Beneath Apple Manor
Beneath Apple Manor
Beneath Apple Manor is a pioneering roguelike video game developed by Don Worth for the Apple II platform. Released in 1978, it holds the distinction of being one of the earliest commercial roguelikes, predating even the genre-defining Rogue by two years.
Gameplay
The game's design is rooted in the principles of procedural generation, where dungeon levels are algorithmically generated, producing a unique experience for the player each time they play. This was a novel approach at the time and laid the groundwork for future games in the genre.
In Beneath Apple Manor, players navigate through a series of dungeons, battling monsters and collecting treasures. The game's mechanics are heavily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons, the seminal tabletop role-playing game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. This influence is evident in the turn-based gameplay and the emphasis on strategic planning and exploration.
Development and Legacy
Don Worth, the game's creator, was inspired by his love for fantasy and role-playing games. Despite its rudimentary graphics and slow gameplay by modern standards, Beneath Apple Manor was well-received for its depth and replayability. The game's release by The Software Factory marked a significant milestone in the evolution of computer games.
The Apple II, the platform for which the game was developed, was one of the first successful mass-produced microcomputers. Its popularity made it a fertile ground for game developers, and Beneath Apple Manor became one of the standout titles of the era.
Special Edition
In 1983, a "Special Edition" of Beneath Apple Manor was released, featuring enhanced graphics, varying difficulty levels, and the ability to save progress. This edition was praised for its improvements and for retaining the core elements that made the original game enjoyable.
Beneath Apple Manor is often cited alongside other early roguelikes such as Moria and Hack as a foundational work in the genre. Its use of procedural generation and its roots in Dungeons & Dragons have had a lasting impact on game design.