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Tags: Epyx; Pixel Games UK; Rogue; Temple of Apshai Trilogy
Over the past few years, a minor industry has emerged around the acquisition and rereleasing of various antique video games. The latest company to join this field is a firm by the name of Pixel Games UK, who have apparently picked up the rights to the catalog of 1980s developer Epyx. That's what allowed them to release two very old RPGs on Steam this week - Temple of Apshai, the semi-realtime dungeon crawler originally released in 1979, and Rogue, the procedurally generated dungeon crawler from 1980 that gave its name to an entire genre. That said, both of the releases are based on later versions of the games published by Epyx in the mid-1980s. Pixel Games actually put together brief trailers for these, but since they don't appear to have a YouTube channel, I'll just post the descriptions. First, Temple of Apshai:
The Temple of Apshai Trilogy is available on Steam for $4, while Rogue is available for just $3 with a 15% launch discount until next week. I guess that's where they think the hype is.
Over the past few years, a minor industry has emerged around the acquisition and rereleasing of various antique video games. The latest company to join this field is a firm by the name of Pixel Games UK, who have apparently picked up the rights to the catalog of 1980s developer Epyx. That's what allowed them to release two very old RPGs on Steam this week - Temple of Apshai, the semi-realtime dungeon crawler originally released in 1979, and Rogue, the procedurally generated dungeon crawler from 1980 that gave its name to an entire genre. That said, both of the releases are based on later versions of the games published by Epyx in the mid-1980s. Pixel Games actually put together brief trailers for these, but since they don't appear to have a YouTube channel, I'll just post the descriptions. First, Temple of Apshai:
Relive the classic fantasy role play experience that spellbound players in 1985. This game was a remastered combination of the three games from the Dunjonquest series (Temple of Apshai, Upper Reaches of Apshai, and Curse of Ra).
Create a character, buy equipment, enter the dungeon and prepare for adventure. Explore and fight your way to hidden treasure and magical items. Gain experience, cure your wounds, recover from fatigue and survive to reach the next level.
All that lies before you cannot be foretold, even by the Oracle. I can tell you that the greatest adventure lies not in the din of sword or shield, or in the rapacious hoard of silver and diamond. Nor in the gleam of distant sunsets, or the firm visage of mailed warriors who guard ancient kingdoms. It lies within. Within Apshai. Within you.
And then Rogue:Create a character, buy equipment, enter the dungeon and prepare for adventure. Explore and fight your way to hidden treasure and magical items. Gain experience, cure your wounds, recover from fatigue and survive to reach the next level.
All that lies before you cannot be foretold, even by the Oracle. I can tell you that the greatest adventure lies not in the din of sword or shield, or in the rapacious hoard of silver and diamond. Nor in the gleam of distant sunsets, or the firm visage of mailed warriors who guard ancient kingdoms. It lies within. Within Apshai. Within you.
In the early 1980s, a computer game emerged that changed the world of fantasy gaming forever. Randomly generated rooms meant that each journey into the infamous Dungeons of Doom was unique. The potent combination of random generation with perma-death proved to be intoxicating, and the game was so influential it spawned an entire genre: "Rogue-likes".
Now you too can experience the thrill of dungeon crawling for the fabled Amulet of Yendor in the original ASCII adventure.
How many lifetimes have passed since I began my sojourn through this maze of underground passageways, of damp, dimly lit chambers? How long have I been alone, the only human among a menacing crew of hideous subterranean beasts, stumbling over forlorn reminders that others have passed this way before me... never to return!
Long before I forgot the warmth of the noonday sun or the refreshing coolness of the evening breeze, I forgot my name. Call me what you will. I am the Rogue.
For Rogue aficionados, you may wish to know that this particular version is Epyx Rogue v1.49 for the IBM PC.
Now you too can experience the thrill of dungeon crawling for the fabled Amulet of Yendor in the original ASCII adventure.
- Battle dozens of unique and powerful enemies.
- Gather armor, weapons, food and other items to help you on your quest.
- Scour rooms for secret hidden doors and traps.
- Discover strange magical spells and potions, which have different wonderous effects every time you play the game.
- Survive through 26 randomly generated levels, each more tricky and dangerous than the last, to find the Amulet, then escape... if you can!
How many lifetimes have passed since I began my sojourn through this maze of underground passageways, of damp, dimly lit chambers? How long have I been alone, the only human among a menacing crew of hideous subterranean beasts, stumbling over forlorn reminders that others have passed this way before me... never to return!
Long before I forgot the warmth of the noonday sun or the refreshing coolness of the evening breeze, I forgot my name. Call me what you will. I am the Rogue.
For Rogue aficionados, you may wish to know that this particular version is Epyx Rogue v1.49 for the IBM PC.
The Temple of Apshai Trilogy is available on Steam for $4, while Rogue is available for just $3 with a 15% launch discount until next week. I guess that's where they think the hype is.
features like emulating an old CRT for that terminal feeling, but even choosing between the different versions offered in RRC is overcomplicating it if you're new to all of this.
and find an emulator, OS rom's and game images, but who has the time?
