Play Ad Infinitum | Commodore 64 Online Game (1984)

'Ad Infinitum' is a text adventure game written by Shaun Southern and published by Mr. Chip Software for the Commodore 64 in 1984. The game is set in a surreal, dream-like world where the player must navigate through a series of abstract and often puzzling scenarios. The narrative is non-linear, with the player exploring a vast, interconnected landscape filled with strange objects, cryptic messages, and enigmatic characters. The game's title reflects its infinite and looping nature, as players often find themselves revisiting locations or encountering recurring themes.

The gameplay revolves around typing commands to interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and progress through the story. The parser is relatively simple, typical of early text adventures, and requires precise input to understand player intentions. The game's world is richly described, with vivid imagery that immerses the player in its bizarre and otherworldly atmosphere. However, the lack of clear objectives or guidance can make the experience challenging, as players must rely on intuition and experimentation to uncover the game's secrets.

'Ad Infinitum' stands out for its unconventional approach to storytelling and game design. Unlike many text adventures of the time, it eschews traditional fantasy or science fiction tropes in favor of a more abstract and philosophical narrative. The game's open-ended structure encourages exploration and interpretation, leaving much of its meaning open to the player's imagination. This experimental approach makes it a unique entry in the Commodore 64's library of text adventures.

The game was developed using Mr. Chip Software's proprietary adventure game engine, which allowed for efficient memory usage and relatively fast loading times. Despite its technical limitations, the game manages to create a sense of vastness and mystery, with a world that feels larger than its code might suggest. The minimalist sound design and lack of graphics further emphasize the player's reliance on textual descriptions to visualize the environment.

'Ad Infinitum' is a notable example of the creativity and innovation that characterized the early days of home computer gaming. Its abstract narrative and open-ended gameplay reflect the experimental spirit of the era, offering a unique experience for players willing to engage with its challenges. While it may not appeal to everyone, it remains a fascinating artifact of Commodore 64 gaming history.