Simon the Sorcerer 3D

Developer: Headfirst Productions
Publisher: Hasbro UK
Projected European Release Date: May 2000
Platform:

By Randy Sluganski

The Harry Potter of adventure gaming is back and this time in 3D!

It's been seven years since the first Simon the Sorcerer adventure and five years since the sequel. Now Headfirst Productions has updated Simon for the 21st Century with real-time graphics that utilize the same engine as Prince of Persia 3D. The cartoonish look of the originals has been maintained, as have the colorful fantasy backgrounds.

For those who have never had the pleasure of playing the wonderful Simon series, a little background is in order: Simon is a headstrong teenage boy who has been transported to a medieval world of fantasy and magic. As a humble apprentice sorcerer, he is often outmatched by his foes' greater physical power and magical prowess and must rely on his wit and sense of humor to escape dangerous situations. Simon was summoned by the ancient wizard Calypso, who needed Simon's help in order to defeat the evil sorcerer Sordid and his conniving sidekick Runt. Simon 2 ended with Sordid stealing Simon's body in order to launch his most evil and devious world domination plan yet--and leaving Simon lost and bodyless. Simon 3D begins with Simon's soul being reunited with his body on the roof of an Aztec temple. Slightly confused and disoriented, Simon escapes the temple with the help of his new fairy godmother, who was sent to show him the game controls and offer helpful tips and advice.

The world of Simon 3D will be populated by over 80 highly detailed characters and incorporate areas such as an ancient dragon mine, a gnome village, a swamp, and a witch's gingerbread cottage. The nonlinear story line and complex conversation system will allow the player to determine the course of dialogues and discover multiple game endings. Headfirst has also promised plenty of topical, visual gags for the more observant gamer. If dry British humor is your cup of tea, then Simon 3D is your drink of choice.

A point-and-click game at heart, Simon 3D will be controlled via the keyboard. As made popular in Grim Fandango, Simon will turn his head to alert the player to key objects and inventory items. The viewpoint will be offered as either first-person or third-person, and Simon will also be able to walk or run.

Scheduled for a late May release in Europe, Simon 3D will be distributed in North America by SouthPeak Interactive at a as yet-to-be-determined date. Simon 3D seems destined to be another gem in the series and a continuation of a recent spate of excellent European releases that are reestablishing the adventure game as a genre to be reckoned with.