Borrowed Time (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Borrowed Time (1985): A Classic Adventure Game

Borrowed Time is a graphic adventure game developed and published by Infocom in 1985. It was written by Dave Marsh and Michael Berlyn, and was one of the first Infocom games to use the Zork engine. The game is set in the 1930s, and follows the story of a private detective who is investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman.

The game begins with the player character, private detective John Murdoch, being hired to investigate the murder of Reginald Van Der Luydt, a wealthy businessman. Murdoch quickly discovers that Van Der Luydt was involved in some shady dealings, and that there are a number of suspects who could have wanted him dead.

Murdoch’s investigation takes him all over the city, from Van Der Luydt’s mansion to a seedy nightclub. He interviews suspects, gathers clues, and solves puzzles in order to piece together the truth behind the murder.

Borrowed Time is a classic example of a text-based adventure game. The game’s parser is very powerful, and allows players to interact with the world in a very natural way. The game’s puzzles are also very clever, and require the player to think outside the box in order to solve them.

In addition to its strong gameplay, Borrowed Time is also notable for its atmosphere. The game’s setting is very well-realized, and the player can really feel the atmosphere of the 1930s. The game’s music and sound effects also help to create a sense of immersion.

Overall, Borrowed Time is a classic adventure game that is still worth playing today. The game’s strong gameplay, clever puzzles, and immersive atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Borrowed Time is a text-based adventure game. The player controls the game by typing commands, which the game’s parser then interprets. The parser is very powerful, and allows players to interact with the world in a very natural way.

The game’s puzzles are also very clever, and require the player to think outside the box in order to solve them. The puzzles are all logical, and there is always a clear solution. However, the puzzles can be challenging, and players may need to spend some time experimenting in order to find the right solution.

Setting

Borrowed Time is set in the 1930s, and the game’s setting is very well-realized. The player can really feel the atmosphere of the time period, from the speakeasies to the Art Deco architecture. The game’s music and sound effects also help to create a sense of immersion.

Characters

The characters in Borrowed Time are all well-developed, and the player can really get to know them over the course of the game. The main character, John Murdoch, is a likable and relatable character. He is a tough private detective, but he also has a sense of humor and compassion.

The other characters in the game are also well-developed. The suspects in the murder case are all interesting and complex characters, and the player can learn a lot about their motivations and relationships.

Themes

Borrowed Time explores a number of themes, including the nature of time, the importance of family, and the power of redemption. The game’s title refers to the fact that we all have a limited amount of time on this earth, and that we should make the most of it. The game also explores the importance of family, and how our relationships with our loved ones can shape our lives. Finally, the game explores the power of redemption, and how even the most flawed people can change their ways.

Reception

Borrowed Time was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its strong gameplay, clever puzzles, and immersive atmosphere. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Borrowed Time has been consistently ranked as one of the best adventure games ever made. In 2011, the game was inducted into the Adventure Game Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Borrowed Time has had a lasting impact on the adventure game genre. The game’s strong gameplay, clever puzzles, and immersive atmosphere have set a high standard for other adventure games. The game has also been praised for its innovative use of the Zork engine.

Borrowed Time has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the PC, Mac, Amiga, and Atari ST. The game is also available on a number of online platforms, such as GOG.com and Steam.

Conclusion

Borrowed Time is a classic adventure game that is still worth playing today. The game’s strong gameplay, clever puzzles, and immersive atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game also explores a number of important themes, such as the nature of time, the importance of family, and the power of redemption.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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