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Software : Games : 1978 Questprobe

Scott Adams invented the text adventure game. One of his games, Questprobe #2, featured Spider-Man. It was later re-released with graphics. The game is now freeware - search on the net.

Year Released: 1978-1984 (Text), 1984 (Graphics)
Released By: Scott Adams, Marvel, Green Valley Publishing
Platforms: Commodore 16, Commodore 64/128, Apple II, Others?
Summary: Classic Text Adventure Game

Game Overview

In the late 1970's, a chap named M. Scott Adams turned the computer games world on its head with an interactive text-command adventure system. The most famous of these was 'The Pirate Adventure'. Using simple typed commands like "GO NORTH" and "LOOK WINDOW", he managed to create games which were ground-breaking for the time.

He created a language for writing such games, and a program for playing them. He then created a number of adventures, including three Super-Hero Adventures which were written in co-operation with Marvel Comics. These were the "QuestProbe" games - the first featuring The Hulk, the second featuring Spider-Man, and the third feature The Thing and Human Torch. There was a fourth game planned for Reed and Sue Richards (Mr Fantastic and Invisible Girl), although I don't believe that it was ever released.

Scott Adams allows the download and personal use of his classic Adventure games that he still holds the copyright for, however the Spider-Man game is joint copyright with Marvel, who have no such statement. However, given the circumstances, I'm going to make the dangerous assumption that Marvel has no financial interest in the games, and will not object to them being circulated for nostalgia's sake!

I should add that Marvel actually made a QuestProbe Comic to help advertise these games. Not their best work, sadly.

Oh, Al Milgrom is credited with the art, which probably includes the packaging as well as the game graphics.

Screen Snapshots

These screenshots are from the SAGA Commodore 64 version of Questprobe #2, using the VICE emulator.

Intro Screen Starting Point Madame Web

Game Packaging

Here's the box packaging from the Commodore16 release.

Also, here's the pack for the Commodore 64/128. The Commodore 64/128 was available in a thin (6mm) hard-shell case that contained a a 5 1/4" floppy disk plus a very thin fold-out pamphlet which presumably contains some basic instructions. I haven't opened mine, because that involves destroying the case.

C16 C64/128 C64/128 Back

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