Play Captured | Commodore 64 Online Game (1986)

'Captured,' written by Bengt Caroli and published by Action Software (also known as American Action) for the Commodore 64, is a text-based adventure game released in 1984. The game places players in the role of a prisoner who must escape from a high-security prison. The narrative-driven experience requires players to explore their surroundings, interact with objects, and solve puzzles to progress. The game's text parser interprets player commands, allowing for a wide range of interactions within the prison environment.

The prison setting is divided into various locations, each with unique challenges and obstacles. Players must carefully manage their inventory, as items found throughout the game are essential for overcoming specific puzzles or unlocking new areas. The game emphasizes logical thinking and attention to detail, as solutions often require combining items or understanding the environment's layout. Time management is also a factor, as certain events or actions are time-sensitive, adding tension to the gameplay.

'Captured' features a minimalist presentation typical of early text adventures, relying on descriptive text to convey the setting and events. The game does not include graphics, instead using text to immerse players in the prison environment. The parser, while functional, may occasionally struggle with complex commands, requiring players to phrase their inputs carefully. Despite this, the game offers a challenging and engaging experience for fans of the genre.

The game's design reflects the limitations and creativity of early 1980s computer gaming. Its focus on narrative and puzzle-solving aligns with the conventions of text adventures from that era. While it lacks the visual and audio elements of later games, 'Captured' compensates with its intricate puzzles and immersive storytelling. It remains a notable example of the text adventure genre on the Commodore 64.