Robots of Dawn
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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In this text adventure based on Isaac Asimov's science fiction detective novel The Robots of Dawn, the player takes the role of Earth detective Elijah Baley, who is sent to the Spacer world of Aurora to investigate the murder of Dr. Han Falstofe, a prominent roboticist and constructor of humaniform robots. Suspects include Falstofe's political and professional rival Dr. Kelden Amadiro, his surrogate daughter Gladia, his biological daughter Vasilia, or ladies' man Gremionis, who was rejected by Gladia. Even Baley's robot friend and partner, R. Daneel Olivaw is not free of suspicion. In addition to the investigation, Baley must also deal with his fear of open spaces on Aurora, a result of having spent his entire life in enclosed spaces on the overcrowded Earth. Also, most Aurorans will not exactly be willing to help Baley due to anti-Earth sentiment.

As typical with adventure games in the detective genre, puzzles are less based on item manipulation but more on gathering evidence and questioning suspects. In each game played, the murderer might be a different one - the location of items and people's reaction to questions differ accordingly. To convict the killer, Baley must determine motive, means and opportunity and present his evidence to the Chairman of Aurora.

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Trivia

The original game package came with an envelope marked "confidential", which contained a variety of documents. These include: an assignment letter from the Earth commissioner to Baley, a private letter from Baley to his wife and son, a "spacegram" from Aurora to Baley, Baley's ticket to Aurora, an excerpt from the Encyclopedia Galactica on Aurora, the front page of the newspaper "Universe Today", and dossiers of all subjects of the murder case. Finally, an "investigation file" took the place of an actual manual, containing loading and gameplay instructions.

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Description from the packaging:

Based on the science fiction thriller by Isaac Asimov.
Game designed by Jon Leupp.
Welcome to Aurora, world of the dawn, where life continues at a slow, predictable pace. When suddenly Dr. Fastolfe, the father of positronic humanform robot design is wiped off the planet. Who is the perpetrator of this mindless evil? And who, but that super sleuth, Earthman Elijah Baley, could apprehend and bring the villain to justice?

You are the genius "Lije" Baley. Consider the suspects very carefully. For example, take Dr. Kelden Amadiro, a power-hungry robot designer, driven to discover Fastolfe's formula. Or Vasilia, Fastolfe's vengeful daughter, who seeks to limit space exploration only to Aurorans. Even R. Daneel, your robot/friend in truth, liberty and intergalactic espionage is under investigation.
Travel in your airfoil to any sector of the city. Experience the mind-blistering "psychic probe" and the trimensional viewer. But always remember to proceed with caution- the future of space exploration depends on you!

The drama. The intrigue.
Robots of Dawn... the text adventure you've been waiting for!
Adapted from Isaac Asimov's bestseller, The Robots of Dawn.
The first text adventure of its kind.
Circumstances vary every time you play.
Actual conversation between you and the characters.
Official dossier on suspects under investigation.
One player.





http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/robots-of-dawn
