| Space
Quest 1 EGA Game Information
Space Quest 1 was released in October 1986 using Sierra's AGI (Adventure
Gaming Interpreter), under the original working title "Star
Quest". But that name was already in use by another company
so the name was changed before the game was released. The game uses
16 colors, a screen resolution of 160 x 200 pixels and does not
support soundcards or mouse. When playing the game, you hear the
'music' through your PC-speaker. Apple and Amiga users had improved
sound and soundeffects; 3 simultaneous tones instead of 1 (when
using the PC). You can use the parser interface (or 'type until
you bleed') to insert commands. Space Quest 1 The Sarien Encounter
was a HUGE hit and sold well over 100,000 copies (possibly over
200,000 to date) earning the coveted SPA Gold Medal from the Software
Publishers Association in the process (fall 1988)!
The
game was originally sold for $49.99 and was later on included in
several bundles and collections. The original game came with:
- a box
- two 3.5" game disks or two 5.25" disks containing either
game version 1.0X, 1.1A, 2.2 and possibly others for either DOS,
Apple (Macintosh, Apple II or IIGs), Atari ST or Amiga
- a manual
- two coupons for in-game use. You got either the Droids-R-Us or
the more common Droids-B-Us coupon.
- an AGI reference card
- optional hint book for $7.95 (hint pen revealer edition)
- a registration card
- a Sierra games catalogue
Space
Quest 1 VGA Game Information
Space
Quest 1 VGA was released in September 1990. Around that time Sierra
began releasing the old mid 80's hits as VGA-games. This offered
them a change to try out their new SCI gaming system. Among these
new releases were Leisure Suit Larry I, King's Quest I, Police Quest
I... and Space Quest I - The Sarien Encounter. Space Quest I added
VGA-graphics, digitized sounds and icon interface. But the storyline
was the same, unaltered -- with a few of the puzzles being slightly
altered, due to the fact that we were running with icons now instead
of parser. The games were marketed very aggressively, but to no
avail as all of these remakes flopped with a bang.
Technically speaking, SQ1 is great. But it's an empty feeling to
be playing a game, that you've already played, in a new version.
It's like watching one of those colorized Laurel & Hardy shows.
Also, some graphic design genius thought it'd be looooovely to add
that special touch of "1950 scifi B-movie" feel. It's
very nice, but kinda reminds me of the old-style "Invasion
from Mars" or "Star Trek TOS (The Original Series)".
On another note, Roger has suddenly dyed his hair. The EGA-version
featured him as brown-haired, but in the VGA-version he's blond.
Fashion reasons? But the endless humor and excellent score by Ken
Allen and Mark Seibert gives the game a great boost. And well...
after all it's *still* Roger Wilco.
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