[ Fuzzy Memory ] The Alchemist’s Lab
August 20th, 2008 by Benj Edwards
It’s been a while since we’ve had a Fuzzy Memory mysery to solve, but I recently received another request from someone seeking resolution of their distant gaming recollections. I’m not an oracle of infinite knowledge, so like always, I need the adept VC&G readership to help solve the mystery.
Puzzles in the Asylum
Erin wrote me a few days ago regarding a computer game from her past:
I am searching for the title of an old computer game I used to play. I do not remember much, only that it involved walking around, finding “clues” and puzzles and solving them to move forward in the game. There was an alchemists’ lab with the elements and runes and an asylum… I can’t remember much more than that. It was in the mid-late 90’s that I was playing this. Any thought would be greatly appreciated as I am going crazy trying to remember!
Thanks a million,
Erin
Sounds like the description of a Myst-esque point-and-click adventure game to me. I’ve asked Erin to clarify what platform she played this on (given the time frame, likely either a PC or Mac), but I’ve yet to receive a response. If I get any more information from her, I’ll post it.
[ Update – 08/21/2008: Erin says that it was a PC game, not Mac. ]
The Search Begins
So what do you guys think? We need your help in identifying the game described above. If you have any ideas, please leave a comment on this post. The game is afoot!
Update: 08/22/2008
VC&G reader “myce” was first to mention Zork Nemesis, an awesome adventure game that contains the elements that Erin mentioned.
As it turns out, myce was correct. Erin has confirmed that the game was, indeed, Zork Nemesis (see comments below). So great work, guys. Congratulations on another Fuzzy Memory made clear.
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Have a memory of a computer, video game, computer software, or electronic toy you need help identifying? Send me an email describing your memories in detail. Hopefully, the collective genius of the VC&G readership can help solve your mystery.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Sounds like the game Sanitarium by ASC games who I believe published the original GTA before Rockstar . This was a late 90’s pc game which was re-released for xp. http://www.mobygames.com/game/sanitarium
August 21st, 2008 at 5:45 am
Alchemist’s Lab? Make me think of “Zork – Nemesis” http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/Zork_Nemesis/ZorkNemesisR2.shtm
August 21st, 2008 at 8:21 am
Yeah, the description is a little vague right now. Some follow up questions:
Platform – PC, Console
Style – PointNClick, RPG, Text adventure
Perspective – 1st/3rd person, ISO metric
Basic plot
What did you do with the runes? Were they just decoration, or did you have to combine them in some way to make “magic”?
Layne
August 21st, 2008 at 8:29 am
I agree with myce. Zork Nemesis had both an alchemist lab and an asylum and was on the market during the right time frame.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:06 am
I have to admit that Zork Nemesis was the first game that sprang to mind for me. Man, I loved that game, although it’s been so long that I’ve forgotten all the specifics about it.
By the way, I did hear back from Erin, and she said it was for the PC, but not much else information.
Hopefully Erin will check the possibilities you guys mentioned and comment soon.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
OMG!!! You ARE a collective genius! Zork nemisis is it! I can’t begin to thank you all -Especially you Benj- for taking the time and putting forth the effort. You ROCK! Thank you thank you thank you.
Now… any ideas on how to get my hands on a copy and if there is one for a mac?
0:)
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
You’re welcome, Erin. I’m glad we could help.
As far as getting Nemesis, you have two good options: bittorrent or eBay. I personally recommend trying to find a complete, physical copy of the game in the box, because it comes with some neat literature that enhances the overall gaming experience.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Sounds like Zork Nemesis to me, but you already figured it out!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
There are a few copies available on e-bay for around $25 and they all list PC/MAC
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
It’s a shame Zork Nemesis has dick-all to do with Zork though. But good job guys! :3
August 26th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
its been awhile since ive been there, but Gametap has that game i believe… i think thats now available on Mac… not 100% sure of either statements though…