Summary

Release Year: 1984
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Apple II, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
Developers: Dale Disharoon, Inc.
Publishers: Windham Classics Corporation

Below the Root: A Pioneering Metroidvania Adventure

Released in 1984 by Windham Classics, a division of Spinnaker Software, Below the Root is an early example of what later became known as the Metroidvania genre. It is titled after Below the Root, the first of the Green Sky Trilogy of novels, written by Zilpha Keatley Snyder and published between 1975 and 1977.

Below the Root is an adventure game that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The player controls a young boy named Jason who must travel through a series of dungeons to defeat the evil wizard Mordred. Along the way, Jason will collect items, solve puzzles, and fight monsters.

One of the things that makes Below the Root unique is its non-linear gameplay. The player is free to explore the dungeons in any order they choose, and there are multiple ways to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. This open-ended design was groundbreaking for its time, and it helped to set the template for future Metroidvania games.

Another thing that makes Below the Root stand out is its dark and atmospheric setting. The dungeons are filled with creepy monsters and deadly traps, and the overall tone of the game is one of suspense and dread. This atmosphere is enhanced by the game’s excellent graphics and sound design, which create a truly immersive experience.

Below the Root was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, dark atmosphere, and excellent graphics. The game has since been ported to a number of different platforms, and it remains a popular choice for fans of Metroidvania games.

Gameplay

Below the Root is a side-scrolling adventure game in which the player controls Jason, a young boy who must travel through a series of dungeons to defeat the evil wizard Mordred. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player can move Jason left, right, up, and down.

Jason can attack enemies with a variety of weapons, including a sword, a bow and arrow, and a boomerang. He can also use items to solve puzzles and open doors. Items can be found throughout the dungeons, and they can be used multiple times.

The dungeons in Below the Root are filled with a variety of enemies, including bats, spiders, and skeletons. Jason must defeat these enemies in order to progress through the game. Enemies can be defeated by attacking them with a weapon or by using an item.

Jason can also collect items throughout the dungeons. Items can be used to solve puzzles, open doors, or restore Jason’s health. Some items are required to progress through the game, while others are optional.

Exploration

The dungeons in Below the Root are large and complex, and they are filled with hidden secrets. The player is rewarded for exploring every nook and cranny, and there are many optional areas to discover.

Puzzles

The puzzles in Below the Root are challenging but fair. They require the player to think outside the box and to use all of the items at their disposal. There are a variety of different types of puzzles, including logic puzzles, environmental puzzles, and inventory puzzles.

The puzzles in Below the Root are an integral part of the game. They help to create a sense of suspense and accomplishment, and they force the player to think strategically.

Combat

The combat in Below the Root is simple but effective. Jason can attack enemies with a variety of weapons, including a sword, a bow and arrow, and a boomerang. He can also use items to damage enemies or to protect himself.

The combat in Below the Root is not particularly difficult, but it can be challenging at times. The player must be careful to avoid enemy attacks and to use their items wisely.

Setting

The setting of Below the Root is dark and atmospheric. The dungeons are filled with creepy monsters and deadly traps, and the overall tone of the game is one of suspense and dread. This atmosphere is enhanced by the game’s excellent graphics and sound design, which create a truly immersive experience.

The setting of Below the Root is an important part of the game. It helps to create a sense of danger and excitement, and it forces the player to be constantly on their guard.

Graphics

The graphics in Below the Root are excellent for their time. The dungeons are detailed and atmospheric, and the characters are well-animated. The game uses a dark color palette, which helps to create a sense of suspense and dread.

The graphics in Below the Root have aged well, and they still look good today. The game’s art style is timeless, and it has a charm that is all its own.

Sound

The sound design in Below the Root is excellent. The music is atmospheric and suspenseful, and it helps to create a sense of danger and excitement. The sound effects are also well-done, and they help to bring the game world to life.

The sound design in Below the Root is an important part of the game. It helps to create a truly immersive experience, and it keeps the player on the edge of their seat.

Legacy

Below the Root is a classic adventure game that helped to define the Metroidvania genre. It was one of the first games to feature non-linear gameplay, and its dark and atmospheric setting was groundbreaking for its time. Below the Root has been praised for its innovative gameplay, excellent graphics, and immersive sound design.

Below the Root has been ported to a number of different platforms, and it remains a popular choice for fans of Metroidvania games. The game’s legacy is secure, and it will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come.