3D Monster Maze
3D Monster Maze is a computer game for the Sinclair ZX 81, which was developed in 1981 by Malcolm Evans. There are two publications, one of JK Greye Software copyrighted 1981, and a New Generation of 1982. In some sources it is referred as the first 3D computer game for home computers. However, there are earlier games with first person view and 3D elements, mostly space and flight simulations, such as Star Raiders ( 1979) or the Flight Simulator (1980).
Game Description
The game is an adventure maze game ( maze ) from the first-person view. The player must escape from a 16 × 16 fields - maze without being eaten by a Tyrannosaurus rex. Each game starts a new maze is generated randomly. In addition to the 3D view, the player gets in a status line of a six pack, which contains information on the activity and removal of the dinosaur.
The input is the cursor keys on the keypad; In addition, the speed may be varied. For each step through the maze of points will be awarded.
Development
3D Monster Maze 1982 by J. K. Greye software first released on compact cassette. It was developed and programmed in 1981 by Malcolm Evans in BASIC and machine language, which is also brought out in 1982. 3D games already existed from the mid-1970s for previously arcade machines and mainframes.
The game was very successful and has been ported to other platforms, such as DOS and Windows, even in color graphics. The original is played today mostly via an emulator.
Technology
The game features a simple black and white block graphics, which is composed of several special characters ( see picture). The graphics window consists of 25 × 24 pixels, but these are doubled in height and width. In addition, there is the line of text and a scoreboard. An additional memory of 16 KB is required.
Music or sound had not yet available.
Ports
- DOS
- Windows (in color)
- Palm Pilot