The Immortal (video game)

Electronic Arts

Industry	Video game development and publishing
Founded	May 28, 1982 (1982-05-28)
Headquarters	United States
Products	The Immortal (video game)

The Immortal is an isometric action-adventure game developed by Will Harvey and launched by Electronic Arts in 1990 for the Apple IIGS. Subsequently, it was adapted for platforms such as the Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, NES, and Genesis. The storyline centers on a wizard navigating a dangerous maze to save his mentor, featuring graphic and intense violence. In 2020, the NES edition was reissued via the Nintendo Classics service, while the Genesis version was included in the Piko Collection Collection 1 cartridge for the Evercade.

Plot

Mordamir, a wizard, sends a plea for help from deep inside an extensive labyrinth to Dunric. The player takes on the role of an aged wizard responding to this call to rescue his mentor. As the journey progresses downward, encounters with goblins and trolls at conflict occur; showing mercy to the goblin king secures their support. Adversaries encountered include invisible shades, winged lizards, slimes that consume flesh, enormous worms, a giant spider, and a water norfalc. Allies aiding the player are Ulindor, Mordamir’s devoted bodyguard, and a merchant vending potions and magical artifacts.

Resting on straw beds induces visions revealing an ancient dragon civilization that once thrived within the dungeon and the city of Erinoch, renowned for its fountains of youth. These dragons controlled Erinoch’s water supply but were attacked by its rulers seeking domination. Mordamir forged a weapon designed to eliminate the dragons but never deployed it.

Near the labyrinth’s lowest level, Dunric is found imprisoned and near death. He discloses that Mordamir was never captive; instead, Dunric’s daughter was abducted as bait to trap him. A vision depicts the city’s army wiping out all dragons except one survivor who escaped and destroyed Erinoch in retaliation. Mordamir, as the last descendant of his people and the final dragon, confronts the player in a decisive battle.

Gameplay

Set across eight labyrinthine levels (seven in the Nintendo version), players engage in puzzle-solving, avoid lethal traps, cast spells, and gather items—some of which can cause immediate death if mishandled. Magical items may be acquired by purchasing from merchants with gold or discovered through chest searches and enemy loot.

Various non-player characters guard sections of the map. Fireball spells are usable freely on the isometric map but are disabled during combat sequences that initiate upon enemy contact. Combat involves evading attacks and wielding swords. Certain stages incorporate unique elements such as flying magic carpets, levitation spells, and floating barrels for traversal.

Development

Will Harvey initially started work on an Apple II title named Campaign, envisioned as an online multiplayer RPG; however, it shifted into a single-player game during development. The Apple IIGS version features music composed by Douglas Fulton, while ports credit Rob Hubbard and Michael Bartlow for their musical contributions.

Reception

The Immortal garnered reviews ranging from mixed to favorable. Computer Gaming World acknowledged its impressive graphics but criticized its linear progression and save mechanics, describing it as more arcade-like than a traditional RPG. Dragon magazine awarded it 4 out of 5 stars; meanwhile, Computer and Video Games rated it 93/100, praising its visual presentation and control scheme.

Amiga Power gave it a score of 76%, recognizing strong graphics but noting limited replayability due to its linear nature. Jim Trunzo from White Wolf rated it 4 out of 5 stars, complimenting its visual quality, action elements, and fantasy atmosphere.

The game received coverage in numerous publications such as The One for ST Games, CU Amiga, ACE, Mean Machines, Zero, Joystick, among others, demonstrating widespread industry interest.