shades
blind
remix

an exercise in dramatic horror
by Blue Magus

zzt sings the blues

 

1

what is blind?

blind is the original scary ZZT game.

    Blind was originally released quite a while ago, when I (Blue Magus) was in Canid Productions.  It was part of a duo released together as Shades.
    The writing was positively scary.  The graphics were lacking, however, as I had just recently returned to the scene after years in absence.
    So now, in Interactive Fantasies, I've decided to "remix" Blind and some other of my old games.  What's new?  For one thing, the graphics have been totally redone, to add a level to the horror that wasn't previously there and supplement the storytelling.
    I've also rewritten some of the text and added some more descriptions.  Some of the locations have been changed, as well.

 

2

how do I play?

carefully.

    Just load the game and play.  Touch all interesting-looking objects - they will all provide text, which you should definately read; this is the main feature of the game.
    Gradually your goal will become clear.  You'll have to search around a little in order to complete the game, but I assure you, it's well worth it.
    And some advice: play this game in a dark, silent room in the middle of the night.  Or just at night, if possible.   This will help the atmosphere.  Whatever you do, don't play music with this game.  The game is silent for a reason.

 

3

I can't win this game!

chill, man.

    Don't freak out.   This game isn't about winning, tho there is a conclusion.  The events you must complete are logical.  If you're stuck, return to objects you've already examined.   Your new knowledge will help you find what you need.
    If you're still stuck here's a walkthrough:

 

spoilers

1.  Walk down the stairs and leave the lab to the east.  Continue east along the two balconies until you reach the staircase, and descend.  Examine the prominent part of the vine.
2. Return to the left balcony and enter the tower.   Climb the staircase and search the bookshelf.  One book will provide information.
3. Travel to the second tower.  The green book will tell you what you're looking for.
4. Backtrack to the laboratory.  Examine the blue liquid.
5. Go to the library.  Examine the slightly-different-looking corner of the left tapestry to find a secret passage.
6. The secret passage leads to the cellar.   Search the scattered items to find a beaker.  Examine the caged girl to change the final text of the game.
7. Back to the lab.  Fill the beaker with the blue liquid.
8. Return to the vine, and pour the liquid onto it.
9. Head west and talk to the girl to finish the game.

 

4

map

[cellar]
  |
    [coffin]    [library] [observatory]

|                   |                 |
[laboratory] - [balcony] - [balcony]
                                   |
                   [endgame] - [dungeon]

 

5

credits

I'd like to thank the acadamy...

written & programmed by
tony testa

thanks to
interactive fantasies crew
for ignoring my emails
tucan
for his spread on bigsmiley

 

do not fear death...fear undeath
zzt sings the blues