Screening Room: The Rating Game

Seastalker

Charles Ardai

Ever since the world was first thrilled by the exploits of Captain Nemo in Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the ocean depths have been the setting for many adventure novels. It's only fitting then that the sea is the scene for Infocom's latest text adventure.

Like all of Infocom's games, Seastalker has no graphics. The computer describes all events and the results of your actions in words. You type in commands in full sentences (as opposed to the awkward two-word directions used in most adventures). You can even carry out intelligent conversations with any of the game's nine supporting characters.

Seastalker's plot centers on a secret, underwater research station called the Aquadome, and on the Scimitar, a powerful miniature submarine packed to the gills with an assortment of gadgets that would put James Bond to shame. The cast of characters reads like an MIT honor roll. There's Sharon, a recent college graduate; Marv, the sonar expert; Dr. Thorpe, a dedicated and brilliant scientist; and six other unique, realistic characters.

As a member of the "Discovery Squad," you're in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly for the project's christening the following week. Of course, if things really were running smoothly, Seastalker wouldn't be much of a game.

The trouble starts when you get a call from the Aquadome over the videophone. There's trouble on the ocean floor and only you can help. You must take the Scimitar to the Aquadome right away.

Once you reach the Aquadome, your troubles really begin. First, there's the matter of sabotage, a dastardly deed suggesting treachery in the ranks. Then there's the mysterious sea creature that shadows you through out the game.

You have to answer many questions and solve plenty of puzzles before the end of your quest. Some puzzles are very easy while others are stumpers. If you do get stumped, you can look up one of the secret hints that come with the game.

Seastalker is billed as a "children's adventure." I think it should be billed as a "beginner's adventure." Unlike Infocom's other games, maps are given to you in the package, all of your equipment is explained to you beforehand, and hints are included with the game. These are a big help because making maps is one of the novice adventurer's greatest difficulties. So is trying to figure out the function of certain obscure appliances.

As for the hints, they only appear when you're completely in the dark.

Seastalker is imaginative, original, and challenging. It may not be as difficult as the rest of the Infocom line, but that's what makes it ideal for the novice adventurer.

CHARLES ARDAI, 14 New York, New York

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