Quarterstaff computer game

This, naturally, leads to a much longer play session. Unlike most RPGs, Quarterstaff does not classify characters as fighters, thieves, magic users, etc. Rather, all characters are able to use every skill in the game to some extent, and their proficiencies continuously increase or decrease depending on experience.

Similar to Origin's Ultima games, takeable items have such properties as size, shape, and weight, and NPCs wander about of their own accord some will join your party. It's necessary to "WIELD" weapons before using them a la Beyond Zork , and characters must also provide themselves with food, water, and sleep. The writing is about average for Infocom, although Amy Briggs Plundered Hearts designer is credited with producing some of the text. As for puzzles, there simply aren't many in I-F sense.

Your progress depends largely on discovering hidden objects and keys, unlocking doors, replenishing light sources, and opening secret passages. In most cases a little careful observation is all that's needed. The most significant "real" puzzle is that of deciphering a set of magic words using a parchment and wooden coin included in the game package. Apparently quite a few players were stumped by this -- Infocom actually gave away the entire solution in the very last issue of "The Status Line," which is included in manual download below.

There is also one critical bug -- the game crashes your entire system if anything with nested objects containers and NPCs holding items is set on fire. On the plus side, you can't screw up the game completely unless your entire party is killed off.

Once you've played through, it's doubtful you'll feel much like experiencing it again. Although fun, Quarterstaff simply doesn't have the same play value as the all-text games.

Recommended for Infocom fans, or any budding RPGer who don't mind some adventure game elements. Reviewed by: Underdogs. As an obscure collector's item, it's one of the best there is. But how is it as a game? The good news to all Infocom fans is that, although it's nowhere near the quality level reached by Infocom at their height, Quarterstaff is a fun RPG that combines windows and parser into an effective interface which is reminiscent of Magnetic Scrolls' interface used in their Collection 1 release.

There are windows and menus for text, inventory, objects in the vicinity, optional graphics, maps, and an extensive on-line help and hint system. Infocom's famous parser is still around, and is up to their standards, although there is a few annoying twists -- non-cardinal directions such as northeast and southwest aren't understood, the "UNDO" command is absent, and some of the basic verbs have been altered e.

Also, somehow Infocom decided to drop many of the abbreviations that IF fans have come to take for granted. None of these quirks, however, is serious enough to hamper anyone's enjoyment of the game. The party is split into "leader" and "followers," who can be ordered to follow the leader by typing cardinal directions.

However, you need to type one command for each member if you want them to do anything specific. This, naturally, leads to a much longer play session. Unlike most RPGs, Quarterstaff does not classify characters as fighters, thieves, magic users, etc. Comments and reviews There is no comment nor review for this game at the moment. Write a comment Share your gamer memories, help others to run the game or comment anything you'd like.

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