<!--
	Title: (CRITICALLY SPEAKING..) Wishbringer
	Source: Computer Entertainment v4(5)
	Date: August 1985
	Transcription by Steve Derby
-->

<img class="float-left" src="/public/img/articles/ce-wishbringer-mini-review/wishbringer-packaging.jpg" alt="Wishbringer Packaging">

**WISHBRINGER (NA / ⭐⭐⭐⭐)** is the second introductory-level
piece of interactive fiction from ***<u>Infocom</u>***. (The first was
*Seastalker*. The program is very definitely NOT for younsters
only, though. Most adults, even those experienced with role-playing
fantasy, will find *WISHBRINGER* a captivating tale. And beginners
will appreciate the hints embedded in the story. *WISHBRINGER*
marks the debut of "Professor" Brian Moriarty as an Infocom
author, and it's an auspicious debut, indeed.

### Rituals to Observe

Those familiar with Infocom programs know that there is a
certain set of rituals to be observed. Tempting as it may be to boot
the disk and plunge into the story, there is the matter of exploring
the package and discovering the goodies inside. In this case, in
addition to the disk, there is a postal zone map of the seaside
village of Festeron, a Special Delivery letter addressed to the
proprietor of Ye Olde Magick Shoppe, a volume from the Local
History Series of Festeron concerning the history of the Magick
Dream-Stone known as Wishbringer, and wonder of wonders,
Wishbringer itself. (The little white stone emits a strange,
purplish aura when placed in the dark after exposure to strong
light. We were told that finding a suitably non-toxic,
glow-in-the-dark purple paint for the stone was one of the
toughest problems faced by Infocom in putting this package together!)

### A Petrified Heart

ONce you've read the story of Wishbringer, a charming tale cast in
verse, you'll know that the stone is the petrified heart of the
Princess Morning-Star. She died many years ago, her heart
burdened with seven unfulfilled wishes that became part of the
stone. As *WISHBRINGER* begins, you are a postal clerk sent to
deliver a letter to the old woman who runs Ye Olde Magick Shoppe
in Festeron. The woman asks your help in finding her black cat,
kidnapped by the Evil One. You will find yourself in possession of
the Wishbringer stone and able to use its seven wishes as you
explore the dark side of Festeron. (While you were visiting the old
woman, the Evil One transformed the peaceful village into a dark
and bizarre world of wickedness known as Witchville.)

### Fantastic Settings and Exotic Characters

The pressure of time and the constant forays of the Evil One's
henchmen, the Boot Patrol, add urgency to your quest. But it's
difficult not to tarry in some of the more fantastic settings: the
town graveyard where the eldritch vapors may grab you, the
abandoned church that houses an other-worldly presence, the
sleazy arcade filled with "half-crazed, stunted humanoids"
satisfying their "thirst for electronic violence," or the decrepit
theater where the town gravedigger is the ticket-taker. And the
characters are as exotic as the settings -- everything from vultures
and a platypus to a hellhound and a pair of the strangest mailboxes
you've ever met. (The confrontation between big and little mailbox
is one of the most unconventional and hilarious scenes we've ever
encountered in interactive fiction.) Although the magic wishes
(rain, advice, flight, darkness, foresight, luck, and freedom) can be
used to get yourself out of tough spots, every puzzle in the
program can also be solved logically, without the use of magic.
This is an ingenious approach that lets adventurers of differing
skill levels enjoy the program equally.

### Fairy-Tale Quality

Once again, Infocom should have a hit with this semi-Gothic tale
of good and evil, horror and humor. In his initial work of
interactive fiction, Brian Moriarty has produced an involving tale
that should appeal to a broad spectrum of computer adventurers
from beginners to accomplished puzzle solvers. The story has a
fairy-tale quality that touches the kid in all of us, and the touch
of absurdity make it unmistakably an Infocom program. (Solo player;
Keyboard; Disk.) Reviewed on Apple II; also available for IBM
PC/PCjr, Macintosh; for Atari and C64 at $34.95; planned for
Amiga and Atari ST.)

***Recommended.*** MSR $39.95

<figure class="float-left">
	<img src="/public/img/articles/ce-wishbringer-mini-review/brian-moriarty.jpg" alt="Brian Moriarty">
	<figcaption class="center"><strong><em>Infocom's newest author, Brian Moriarty</em></strong></figcaption>
</figure>

## The Man Behind WISHBRINGER

Software buyers anticipate new releases from Infocom as
eagerly as toddlers awaiting Christmas morning. An Infocom
package is always full of unexpected goodies along with many
hours of pleasure in exploring the story and solving the puzzles.
And for each package, there is an author responsible for weaving
the web of fantasy that draws you into its world. In the case of
**WISHBRINGER**, Infocom's latest piece of interactive fiction, the
author is 28-year-old Brian Moriarty. Nicknamed "Professor
Moriarty" by the Infocom crew, he is the newest member of their
team of authors, having come to the Cambridge software company
by way of Analog Computer magazine, where he was Technical
Editor. Moriarty's rural New England upbringing, his lifelong
passion for fantasy and myth, his schooling in English Literature
(BA from Southeastern Massachusetts University), and his
membership in the Nathaniel Hawthorne and Thoreau Societies are
elements of the man's background that contribute to his tale of
WISHBRINGER, the magic stone. The setting of the story in the
mythical village of Festeron could easily be a small New England
town. (Where else would one find a covered bridge?) And a strong
sense of Yankee morality pervades the plot -- good deeds performed
to save the village from an evil witch. Moriarty has created an
entertaining and sometimes amusing piece of interactive fiction
that will be appreciated by Infocom's many fans.
