Morpheus (computer game)
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| Morpheus | |
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| Developer(s) | Soap Bubble Productions Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | Piranha Interactive Publishing (1998-1999) Tiburon Interactive Publishing (2000-) |
| Engine | Made with QuickTime VR and QuickTime Video 3.0 |
| Release date(s) | 1998 |
| Genre(s) | Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: T USK: 12 |
| Platform(s) | Mac OS / Windows |
| Media | Hybrid CD-ROM (3) |
| System requirements | Macintosh:
Windows:
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Note: Another computer game called Morpheus was released in the 80's by Rainbird, it was in no way connected with this game
Morpheus is an American computer game released in 1998.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
The game is a first-person adventure similar to MYST with a point and click interface.
[edit] Story
The year is 1928, Matthew Holmes' father is attempting to travel across the North Pole in a hot air balloon. As he is making preparations, a man suffering from the climate stumbles in and mutters many incoherent words, he mentions a luxury liner called the Herculania and that the people on it need help. Intrigued by this, he proceeds in the direction of the liner...and disappears. Thirty years later, Matthew has embarked upon a quest to find his father and gain some closure. Unfortunately, he has lost his way and is separated from the rest of his party. As he is about to succumb to the weather, he suddenly discovers the ship that his father was searching for. Could this ship hold the answers to his disappearance?
[edit] Developmental History
It took four years to develop all the sound, graphics and live action footage.
[edit] Reception
By 1998, the popularity of adventure games had all but diminished and the publisher Piranha Interactive Publishing, did not have a very large "market reach" resulting in the game being available only in select stores such as Electronics Boutique and Staples Business Depot. As a result, the game was not played by many people. Of the few online reviewers who played it at the time, reaction was generally positive. It was not until later years (and after the publisher and developer shut down) that the game acquired some popularity among adventure gamers and more, favorable online reviews.
Some critics praised the game: the story, quality of its atmosphere, graphics and sound. General criticism of the game included the fact that the plot was not followed, the main character's search for his father was only addressed twice, in the introduction and at the end of the game. Between that time, the player wanders the ship and assists the passengers' spirits in resting in peace. Some have criticised the puzzles in the passengers' dream worlds as being formulaic, there are three puzzles in each dream world and they are non-contextual. Also, some have criticised the ending as being abrupt, nonsensical and otherwise disappointing. The main character learns that he did not discover the Herculania, he has actually been unconscious in the snow (the events in the game were a dream). Some however, felt that this twist ending was satisfactory and very fitting to the story. Despite the criticisms, the game received mostly positive ratings and currently has a cult following among adventure gamers.
[edit] Miscellanea
- The game engine was made with QuickTime video including QuickTime VR for the pan arounds and QuickTime Video for the transitions.
[edit] References
1998 reviews:
After 1998 reviews:
- Adventure Gamers
- Andrew Plotkin
- The Deskchair Adventurer
- Four Fat Chicks
- Just Adventure
- MacGamer
- MacReactor
- Mystery Manor
