<!--
	Title: (NEW PRODUCTS...) First Sophisticated Computer Mystery Game Steeped in Treachery and Suspense
	Source: Analog Computing, Number 7
	Date: September/October 1982
	Transcription by Steve Derby
-->

<figure class="float-right">
	<img src="/public/img/articles/analog-first-sophisticated-computer-mystery-game/deadline-outer-packaging.jpg" alt="Deadline outside packaging">
	<br>
	<img src="/public/img/articles/analog-first-sophisticated-computer-mystery-game/deadline-packaging.jpg" alt="Deadline packaging contents">
	<figcaption>The packaging for DEADLINE is as unique as the highly sophisticated prose mystery game itself. DEADLINE comes packaged in an actual dossier</figcaption>
</figure>


CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - "A dead man, a locked door and a killer who may strike again..." are the
dilemmas a computer game buff faces as the detective/player in the first sophisticated murder
mystery of the computer age.

Called DEADLINE, the new mystery game was created by Infocom, Inc., developers of the best-selling
ZORK I and ZORK II' computer adventure games. DEADLINE will go on sale at fine computer
stores and software outlets across the country beginning May 1, according to the Cambridge, Mass.
firm.

The packaging for DEADLINE is as unique as the highly sophisticated prose mystery game itself.
DEADLINE comes packaged in an actual dossier containing critical evidence on the crime. The
dossier includes such genuine clues as a lab report, fingerprints, physical evidence collected near the
victim's body, interviews with possible suspects, an 8 X 10 glossy photo of the scene of the crime, as well
as a full-fledged detective's manual.

This dossier is not "window dressing," according to Joel Berez, President of Infocom, Inc. "The clues
must be utilized to solve the crime. It's a whole new concept in which the player utilizes in-hand
materials, as well as the software to play the game," Mr. Berez said.

In addition to tactile as well as cerebral sleuthing, DEADLINE delivers an unparalleled degree of
realism because of the INTERLOGIC™ English upon which it is founded. INTERLOGIC, trademarked
by Infocom, offers personal computer owners and English-based vocabulary of 600+
words, the ability to use complete English sentences, and the widest range of command options in the
genre.

Only the utmost skill, logic and intuition enable the computer detective to unravel the treacherous
web of motives and suspicions to solve the crime within the 12-hour "deadline." Actual playing time,
according to the company, may run a good 20 hours or more.

DEADLINE is available for Apple II, ATARI 400/S00, IBM Personal Computer, NEC PC-SOOO,
CP/M, and PDP-11.
