Heart of Africa is one of my favourite computer games. It was created for the Commodore 64 by Electronic Arts, and despite its old style graphics and lack of complexity, is still a game I prefer above most. This game was marketed as a sequel to Seven Cities of Gold, but lacks the violence and pillaging that occurred during exploration of the new world. I much prefer Heart of Africa.
The main premise of Heart of Africa is that you have travelled to Africa in search of a fabled tomb a deceased relative found out about; the tomb of Pharoah Ankh Ankh.
Supplies are first purchased in the port city where you begin, and include things like food, medicine, maps, gifts, and canoes. The explorer leaves from there (Cairo) either by land or water. If travelling by water, it is wise to have a canoe, as swimming in the rivers in Africa is fraught with peril. When a village is found during the travels of the explorer, it can be entered, and some supplies may be available for purchase (though not so many as in a city). The chief's hut is always recognizable, and is the source of clues to the tomb (if you are heading in the right direction). Clues are obtained by bribing or threatening the chief. Beware of making a tribe unhappy with
you though, as poison darts may come your way.
The clues obtained can be pretty sketchy but will take you to places like Lake Victoria and Mount Kilimanjaro as you try to find the location of the tomb. Perils along the way include elephant stampedes, overturning of your canoe, starvation, robbery, sunstroke and much more. Great fun, although sometimes the explorer is never heard from again… The explorer occasionally has the good fortune to stumble across a treasure of some sort: an elephant graveyard, a cache of goods left by some other explorer, etc.
Navigation in the game is aided by a map that shows what has already been explored, and a diary that records details of what has taken place.
Game play takes several hours, and an in progress game can be saved when in a port city.
Graphics are blocky and primarily in yellow, green, and dark brown, but surprisingly do not detract from the entertainment value.
The game is slightly educational, as the player is introduced to the overall geography of Africa, and some of the larger cities, but that is not the primary reason for playing the game.
