The Black Sanctum
DOS - 1984
Description of The Black Sanctum
In mid-1980s, a small company called Mark Data Products released 6 parser-based graphic adventure games similar to early Polarware and Scott Adams titles.
While the games are reasonably successful on Tandy's CoCo computer, the IBM PC versions did not achieve the same level of success. While the graphics are quite good at the time, the parser is quite primitive - only simple verb+noun constructs such as GET HAT are understood, and some verbs that are common in IF games such as SEARCH are not always recognized.
Fortunately, the games make up for primitive parser with well-written plot, fun characters, and some clever puzzles. The plot of The Black Sanctum: "Encounter the forces of black magic as you roam around an old 18th century monastery. See all the evil locations in this spooky adventure in full hi-res detail. If you like suspense, you'll love searching out and destroying the evil in this classic tale."
Thanks to the generosity of Bob Withers, co-creator of these underdogs who put both the games and their source codes up on his website for free download, you can now experience a forgotten past of the early days of adventure gaming. All are recommended, but if you want the best of the bunch, I highly recommend my personal favorites: Trekboer and Calixto Island.
Review By HOTUD
External links
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
Coffee 2021-01-21 2 points
Working at a Tandy store at the time, BS was the first computer game I played. Getting older and having a bit more time, it is a real pleasure to play the game again. In the ugly days with my CoCo on the television, now trough DosBox and airplay on the telly again. Thanks you all for making this possible, kr, Coffee.
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DOS Version
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