ABSTRACT

The first batch of computer role-playing games (CRPG) for personal computers were ambitious, eccentric, and as awkward for modern gamers as a penny farthing at the Tour de France. The programmers worked virtually without precedent, save for those few lucky enough to have played mainframe CRPGs. There are certainly those who continue to play Bronze Age games today, especially if they grew up with them and enjoy the nostalgia. The Wizard's Castle was just one of many of the games that were fun to play and helpful to aspiring CRPG developers. Developed by Southern Software, Dragon's Eye is one of many games that integrate the “twitch” or action gameplay mechanics found in most arcade games with the more refined pleasures of the CRPG. The Tarturian depends heavily on its printed manual to guide the player—which literally stops players at the gate if they don't know the right command to start the game.