Games, v8(8)

~1 minute read

Aug 1984

Games & Books

Infidel

Burt Hochberg

Infidel by Michael Berlyn (Infocom, on disk for most home computers; $49.95-$59.95)

The cursed-treasure-in-the-lost-pyramid tale has been a B-movie staple ever since B-movies were invented. For pyramid-poachers with personal computers, Infocom’s new all-text adventure game is a well-nigh perfect re-creation of this classic scenario.

The object is to find the 3,000-year-old sarcophagus of a queen and the fabulous treasures it contains. First, though, you must locate the lost pyramid in which it lies —- not very hard to do, since you have a map of the area and are soon given a "navigation box" to help you. Just remember you’re in the desert, so before you slog off into the dunes, find a source of water and don’t leave home without it.

The real adventure begins after you’ve excavated the pyramid and gotten inside it. The interior, like that of any high-class royal tomb vintage 1500 b.c., is full of ancient mysteries, hidden passages, and deadly traps designed to keep out grave-robbers. But the adventurer who is both intrepid and resourceful —- and has seen Raiders of the Lost Ark —- should be able to make good headway without too much trouble. The game’s central and most tantalizing puzzle is the series of hieroglyphic symbols found throughout the pyramid. These are, in fact, directions to the sarcophagus and clues to the use of various objects. Decoding these symbols can be done only gradually, however, as you learn more about the pyramid and what it contains.

Solving Infidel requires an unceasing observance of the adventurer’s creed, "Try everything." Although it’s challenging enough to give veteran adventurers a good run for their money, less experienced players, if they’re patient and persistent, should get well into the game before becoming seriously stuck. Infocom makes available (for $7.95) a map and a "cheat sheet" (hint booklet) for just such an eventuality; they may be ordered by calling 1-800-262-6868.

This article appeared in
Games
Aug 1984

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