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	Title: (Griffin's Lair: Educational Programs Review) Seastalker
	Author: Braden E. Griffin, M.D.
	Source: Analog Computing, #24
	Date: November 1984
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**SEASTALKER<br>
INFOCOM, INC.<br>
55 Wheeler Street<br>
Cambridge, MA 02138<br>
40K Disk $39.95**

The first computer adventure game was created by
Willie Crowther and Don Woods not far from the
home of Infocom. This classic journey through Colossal
Cave opened the portal to an area of computer
software which has grown to unfathomable proportions.

The early adventure games were composed entirely
of text, with the player initiating action through
an interpreter or "puppet." Simple two-word commands,
like *TAKE AXE*, or *GO NORTH*, made it
possible to achieve this interaction. The unusual images
created provided a unique experience for everyone.
Because of the exceptional graphic capabilities
of the computer, illustrated text adventures using the
basic two-word commands soon followed. Not far behind
were graphic adventures controlled entirely by
joystick and even action adventures, using an arcade-style
format.

The parallel to the evolution, or maybe devolution,
of leisure time activities from books to television to
video games (Tinkers to Evers to Chance) is interesting.
It would be great if someone could refashion the
rather simplistic format of the original text adventures
without stifling the imagination with pictures. Enter
Infocom.

Beginning with **Zork 1: The Great Underground
Empire**, Infocom introduced Interlogic machine language
adventures, where one communicates in complete
sentences, rather than two-word commands. The
**Zork** trilogy and a wide variety of other scenarios
from Infocom are among the most popular adventures,
text or otherwise, on the market today. Following in
the footsteps of this august family of interactive fictional
escapades is **Seastalker**, written with the beginning
adventurer in mind.

Before discussing the particulars of **Seastalker**, it
is important to examine the use of what is referred
to as Interlogic machine language. As mentioned earlier,
communication involves the use of complete sentences.
Multiple objects may be used, and more than
one command may be input at a time. *TURN ON
THE HYDRO]ET THEN SET THE THROTTLE
TO FAST* is a valid command, with the computer executing
each in order and responding in kind.

Most of the over 800 words in the game's vocabulary
require correct spelling, at least of the first six
letters of the word, which is what the computer recognizes.
Using *N *for *NORTH*, or similar abbreviations,
is permitted. When entering a room for the first time,
a complete description is given, including the objects
in view and visible exits. On re-entering the same
room, a less extensive description is given, unless the
VERBOSE command is employed to elicit the complete
version (or, conversely, the SUPERBRIEF mode,
which just displays the name of the room). Other frequently
used commands include INVENTORY (a list
of possessions), LOOK, SAVE (up to five different
game locations may be saved), RESTORE (previous
game position), DIAGNOSE (assesses physical condition)
and WAIT (allowing time to pass). An extremely
helpful feature is the SCRIPT command,
which allows the use of a printer and provides a transcript
of the interaction. Reviewing the conversations
and descriptions from previous sessions may prevent
needless duplication of effort and is always quite interesting.

Direct conversation with the characters in the story
is accomplished by simply ASKing the individual
ABOUT something or someone. The emphasis on
the input of commands which are grammatically correct
is very welcome. The computer may respond to
improperly phrased commands with comments like
*YOU MUST SUPPLY A VERB* or *I FOUND TOO
MANY NOUNS IN THAT SENTENCE* or even
*YOU CAN'T USE MULTIPLE DIRECT OBJECTS
WITH ATTACK*. Any game capable of improving a
child's vocabulary and spelling, while stressing fundamentals
of grammar, has merits far in excess of its
intrinsic entertainment value.

**Seastalker** has been produced by the combined effort
of Stu Galley (Infocom's **The Witness**) and Jim
Lawrence. Lawrence, an author of juvenile fiction for
years, has ghostwritten for series such as Nancy Drew
and the Hardy Boys. The result of this collaboration
is an absorbing adventure in which the characters are
so well developed that they practically come to life.

<figure class="float-right">
	<img src="/public/img/articles/analog-seastalker-review/seastalker-packaging.jpg" alt="Seastalker packaging">
	<figcaption class="center" style="font-weight: bold;">Seastalker</figcaption>
</figure>

The story centers around the undersea research station
of Inventions Unlimited, or the Aquadome, and
the perils that surround it. The player assumes the
role of the main character who has just developed a
super submarine, the ultramarine bioceptor Scimitar,
at a distant research lab. Suddenly, a message is
received concerning an attack on the Aquadome by
a monster of some sort-the crew there is in grave
danger.

*Here I come to save the day!* One must pilot the previously
untested sub to the Aquadome through Frobton
Bay, avoiding the speedboats and ships above, as
well as treacherous shoals and submerged wrecks below
the surface of the water. Navigation can be tricky,
but attempts at sabotage make the journey even more
dangerous. Having arrived at the Aquadome, the adventure
is just beginning.

A crack team of experts is available to help with
the dilemma -- well, maybe *some* of them have less
than the most honorable intentions. I don't want to
ruin the story (the good guys do not *always* win), but
suffice it to say that Murphy's First Law prevails --
everything seems to go wrong. The problems must be
approached logically, and the crew's expertise used
to solve them.

Any game, particularly a text adventure that causes
sweaty palms and the feeling that one's heart is trying
to exit through the throat as each command is
anxiously entered, has succeeded in creating realistic
interaction.

As usual, Infocom's packaging adds even more realism.
Included is a submarine logbook containing scale
drawings of the research lab, the Aquadome and the
Scimitar, as well as serving as the user's manual. The
documentation on how to play is thorough and easily
understood. There is even a sample page of interactive
fiction sure to be of help to younger players. Also
included in the package is a nautical chart, top secret
Infocards with information about the crew and the
equipment, and a special Infodecoder film used for
revealing hidden clues found on the back of the Infocards.
All of this is packaged in an attractive and
functional portfolio for safekeeping.

The development of problem solving skills and the
emphasis on logical thinking, along with the unique
interaction using conversational English, create a superb
educational environment to explore. Designed
for the beginner of age nine years and up, hints are
provided when necessary, making this adventure less
frustrating than many others. (Like Frosted Flakes, it
is not just for kids!) I'm sure that there are nine-year-olds
who could handle this adventure with little difficulty,
but most children of that age will need a good
deal of assistance, especially early in the game.

**Seastalker** is a class act. It's fun, exciting and educational.
(Did I mention fun?) All young adventurers
are certain to enjoy this dive deep into danger.
