Quarterstaff: The Tomb of Setmoth
| Quarterstaff: The Tomb of Setmoth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Infocom |
| Publisher(s) | Activision |
| Designer(s) | Scott Schmitz and Ken Updike |
| Platform(s) | "Classic" Mac OS |
| Release date(s) | 1988 |
| Genre(s) | Interactive fiction/role-playing video game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Quarterstaff: The Tomb of Setmoth is an interactive fiction role-playing video game developed by Scott Schmitz and Ken Updike and released by Infocom for Macintosh in 1988. The game features a text parser, graphics, a dynamically updated map, and a graphical interface that incorporates Mac OS hierarchical menus.
Overview
The player takes the part of Titus, a former blacksmith sent by the Druid Council to explore the remains of an underground colony of druids who vanished without a trace. During the course of his adventures, Titus may befriend other characters and persuade them to join his party. Character skills improve with practice, and the game tracks the hunger, thirst and energy levels of characters.
Release history
Quarterstaff: The Tomb of Setmoth was based on Quarterstaff, a game released by Simulated Environment Systems in 1987.[1] Activision purchased the rights to the game from Simulated Environment Systems in 1988, and released the game with improvements including color graphics, an upgraded interface,[2] and writing input from Amy Briggs.[3] Versions for the Apple IIGS and IBM PC were announced but never released.[1] A planned sequel titled Storm Giants was never released.[4]
Reception
The Simulated Environment Systems version of Quarterstaff was reviewed positively in Dragon, which called it "among the finest fantasy role-playing games available for any system" and "the most true to form FRP game we've found". Dragon praised the game's NPC artificial intelligence and the need to coordinate the actions of player characters.[4] The Dragon reviewers gave the game 5 out of 5 stars.[4] Macworld gave the game a mixed review.[5]
Feelies
Infocom included extra novelty items called feelies with their packaged games. Included with Quarterstaff were:
- A parchment, titled "The Path to Enlightenment"
- A wooden druidic coin, which could be used in conjunction with the parchment and an in-game wand to identify items
- A color poster
References
- 1 2 "Quarterstaff: Our first role-playing fantasy" (PDF). The Status Line. VII (3): 3. Fall 1988. Retrieved 2006-12-09.
- ↑ "rec.games.int-fiction FAQ 2/3". 2004-02-15. Retrieved 2006-12-09.
- ↑ "Amy Briggs". www.infocom-if.org. Retrieved 2006-12-09.
- 1 2 3 Lesser, Hartley; Lesser, Patricia; Lesser, Kirk (May 1988). "The Role of Computers". Dragon (133): 46–47.
- ↑ Waldorf, Otto (February 1988). "The Dungeon with a Difference". Macworld. 5 (2): 205. ISSN 0741-8647.
External links
- Quarterstaff: The Tomb of Setmoth information and overview
- Quarterstaff: The Tomb of Setmoth at MobyGames