Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Developers: Exocet Software
- Publishers: Exocet Software
Foundation’s Waste (1988): A Deep Dive into the Crumbling Space Station
Released in 1988, Foundation’s Waste is a roguelike strategy game that puts players in the role of a lone survivor stranded on a crumbling space station. The game is set in a dark and atmospheric world, with neon lights casting an eerie glow on the station’s decaying walls.
Players must explore the station, scavenging for supplies and fighting off enemies. The game’s turn-based combat system is challenging and rewarding, and players must carefully consider their every move.
Foundation’s Waste was ahead of its time in many ways. It was one of the first roguelikes to feature a persistent world, and its dark and atmospheric setting was unlike anything else available at the time. The game was also praised for its innovative use of sound and music, which helped to create a truly immersive experience.
Gameplay
Foundation’s Waste is a turn-based strategy game in which players control a lone survivor stranded on a crumbling space station. The game’s objective is to survive as long as possible, while exploring the station, scavenging for supplies, and fighting off enemies.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, meaning that it is different every time you play. This ensures that the game is always fresh and challenging.
Players must carefully manage their resources in order to survive. Food and water are essential, and players must also find weapons and armor to protect themselves from enemies.
Combat in Foundation’s Waste is turn-based and tactical. Players must carefully consider their every move, as each action costs energy. Energy is also used to perform special abilities, such as healing or attacking with a ranged weapon.
Setting
Foundation’s Waste is set on a crumbling space station that is slowly falling apart. The station is home to a variety of enemies, including mutants, robots, and aliens.
The game’s atmosphere is dark and oppressive, with neon lights casting an eerie glow on the station’s decaying walls. The sound of dripping water and creaking metal adds to the sense of unease.
Legacy
Foundation’s Waste was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best roguelikes ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, dark atmosphere, and challenging difficulty have made it a cult classic.
Foundation’s Waste has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PC, Mac, and Linux. The game has also been released on mobile devices.
Critical Reception
Foundation’s Waste received critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay, dark atmosphere, and challenging difficulty.
The game was also praised for its use of sound and music, which helped to create a truly immersive experience.
Awards
Foundation’s Waste won several awards upon its release, including:
- Game of the Year (1988) from Computer Gaming World
- Best Role-Playing Game (1988) from Computer Gaming World
- Best Adventure Game (1988) from Computer Gaming World
Influence
Foundation’s Waste has had a major influence on the roguelike genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, dark atmosphere, and challenging difficulty have been imitated by many other roguelikes.
Some of the games that have been influenced by Foundation’s Waste include:
- Diablo
- NetHack
- Angband
- Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup
Conclusion
Foundation’s Waste is a classic roguelike that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, dark atmosphere, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
