Border Zone (1987)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Border Zone (1987): A Text Adventure Masterpiece

Border Zone is a text adventure game developed by Infocom and released in 1987. It is one of the most critically acclaimed text adventure games of all time, and is still enjoyed by gamers today.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the United States has been divided into two zones: the Eastern Bloc and the Western Bloc. The player controls three different protagonists, each with their own unique story and goals.

The first protagonist is Jake Armitage, a private investigator who is hired to find a missing person. Jake’s investigation leads him to the Border Zone, a lawless region between the two blocs.

The second protagonist is Maria Gonzalez, a journalist who is investigating the growing tensions between the two blocs. Maria’s investigation leads her to the Border Zone, where she uncovers a plot to assassinate the leaders of both blocs.

The third protagonist is Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the leader of the Eastern Bloc. Lenin is trying to prevent the assassination plot, but he is being hindered by his own government.

The player must use all three protagonists to solve the assassination plot and save the world from nuclear war.

Border Zone is a well-written and engaging text adventure game. The story is complex and suspenseful, and the characters are well-developed. The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and the game world is rich and detailed.

One of the things that makes Border Zone so special is its use of multiple protagonists. Each protagonist has their own unique perspective on the story, and the player must use all three of them to get the full picture. This adds a lot of depth and replayability to the game.

Another thing that makes Border Zone stand out is its atmosphere. The game’s post-apocalyptic setting is both eerie and fascinating, and the game does a great job of conveying the sense of tension and danger that exists in the Border Zone.

Overall, Border Zone is a classic text adventure game that is still worth playing today. Its well-written story, engaging characters, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Border Zone is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very sophisticated, and it understands a wide range of commands.

The player can explore the game world, talk to NPCs, and solve puzzles. The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and they require the player to think creatively.

The game’s world is divided into a number of different locations, each with its own unique challenges and puzzles. The player must travel between these locations in order to progress through the game.

Characters

Border Zone features a cast of well-developed and memorable characters. The three protagonists are all complex and interesting, and the player will quickly come to care about their fates.

In addition to the three protagonists, the game also features a number of supporting characters, each with their own unique personality and motivations. The player will interact with these characters throughout the game, and they will play a significant role in the story.

Setting

Border Zone is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the United States has been divided into two zones: the Eastern Bloc and the Western Bloc. The Border Zone is a lawless region between the two blocs, and it is home to a variety of criminals and outcasts.

The game’s setting is both eerie and fascinating, and it does a great job of conveying the sense of tension and danger that exists in the Border Zone.

Themes

Border Zone explores a number of different themes, including the dangers of nuclear war, the importance of freedom, and the power of hope. The game does not shy away from difficult topics, and it offers a thought-provoking look at the human condition.

Legacy

Border Zone is considered to be one of the greatest text adventure games of all time. It was one of the first games to use multiple protagonists, and it helped to popularize the post-apocalyptic setting. The game has been praised for its well-written story, engaging characters, and challenging puzzles.

Border Zone has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PC, the Apple II, and the Commodore 64. The game is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be a classic of the genre.

Conclusion

Border Zone is a masterpiece of the text adventure genre. Its well-written story, engaging characters, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game’s post-apocalyptic setting and exploration of difficult themes make it a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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