The Legacy

(Microprose, 1993)

Ask not if a game critic is truly "professional," if they do not know of at least one barely-heard-of game that was award-worthy. Among my own list of Top 50 Multimedia Classics, that being said, is this less heard of yet still totally stunning RPG thriller. True, the game had its share of competition in 1993. The start of the 1990's had many amusing "haunted house" game releases, of all shapes and sizes (other such games included the first of the Alone in the Dark series, and The 7th Guest). The Legacy was memorable because unlike most thrillers, it had RPG game elements, expertly integrated into the haunted house game design. You could even choose any of half a dozen characters to play; each mentioned on a very odd final will. One of these people just inherited a strange, New England mansion, given to them by relatives he/she never knew they had. The layout of the house was inspired, with unique monsters to fight, and a completely different look to every floor (or "level") you enter. There's even an amusing storyline that unfolds, via the "Legacy" that you have suddenly become a part of (and a destiny to uphold). The final battle is bizarre yet amusing, and admittedly, has to be seen to be believed. All told, this was a unique, inspired, and fond game memory, and even made it (though just barely) into Techtite's choices of Top 50 Multimedia Classics. It's only flaw, IMHO, was very low distribution and sales, not to mention how Microprose is barely heard of anymore.

Rating : Deep Impact.

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