Intrigue!

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Intrigue!
Intrigue! cover.jpg
Developer(s) Kinemation
Publisher(s)
Platform(s) Apple II, Commodore 64/128 [1]
Release1986 [2]
Genre(s) Adventure
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Intrigue! is an adventure video game developed by Kinemation and published by Spectrum HoloByte for Apple II and Commodore 64 in 1986.

Contents

Plot

International terrorists are planning to blow up a bomb that spreads a virus called PF13. The player is a private detective set to find and defuse the bomb in Washington, D.C.. [3] The game's plot is randomized each playthrough with suspects, motives, and clues different. [4]

Gameplay

The player chooses from text options during exploration and dialog scenes. Close-ups of characters and other images accompany the text during these sequences. The graphics are in monochrome. 360 degree panoramic view of the gameworld is used on the streets and in building interiors. The characters react differently to the player depending on the gender chosen for the detective. [4] Multiplayer is supported up to four players, where each player controls a different detective. [1]

Reception

Computer and Video Games wrote: "Here is a completely novel game system, with a mixture of cartoon style graphics amid digitised pictures, plus some catchy music, that has taken over a year to reach the UK. What a shame! I wonder why!" [1] Commodore User called it "the most polished and absorbing game." [4] ACE said the graphics are of poor quality, conversations are amusing but limited and concluded that it's "a game for mugs". [5] Zzap!64 called the audiovisual presentation atmospheric and said the game overall is "quite good". [3] Aktueller Software Markt said the graphics are outdated but don't distract from the dense atmosphere. [6] Tilt said there's no apparent difference between the Apple and Commodore versions: both have the same limited graphics but retain "the power of seduction". [7]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Campbell, Keith (May 1988). "Adventure Reviews - Intrigue". Computer and Video Games . No. 79. Future Publishing. p. 76. Vocabulary: N/A, Atmosphere: 7, Personal: 7, Value: 9
  2. "Intrigue!". Back Cover of the Game Box. Spectrum HoloByte. Copyright 1986. Kinemation.
  3. 1 2 3 The Harlequin (July 1988). "Adventure - Intrigue". Zzap!64 . No. 39. Newsfield Publications Ltd. p. 62.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Scolding, Bill (March 1988). "Screen Scene - Intrigue". Commodore User . No. 54. EMAP. pp. 38–39.
  5. 1 2 Cooke, Steve (May 1988). "Screen Test - Intrigue". ACE . No. 8. Future Publishing. p. 64.
  6. 1 2 Vill., Klaus. "Hochspannung in Monochrom". Aktueller Software Markt (in German). Vol. 25, no. 10/88. Tronic-Verlag. Grafik: 4, Vokabular: 8, Atmosphäre: 9, Story: 9, Preis/Leistung: 9
  7. 1 2 Schérer, Denis (May 1988). "SOS AVENTURE - Intrigue". Tilt (in French). Vol. 54, no. 5/88. Editions Mondiales S.A. p. 105. Intérêt: 15, Graphisme: 1/6, Animation: 1/6, Bruitage: 3/6, Dialogue: 5/6, Prix: n.c.