Simon the Sorcerer 3D
Developer: Headfirst
Productions
Publisher: Hasbro UK
Projected European Release Date:
May 2000
Platform:
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.
