Games published by On-Line Systems
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Hi-Res Adventure #1: Mystery House
Hi-Res Adventure #1: Mystery House, released in 1980, is often considered the first ever graphical adventure game for the home computer market. Developed by On-Line Systems, which later became Sierra On-Line, Mystery House was designed for the Apple II and utilized the then-revolutionary graphics capabilities of the machine. The game is a true classic, not just for its groundbreaking technology, but also for its suspenseful plot and challenging puzzles.
The game begins with the player character, a writer named Ken Williams, arriving at an old Victorian mansion in search of a rumored treasure. The player is immediately immersed in the eerie atmosphere of the game, as they explore the dark and creepy mansion. The graphics, though simple by today's standards, were groundbreaking at the time and added a level of immersion never before seen. The use of color and shading gave a sense of depth and realism to the game world.
One of the most unique aspects of Mystery House was its use of illustrations to represent objects and scenes. This was a departure from the traditional text-based adventure games of the time and gave players a visual representation of the world they were exploring. The game also featured a first-person perspective, adding to the sense of being inside the game's world. Along with the graphics, the haunting background music in the game contributed to the overall atmosphere and helped to set the tone for the unfolding mystery.
Gameplay in Mystery House was non-linear, meaning players could explore the mansion in any order they chose. This added an element of freedom to the game, allowing players to solve puzzles and progress through the game in their own way. The puzzles themselves were challenging and required both logic and attention to detail to solve. From deciphering cryptic messages to searching for hidden switches, each puzzle was a unique and satisfying challenge.
As players navigate through the mansion, they encounter a variety of characters, each with their own mysterious backstory and potential motives. Uncovering the secrets and motives of these characters is a key aspect of the game, as the player must determine whom to trust and whom to suspect. This adds an element of suspense and intrigue that keeps players engaged and on the edge of their seats.
Pegasus II
Pegasus II was a groundbreaking game released by Apple in 1981 for their popular Apple II computer. It was a sequel to the original Pegasus game and was developed by the renowned gaming company DynaMicro. The game was highly anticipated by fans and was met with critical acclaim upon its release.
The game's premise revolved around a magical winged horse named Pegasus who must navigate through various challenges and obstacles to rescue the Greek goddess Athena. The game featured impressive graphics for its time and had an immersive storyline that kept players on the edge of their seats. The player had to control Pegasus as it flew through different levels, facing enemies and completing tasks to progress.
One of the unique features of Pegasus II was its open-world concept, which was revolutionary for a game in the early 80s. Players could explore different environments and interact with various characters to gather clues and power-ups. The game also had a variety of weapons and magic spells that Pegasus could use to defeat its enemies, adding a strategic element to the gameplay.
One of the most impressive aspects of Pegasus II was its advanced AI system. The enemies in the game were not just mindlessly attacking Pegasus but would adapt and change their strategy based on the player's actions. This made the game challenging and kept players engaged as they had to constantly think and adapt to different situations.
Another standout feature of Pegasus II was its soundtrack. The game's music was composed by industry veteran Jerry Buckner and was praised for its haunting melodies and immersive sound effects. The game's graphics, sound, and gameplay combined to create a truly immersive experience for players, making it one of the most popular games of its time.
With its groundbreaking features and engaging gameplay, Pegasus II set a new standard for computer games in the early 80s. It was a commercial success, with over 1 million copies sold worldwide, and became a cult classic among gaming enthusiasts. The game's success also paved the way for many other open-world and adventure games that followed.
Although Pegasus II is now over 40 years old, it still holds a special place in the hearts of gamers who grew up playing it. Its timeless gameplay and impressive graphics and sound continue to capture the attention of new generations of gamers through emulators and re-releases. Pegasus II will forever be remembered as a pioneer in the gaming industry and a testament to the creativity and innovation of the developers at DynaMicro and Apple.
