The Immortal (video game)
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| The Immortal | |
|---|---|
| The Immortal, Genesis version box | |
| Developer(s) | Sandcastle |
| Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
| Designer(s) | Will Harvey |
| Platform(s) | Apple IIGS, Amiga, Atari ST, MS DOS, NES, Mega Drive/Genesis |
| Release | 1990 |
| Genre(s) | RPG |
| Mode(s) | single player |
The Immortal is an isometric adventure game originally created for the Apple IIgs, which was ported to the Amiga, Atari ST, MS DOS based PCs, NES, and Mega Drive/Genesis. The main plot revolves around a wizard attempting to find his mentor in a large and dangerous labyrinth.
The game is known for its high degree of graphic violence (much reduced in the NES version) along with its punishing difficulty.
Story
The game begins with the player in control of an unnamed wizard. In the first room, the player is given the option of viewing the image of the character's mentor, another wizard named Mordamir. He is calling for help from deep below in the labyrinth, though he is attempting to communicate to another man named Dunric.
The two main types of creatures present in the dungeon are the goblins and the trolls, who are at war with one another. This is a minor plot element in the game. In particular, the main character reaches an alliance with the goblins, while the trolls remain hostile throughout the game.
More of the story is revealed when the main character rests on straw beds. Mordamir is battling against a dragon at the Fountain of Youth.
The plot of the game undergoes a twist when the main character finds Dunric having been trapped by Mordamir. In the end, the main character is forced to destroy Mordamir in a duel, protecting the dragon.
Characters
Unnamed Hero - Mordamir's apprentice, who has gone into to labyrinth in search of his master. He is capable of casting spells and sword fighting.
Mordamir - The hero's master, who claims to be trapped in the labyrinth.
Dunric - Another man also sent to rescue Mordamir. Dunric is found being tortured by trolls. He helps you out but dies in the process.
Anna - Dunric's daughter. She helps the hero during the game and in one possible ending is a love interest.
Ulindor - A man sent to protect the hero.
The Goblin King - Though seemingly hostile at first, if helped by the main character, he will assist you later in the game. The Goblin King dies but is later mysteriously brought back to life.
The Norlac - A water monster that guards the sluice gate.
The Dragon - The final enemy in the end level
Gameplay
The game takes place on a 7 or 8-level labyrinth, depending of the version of the game. In the game, the main character uses his sword to fight enemies, primarily goblins and trolls. The player also collects items, solves puzzles, and uses magic spells in the form of books and scrolls. At the bottom of the dungeon, the player faces off against a dragon along with his wizard mentor, Mordamir.
Enemies roam the dungeons in real-time, and upon coming into contact with them, the player enters a real-time battle mode. Players in battle are limited to dodging the opponent's attacks and performing sword swings and stabs. Fireball spells can be used to distinguish enemies but can't be used once a battle has started.
In addition to walking, the main character, in certain levels, in capable of flying a magic carpet and paddling through water while sitting on a floating barrel.
Easter Eggs
First, an optional ring can be found that belongs to Dunric's daughter, Anna. Giving this to her gives you a clue on how to solve the final puzzle in the fourth level. Also, it alters the game's ending.
Criticism
This game was criticized due to its excessive difficulty. In particular, the number of ways of instantly dying is rather high. The main character can be killed in numerous ways, such as by touching flame jets, trying to climb down a ladder from the wrong side, and so on.
Trivia
Will Harvey had started development on an Apple II game to be called "Campaign", intending it to be an online multiplayer RPG. As the story developed, it became a single player game only.