Play Captain Blood | Commodore 64 Online Game (1988)

'Captain Blood' is a science fiction action-adventure game developed by Fran�ois Lionet and published by ERE Informatique/Infogrames for the Commodore 64 in 1988. The game follows the story of Bob Morlock, a programmer who accidentally becomes trapped in his own creation, a virtual universe, after a teleportation experiment goes wrong. In this universe, Morlock's consciousness is split into five clones, each controlled by a different alien race. The player must navigate this complex world, interacting with various alien species and solving puzzles to reunite the clones and escape the virtual universe.

The gameplay of 'Captain Blood' is unique, combining elements of space exploration, puzzle-solving, and dialogue-driven interactions. Players pilot a spaceship across a vast galaxy, visiting planets and engaging in conversations with alien beings. The dialogue system is particularly notable, as it uses a symbolic language interface where players select icons to communicate with aliens, adding a layer of complexity and immersion to the interactions. The game also features a time limit, as Morlock's clones are slowly dying, adding urgency to the player's quest.

Visually, 'Captain Blood' is striking for its time, featuring colorful, detailed graphics and a distinctive art style. The game's universe is filled with diverse alien species and environments, each rendered with a high level of creativity and attention to detail. The soundtrack, composed by Jean-Michel Jarre, complements the game's atmosphere, blending electronic and ambient music to enhance the sense of exploration and mystery.

The game's narrative is driven by its unique premise and the player's interactions with the alien races. Each encounter requires careful thought and strategy, as the player must decipher the alien language and negotiate for information or assistance. The puzzles are often non-linear, requiring players to explore multiple planets and piece together clues to progress. This open-ended structure encourages experimentation and replayability, as different choices can lead to varied outcomes.

'Captain Blood' is remembered for its ambitious design and innovative gameplay mechanics. It stands out as a bold and imaginative entry in the Commodore 64 library, offering a blend of science fiction storytelling, exploration, and puzzle-solving that was ahead of its time. The game's distinctive approach to communication and its richly detailed universe make it a notable title in the history of computer gaming.