As I'm approaching the end of a game (in this case Maniac Mansion), I always start making sure that I have all the resources I need to play the next one on the list. As it turns out, while I thought I had a working version of Mortville Manor, it's actually in French, which isn't much use to me (I tried to learn French once but found out quickly that learning languages takes the sort of crazy commitment I usually only attribute to things like playing through an endless list of adventure games and blogging about it).
I've Googled every variation I can think of, but can't find a PC version of the game in English to download. I've also found forums with others searching without luck, so I'm starting to think this game might have to be removed from the list. That being said, Moby Games shows screenshots of the DOS version in English, so there's every chance it did exist at some point.
Anyone else know where I might find it? Before anyone mentions that I should play the Atari or Amiga versions through emulators, I've already decided I'm not going to do that.
Thanks,
The Trickster
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Wednesday, 22 February 2012
19 comments:
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If no English version presents itself, then I propose you hire a translator to sit with you while you play. ;)
ReplyDeleteAn alternative is to have someone like Alfred n the Fettuc (forgive me for volunteering you without asking) about taking the game on.
I hope you're able to work out a solution. Typing into Google Translate would produce some hilarity I'm sure, but may not prove all that fun to work through.
Worst case, cut the game. That'll mean you're one step closer to Shadowgate! :D
Hey hey, don't pick on the french guy just because his fellow frog eaters can't produce a multi-language version of their games ;)
DeleteIn my memory, Mortville Manor was really a strange game, but an interesting one... I'm pretty sure an english version can be found somewhere. I'll look into it too.
Damn. I looked for about an hour for this game, and no luck. If you want the English version, it's on Amiga (or to a lesser extent, Atari ST). If you want the PC version, it's in French. Sorry, I did try. :/
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologise. Thanks for trying!!!
DeleteFound it in german! (what do you mean, it doesn't help?)
ReplyDeleteAlfred, die wirklich nicht helfen, aber trotzdem danke.
DeleteManiac Mansion Won! post will appear in just a few hours. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see, which ending you found...
DeleteI'll re-post what I wrote in a previous article:
ReplyDelete"I am very partial to Mortville Manor, the reason for it being probably a mix of chauvinism and nostalgia.
I think it was the first game ever to use voice synthesis, it sounded funny but was kind of a breakthrough.
But I don't think it would be such a great idea to play it for this blog, as it can be very long: unfolding the story involves tons of dialogues, but characters move within the mansion so you have to "map" who is where at what time...
On the other hand, winning the game doesn't require you to know the whole story, so you might want to give it a try."
Actually, I'd love to see you giving it a try... Amiga emulators aren't evil!
(and it would create a precedent so you can play the Mac version of Shadowgate, which looks and sounds sooooo much better...).
We want a poll to decide :) !
I can see your reasoning, as I have the same by suffering through console releases. I'm not sticking as strongly to one platform, but when the time comes to play Diablo on the PS1, I'm not going to swap it out for the PC game. It's a bit different for a language barrier though, and I've walled off non-English games myself.
ReplyDeleteIt's really up to you, and how badly you want to stick to playing each game. Trying to play a game in another language you're not fluent in isn't going to be any fun. Just look at the time CRPG Addict tried.
My opinion is torn: I'd say stick to your guns, and keep it up from a PC only perspective, but I am really curious about this game. daubeur makes it sound intriguing.
I had another shot at this today and came so close!!! One thing's for sure, a PC version in English definitely existed at some point, but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere.
ReplyDeleteThe below site appears to be dedicated solely to Lankhor (the game developer) abandonware, and while they have the game in French and German, even they don't have it in English. (sigh)
http://lankhor.net/jeux.php?jeu=15&menu=tele#pc
Anyway, I have a plan, which I'm going to try to put in place. I'd really like to play this game, partly due to my own curiosity, but daubeur's request has made it my mission.
I think the English DOS version may be a myth after all :-( The screenshots on MobyGames look like they're Atari ST - they don't match the graphics of the original game in French, so it's likely they have been filed under DOS by mistake... that, and the fact that Home of the Underdogs states that no English DOS version was ever produced (I tend to trust Sarinee).
ReplyDeleteMight as well move on: If someone turns it up you can always go back. I'm not one to try and talk you into taking on all Amiga games as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to see your decision, as I can see it going either way. Even though you've said you're resolved to finding a solution, it seems a lot hope to find an English version for the PC.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for the side bar link. I just noticed when I checked my hits for the past day and saw your blog. :D
No problem Zenic. I'm glad to support what you're doing.
DeleteAs for my decision, well all shall be revealed soon enough.
I have been searching for this game on PC in English on and off for about 3 years. I've even tried contacting the screenshot submitters who put the screens up on mobygames with no luck. I've been attempting to build a complete dos adventure game library and this is one of 8 or so games that I can not find anywhere. So close... yet so far! good luck to you. if I ever turn it up, I'll come back here and share the wealth.
ReplyDeleteHi eXo,
DeleteBuilding a complete dos adventure game library sounds like something the fine readers here would be happy to help with. I'd be interested to know what other games you're missing.
I looked for Mortville Manor for hours, constantly feeling like it was out there somewhere, just out of my grasp. Eventually I had to give up and play the Amiga version instead.
I've searched for this game in English for the PC for almost two years now. I've come across no screenshots, box shots, adverts or release notifications for an English PC version.
DeleteConsidering that the guys from ScummVM were in contact with the old Lankhor people and got approval for their translation to English for the PC version, I'm inclined to believe that there was no release in English for the PC.
I have just discovered that the ScummVM engine has merged support for Mortville Manor as of last July, and an English translation is being worked on for the French DOS copy (which is currently complete-able) =)
ReplyDelete