Infocom has a reputation for creating top-notch "interactive fiction" - text-only adventures that rely on clever writing and intriguing plots, rather than graphics, to stir the mind. While that reputation is well-earned, with such immortal titles as Planetfall and Hitchhiker's Guide, occasionally they came out with a clunker. One such title that comes to mind is Ballyhoo, a game that I wanted to like, but couldn't, for several reasons.
Ballyhoo takes place under the big top, and you're trying to solve a kidnapping mystery. Along the way, you'll solve puzzles, dodge death traps (hopefully), and interact with numerous circus characters.
Maybe even the fat lady, if you're lucky (or unlucky).
The tone throughout the game is cynical, even satirical. Most Infocom titles have a more serious nature, with dry humor sprinkled here and there; this time, the humor (or attempts thereat) runs as wild as a pack of uncaged elephants. Speaking of which, for those of you who prefer a smellier adventure, Ballyhoo has what you crave, mentioning the whole gamut of odors, from circus animal by-products to garbage left by the crowds. And irony is everywhere; you'll meet a clown named Chuckles, whose personality has absolutely nothing to do with the name. It's a world of jokes, both great and terrible.
As might be expected, some general circus knowledge is helpful in this game. For example,
one of the puzzles involves walking on a tightrope, and you had better know what the proper balancing equipment is. Still another requires you to know how to tame raging lions. I know some tricks from the cartoons, but I'll have to admit I guessed wrong here at first...with a painful result. And other situations require you to wear various costumes or disguises.
With all Ballyhoo has going for it, there is a MAJOR flaw (Infocom might call it a "feature") that kept me from really enjoying this game. Unless you're cheating, you will no doubt make an occasional "fatal" mistake, one that renders the game completely unwinnable. Normally, Infocom titles will just kill you at that point and put you out of your misery. But Ballyhoo just lets you wander around aimlessly, while you have no clue that the only solution to your problems is to start over. It's like a grand cosmic joke - and the laughs on you.
Moreover, at least one version of this game made a famous gaffe with the documentation that makes it almost impossible to complete the game. I won't give away all the details, but look it up online and you'll find it.
