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Flight of the Amazon Queen

From Alfawiki
Interactive Binary Illusions
IndustryVideo game development
Founded1990s
Headquarters
Australia
ProductsFlight of the Amazon Queen

Flight of the Amazon Queen is a visual point-and-click adventure game created by Interactive Binary Illusions, initially launched in 1995 for the Amiga and MS-DOS platforms. In 2004, it was reissued as freeware to be compatible with ScummVM. A sequel, titled Return of the Amazon Queen, was revealed in January 2022.

Development

The game was originally developed on an Amiga 500 utilizing AMOS, then adapted into C for its MS-DOS version. It operates on the JASPAR engine, which was independently developed and is distinct from Lucasfilm’s SCUMM. Visual elements were produced using Deluxe Paint.

Its gameplay mechanics bear a strong resemblance to 1990s LucasArts point-and-click adventures and take inspiration from Monkey Island. The storyline draws from the Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, although the creators initially regarded existing Indiana Jones games as mere promotional tie-ins.

Plot

Set in 1949, Joe King, a freelance pilot and owner of the aircraft named Amazon Queen, arrives in Rio de Janeiro to ferry renowned actress Faye Russel. He is ambushed by his Dutch adversary Anderson and confined to a hotel room. With assistance from Lola, a showgirl and former romantic interest, Joe escapes and reaches the airport just as Anderson attempts to abduct Faye. Joe pilots the Amazon Queen toward Faye’s filming location but is forced to crash-land in the Amazon jungle amid a storm. After confirming the safety of Faye and his mechanic Sparky, Joe seeks assistance and encounters Trader Bob, a merchant residing among an indigenous tribe. Bob enlists Joe’s help to rescue Princess Azura from Floda, a corporation suspected of malevolent intentions.

While exploring the jungle, Joe is captured by an all-female Amazon tribe that also takes Faye when she comes seeking aid. After being freed by the tribe, Joe agrees to assist in Azura’s rescue. He locates her within a concealed base beneath Floda’s operations and frees her, only to face Floda’s leader, Dr. Frank Ironstein—a deranged scientist bent on global domination by transforming Amazon women into dinosaur warriors using his DinoRay device. Ironstein forces Joe to retrieve the Crystal Skull artifact from a temple by threatening Azura’s safety. Joe navigates numerous traps to secure the artifact but is betrayed and imprisoned upon returning it. With Anderson switching sides, they collaborate to thwart Ironstein’s scheme. Ultimately, Joe commandeers Ironstein’s Zeppelin and escapes with Azura.

Releases

Prior to its launch, the publisher submitted the game to Amiga Power magazine for review. Reviewer Jonathan Nash identified a critical bug that halted progress and postponed release by several months despite ongoing production. The magazine apologized for evaluating an incomplete version and controversially published PC screenshots against its guidelines.

The Amiga edition did not include voice acting; however, the DOS CD release featured complete voice performances including British actress Penelope Keith as the Temple Guardian and William Hootkins (known from Star Wars) voicing multiple roles.

Additionally, the DOS CD contained a hidden mini-game where players seek an interview with the development team; this mini-game includes MIDI music and text but lacks voice acting. Although supported by ScummVM, it cannot be accessed from within the main game.

In March 2004, the title was made available as freeware with ScummVM compatibility across Linux, Mac OS X, Windows, and other systems. Both floppy disk and CD-ROM data files were provided through ScummVM; Fedora and Debian distributions also offer installers.

In 2009, iPhSoft commercially launched a modified ScummVM port for iPhone/iPod Touch via iTunes but discontinued it in 2015 due to incompatibility with newer iOS versions.

The game was released digitally for contemporary PCs on GOG.com in 2013.

In March 2016, MojoTouch partnered with original designer John Passfield to publish the 20th Anniversary Edition on iOS App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore. This version includes upgraded graphics rendering, full voice acting, enhanced touch controls, auto-save functionality, multilingual options, HD menus, along with bonus materials such as a making-of booklet, interactive interview commentary by Passfield, original US and international manuals, and an official strategy guide.

Reception

Flight of the Amazon Queen was met with generally favorable critiques. According to GameRankings, the iOS edition holds an aggregate score of 72.50%, while the PC version scores slightly higher at 75.00%. Pocket Gamer awarded the iPhone version a 7 out of 10, describing it as more of a straightforward port than a reimagined adaptation, yet still positively received overall. The iOS release earned a 3 out of 4 rating from Slide to Play, and Adventure Gamers rated it 3.5 out of 5.

In 2013, designer John Passfield revealed that the game sold under 100,000 units, which was considered satisfactory given the market conditions at that time.

External links

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