Akalabeth
Name: Akalabeth
Programmer(s): Lord Britsh
Publisher: California Pacific
Year: 1979
Description:
Akalabeth: World of Doom stands as one of the most important computer role-playing games ever created. Released in 1979 for the Apple II computer, this game was programmed by Richard Garriott while he was still in high school. The game later became known as "Ultima 0" since it laid the groundwork for the legendary Ultima series.
The game puts players in a wireframe 3D dungeon where they must complete quests for Lord British, the ruler of the land. Players create characters by choosing between a fighter or a mage class, then venture into dungeons to battle monsters and gain experience. The game uses simple vector graphics to create its first-person dungeon views, which was revolutionary for its time.
Combat happens both on the overhead world map and in the dungeons. Players face creatures like thieves, rats, and dragons while managing their food supplies and equipment. The game features permadeath, meaning when your character dies, you must start over from the beginning. This creates intense gameplay moments where every decision matters.
What makes Akalabeth special is how it combines different view perspectives. The overhead world map uses simple 2D graphics, while the dungeons switch to a 3D wireframe view. This dual-perspective approach became a standard feature in many later RPGs, including the entire Ultima series.
The game was originally sold in Ziploc bags at a local computer store before catching the attention of California Pacific Computer Company, which published it commercially. While primitive by today's standards, Akalabeth introduced many features that became RPG staples: character creation, multiple character classes, questing structure, and inventory management.
Akalabeth's success helped launch Richard Garriott's career and established many conventions still used in computer RPGs today. Its influence can be seen in countless games that followed, making it a crucial piece of gaming history. Despite its basic graphics and challenging difficulty, the game demonstrates how innovative game design can create an engaging experience even with limited technology.