Classic RPGs

ADOM

ADOM, short for Ancient Domains Of Mystery, is a RPG written by a single author (like Sarnik) in the mid 90s. What's amazing about this game is that it's done entirely without graphics - only basic colored ASCII characters. This class of games is called "Rogue" and it leads the way. I am very impressed with its depth - so many races, classes, items, skills, spells, monsters - it's just incredible. I've won this game twice so far and each game demanded its own unique strategy to win. This game has multiple endings and several ways to achieve them. Be warned that it has an unusually large learning curve, so read as much as you can about ADOM before playing it. I'm still learning a lot about the game even now! It's worth checking out!

Pool of Radiance

Pool of Radiance is a classic RPG from the late 80s, introducing the very first Advanced Dungeon & Dragons 2nd Edition game engine that used a 3D perspective for movement and combat. For many years, the City of Phlan was overrun with evil monsters. An attempt to reclaim the city started and adventurers from all over the Moonsea lands were called to help. You represent a party who travels to the city for fame and fortune. Through the help of the city council, you'll be informed of several commissions that you can undertake to improve your abilities and help to rid the city of evil. You'll encounter kobolds, goblins, orcs, undead, a possessed dragon, and more... As the story unfolds, the identity of the monster leader is revealed and only you can stop it. I've won this game many times, probably over ten. You can build a party of Clerics, Fighters, Magic-Users, and Thieves. With the typical humanoid races and multiclasses available, it's close to the pen-and-paper role playing system. Magic is everywhere and a wide array of spells can be learned in the game up to 3rd level. Watch for enchanted equipment too. With the many commissions that you can pursue, rich system of magic, and outstanding ending, this is a game that you'll never forget.

game runs in a Commodore 64 emulator - very complex, so be warned!
download Pc64e118.zip (660 KB)
unzip this file into a directory of your choice
run INSTALL.EXE to install the emulator
hit the "c" key to install to the default folder of c:\PC64
delete the install folder (holding INSTALL.EXE) - it's no longer needed
download poolofradiance.zip (895 KB)
unzip this file into c:\pool
run c:\PC64\PC64.EXE to start the emulator
click on "Emulator", then select "New"
click on "Run", then select "Start"
you should see the familiar blue screen of the Commodore 64
hit F9 to access the hard drive
use the left and right arrow keys to navigate to c:\pool\POOL1.D64
hit ENTER - the Commodore virtual disk drive now points to that file
run the following two commands on the blue screen (remember?)
LOAD "*", 8, 1
hit ENTER
RUN
hit ENTER
hit the "y" key to disable the fast loader

Wasteland

wasteland.zip (706 KB)

Wasteland is a classic RPG from the late 80s, regarded by many gamers to be the best ever written (including me). After all-out nuclear war, most of the world is turned into wasteland and life struggles to continue. Somehow, pockets of civilization survive and you're part of the famed desert rangers of the United States military that try to maintain law and order. Your mission is to investigate a series of disturbances in the desert lands of California, Nevada, and Arizona. You'll encounter mutants, outlaws, gangs, bizarre cultists, machines of death, and more... As the story unfolds, mankind's greatest threat of all is revealed and only you can stop it. I've won this game many times, probably over ten. It has a unique skills-based system and is conventional to futuristic in nature with no magic. Watch for NATO Assault Rifles w/ 7.62mm Clips, Radiation Suits, and even energy weapons. With multiple ways to achieve the game goals, many subplots, and a perfect blend of humor, this is a game that you'll never forget.