Play Bastard [Preview] | Commodore 64 Online Game (Unknown)

Bastard [Preview] is a text adventure game developed for the Commodore 64, written by an unknown author and published under the label 'Preview.' The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where the player assumes the role of a character navigating through a series of challenges and puzzles. The narrative is driven by text-based commands, requiring players to input actions to progress through the story. The game's title, 'Bastard,' hints at a gritty or morally ambiguous tone, though specific plot details are scarce.

The gameplay revolves around exploration and problem-solving, typical of text adventures from the era. Players interact with the environment by typing commands such as 'go north,' 'take sword,' or 'talk to guard,' with the parser interpreting these inputs to advance the story. The game's world is described through text, relying on the player's imagination to visualize the settings and events. This style of gameplay was common in the 1980s, as it allowed for complex narratives without the need for advanced graphics.

Bastard [Preview] is noted for its challenging puzzles, which often require careful observation and logical thinking to solve. The game does not hold the player's hand, and mistakes can lead to dead ends or even the character's death, forcing players to restart or restore from a saved game. This level of difficulty was typical for text adventures of the time, appealing to players who enjoyed a more cerebral gaming experience.

The game's release under the 'Preview' label suggests it may have been a demo or an early version of a larger project, though no further iterations or completed versions are known to exist. The lack of information about the author or additional development details adds to the game's mystique, making it a curious artifact of Commodore 64 history. Despite its obscurity, Bastard [Preview] remains a notable example of the text adventure genre on the platform.