Computer Gaming World, v2(4)

~2 minute read

Jul-Aug 1982

MICRO-REVIEWS

Deadline

Deirdre Maloy

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Deadline is a classic adventure program by INFOCOM, the people currently publishing Zork and Zork II. Happily, it uses the same type of command parser as the Zorks, and it's specialized vocabulary gives you the feeling of really being there. It is frustrating, involved, and realistic.

The documentation for this program is excellent, taking such forms as a lab report, police statements, coroner findings, and the like. That gives you the basic evidence you need to proceed.

Some of the commands available are new, and are extremely useful. You can catch someone's attention (if they are moving away from you) by calling their name. You can interrogate them by saying something along the lines of "Glenda, tell me about Fritz". It can either be a person or an object you ask about. Also, the "show me" (as in "Fred, show me the keys") is useful. There are many other questions you can ask, too.

Other commands available are: ACCUSE someone OF something, ANALYZE something (gets police lab to check for common things), ANALYZE something FOR something (more specific and usually more accurate), ARREST someone(s), ASK someone ABOUT something, FINGERPRINT something, LOOK BEHIND something (LOOK UNDER also works), and SHOW something TO someone (usually to provoke a reaction) all add to the flavor of the game. The command structure is also a bit freer than that of their previous adventures, which makes the game almost conversational.

Unfortunately, I found the solution disappointing. There are a lot of false trails, which is understandable, and even good. A real murder mystery would have false trails. There is a lot of evidence which isn't needed, which would also be true of a murder mystery. Actually, a person could stumble on the solution on their first or second try, but it will take most people a LONG time. Four friends and I worked on it as a group and solved it in about a month.

On the bright side, this is a thoroughly intriguing adventure. It has some very good features that aren't apparent -- for instance, if you arrest someone, you had better have evidence -- you won't really find out if you have enough evidence until they are on trial. Once, I got the correct murderer, but didn't have the right evidence, so the person got off free. You do indeed have to prove they did it beyond a reasonable doubt, and had a motive. This is something many detective shows on TV lack -- they don't follow up the case.

In all, I thoroughly recommend the adventure, despite my dislike of the solution. After all, I have no say in who murdered who, it's merely my job to find out "who done it." Much of my recommendation lies on the excellent command parser, as well as my love for mysteries. This made me feel like a detective, frustration and all. I'm waiting for the next one.

This article appeared in
Computer Gaming World
Jul-Aug 1982

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