Description of The Fool's Errand
Designed by Cliff Johnson, one of the best puzzle designers ever, the concept behind Fool's Errand is so original that it defies categorization.
Suffice to say that it is part devilish puzzle collection, part novel, part adventure and an all-around classic. While the game would deserve classic status on the merits of unique puzzles alone, it is the masterful blend of puzzles with an enchanting, well-written story (a medieval Fool who runs errands for people) that evolve, that makes Fool's Errand a uniquely original game. When each puzzle is solved, the player gains access to more story (with more puzzles to solve). In a master stroke unmatched in creativity to this day, Cliff even designed an uber- puzzle-- a big puzzle that can only be solved once all the smaller puzzles are solved and all the story pages are revealed. Solving this overarching puzzle requires careful re-reading of the game's story, as clues are hidden between the lines and old paragraphs take on new meanings.
Puzzles in the game are wonderfully diverse. Some, such as the card game you will play, are downright original, and even the derivative ones (such as the dozens of word puzzles) are hardly ever boring. Characters in the story, which sounds as if they were plucked from Alice in Wonderland, are fleshed out with great detail and confidence. There's really no fault I can think of for this game, except that you will be sorry to see it end when it does.
See for yourself why I think this game deserves to be on every "Best Computer Games" list; if you are even remotely interested in puzzle games, Fool's Errand is a must-have.
Review By HOTUD
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Comments and reviews
Jen 2023-09-03 1 point
I loved this in college. I cut classes and stayed up all night solving puzzles and playing the games. Totally addicted. Wish I could play it again
MorganaFaye 2023-06-16 1 point Amiga version
One of the best games I had on the Amiga, and the greatest puzzle game ever created. Nothing I've found even begins to compare. Would love an Android app version or proper Windows version ... maybe a partnership with Big Fish games to recreate this for a new audience?
Ace 2022-01-09 1 point Mac version
I played this in the 80s and it was forever what we matched future puzzle games to be. It's the precursor to escape rooms, I bet! I enjoyed Myst but it still brought me back to Fool's Errand!
Ladebldr 2019-03-26 1 point Mac version
Please make this game available in the apple App Store. I played this with my 5 children years ago. It is the BEST THINKING GAME. My kids loved it. I would love to introduce this to grandkids.
DarkMel 2015-02-05 1 point DOS version
The Cloud jigsaw has 2 of the same piece and is unbeatable, someone else with the same problem?
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DOS Version
644 KBMac Version
- Year: 1987
- Publisher: Miles Computing, Inc.
Amiga ROM
- Year: 1990
- Publisher: Miles Computing, Inc.
- Developer: Synergistic Software, Inc.
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