Deadline

"Deadline" is a text-based interactive fiction game developed and published by Infocom in 1982. It is one of Infocom's early titles and is part of their "Mystery" series. The game was written by Marc Blank, one of Infocom's co-founders, and is often mistakenly attributed to "Unknown" due to early documentation practices. It was designed to run on multiple platforms, including the Commodore PET, Apple II, and IBM PC, among others.

In "Deadline," players assume the role of a detective tasked with solving the murder of wealthy industrialist Marshall Robner. The game is set in Robner's mansion, and players must investigate the crime scene, interview suspects, and gather evidence within a 12-hour in-game time limit. The game is notable for its innovative use of time-based mechanics, where events unfold dynamically based on the player's actions and the passage of time.

"Deadline" received critical acclaim for its depth, realism, and challenging gameplay. It was praised for its intricate puzzle design and the way it simulated a real detective investigation. The game's success helped solidify Infocom's reputation as a leader in the interactive fiction genre during the early 1980s.