history:
Apogee generously released this game under the Beyond the Titanic Freeware License in March 1998.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Castle Adventure Kevin Bales, 1984 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Castle Adventure is an early attempt at adding ASCII graphics to the traditional text adventures of early computers. The game accepts typed instructions of two words, such as "drink water", and many of the room names, treasures and items seem inspired by Colossal Caves. It differs by eliminating the rich descriptions that are necessary in a text adventure and allows you to actually see the room. You navigate and fight using the arrow keys. Exploration is important and there is definitely some problem solving, but not on the scale of a text adventure. There are only 83 rooms and relatively few commands, making the game suitable for players of any age. I enjoy it very much, and it is worth playing to completion for the nostalgia and a DOS gaming history lesson. Castle Adventure Shareware (43k) I'm not sure if the author still accepts registration for this game, but I will find out.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caves of Thor Apogee Software, 1989 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Often referred to as the "Thor Trilogy", Caves of Thor is an ASCII graphics adventure game that is a bit more like ZZT than Kroz. You play Thor, trapped in the Caves of Thor, and you must find three magical objects in order to escape. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Caves of Thor Caves of Thor v1.1 Registered Version (155k) Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Caves of Thor Freeware License in December 2005.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crusher Soleau Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Crusher is an adventure game that takes place in a cavern of 25 rooms arranged in a 5×5 grid. Each room is randomly generated at the beginning of each game, so the game is different every time. Each room is full of boxes, unmovable tiles, diamonds, and three monsters. The monsters come in four colors, indicating their speed, but all will be the same within each room. Some rooms contain oxygen tanks, which you need to live, and bombs, which can be used to destroy the boxes and unmovable tiles. Oxygen is depleted with every step you take. Touching a monster will cost you a life, but running out of oxygen will instantly end the game. The boxes can be pushed if there is nothing behind them, which allows you to create a protective barrier between yourself and the monsters, or to trap them. You can crush a monster by trapping it with boxes so that it can't move. Crushed monsters disappear, and an oxygen tank will appear somewhere in the level. Bonus points are awarded for killing more than one monster in the same room. Every time you re-enter a room, all of the monsters will return. After scoring 10,000 points, you can begin to work on your objectives, which include finding Mr. X, finding a map, rescuing Eve, finding Ted, finding the combination to the safe, and finding the safe. As you achieve each objective, one of the rooms will change to contain the next objective, so the entire cavern has to be searched for each one, although you'll learn to identify the room that Mr. X will eventually be in when you see it. This game is very difficult, and success depends upon conserving bombs and, most importantly, conserving oxygen by moving as efficiently as possible. Shareware versions 3.0 and earlier only allow you to play until you find Eve, and require registration to complete the later objectives. Version 3.1 and later allow the entire game to be completed. The registered version allows you to save a game in progress.
Soleau Software still sells the registered version of this game for $12 by download only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crusher Castle II Soleau Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The sequel to Crusher, Crusher Castle II is an adventure game that takes place in a haunted mansion with 25 rooms arranged in a 5×5 grid. Each room is randomly generated at the beginning of each game, so the game is different every time. Each room is full of boxes, bags of gold, and ghosts. The ghosts come in three colors, indicating their speed. This time the unmovable blocks are gone, the rooms are bigger, there are more enemies in each room, and ghosts of different speeds can appear in the same room together. Bombs can be used to clear a path through the boxes. Instead of oxygen tanks, you need candles to help you escape. Candles are depleted with every step you take. Touching a ghost will cost you a life, but running out of candles will instantly end the game. The boxes can be pushed if there is nothing behind them, which allows you to create a protective barrier between yourself and the ghosts, or to trap them. You can crush a ghost by trapping it with boxes so that it can't move. Crushed ghosts disappear, and a candle will appear somewhere in the level. Every time you re-enter a room, all of the ghosts will return. After scoring 10,000 points, you can begin to work on your objectives, so that you can achieve your ultimate goal of escaping from the mansion. As you achieve each objective, one of the rooms will change to contain the next objective, so the entire mansion has to be searched for each one. The registered version allows you to save a game in progress. Crusher Castle II v2.2 Shareware (138k) Soleau Software still sells the registered version of this game for $12 by download only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dungeons of Grimlor Tactical Neuronics, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A simple adventure game with a huge emphasis on exploration. Using nothing but a bow and arrow, you battle monsters and locate treasures and keys by navigating from screen to screen through obvious exists, locked doors and secret passages. Your ultimate goal is to defeat a dragon named Grimlor. Your character can take a lot of damage, and his health is restored every 10,000 points, so the real challenge is finding your way through the endless dungeons. John Reder originally published The Dungeons of Grimlor under the name RederWare. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - The GEM of Souls Dungeons of Grimlor v1.1 Registered Version (897k) Tactical Neuronics generously released this game as freeware under The Dungeons of Grimlor Freeware License.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dungeons of Grimlor 2: The Lich Tactical Neuronics, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dungeons of Grimlor 2 is another huge dungeon maze, with better graphics, more monsters and terrain types than the original. In addition to doors that require keys, there are now doors that open with a switch, rivers that carry you away, and teleporters. This time you regain health by collecting healing potions as well as by collecting 10,000 points, which means there is a lot more action. The evil dragon Grimlor, slain in the first game, is feared to have survived in some form, perhaps as a creature both dead and alive, making him a "Lich". John Reder originally published The Dungeons of Grimlor under the name SumWare Software. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1: Resurrection Dungeons of Grimlor 2: The Lich v1.0 Registered Version (1916k) Tactical Neuronics generously released this game as freeware under The Dungeons of Grimlor 2 Freeware License.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Budda's Labyrinth Tactical Neuronics, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A very simple adventure in which you drive a tank through a maze filled with robot orbs. Your goal is to find your way out of the labyrinth, so the emphasis is exploration rather than combat. John Reder originally published General Budda's Labyrinth under the name RederWare. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - The Orbs of Destruction General Budda's Labyrinth v1.1 Registered Version (961k) Tactical Neuronics generously released this game as freeware under General Buddas Labyrinth Freeware License.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gobliiins Sierra On-Line, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In the first game in the legendary Goblins series, someone is using a voodoo doll to drive the king crazy, and you must seek out a wizard to save him. Gobliiins is a point-and-click adventure in which you control three goblins, named Dwayne, Bobo and Hooter. Only one character can be controlled at a time, and each goblin has different abilities. Bobo is a warrior and can punch things. Hooter is a magician and can cast spells on things. Dwayne is a technician, and is the only character who can pick up and use objects, but he can only hold one object at a time. Sometimes making a mistake will cause one of your goblins to be injured in a humorous way, which reduces their collective life bar. Some actions will even kill them instantly! When all of the goals on the screen have been achieved, the game indicates that you can move to the next screen and gives you a save code. A CD-ROM version of the game, called "Gobliiins Gold" featured voice acting in several languages during the interlude between screens, which helped develop the story. There are 20 levels in this game, with only the first 3 playable in the shareware version. Gobliiins Shareware Demo (761k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on Sierra's website.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gobliins 2: The Prince Buffoon Sierra On-Line, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In the second game in the legendary Goblins series, the king's son has been kidnapped, and you must rescue him and bring him home. As the name implies, there are only two goblins this time, named Fingus and Winkle. This time both goblins can carry and use objects, so the difference between is their personalities. Fingus is intelligent and tactful, while Winkle is discourteous and violent. Their personalities determine how a goblin will use an object or talk to other characters. The first major improvement over Gobliiins is that both goblins can be controlled simultaneously, and must sometimes work together to solve a problem. You can also keep more than one object in your inventory at once, and objects can be instantly assigned and transferred between goblins. There is no longer a health bar, which dramatically increases the number of situations where the goblins can be hilariously injured. The dialog is witty and sarcastic, the goblins' antics are hysterical, and there's a lot to do on every screen. Another improvement is that the goblins can (and must) move back and forth between screens. Sometimes a goal must be achieved on another screen before success can be achieved on the first one. Many of the solutions are devilishly hard, so with the addition of more to do on each screen, the playable demo for Gobliins 2 offers much more content than the demo for Gobliiins, and could take a newcomer to the game hours to complete. Only the first level, consisting of 4 screens, is playable in the shareware version. Gobliins 2 v1.01 Shareware Demo (535k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on Sierra's website.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goblins Quest 3 Sierra On-Line, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In the third game in the legendary Goblins series, a single goblin named Blount sets out with no particular quest in mind, but eventually needs to rescue a damsel in distress. There are secondary playable characters in some levels, which allows for puzzles that require teamwork by controlling both characters simultaneously. You can still keep more than one object in your inventory at once, and there is no health bar. The only obvious improvement since Gobliins 2 is that some levels are larger than the screen, which can be scrolled with the mouse pointer. Only the first level is playable in the shareware version. Gobliiins Quest 3 v0.02 French Shareware Demo (1290k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on Sierra's website.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hugo II, Whodunit? Gray Design Associates, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In the sequel to Hugo's House of Horrors, Hugo and Penelope take a vacation in France, but Hugo disappears, and his great uncle Horace is murdered! This time you play as Penelope, trying to rescue Hugo and solve the murder. The graphics and gameplay are similar to the first Hugo game, but the game is much longer than the original. You'll need to make a map to complete one stage, but mapping is part of the fun. Some areas may be too difficult for children, such as the venus flytraps and crossing the bridge without getting the matches wet. Some commands have to be phrased very specifically, often in a more verbose way than necessary, so you can have the right idea, and phrase a sensible and obvious command, but fail and think that you're on the wrong track. Challenge and frustration aside, the game is appropriate for gamers of all ages. Complete version history:
Gray Design Associates still sells the DOS and Windows versions of the Hugo Trilogy collectively for $10 by download only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hugo III, Jungle of Doom! Gray Design Associates, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
On the way home from vacationing in Hugo II, Hugo and Penelope crash their plane in the jungles of South America. After Penelope is bitten by a spider, Hugo must find the antidote to save her. Hugo III is the most ambitious game of the series. One new addition is that Hugo gets smaller as he moves away from the "camera", though there's an awkward flash when he changes size. Another new feature is that, if you get really stuck (which happens a lot in Hugo games), the game will offer to give you a hint! Hugo III rounds out the genres in the trilogy, which began with a horror story, followed by a murder mystery, and ends with an adventure. Complete version history:
Gray Design Associates still sells the DOS and Windows versions of the Hugo Trilogy collectively for $10 by download only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hugo's Horrific Adventure Gray Design Associates, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | Win16 Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Hugo Trilogy was re-released as for Windows 3.1 under slightly different names. The graphics are identical, but there are new sounds effects, and the music is much nicer. You still have the option of controlling Hugo by using the arrow keys and typing commands, but you can also use the mouse to click on where you want Hugo to go, and you can left-click to look at objects or right-click to take or use them. The "infinite score" bug from Hugo's House of Horrors is fixed in the Windows remake. Overall, the game retains all of the charm of the original, but makes it a bit easier to navigate, and the music and sound are a bit easier on the ears. There are three episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Hugo's Horrific Adventure Hugo's Horrific Adventure v1.4 Shareware (676k) Gray Design Associates still sells the DOS and Windows versions of the Hugo Trilogy collectively for $10 by download only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hugo's House of Horrors Gray Design Associates, 1990 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In Hugo's first adventure, he must rescue his girlfriend Penelope from a house she disappeared into while babysitting. The game is a graphical adventure, but commands must be typed. The arrow keys control Hugo's movement, while simple commands like "look at pumpkin" or "talk to butler" control the action. Points are awarded for completing objectives, and the game can be saved before difficult stages where Hugo can be killed, though a bug in v1.8 prevents games from being restored. The game isn't very long, but there is a series of questions that would be quite difficult to complete without the hint manual that came with the registered version. Still a fun little diversion, suitable for children of most ages. The registered version allows recording and playback of Hugo's actions. Complete version history:
Gray Design Associates still sells the DOS and Windows versions of the Hugo Trilogy collectively for $10 by download only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis LucasArts Entertainment Company, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Based on the legendary SCUMM engine, Fate of Atlantis is a point-and-click adventure. Set in 1939, you play the roles of Indiana Jones and Sophia Hapgood as they try to prevent the Nazis from using a powerful metal from the lost city of Atlantis to take over the world. The game features some of the most beautiful graphics to ever appear in a DOS game and a memorable musical score. Part way through the game, you can choose between three paths to take, each of which will take you to different locations and cause a different storyline to play out: the Wits Path (hard puzzles), Fists Path (easier puzzles, more fighting), and the Team Path (requires Sophia Hapgood to solve many puzzles). The shareware version contains the final stage of the Fists Path up to the point where the paths converge at Atlantis. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis Shareware (771k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on LucasArts's website.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kingdom of Kroz II Apogee Software, 1990 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Kingdom of Kroz II v2.0 Shareware Episode (109k) NOTE: Apogee no longer takes orders for the full version of this game, which they discontinued in early 1999, and it is not in their downloads section. It couldn't hurt to politely ask them if they could make the game available for sale again, or make the registered version freeware. Sign our petition to Apogee
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lure of the Temptress Revolution Software, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former commercial) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A point-and-click adventure game -- what many people call a Sierra-style game -- with pretty good animation for the time. In the days before graphics, this would have been a text adventure. The "Look" option gives you information about your surroundings and the objects you wish to examine. In a medieval fantasy world, you must escape from a dungeon and save the kingdom. One interesting feature is that you have a sidekick who you can give instructions to carry out. The village people go about their lives without you and even have conversations with each other, which creates a fun sense of realism. Lure of the Temptress v1.0 English (1778k) Revolution Software has generously released this game as freeware. NOTE: When the game first begins, move the cursor to the menu at the top of the screen and RESTART the game. This bypasses the copy protection system.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Snarf Everett Kaser Software, 1988 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Snarf is an adventure game with perhaps a bit of a Robotron influence. The hero can fire his weapon in any of four directions while moving in any other direction, so coordination with both hands is important. There hero must find keys in order to reach the next level, while monsters called Snarfs spawn out of Snarf nests. The Snarfs will never stop coming, but they will spawn out of the nearest nest, so it's possible to wipe them out in one area and lead them to spawn in an area where they won't bother you. There are teleporters which the Snarfs can't use, and hit points can be restored at aid stations. Hit points aren't restored at the end of levels, so it can be a real endurance match to survive to the next level that has an aid station. A fun and challenging game for gamers of any age. There are 50 levels in this game, with only the first 20 playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:
Everett Kaser generously gave Classic DOS Games (and only Classic DOS Games) permission to distribute the licensed version of this game as freeware under the Snarf Freeware License on 2 January 2008.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Super ZZT Epic MegaGames, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The sequel to ZZT, Super ZZT switches from being a collection of single screens to a system that allows massive levels that can be scrolled in every direction. The text mode is changed to 40×25 mode from 80×40 in ZZT, so you can't see as far ahead in this game. Gameplay is otherwise familiar, and a number of new enemies are added. Gameplay seems to be easier in Super ZZT, and there are less occasions where you lose instantly by failing to solve a puzzle. Super ZZT also featured a level editor, but the game proved less popular than the original, and less levels were designed for it. Volume numbers in Super ZZT continue from the original ZZT. There are 3 volumes in this game, with only the last volume playable in the shareware version. Volume 5: ZZT's Proving Grounds Super ZZT v1.1 Shareware Episode (101k) Epic MegaGames has generously released this game as freeware.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supernova Apogee Software, 1987 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A text adventure set in the future on a distant mining colony. Supernova recognizes over 1000 words and displays status information on the screen. Points are awarded for achieving goals and advancing the story. The original text of the game stated that "This game is placed in the public domain for your enjoyment", but also requested a $10 donation, so it should be considered full version shareware.
Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Supernova Freeware License in March 1998.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teenagent Union Logic Software Publishing, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Teenagent is a very humorous point-and-click adventure. As teenager Mark Hopper, you've been enlisted by the RGB to solve the mystery of money that's been disappearing from safes. You can talk to people, use items in your inventory, and even combine items. Left click on things to look at them, and right click to use them. There is a lot of dialog in the game, and it's witty and sarcastic. Teenagent is basically a parody of its own genre, and it's nice to play a game that doesn't take itself too seriously. The music is decent and the graphics are often very detailed. The backgrounds were hand painted and there are over 20 000 frames of animation in the registered version. The music and voices are also pretty good. The registered version is 10 times longer than the shareware version. Teenagent Shareware Episode (1419k) I have found no ordering information for this game.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ZZT Epic MegaGames, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 10 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Tim Sweeney's famous first game, published by Potomac Computer Systems until v3.2, when it was renamed Epic MegaGames. ZZT is an ASCII adventure along the lines of the famous Kroz series. The hero can move from screen to screen, fighting monsters and collecting treasures as he goes. Torches are necessary to see in dark rooms such as caves, and keys are needed to open passages to some areas. ZZT is known for clever level design and use of the 16 color palette, and also uses the PC speaker to create music more effectively than most games of this era. The game also came with a level editor, inspiring thousands of user-created levels. There is still a fan following for this game even today. Epic released the full version of this game as freeware on their website in 1997, but Epic Classics is still selling it on their website. I am asking the author whether or not it is still legal to distribute the full version. There are 4 volumes in this game, with only the first volume playable in the shareware version. Volume 1: Town of ZZT ZZT v3.2 Registered Version (176k) Epic MegaGames generously released this game as freeware under the ZZT Freeware License. It is also still sold through www.epicclassics.com for $12 on floppy disk only.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
