rob@anwar.UUCP (Robert R Stegmann) (04/17/85)
[munch, munch]
I bought a book awhile ago which might interest readers of this group.
Entitled "A Shortcut Through Adventureland - Vol. II - INFOCOM",
it is basically a compendium of the ultimate spoilers for 10 of
INFOCOM's computer adventure games:
ZORK I-III, Enchanter,Starcross,Suspended,Planetfall,Deadline,Witness,
and Infidel. (All registered trademarks of INFOCOM.)
I have seen "hint books" for a number of computer adventure games -
some of them come with one of those markers that
renders "invisible type" visible - presumably allowing one to obtain
progressively more explicit hints rather than an immediate spoiler.
Unfortunately, "Shortcut" does not. However, the organization of each
chapter (one per game) into sections:
Introduction, General Hints, Room Notes, How to Win, and Map
allows one to obtain graduated degrees of help.
As I have not played all the games discussed, I have not (nor do I
intend to) thoroughly peruse the book - so I won't be able to provide
hints to netland.
Neither can I vouch for the accuracy of the information in the book,
though from what I have seen, it is on target and usable.
Also, there exists a disclaimer in the book denying any association
with INFOCOM.
What I can provide is the following information
which should prove helpful should one decide to obtain a copy for oneself:
A Shortcut Through Adventureland
Vol II - INFOCOM
by Richard Owen Lynn, Paul Ashley and Michael W. Sloan
Reston Publishing Co. (Prentice Hall)
ISBN 0-8359-6974-6 (for what that's worth!)
Available from:
DATAMOST
19821 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91324
(818)709-1202
I called the above number recently, and they were kind enough to tell me:
o There is one other title currently available - vol I; it is
for games from a variety of publishers. I have heard of neither
the games nor the publishers they mentioned.
(Such as "Cranston Manor", "Ulysses", "Death in the Caribbean",...)
o No other titles are in the works at present.
o You can order the book from the address given, prepaid, $9.95 + $3.50
handling.
I make no claims about the company - I bought my copy in a bookstore in NJ.
Also, please do not misconstrue this as an advertisement. I am in no
way associated with DATAMOST or INFOCOM.
rob
{allegra,ihnp4,decvax}!philabs!hhb!rob