In this episode of BastichB 64K, viewers take a nostalgic look at six notable graphic/text adventure games released by Telarium for the Commodore 64 during the mid-1980s. Telarium, a subsidiary formed by Spinnaker Software Corporation in 1984, specialized in high-quality, adult-oriented games based on renowned literary works by authors like Michael Crichton, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and Roger Zelazny.
The episode begins by exploring Telarium’s origins, highlighting its impressive growth from educational software to sophisticated graphic adventures, praised for their polished presentation and immersive storytelling. The first featured game, “Amazon,” initially intended as an adaptation of Crichton’s “Congo,” uniquely blends visual novel elements with arcade sequences and was directly influenced by Crichton himself. Other games, such as the fantasy-driven “Dragonworld,” Bradbury’s dystopian “Fahrenheit 451,” and Clarke’s enigmatic “Rendezvous with Rama,” emphasize logical puzzles and engaging narratives.
The review continues with “Nine Princes in Amber,” which notably focuses on character interaction and boasts multiple endings for rich replayability. Lastly, “Perry Mason: The Case of the Mandarin Murder” challenges players with courtroom drama requiring mastery of legal jargon. Despite their critical acclaim, Telarium ceased releasing Commodore 64 titles in 1987 as parent company Spinnaker pivoted towards productivity software, marking the end of a unique era in gaming.
