The Temple of Apshai is a computer role-playing game (CRPG) from Epyx. The game was first released for the TRS-80 in 1979, then the Apple II and Atari home computers in 1980. In 1983, it was released for the Commodore VIC-20, Commodore 64, and IBM PC compatibles. Even later it was made available with improved graphics for the Amiga and Atari ST home computers. Temple of Apshai was the first title in what became the Dunjonquest series.
| Temple of Apshai | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Epyx |
| Publisher(s) | Epyx |
| Platform(s) | DOS, Apple II, VIC-20, Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, TRS-80, Amiga, Macintosh, Commodore PET |
| Release | 1979 |
| Genre(s) | Dungeon crawl |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Description
The player assumes the role of an adventurer who explores the mysterious ruins of the Temple of Apshai. This player character investigates room after room of this dungeon setting while seeking treasure and combatting monsters. Along the way, the player discovers powerful weapons and armor with which to overcome the Temple's inhabitants. Like many early role-playing games, Temple of Apshai records player statistics, which increase through accumulation of experience rewarded for defeating monsters and acquiring treasure. The object of the game is to develop the adventurer's capabilities to further escape from the dungeon.
The set layout of levels in Temple of Apshai permitted use of printed descriptions of the many rooms. Pen-and-paper role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons frequently make use of verbal depictions given by dungeon masters to suggest to players what is of interest in a setting. Similarly, in Temple of Apshai the player matches an on-screen room number to its entry in the manual that accompanies the game. One sample entry reads in part, "The aroma of vanilla makes the senses reel [...] Gems stud the south wall". To the player, the aroma suggests the presence of a giant ant, and the gem-studded wall might conceal a passage leading to treasure. Such use of printed material to detail a game setting was rare at the time of Temple of Apshai's release and has since been employed infrequently in graphical CRPGs.
Legacy
Two add-ons to Temple of Apshai were released: Upper Reaches of Apshai and Curse of Ra. Both required the original game and expanded play through the introduction of additional content, including a total of 12 levels, 568 rooms and 37 monsters. This trilogy was later released as a whole as the The Temple of Apshai Trilogy, which unified look-and-feel while improving both graphics and sound.
Epyx also produced a prequel, the action-oriented Gateway to Apshai, and a sequel, Hellfire Warrior.
Reception
In Dragon #114's "The Role of Computers" column, reviewers Hartley and Pattie Lesser stated that, along with Rogue, "These are classic adventure games that have been further enhanced due to enhanced computer graphics, sound, and screen displays. Both programs are well-worth your interest."[1] By 30 June 1982, Temple of Apshai had sold 30,000 copies, making it the best-selling computer RPG in North America up until that time, followed by Wizardry and then Ultima.[2]
References
- ^ Lesser, Hartley and Pattie (October 1986). "The Role of Computers". Dragon (114): 72–76.
- ^ "List of Top Sellers" (Document). 1982. p. 2.
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