You got it. I don’t know why I felt like blacking it out horizontal-blinds-style. Might have been more challenging with a less iconic cover.
I remember when I saw a video game box on the shelf that invoked HP Lovecraft. I don’t know if I ever bought anything faster. And the game was weird in that French game way, but I think it’s a classic in its own way.
I like the horizontal thing; I’m gonna use it for the initial frame for the box I’m posting (although I’ll not keep it up, as it would give this one away too quickly). The one I’m gonna post will likely go quick.
I love that cover, so much. It is such a classic to me - and it evokes exactly what it says on the box, and exactly the feeling you want from a game like that. As you said, the actual game was a little different - but there’s no doubt that it had a huge impact (directly or otherwise) on gaming, and helped spawn an entire genre.
Anyhow, here goes -
Okay, next one for a real guess (I think this gives too much away, but ah well)
Oh! I had that game and I remember that box! Is it Deep Space?
It is! Man, I had this for my Apple IIc, and it was amazing. 3D ships, combat, landing on planets - it’s most assuredly the game that got me onto space combat sims when I was younger. Watching streams of it these days it’s suuuuuuper basic, but to ten year old me it was mind blowing.
I agree completely! It was fully 3D. And was it real-physics-based? Maybe not. But it was a great simulator, even if on a small map and with only a few missions. I guess it came a few years after Elite, so in that regard it’s not exactly hugely innovative, but I didn’t have anything like it on the Apple IIe.
The designer was Paul Neurath who went on to make Ultima Underworld and to help found Looking Glass Studios.
Deep Space is one of those experiences I wish I could relive. Thanks for reminding me of it, nijimeijer!
I guess I have to find a new box!
That’s a space game? What a terrible box art for a space game. Not evocative of space at all!
Oh man, it was awesome. It was like a mission briefing packet inside there. As a kid it was like “I ACCEPT THE MISSION SIR”
kerzain
5642
Recently we’ve had DERPSPACE and Deep Space. I wonder what sort of space might come next.
AHEM. Thanks for the subtle poke, kerzain.
return of the incredible machine
I have that box in the other room:)
kerzain
5645
I knew that was a TH! I totally coulda guessed that one if the rest of the name had been revealed.
If you have it in the other room, Gigglemoo, then you know that it’s actually called Return of the Incredible Machine: CONTRAPTIONS!
But you got it. Maybe one of the great evergreen games, in my estimation. Also a game with some of the most memorable music ever.
What a great choice, and great series. I remember playing these games with my dad when I was younger. As an engineer, he was fascinated by them. I keep trying to get him into some Zachtronics, but I think he’s done with gaming.
