[ Fuzzy Memory ] Interactive Comic Book
June 25th, 2010 by Benj Edwards
Every once and a while, I receive emails from people looking for a certain game, electronic toy, or computer from their distant past. I then pass it on to intrepid VC&G readers to crack the case.
The Clues
Jim writes:
Let me start by saying how wonderful your site is. Sure does bring back a lot of memories, thanks.
The game I’m looking for was played on my C64 (maybe the 128, but pretty sure it was the 64). The time period was the late 1980’s. I remember the game being called an “interactive comic book”. You played the game by being one of the 3 (I think this is the number) main characters in the book. Depending on what you did, the other characters would react to your actions. You could also “switch” to any of the other characters and play the game from their positions.
Kind of a vague description, but that’s about all I can remember about the game. I really hope that someone remembers what it is that I’m talking about.
Thanks
– Jim
The Search Begins
It’s up to you to find the object of Jim’s fuzzy memory. Post any thoughts or suggestions in the comments section below. Jim will be monitoring the comments, so if you need to clarify something with him, ask away. Good luck!
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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.
June 25th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Was this game graphical or a text adventure?
June 25th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Accepted Answer
Lane Mastodon vs. the Blubbermen
What a great game!
June 25th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Good Call, Geoff. It could have been one of these, all in the same series of interactive titles:
http://www.mobygames.com/game/lane-mastodon-vs-the-blubbermen
http://www.mobygames.com/game/gamma-force-in-pit-of-a-thousand-screams
http://www.mobygames.com/game/zorkquest-the-crystal-of-doom
June 25th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I didn’t know there was a series. I just remember a friend’s older brother “playing” this comic game. For some reason he call it Flubbermen.
June 25th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Definitely part of the Infocomics series
June 25th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
you guys are AMAZING … THANK YOU
looking at the quick links that you provided brought back a ton of old memories
YES those are the book/games I was looking for … Lane Mastodon was the one I had, and I do remember the “series”, although I only had the one
words can not begin to express just how HAPPY I really am at this moment
once again, thanks to this community for being there … you guys ROCK
JIM
June 26th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Although not the game you are looking for, it’s worth checking out Accolade’s Comics, a very clever game that is also an interactive comic book.
June 26th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Andrew … thanks for reminding me about Accolade … many fine memories with that company, although not what I was looking for
NONETHELESS – they DID produced some VERY fine games, some of my favorites that I remember were :
*Psi5 Trading Company – one of the first games I ever had. Far ahead of its time IMO
*Street Rods – an early favorite, not only of mine but of my son and nephews as well. We collected every car the game could throw at us and beating the “King” became common place after awhile.
*Elvira – Mistress of the Dark – never could get that one to work correctly,I’d play the game for a while then it would lock up on me at a certain point … replaced it at least twice and had the SAME problem at the SAME point … finally gave up on it, but I enjoyed it just the same
June 26th, 2010 at 10:17 am
You guys never cease to amaze me at how fast you can solve these things. Good job, Geoff!
Our new slogan should be: “VC&G: Making Dreams Come True”
June 27th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Also not the game in question, but it reminds me of the old Questprobe Marvel comic adventures.