Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon

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Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon
Developer(s) Cinemaware
Publisher(s) Cinemaware
Release date(s) 1987
Genre(s) Action game
Mode(s) Single player
Platform(s) Amiga

Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon is a 1987 action adventure computer game developed and published by Cinemaware. It is set in a fantastical Arabian Nights-esque world. The player assumes the role of Sinbad the Sailor, and is commissioned by The Princess to rid the land of the Dark Prince.

Like many Cinemaware games, Sinbad draws its inspiration from Hollywood, with a large influence from films such as Jason & the Argonauts as well as the seven other Sinbad films made throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

[edit] Description

Gameplay in "Sinbad" was classic Cinemaware. The game alternated between an open-ended world map, action sequences, and dialog, where the player would engage other characters and further conversations and relationships, in which the choice of things said altered the future of the game. (Cinemaware's title "King of Chicago") relied heavily on this format.)

Using the world map, the player was free to sail to any location, which would trigger the dialogue or action sequences. (For example, The Princess would always willing to talk at the Palace, while sailing through rough waters would probably initiate a shipwreck.) In cities, you could hire men for your crew, while in the deep forests, you could talk with shamans and gypsies about magic and potions.

Dialogue at Sea
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Dialogue at Sea

A memorable dialog sequence from the game found Sinbad being seduced by the local prostitute. If the player gave in, there was a long cut-sequence of the prostitute gyrating before a column of flames, as Sinbad's gaze slowly zoomed in to her pixelated breasts.

Cut-scene
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Cut-scene
The World Map
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The World Map

[edit] Action sequences

  • Swordfighing - After an onscreen prompt of "Pick Up Thy Joystick!", Sinbad would battle with wild animals that have come upon his camp, stole idols that had come to life, other pirates, and the Black Prince himself.
  • The Cyclops - Occasionally, when in remote areas, a cyclops would raid the camp and steal away some of your crew. Using a slingshot, you had to blind the cyclops while avoiding falling boulders.
  • The Shipwreck - Coming across pieces of a broken ship in rough waters, Sinbad must steer his boat through the waves, avoiding rocks and picking up drowning sailors, who will eventually join the crew.
  • The Earthquake - Sinbad falls into an opening chasm in the earth, and must escape in this quite typical platform sequence.

"Sinbad", with its deep story, engrossing world, great score and action sequences resulted in a critically-acclaimed smash for Cinemaware. This game, along with its breakout titles Defender of the Crown and "Rocket Ranger", is a must-have for any Cinemaware fan.

[edit] External link