Games developed by Apogee Software Productions
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Adventure Fun-Pak
In 1989, Apogee released two 'Fun-Paks', Adventure Fun-Pak and Puzzle Fun-Pak, priced at $10 each. Each 'pack' contains 4 games that were submitted to Apogee by outside authors, although most of the games were designed by Apogee's Scott Miller. Most of these games are ASCII only with minimal or no graphics, some more interesting than others.
Since the packs were never released as freeware or shareware, but were sold directly from Apogee, these are two of the few commercial titles released by the shareware giant. Adventure Fun-Pak includes Rogue Runner, a fun ASCII maze game by Scott Miller that is similar to the Kroz games, Night Bomber, a bland Missile Command-like game with horrible green-on-blue graphics, Raiders of the Forbidden Mine, a decent puzzle/action game that looks like Pharaoh's Tomb, and The Thing, a quirky maze game with a text parser, though it's only used to move around and shoot the bats inside.
Maze Runner
Maze Runner, a captivating DOS game released in 1986, stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that characterized early computer gaming. Designed in an era when gaming was still finding its footing, this title managed to carve a niche for itself with its engaging gameplay, simple yet addictive mechanics, and an immersive atmosphere that kept players returning for more. The game’s premise revolves around navigating a complex, multi-layered maze filled with obstacles, treasures, and the ever-present threat of being trapped.
At its core, Maze Runner challenges players with a series of increasingly intricate mazes, each presenting unique puzzles and enemies. The objective is straightforward: navigate the maze, collect treasures, and find the exit. However, the devil lies in the details, as players must also contend with various foes that can obstruct their progress. This layer of difficulty not only enhances the gaming experience but also adds an element of strategy, compelling players to think critically about their paths and movements.
One of the highlights of Maze Runner is its minimalist graphics, which were typical of its era. While the visuals may lack the sophistication of modern titles, they possess a certain charm that draws players in. The simple yet effective design allows the emphasis to remain firmly on gameplay rather than flashy graphics. Each maze feels unique, thanks to the clever design choices that disparate layering and multiple routes present. This ensures that players are constantly challenged, making every playthrough a distinct experience.
Additionally, the game's sound design plays a pivotal role in crafting an engaging environment. The atmospheric music and sound effects enhance the suspense, creating an immersive experience. Players can almost palpably feel the tension as they move deeper into uncharted territories of the maze, with every sound indicating potential danger or discovery. Such auditory elements significantly contributed to the charm that defined Maze Runner, allowing it to stand out even amidst a growing library of games.
Despite being a product of its time, Maze Runner has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. It appeals to both nostalgic gamers who remember the early days of DOS gaming and new players discovering it for the first time. The game's combination of simple yet engaging mechanics, along with its focus on exploration and strategy, ensures that it remains a beloved classic. As gaming continues to evolve, titles like Maze Runner remind us of the foundational experiences that shaped the industry and the enduring joy of navigating a maze where adventure awaits around every corner.
Puzzle Fun-Pak
In 1989, Apogee released two 'Fun-Paks', Adventure Fun-Pak and Puzzle Fun-Pak, priced at $10 each. Each 'pack' contains 4 games that were submitted to Apogee by outside authors, although most of the games were designed by Apogee's Scott Miller. Most of these games are ASCII only with minimal or no graphics, some more interesting than others.
Since the packs were never released as freeware or shareware, but were sold directly from Apogee, these are two of the few commercial titles released by the shareware giant. Puzzle Fun-Pak includes Phrase Master, a fun two-player ASCII word-guessing game, Block Five, a decent Go-Moku/Connect 4 board game, Maze Machine, a small program that generates mazes of the width you specify, and Asteroid Rescue, a quirky ASCII shooter by Scott Miller.
Supernova
Beyond The Titanic and Supernova, by Scott Miller, are two atmospheric, well-written IFs that, unfortunately, have been ignored by the gaming public, perhaps because their publisher, Apogee, is better known as a publisher of action games. It's a shame, because besides being the first games Apogee released, they are well written, with a good parser, in-game help function, and logical puzzles. I also remember that these games were among the first IF games to incorporate sound effects and effective use of color text.
In Beyond The Titanic you are a hapless passenger trying to escape from that ship of doom, while Supernova puts you in the shoes of a poor miner on a remote space mining colony about to embark on a strange adventure. Apogee released both games as freeware in March 1998, although they didn't find a way to make them save to hard disk, so you still need a floppy disk to save your games.
