~2 minute readREVIEWS
Seastalker
As Infocom's first junior level text adventure, Seastalker deserves particular attention. Despite the "junior" label, Seastalker is not "just for kids." And it doesn't compromise on Infocom's high standards in the slightest way.
What it does is provide initial help for the user and extra coaching along the way, and it does this in a variety of ways.
The game's theme is that of a deep sea adventure, a la Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea You command a high-tech submarine, the Scimitar, and your ultimate goal is to save the Aquadome, which has come under attack by some type of giant sea monster.
There are numerous subplots to be solved before the final test of skill. To this end, Infocom provides a nautical chart of Frobton Bay, which lies between the research lab and the unknown sea area where the Aquadome resides. They also give you detailed floor plans of your lab and the Aquadome.
Obviously, this provides the gamer with quite an advantage. However, Infocom has been very careful not to reveal too much about these places. Seastalker also contains a set of Hidden Clues cards, which are optional in game play. The more experienced (or less frustrated) adventurer may wish to ignore these.
What can't be ignored is the information on the back of each card. Necessary information about the sophisticated equipment found in the lab and aboard the Scimitar is provided on the cards, as is equally important information about each of the crew members.
This also provides a richer flavor for the adventure because personalities are brought into play. Infocom has, for all intents and purposes, created a multi-character adventure that can be controlled by one player.
Other small areas of help are included. For example, on-screen prompts help you use the correct syntax when inputting commands; the first three moves are given to help you get started. It's easy to see why the game is considered Junior Level when compared to Deadline or Sorceror.
Otherwise, Seastalker contains all the elements one has come to expect from Infocom: vividly detailed descriptions, intriguing puzzles, and, of course, goodies inside the package (to reveal them would be unfair). The point system employed in other Infocom games is intact, and the adventure can be solved in any number of ways.
It's important to reemphasize that veteran gamers should not ignore this product. It's an excellent program that will present numerous challenges to the gamer in spite of its billing as a Junior Level adventure. The sea environment, fascinating to explore, and the interaction with other characters give Seastalker a different feel from other Infocom games.
Infocom, Inc.
55 Wheeler St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
$39.95 (disk)
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