The Year Ahead - 1992

By Ilmari

Something really special is cooking up on the Adventure Game -blog, and we might have more time than usual to wait before the surprise is ready. In addition, the first ever gaming year with the new regime is about to end, with only few games to cover in 1991. So, it's good time to get your CAPs rolling and to decide what games to add to the gaming year 1992.

It wasn't all fun and games in 1992,
it was also bad movies sprouting good TV series later

Here's an explanation for anyone uncertain about how this works. A Potential game to be played must be listed on Moby Games as part of the adventure genre (excluding interactive fiction games) and must have at least 10 votes, or it must appear on the Wikipedia Notable Graphic Adventure Games list, or it must be an adventure game in a series, later part of which would be Potential. A game will be automatically Accepted to the playing list, if it a) has at least 20 votes on Moby Games, b) appears on the Wikipedia Notable Graphic Adventure Games list and c) is clearly an adventure game (we might on occasion be lenient with this condition). Borderline game fulfills two of these criteria and Disregarded only one.

Readers can spend CAPs to transfer to the official list games which are marked as Borderline (50 CAPs for an individual or 100 CAPs for a joint effort) or Disregarded (200 CAPs, not dependent on whether you use just your own CAPs or pool your resources). Just like last time, the below is now set in stone, so don't bother heading off to Moby Games to vote or Wikipedia to edit the Notable list. Any CAP trades need to occur before the introduction post for the last game of 1991 (Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective), after which time 1992's playlist will be set.

Next year's games are to be played approximately in the chronological order wherever possible. The order can be seen in our AdventureGamer Spreadsheet - and yes, when dating the games, we have probably made quite many mistakes, since our sources are quite unreliable, so if you know better, just speak up. All discussion on CAP trades for the 1992 playing list should be had on this post. The admin will be adjusting the CAP leaderboard and each game's status as trades are made.

We will also decide who's to play what game in the comments below. Especially with continuing series, reviewers for previous parts are preferred over completely new reviewers. If there will be arguments over who will get to play what game - well, I'm sure we can find some civilized manner to solve the issue.

Like a sword fight

Here are the candidates:

Amazon: Guardians of Eden

You thought Joques Sparrow was a ridiculous character?
Wait till you see Access Software’s next attempt!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (17)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik)
Potential reviewers	-

Bargon Attack

Killer aliens trying to take over the world!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (7)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Alfred n the Fettuc)
Potential reviewers	Alfred n the Fettuc

Batman Returns

Does anyone want to become Batman?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (11)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Joe Pranevich)
Potential reviewers	Joe Pranevich

Curse of Enchantia

And speaking of Batman...

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (26)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	-

The Dagger of Amon Ra

Someone else should probably review this - I can give Laura Bow only full scores!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (71)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	Aperama

Dark Seed

H. R. Giger’s graphics are spectacular, but what about the game itself?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (74)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	-

Dune

Is it really an adventure game?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (125)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Lupus Yonderboy and Reiko and Ilmari)
Potential reviewers	-

Eternam

Weird, but still surprisingly fun setting in a French game

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (14)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik)
Potential reviewers	Aperama

Fascination

Does anyone dare to taste, if the makers of Emmanulle have any talent for decent games?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (13)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Canageek)
Potential reviewers	Ilmari

Frederik Pohl's Gateway

Surely we cannot pass this classic, just because it’s interactive fiction!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (30)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Ilmari)
Potential reviewers	Reiko

Gobliiins

Lemmings + King’s Quest = ?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (60)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik)
Potential reviewers	-

Hook

Hey, look, it’s Monkey Island 1½!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (2)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik)
Potential reviewers	-

Hugo III: Jungle of Doom

Thank God, it’s the last of this series!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (14)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Laukku)
Potential reviewers	-

Inca

Seems more like a space simulator.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (22)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Aperama)
Potential reviewers	-

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis

I’ve been expecting this

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (378)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	TBD

Inspector Gadget: Mission 1 - Global Terror!

This takes me to my childhood!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (3)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Joe Pranevich)
Potential reviewers	Joe Pranevich

The Island of Dr. Brain

Yet another puzzle game

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (31)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Reiko and Ilmari)
Potential reviewers	Reiko

KGB

Who wants to enjoy the last days of Soviet Union?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (42)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	Torch

King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow

Some consider it best in the series (not me, I’ve always preferred Rosella to his wimpy brother)

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (157)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	TBD

The Koshan Conspiracy

I hear the wailing of Aperama

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (6)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Aperama)
Potential reviewers	Ilmari

Leather Goddesses of Phobos! 2: Gas Pump Girls Meet the Pulsating Inconvenience from Planet X

Not that great a sequel to an IF classic

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Canageek)
Potential reviewers	-

The Legend of Kyrandia

Somehow I just remember these games involving collecting
huge amount of seemingly insignificant stuff for potions

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (92)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	Alfred n The Fettuc

The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: 

The Case of the Serrated Scalpel

The game’s afoot!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (52)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	Joe Pranevich

Lure of the Temptress

Yet another “save the world from evil sorcerer”

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (67)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	-

Mixed Up Fairy Tales

Is it better than Winnie the Pooh?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Aperama)
Potential reviewers	Aperama

Nippon Safes, Inc. 

A more unfamiliar prequel to Big Red Adventure

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (5)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Canageek)
Potential reviewers	-

Police Quest: In Pursuit of the Death Angel (remake)

So Lytton wasn’t a small town after all?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (39)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Laukku)
Potential reviewers	Alex

Putt-Putt Joins the Parade 

I am sure Canageek would love it, but is it an adventure game?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (36)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik)
Potential reviewers	-

Quest for Glory I: So You Want To Be A Hero (remake)

Another take on the beginning of the Quest for Glory -series

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (39)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Laukku)
Potential reviewers	Aperama

Quest for Glory III: Wages of War

I am sure there are plenty of eager people wanting to play this

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (83)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	Alex

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender

What have we got ourselves into this time?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (30)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	-

Ringworld: Revenge of the Patriarch

Another classic scifi book turned into a game

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (21)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik)
Potential reviewers	-

Rome: Pathway to Power

Adventure game with strategic elements? Sounds… interesting

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes (well, sort of)
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Reiko and Ilmari)
Potential reviewers	Reiko

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Volume II

Two Sherlock Holmes games in a year!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (0)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Lars-Erik and Joe Pranevich)
Potential reviewers	Joe Pranevich

Spellcasting 301: Spring Break

Final episode of the entertaining series of magical college games

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (6)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Ilmari)
Potential reviewers	Aperama?

Star Trek: 25th Anniversary

Where no AFGANCAAP has gone before!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (83)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential reviewers	Aperama (if no one else wants it)

WaxWorks

You can see it’s from the producers of Elvira

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (30)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (TBD)
Potential reviewers	-

Now that's a lot of games to choose from! Do you think that's too much? Be glad that you haven't seen all the adventure games in Moby Games that didn't fit even the criteria of a Potential Game. Just to show what you have missed, here's two examples.

The first one's not even listed as an adventure game, but a brave commenter had a bold idea of still making Trickster play it:

No, I am not speaking of Ultima VII (that might have been a little too outlandish), but Alone in the Dark. Moby Games categorises it as an action game and it's nowhere to be seen on the Wikipedia list so it never had any chance to get on the playing list. This is kind of sad, and not just because it was Andy's life goal, but also because the Alone in the Dark -games are categorised as adventure games in other places.

A missed opportunity

The other failed candidate raises some memories of my own childhood at the beginning of 1990s. Ah, the golden days, when I could expect to spend all evening watching McGyver or Star Trek or Mission:Impossible or some other educational and entertaining TV show - unless a sound of saxophone told me that our TV was reserved for my parents.

Or then it was a guitar riff, if they were watching Thirtysomethings

I never watched L.A. Law., because, frankly, it seemed quite boring (hey, my parents watched it!), but it must have had something to do with the law. I was a bit surprised to find out the show was converted to another form.

+

What's next - Ally McBeal: The Computer Game?

Moby Games did categorise L.A. Law: The Computer Game as a 1992 adventure game, but it had no user ratings, so it clearly had no chance getting on the playing list. This was a bit sad, since we do now have a professional lawyer among our reviewer group, and I can just imagine what Alex could have made out of this clearly high quality game.

So, you might have guessed that I had a reason for bringing these two games up. Combining Andy Panthro with L.A. Law we get Panthro Law: every year two games that weren't even Potential will get a chance to make it on the official playing list. Of course, it won't be cheap. Since getting just a Disregarded game to the playing list costs 200 CAPs, getting one of these to the list must cost 500 CAPs (remember that it is possible to pool the resources of many persons).

NOW, let the CAPs roll!

And Andy Panthro hits the first Panthro Law game! Alone in the Dark in now on the list!

And the second Panthro Law game (L.A. Law) has been bought by a joint operation of Canageek, Laertes and Alex, who will also be playing the game. That means it we'll be playing all the candidates for 1992!