Corruption (1988 video game)

Magnetic Scrolls

Industry	Video game development
Founded	1980s
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Interactive fiction games, including Corruption

Corruption is an interactive fiction title created by Magnetic Scrolls and launched in 1988. The narrative centers on a prosperous stockbroker who finds himself drawn into a world of crime and peril.

Gameplay

This text-based adventure incorporates static visuals, with the exception of the Spectrum +3 version, and prioritizes interaction with characters rather than objects. The Amiga edition features a "speech mode", which Computer Gaming World recognized as an innovative addition.

Development

The game was initially named "Upon Westminster Bridge".

Reception

It earned the accolade of Best 8-bit Adventure Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.

ACE lauded it as "a title that merges robust programming, subtle humor, and an engaging storyline," describing it as Magnetic Scrolls' finest effort. Keith Campbell from Computer and Video Games favorably compared it to Infocom's mystery games, emphasizing its captivating narrative and notable graphics despite its office environment.

Sarah Sharkey of Sinclair User highlighted the believable characters and immersive plot, particularly praising the depth of character interaction. Mike Gerrard from Your Sinclair enjoyed the game, though he found it somewhat less compelling than earlier Magnetic Scrolls releases.

Computer Gaming World commended features such as menu options that reveal exits. In 1992, Charles Ardai referred to Corruption as "the standout title" within the Magnetic Scrolls Collection, acknowledging its influence despite a relatively brief gameplay duration.