Play Cliffhanger | Commodore 64 Online Game (1987)

'Cliffhanger' is a text adventure game written by James C. Hilty and published by Ahoy!/Ion International, Inc. for the Commodore 64 in 1984. The game is based on the 1935 film The 39 Steps, which itself was adapted from John Buchan's novel. Players assume the role of Richard Hannay, a man who becomes entangled in a spy conspiracy after a mysterious woman is murdered in his apartment. The objective is to uncover the secrets of the '39 Steps' while evading both the police and enemy agents.

The gameplay is typical of text adventures of the era, relying on typed commands to interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and progress the story. The parser interprets player inputs, allowing actions like examining objects, moving between locations, and conversing with characters. The game features a detailed narrative, with descriptions of settings and events that immerse players in the espionage-driven plot.

One notable aspect of 'Cliffhanger' is its adherence to the source material, staying true to the film's plot and atmosphere. The game challenges players with logical puzzles and requires careful exploration of the environment to gather clues and items. The text-based nature of the game emphasizes storytelling, with the player's decisions directly impacting the outcome of the story.

The Commodore 64 version of 'Cliffhanger' is remembered for its engaging narrative and faithful adaptation of the film. While it lacks graphical elements, the game's descriptive text and intricate puzzles provide a compelling experience for fans of interactive fiction. Its design reflects the limitations and creative solutions typical of early 1980s computer games.