Temple of Apshai_ The
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
_________________________

Temple of Apshai is the first in Automated Simulations' Dunjonquest series of role-playing games series and one of the first computer role-playing games. 

The game could be described as a graphical "roguelike", but actually it resembles the mainframe classic DND more, as you cannot see the whole level, but only your surroundings. Furthermore, the level maps are not randomized like in Rogue. Still, the gameplay has a lot in common with Rogue and other early dungeon crawls: A solo character explores a monster-infested, multi-level dungeon to grab some treasure, everything in top-down view.

The game starts at the Innkeeper by creating a new character (if you already played the game, you can use characters that you created). You get different stat values (in Dungeons & Dragons style) as well as an amount of money that you can spend on weapons, armor and other equipment. Alternatively, you can just enter the stats to "import" characters from other role-playing games. (This is also used as a primitive "save / load game" mechanism.)

After character generation, you enter the dungeons. On the left, the current room of the dungeon is displayed; the character status and other info are displayed on the right. One thing that sets Temple of Apshai apart from other rpg is that the manual contains detailed room descriptions for each room (that may contain hints about traps or treasures), to create atmosphere despite crude graphics.

You move about and perform actions like opening doors, firing arrows, examining walls for secret doors etc. by pressing key commands. Moving is also done without cursor keys: You turn your character into the direction you want to go and then move him forward by 1 to 9 steps, also selectable by single keystrokes. But take care of fatigue: If you keep running all the time, your fatigue rises, and if it reaches 100%, you cannot move or act for some time -- which can be deadly in the presence of, say, a Giant Bombardier Beetle.

Each room may contain treasures to pick up (sometimes just trash, sometimes gold, sometimes useful items), secret doors which lead to hidden parts of the dungeon and traps, which obviously should be avoided (you can try to search for them). Of course, you will also encounter monsters -- a variety of undead or giant insects -- which you have to fight using turn-based combat. Apart from the normal attack, there is also the thrust (which is more effective, but risky), and you can also fire arrows at distance or parry. To avoid a fight, you may also try to speak to them.

If you return to the Innkeeper, you gain experience, which increases your stats. Still, if you quit the game, the only way to save your character is to write down the stats on paper and re-entering them the next time you play. 

Trivia
Every room is numbered, and has a description in the manual about smell, sounds, wind etc. Rogue's dungeons are randomly generated. Apshai's were designed. This is reflected in the room descriptions, which are in the manual for a reason; playing the game with the descriptions makes it much more immersive and interesting.

---

Description from the packaging:

Explore a world of monsters and magic, heroic adventure! A fantasy role-playing experience for you and your computer!
Now, you can enter a universe in which quick wit, the strength of your sword arm and a talisman around your neck might be what separates you from a pharaoh's priceless treasure- or the death-grip mandibles of a giant mantis.

Enter the "Temple of Apshai," the first in our Dunjonquest series, the computer game that offers you the chance to undertake heroic acts in a labyrinth filled with treasures, traps and monsters.
"Temple…" is a role-playing game (RPG) that catapults you into a world of magic and monsters- doomed cities and damsels in distress. More than a game, it's an alter-ego experience. In an RPG, complex factors that make up a human being are abstracted into a few basic characteristics: strength, constitution, dexterity, intelligence and ego. Via your role-playing character, you'll venture into an essentially unknown world, and be at home with the likes of skeletons, zombies, spiders and wraiths. You'll bargain with a tight-fisted innkeeper for the weapons and armor you'll need in the dunjon.

When you play the "Temple of Apshai," you'll be both a character within and a reader of the epic you're actually helping to create. In this labyrinth, the choice is always yours… fight or flee, parry or thrust, slay the monsters or see if they'll listen to reason.

After you've bargained for your sword, armor, shield and your bow and arrows, most of your time in the dunjon will be spent exploring the 200 rooms on four different levels… trying to find 80 types of treasures of priceless worth. But wait- needles, daggers, and bottomless pits- closely guarded by monsters vile and noxious. Do you dare to thrust your broadsword at the giant leech, the skeletal bat, the zombies or the ghouls with mouths full of razor fangs?

We invite you to protect yourself into the labyrinth. See and touch the treasures, hear and smell the creatures that inhabit the place. Discover for yourself the fantasy world of Apshai!

Graphics! Computer-generated map!
Real time!
A fantasy role-playing experience!
For ages 10 through adult.
Complexity: Intermediate.
Playing time: 30 minutes to forever!
For one player.
Game contents:
Book of Lore.
Command Summary Card.
Game program and data files for your computer.

---

Alternate Titles
"Temple of Apshai" -- Alternate title
"Le temple d'Apshai" -- French Title
"Dunjonquest: The Temple of Apshai" -- Apple II + Commodore 64 + TRS-80 + VIC-20 in-game title


http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/dunjonquest-temple-of-apshai
