- Questron
Infobox VG| title = Questron
developer =Strategic Simulations, Inc.
publisher =Strategic Simulations, Inc.
released =1984 ,1988
genre =Computer role-playing game
modes =Single player
platforms =Commodore 64 ,Apple II ,Amiga "Questron" is a
fantasy RPG computer game series produced byStrategic Simulations, Inc. Questron
In "Questron" the player takes on the role of a young serf who tries to make a name for himself by traveling the realm in order to gain the power and experience necessary to defeat the wicked "Mantor", ruler of the "Land of Evil".
The gameplay and graphics are very simple. The view is mostly in
top-down style for the world maps and town encounters, but switches to a 3D first-person style in the dungeons of the Land of Evil.Some features were novel for a game of its type at the time of its release. First there are two "games within a game" that allow the character to permanently increase dexterity or intelligence attributes if completed successfully . Also, various casinos about the towns allow the player to gamble for gold pieces in games of
Blackjack ,Roulette or "Double or Nothing".Another aspect of the game is that various monsters and foes are immune or more vulnerable to different weapons. The player would occasionally have to switch weapons depending on which enemy they faced in order to defeat them. Magic spells can also be cast, but only in the dungeon levels.
The original game was written by Charles Dougherty and Gerald Wieczorek and published in
1984 for theCommodore 64 andApple II computer systems. The structure and style of the game were licensed fromRichard Garriott , author ofAkalabeth and Ultima.From Questron in-game menu screen, Apple II and Commodore 64 versions. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
] ] This game was the first foray by SSI into the fantasy RPG genre and its release was followed by the more expansive "Phantasie " series.Questron II
In
1988 a sequel was made for the Apple II, Commodore 64 andAmiga computers. It featured gameplay of a similar style with improved graphics and features. This game's programming and artwork are credited to Westwood Associates, while the storyline and original design are credited to Quest Software. This game was also produced by Strategic Simulations, Inc.From Questron II in-game menu screen, Commodore 64 version.]The premise of this game is that the player's character has been sent back in time to defeat six "Mad Sorcerers" before they can create the "Book of Magic" featured in the original game. "
Computer Gaming World " described it as very similar, albeit not equal, to the original.citation | date = August 1988 | author = Scorpia | periodical =Computer Gaming World | title = Questron II | year = 1988 | pages = 8-9, 50]Related games
John and Charles Dougherty also made two other games which were credited to Quest Software. The brothers produced
Legacy of the Ancients in 1987 for the Apple II & Commodore 64 (and later the PC), followed by its sequelLegend of Blacksilver in 1988. Both games used an updated version of the engine used by Questron and Questron II.References
External links
*moby game|id=/questron|name="Questron"
*moby game|id=/questron-ii|name="Questron II"
* [http://hol.abime.net/2267 "Questron II" on the Amiga] at the [http://hol.abime.net/ Hall of Light (HOL)] Game Theorist web page:
http://www.msu.edu/~wieczor8/questron2.htm
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