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In mid-1980s, a small company called Mark Data Products released 6
parser-based graphic adventure games similar to early Polarware and Scott Adams
titles. While the games are reasonably successful on Tandy's CoCo computer, the IBM
PC versions did not achieve the same level of success. While the graphics are quite
good at the time, the parser is quite primitive - only simple verb+noun constructs
such as GET HAT are understood, and some verbs that are common in IF games such as
SEARCH are not always recognized. Fortunately, the games make up for primitive parser
with well-written plot, fun characters, and some clever puzzles. The plot of The
Vortex Factor: "What is it? What secrets does it hold? The seeker of treasures through
time and space must find out! From the coliseum of ancient Rome to the futuristic
world of tomorrow ... join us in this unforgettable odyssey." Thanks to the generosity
of Bob Withers, co-creator, both the games and their source codes are up on his
website for free download. |