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{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=July 2008}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2008}}
{{lead too short|date=August 2015}}
{{lead too short|date=August 2015}}
}}
}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
|title = Times of Lore
|title = Times of Lore
|image = [[File:Times of Lore cover.jpg]]
|image = Times of Lore cover.jpg
|caption = NES cover art
|developer = [[Origin Systems]]
|developer = [[Origin Systems]]
|publisher = Origin Systems
|publisher = Origin Systems
|director = [[Chris Roberts (game developer)|Chris Roberts]]
|director = [[Chris Roberts (video game developer)|Chris Roberts]]
⚫
|producer = Dallas Snell <br> Jeff Hillhouse
|designer = Chris Roberts
|designer = Chris Roberts
|programmer = Paul C. Isaac <br> Ken Arnold <br> Chris Yates
|programmer = Paul C. Isaac <br> Ken Arnold <br> Chris Yates
⚫
|producer = Dallas Snell <br> Jeff Hillhouse
|writer = Paul C. Isaac <br> Brian Roberts <br> Chris Roberts
|writer = Paul C. Isaac <br> Brian Roberts <br> Chris Roberts
|artist = Denis Loubet <br> Douglas Wike
|artist = [[Denis Loubet]] <br> Douglas Wike
|composer = Herman Miller <br> [[Martin Galway]] <br> '''NES''' <br> Katsuhiro Hayashi
|composer = Herman Miller <br> [[Martin Galway]]
|released = 1988
|released = October 1988
|genre = [[Action-adventure game]], [[action role-playing game]]
|genre = [[Action-adventure game]], [[action role-playing game]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[IBM PC compatible|PC]], [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Atari ST]], [[Apple II]], [[Amiga]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]
|platforms = [[Amiga]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Apple II series|Apple II]], [[Atari ST]], [[Commodore 64]], [[DOS]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[ZX Spectrum]]
}}
}}


'''''Times of Lore''''' is a 1988 [[action role-playing game]] that was developed and published by [[Origin Systems]] for several platforms, including [[IBM PC compatible|PC]], [[Commodore 64]]/[[Commodore 128|128]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad]], [[Atari ST]], [[Apple II]], [[NES]], and [[Amiga]].
'''''Times of Lore''''' is a 1988 [[action role-playing game]] that was developed and published by [[Origin Systems]] for several platforms, including [[IBM PC compatible|PC]], [[Commodore 64]]/[[Commodore 128|128]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Atari ST]], [[Apple II series|Apple II]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], and [[Amiga]].

==Plot==
{{More plot|date=February 2018}}
⚫
The game's story tells of the kingdom of Albareth whose monarch High King Valwyn has disappeared and the dukes and barons are wrestling for power. Barbarians are threatening to invade, while monsters are pillaging the land. The player must assume the role of one of three heroes, choosing between a barbarian, a knight, and a valkyrie; and unravel the conspiracy and find three magic items.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:Times_of_Lore_(1988)_gameplay_screenshot.png|thumb|left|Main overhead view in the Commodore 64 version of Times of Lore]]
[[File:Times_of_Lore_(1988)_gameplay_screenshot.png|thumb|Main overhead view in the Commodore 64 version of ''Times of Lore'']]
The game takes place in a very complex world, featuring 13,000 screens of map according to the promotional material. There is no loading during the game, which was quite a feat at the time for such a massive environment.
The game takes place in a very complex world, featuring 13,000 screens of map according to the promotional material. There is no loading during the game, which was an impressive technical accomplishment for such a massive environment.


The [[Commodore 64]] version features high-res overlays for the sprites, a technique that employs two sprites on top of each other one being a low resolution multi-colour sprite the other a high resolution monochrome sprite. Animated water is also used and the game world slowly changes colour between night and day.
The [[Commodore 64]] version features high-res overlays for the sprites, a technique that employs two sprites on top of each other one being a low resolution multi-colour sprite the other a high resolution monochrome sprite. Animated water is also used and the game world slowly changes colour between night and day.


⚫
It is possible to get to unwinnable situations which require restarting the game, such as killing important characters who would otherwise have given certain quests or objects. Killing random peasants is not as dangerous, as staying the night at the inn will make them forget your trespasses.
⚫
The game's story tells of the kingdom of Albareth whose monarch High King Valwyn has disappeared and the dukes and barons are wrestling for power. Barbarians are threatening to invade, and monsters are pillaging the land. The player must assume the role of one of three heroes (choosing between a barbarian, a knight, and a valkyrie) and unravel the conspiracy and find three magic items.


⚫
There are many objects to be found in the game, including a teleportation scroll, a returning axe à la [[Mjolnir]], and healing potions. There is the hidden city of Treela, in the middle of the map, behind a forest. Serfs will speak of a dragon in the north, which can be found sleeping in his cave on the eastern edge of the northern mountains. Catacombs also exists but if entered, the ghouls inside are unleashed upon the world, making the game much more difficult. In the Apple II version, the dragon is replaced with a giant lurking in the northwest portion of the map.
⚫
It is possible to get to un-winnable situations which require restarting the game, such as killing important characters who would otherwise have given you certain quests or objects. Killing random peasants is not as dangerous, as staying the night at the inn will make them forget your trespasses.

⚫
There are many objects to be found in the game, among others a teleportation scroll, a returning axe à la [[Mjolnir]] and healing potions. There is the hidden city of Treela, in the middle of the map, behind a forest. Serfs will speak of a dragon in the north, which can be found sleeping in his cave on the eastern edge of the northern mountains. Catacombs also exists but if entered, the ghouls inside are unleashed upon the world making the game much more difficult. In Apple II version, the dragon is replaced with a giant lurking in the north west portion of the map.


==Development==
==Development==
''Times of Lore'', developed by [[Chris Roberts (game developer)|Chris Roberts]], was originally titled ''Ultra Realm''.<ref>http://www.usgamer.net/articles/chris-roberts-star-citizen-profile</ref> According to Roberts, it was inspired by console action-adventures, particularly ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''.<ref name="barton182">{{Cite book|first=Matt|last=Barton|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=qPPRBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA182 |title=Dungeons & Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games |publisher=[[A K Peters, Ltd.]] |year=2008 |accessdate=2010-09-08 |isbn = 1-56881-411-9 | pages=181–182, 212}}</ref><ref name="cgw">''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', issue 68 (February 1990), pages 34 & 38</ref> Roberts stated that "interfaces and design are being affected" by the [[video game console]] market and that what "the Japanese market originally demanded were certain constraints which did not affect the depth and quality of a game."<ref name="cgw"/> Console titles, particularly ''Zelda'', inspired Roberts to design ''Times of Lore'' as a real-time game, with a constant-scale [[open world]] (rather than an unscaled [[overworld]]) and a more accessible interface,<ref name="cgw"/> presented as an icon-based [[point and click]] interface.<ref name="ultima83">https://archive.org/stream/TheOfficialBookOfUltima/The-Official-Book-of-Ultima#page/n95/mode/2up</ref>
''Times of Lore'', developed by [[Chris Roberts (video game developer)|Chris Roberts]], was originally titled ''Ultra Realm''.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/chris-roberts-star-citizen-profile | title=The Stars His Destination: Chris Roberts from Origin to Star Citizen| date=2014-09-13}}</ref> According to Roberts, it was inspired by console action-adventures, particularly ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''.<ref name="barton182">{{Cite book|first=Matt|last=Barton|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qPPRBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA182 |title=Dungeons & Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games |publisher=[[A K Peters, Ltd.]] |year=2008 |accessdate=2010-09-08 |isbn = 978-1-56881-411-7 | pages=181–182, 212}}</ref><ref name="cgw">''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', issue 68 (February 1990), pages 34 & 38</ref> Roberts stated that "interfaces and design are being affected" by the [[video game console]] market and that what "the Japanese market originally demanded were certain constraints which did not affect the depth and quality of a game."<ref name="cgw"/>


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
⚫
[[Scorpia (journalist)|Scorpia]] of ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' recommended ''Times of Lore'' as an introductory computer RPG, noting both dialogue and actions were menu-driven, simplifying the game.<ref name = "CGW">{{Cite news | date = Jan 1989 | author = Scorpia | periodical = [[Computer Gaming World]] | title = Times of Lore | pages = 59–60 | postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> ''[[Compute!]]'' agreed with the recommendation, noting that the game's scale was smaller than the ''Ultima'' games' and praising its graphics and sound.<ref name="poggiali198903">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1989-03-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_106_1989_Mar#page/n71/mode/2up | title=Times of Lore | work=Compute! | date=March 1989 | accessdate=10 November 2013 | author=Poggiali, Len | pages=70}}</ref> The magazine named the game to its list of "nine great games for 1989" as "an excellent introductory-level fantasy role-playing game".<ref name="gutman198907">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1989-07-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_110_1989_Jul#page/n19/mode/2up | title=Nine for '89 | work=Compute! | date=July 1989 | accessdate=11 November 2013 | author=Gutman, Dan | pages=19}}</ref>
| award1Pub = ''Crash''
| award1 = Crash Smash
| award2Pub = ''Sinclair User''
| award2 = SU Classic
| award3Pub = ''Your Sinclair''
| award3 = Megagame
}}
⚫
[[Scorpia (journalist)|Scorpia]] of ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' recommended ''Times of Lore'' as an introductory computer RPG, noting both dialogue and actions were menu-driven, simplifying the game.<ref name = "CGW">{{Cite magazine | date = Jan 1989 | author = Scorpia | magazine = [[Computer Gaming World]] | title = Times of Lore | pages = 59–60 }}</ref> ''[[Compute!]]'' agreed with the recommendation, noting that the game's scale was smaller than the ''Ultima'' games' and praising its graphics and sound.<ref name="poggiali198903">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1989-03-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_106_1989_Mar#page/n71/mode/2up | title=Times of Lore | work=Compute! | date=March 1989 | accessdate=10 November 2013 | author=Poggiali, Len | pages=70}}</ref> The magazine named the game to its list of "nine great games for 1989" as "an excellent introductory-level fantasy role-playing game".<ref name="gutman198907">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1989-07-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_110_1989_Jul#page/n19/mode/2up | title=Nine for '89 | work=Compute! | date=July 1989 | accessdate=11 November 2013 | author=Gutman, Dan | pages=19}}</ref>

==Reviews==
*''[[:fr:Jeux et Stratégie|Jeux & Stratégie]]'' #56<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/jeux-et-strategie-56/page/72/mode/2up | title=Jeux & stratégie 56 | date=March 1989 }}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
''Times of Lore'' went on to inspire several later titles by [[Origin Systems]].<ref name="cgw"/> This includes the 1990 title ''[[Bad Blood (video game)|Bad Blood]]'', another action RPG based on the same engine.<ref name="barton182"/><ref name="cgw"/> It also inspired the 1990 title ''[[Ultima VI: The False Prophet]]'', which adopted several elements from ''Times of Lore'', including real-time elements, a constant-scale open world (replacing the unscaled overworld of earlier ''[[Ultima (series)|Ultima]]'' games),<ref name="cgw"/> and an icon-based point & clock interface.<ref name="maher20170407">{{Cite web |url=http://www.filfre.net/2017/04/ultima-vi/ |title=Ultima VI |last=Maher |first=Jimmy |date=2017-04-07 |website=The Digital Antiquarian}}</ref><ref name="ultima83"/> [[Richard Garriott]], in addition to citing it as an influence on ''Ultima VI'',<ref name="ultima83"/> said that ''[[Ultima VII: The Black Gate]]'' was also inspired by ''Times of Lore''.<ref>[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=mKF5AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA347 ''Vintage Games: An Insider Look at the History of Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario, and the Most Influential Games of All Time'', page 347]</ref> The game was a precursor to ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'' and ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance]]''.<ref>[http://www.lemon64.com/?mainurl=http%3A//www.lemon64.com/reviews/view.php%3Fid%3D768 Times of Lore], Lemon64</ref>
''Times of Lore'' went on to inspire several later titles by [[Origin Systems]].<ref name="cgw"/> This includes the 1990 title ''[[Bad Blood (video game)|Bad Blood]]'', another action RPG based on the same engine.<ref name="barton182"/><ref name="cgw"/> It also inspired the 1990 title ''[[Ultima VI: The False Prophet]]'', which adopted several elements from ''Times of Lore'', including real-time elements, a constant-scale open world (replacing the unscaled overworld of earlier ''[[Ultima (series)|Ultima]]'' games),<ref name="cgw"/> and an icon-based point & click interface.<ref name="maher20170407">{{Cite web |url=http://www.filfre.net/2017/04/ultima-vi/ |title=Ultima VI |last=Maher |first=Jimmy |date=2017-04-07 |website=The Digital Antiquarian}}</ref><ref name="ultima83">{{Cite book | url=https://archive.org/stream/TheOfficialBookOfUltima/The-Official-Book-of-Ultima#page/n95/mode/2up | title=The Official Book of Ultima| year=1990}}</ref> [[Richard Garriott]], in addition to citing it as an influence on ''Ultima VI'',<ref name="ultima83"/> said that ''[[Ultima VII: The Black Gate]]'' was also inspired by ''Times of Lore''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mKF5AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA347 ''Vintage Games: An Insider Look at the History of Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario, and the Most Influential Games of All Time'', page 347]</ref> Some have considered the game as a precursor to ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'' and ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance]]''.<ref>[http://www.lemon64.com/?mainurl=http%3A//www.lemon64.com/reviews/view.php%3Fid%3D768 Times of Lore], Lemon64</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 50: Line 62:
==External links==
==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/times-of-lore}}
*{{moby game|id=/times-of-lore}}
*{{abime|id=1440}}
*{{WoS game|id=0005289}}
*{{WoS game|id=0005289}}
*{{Internet Archive game|msdos_Times_of_Lore_1988}}
*{{Internet Archive game|msdos_Times_of_Lore_1988}}

{{Origin Systems}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1988 video games]]
[[Category:1988 video games]]
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[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Origin Systems games]]
[[Category:Origin Systems games]]
[[Category:Single-player-only video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Martin Galway]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]

Latest revision as of 18:01, 18 May 2024

Times of Lore
Developer(s)Origin Systems
Publisher(s)Origin Systems
Director(s)Chris Roberts
Producer(s)Dallas Snell
Jeff Hillhouse
Designer(s)Chris Roberts
Programmer(s)Paul C. Isaac
Ken Arnold
Chris Yates
Artist(s)Denis Loubet
Douglas Wike
Writer(s)Paul C. Isaac
Brian Roberts
Chris Roberts
Composer(s)Herman Miller
Martin Galway
Platform(s)Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, NES, ZX Spectrum
ReleaseOctober 1988
Genre(s)Action-adventure game, action role-playing game
Mode(s)Single-player

Times of Lore is a 1988 action role-playing game that was developed and published by Origin Systems for several platforms, including PC, Commodore 64/128, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Apple II, NES, and Amiga.

Plot[edit]

The game's story tells of the kingdom of Albareth whose monarch High King Valwyn has disappeared and the dukes and barons are wrestling for power. Barbarians are threatening to invade, while monsters are pillaging the land. The player must assume the role of one of three heroes, choosing between a barbarian, a knight, and a valkyrie; and unravel the conspiracy and find three magic items.

Gameplay[edit]

Main overhead view in the Commodore 64 version of Times of Lore

The game takes place in a very complex world, featuring 13,000 screens of map according to the promotional material. There is no loading during the game, which was an impressive technical accomplishment for such a massive environment.

The Commodore 64 version features high-res overlays for the sprites, a technique that employs two sprites on top of each other one being a low resolution multi-colour sprite the other a high resolution monochrome sprite. Animated water is also used and the game world slowly changes colour between night and day.

It is possible to get to unwinnable situations which require restarting the game, such as killing important characters who would otherwise have given certain quests or objects. Killing random peasants is not as dangerous, as staying the night at the inn will make them forget your trespasses.

There are many objects to be found in the game, including a teleportation scroll, a returning axe à la Mjolnir, and healing potions. There is the hidden city of Treela, in the middle of the map, behind a forest. Serfs will speak of a dragon in the north, which can be found sleeping in his cave on the eastern edge of the northern mountains. Catacombs also exists but if entered, the ghouls inside are unleashed upon the world, making the game much more difficult. In the Apple II version, the dragon is replaced with a giant lurking in the northwest portion of the map.

Development[edit]

Times of Lore, developed by Chris Roberts, was originally titled Ultra Realm.[1] According to Roberts, it was inspired by console action-adventures, particularly The Legend of Zelda.[2][3] Roberts stated that "interfaces and design are being affected" by the video game console market and that what "the Japanese market originally demanded were certain constraints which did not affect the depth and quality of a game."[3]

Reception[edit]

Scorpia of Computer Gaming World recommended Times of Lore as an introductory computer RPG, noting both dialogue and actions were menu-driven, simplifying the game.[4] Compute! agreed with the recommendation, noting that the game's scale was smaller than the Ultima games' and praising its graphics and sound.[5] The magazine named the game to its list of "nine great games for 1989" as "an excellent introductory-level fantasy role-playing game".[6]

Reviews[edit]

Legacy[edit]

Times of Lore went on to inspire several later titles by Origin Systems.[3] This includes the 1990 title Bad Blood, another action RPG based on the same engine.[2][3] It also inspired the 1990 title Ultima VI: The False Prophet, which adopted several elements from Times of Lore, including real-time elements, a constant-scale open world (replacing the unscaled overworld of earlier Ultima games),[3] and an icon-based point & click interface.[8][9] Richard Garriott, in addition to citing it as an influence on Ultima VI,[9] said that Ultima VII: The Black Gate was also inspired by Times of Lore.[10] Some have considered the game as a precursor to Diablo and Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance.[11]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The Stars His Destination: Chris Roberts from Origin to Star Citizen". 2014-09-13.
  2. ^ a b Barton, Matt (2008). Dungeons & Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games. A K Peters, Ltd. pp. 181–182, 212. ISBN 978-1-56881-411-7. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
  3. ^ a b c d e Computer Gaming World, issue 68 (February 1990), pages 34 & 38
  4. ^ Scorpia (Jan 1989). "Times of Lore". Computer Gaming World. pp. 59–60.
  5. ^ Poggiali, Len (March 1989). "Times of Lore". Compute!. p. 70. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  6. ^ Gutman, Dan (July 1989). "Nine for '89". Compute!. p. 19. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Jeux & stratégie 56". March 1989.
  8. ^ Maher, Jimmy (2017-04-07). "Ultima VI". The Digital Antiquarian.
  9. ^ a b The Official Book of Ultima. 1990.
  10. ^ Vintage Games: An Insider Look at the History of Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario, and the Most Influential Games of All Time, page 347
  11. ^ Times of Lore, Lemon64

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Times_of_Lore&oldid=1224483296"