Barbarian (1987 video game)
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Barbarian (1987 video game) |
Barbarian is a platform title from 1987, both created and distributed by Psygnosis. Originally launched on the Amiga and Atari ST systems, it was subsequently adapted for platforms including the Commodore 64, MS-DOS, MSX, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. The game's packaging features artwork from fantasy illustrator Roger Dean, as part of his "Red Dragon" figure and landscape collection.
This release eventually inspired a follow-up, Barbarian II, which debuted in 1991.
Gameplay
In this game, players assume the role of Hegor, a barbarian hero venturing through dungeon environments with the goal of overcoming his sorcerer sibling, Necron. Armed with a sword, shield, and bow, the gameplay revolves around navigating platform-style stages through running and jumping mechanics.
To compensate for the limited number of joystick buttons available on many platforms, the control system was designed so that pressing the sole button would bring up an action menu at the bottom of the screen. Players could then scroll through various moves and confirm their choice to execute commands.
The initial releases showcased richly detailed and vibrant sprite graphics accompanied by sound effects that complemented the artistic style of the cover. The IBM PC edition enhanced audio immersion with digitized voice samples and PC speaker sound capabilities.
Reception
David Plotkin from STart commended Barbarian's visual and audio presentation as some of the finest on the Atari ST but criticized the absence of a save feature, which led to frequent restarts and impacted playability. In 1989, Dragon rated the game 4 out of 5 stars. Meanwhile, Amstrad Action awarded it an 81%, describing it as entertaining though somewhat lacking in lasting engagement.
Reviews
- Computer and Video Games (Sep 1987)
- ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (Jul 1987)
- The Games Machine (Dec 1987)
- Crash! (Sep 1988)
- Zzap! (Dec 1987)
- The Games Machine (Sep 1988)
- ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (Sep 1987)
- Computer and Video Games (Oct 1987)
- ATARImagazin (Jun 1987)
- Amiga Joker (Mar 1991)
- ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (Oct 1987)
- Info (Nov 1988)
- Computer and Video Games (Sep 1989)
- Your Sinclair (Nov 1988)
- Happy Computer (Jul 1987)
- Commodore User (Aug 1987)
- The Games Machine (Oct 1988)
- ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (Oct 1988)
- Power Play (Oct 1988)
- Zzap! (Nov 1988)
- Commodore User (Oct 1988)