Planetfall
Planetfall is a
1983 science fiction text adventure by
Steve Meretzky of
Infocom. Like most Infocom games, because of its
portable Z-machine, it was released for several platforms simultaneously. The original release included versions for the
PC (as a booter and
DOS) and
Apple II. Only the
Atari ST and
Commodore 64 versions were released later, in
1985. His first title, this was one of Meretzky's most popular works and a best-seller for Infocom.
Plot
\n
The game starts with the user assuming the role of a lowly Ensign Seventh Class on a starship of the Stellar Patrol. Reporting to an overbearing Ensign First Class, Blather, the player is relegated to the task of mopping decks. An explosion aboard the ship sends the player scrambling for an escape pod, which eventually crash lands on a nearby planet.
Eventually coming in contact with a humorous and helpful sidekick robot, Floyd, the player must unravel the mysteries of the deserted sole structure on the planet and find a way to get back home.
Details
\nThis game included a new concept for Infocom games, namely a sidekick. Through interacting with him, the player develops an attachment to Floyd as they explore the planet's puzzles and overcome roadblocks. Meretzky's writing ability and talent for humor shine through in this game as the player explores the facility.
Feelies
\nSince the release of Deadline, Infocom had included extra content in their game packages called "feelies". The feelies for Planetfall included:\n* A Stellar Patrol "Special Assignment Task Force" ID card (about the size and shape of a credit card)\n* 3 interstellar postcards\n* A Stellar Patrol recruting manual, "Today's Stellar Patrol"\n* Letters (presumedly to home)
Legacy
\nThe success of this game inspired a novel of the same name and a sequel, Stationfall. The 1987 sequel once again incorporated Floyd, but not as a constant companion, and did not do nearly as well as the original title.
External links
\n* MobyGames entry on Planetfall\n* Planetfall information from the Infocom Gallerywith photos of the entire contents of the game (manual, feelies, etc.)\n* Planetfall information from Infocom-if.org\n* More information on the game
Category:1993 computer and video games
