Altered Destiny is a “Text Parser Interface” adventure game created by the now debunked Accolade released back in 1991.
As I stated above, Altered Destiny uses a Text Parser Interface. This means that you have to type everything in, for example, “Use plant with bowl.” Back at the time when this first came out, I was a terrible speller, and for me, Adventure games didn’t become fun until they started using the point and click interface that I first encountered with IJ and the Last Crusade. I suppose that’s one reason, this game didn’t sit too well with me.
The story for Altered Destiny begins with average spectacle-wearing Joe; P.J. Barrett picking up his TV from the repair shop. Upon arriving, he bumps into a Conan look alike leaving with a TV of his own. The standard “Opps, wrong item” plot ensues and Barrett finds himself transported to the far away alien planet of Daltere, and since Conan was unable to get to this world, it’s up to the player to guide Barrett through his quest to liberate the “Jew of Light,” from the clutches of the evil Helmar; and of cause save the world, free the masses, and get his bloody TV back.
The graphics are fine for the times and have a healthy splash of rich diverse colors that give the game
the cartoonist look of many other adventure games of the time, notably from Sierra. The puzzles that you are required to overcome are tough, but not impossible. Like I said before, you have to be a good speller, and what held me back were the puzzles where I didn’t give the correct spelling. Due to the alien environment, some of the puzzles do create some memorable humorous moments which makes the game truly shine.
The background music of the game is the standard beeb-beeb-bop music that was the available technology of the early 90’s, but surprisingly, I found it fits in very well the alien planet, and doesn’t wear out its welcome.
Overall, if you like adventure games, that give you a good chuckle every now and then, then by all means, download.
