| Xyphus | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Penguin Software |
| Publisher(s) | Penguin Software |
| Designer(s) | Skip Waller, Dave Albert & Bob Hardy |
| Platform(s) | Commodore 64, Apple II, Apple Macintosh |
| Release date(s) | 1984 |
| Genre(s) | Role-playing video game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Media/distribution | 3½" disk, 5¼" disk |
Xyphus is a role-playing video game first released in 1984. The game was designed by Skip Waller and Dave Albert with a Macintosh version by Bob Hardy, for Penguin Software. It was the first RPG ever released on the Macintosh system featuring upgraded graphics and mouse friendly user-interface; an improvement over the Apple II and Commodore 64 releases. Xyphus is pronounced, Eks-see-foose, and is the Greek word for sword.
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The game takes place in the world of Arroya 10,000 years after the demon lord Xyphus was defeated, but not killed. His heart had been ripped out and magic amulets sprang from drops of his blood becoming the source of all magic in Arroya. The land became forbidden to human kind for monsters and dangerous creatures of all kinds inhabit Arroya. But a great leader, Das, has arisen and vows to bring civilization back to Arroya. This can only be accomplished by a small band of mercenary troops recruited from the races of humans, elves, and dwarves. As told in song only this band can destroy Xyphus, for as long as Xyphus lives, his minions shall roam and no peace will ever reign over the lands of Arroya.[1]
The game begins with the creation of a party of four characters a mix of Humans, Dwarves, Elves, fighters and magic-users. These four adventurers must then explore the lands of Arroya battling a plethora of monsters; which memorably include various races of goblins, various lycanthropes, giant slugs, anthrodons, various demons and villainous leaders such as the tribal shaman Erse, the orcish hetman, the Demon Prince Erranugh and even a dreaded Vampire. Through these battles the adventurers gain gold and experience points which they can use to upgrade and purchase new magic, weapons and armour as they go. The characters need to gather Xyphoid amulets to cast magic spells and visit forts or trading posts in order to heal, level-up and/or purchase new items. The game consists of 6 scenarios including the final one where your adventurers head underground to face the Demon Lord Xyphus, himself.