[ Fuzzy Memory ] The Alchemist’s Lab

August 20th, 2008 by Benj Edwards

Fuzzy MemoryIt’s been a while since we’ve had a Fuzzy Memory mysery to solve, but I recently received another request from someone seeking resolution of their distant gaming recollections. I’m not an oracle of infinite knowledge, so like always, I need the adept VC&G readership to help solve the mystery.

Puzzles in the Asylum

Erin wrote me a few days ago regarding a computer game from her past:

I am searching for the title of an old computer game I used to play. I do not remember much, only that it involved walking around, finding “clues” and puzzles and solving them to move forward in the game. There was an alchemists’ lab with the elements and runes and an asylum… I can’t remember much more than that. It was in the mid-late 90’s that I was playing this. Any thought would be greatly appreciated as I am going crazy trying to remember!

Thanks a million,
Erin

Sounds like the description of a Myst-esque point-and-click adventure game to me. I’ve asked Erin to clarify what platform she played this on (given the time frame, likely either a PC or Mac), but I’ve yet to receive a response. If I get any more information from her, I’ll post it.

[ Update – 08/21/2008: Erin says that it was a PC game, not Mac. ]

The Search Begins

So what do you guys think? We need your help in identifying the game described above. If you have any ideas, please leave a comment on this post. The game is afoot!

Update: 08/22/2008

VC&G reader “myce” was first to mention Zork Nemesis, an awesome adventure game that contains the elements that Erin mentioned.

Zork Nemesis Box

As it turns out, myce was correct. Erin has confirmed that the game was, indeed, Zork Nemesis (see comments below). So great work, guys. Congratulations on another Fuzzy Memory made clear.

Have a memory of a computer, video game, computer software, or electronic toy you need help identifying? Send me an email describing your memories in detail. Hopefully, the collective genius of the VC&G readership can help solve your mystery.



11 Responses to “[ Fuzzy Memory ] The Alchemist’s Lab”

  1. Kevin Says:

    Sounds like the game Sanitarium by ASC games who I believe published the original GTA before Rockstar . This was a late 90’s pc game which was re-released for xp. http://www.mobygames.com/game/sanitarium

  2. myce Says:

    Alchemist’s Lab? Make me think of “Zork – Nemesis” http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/Zork_Nemesis/ZorkNemesisR2.shtm

  3. Layne Says:

    Yeah, the description is a little vague right now. Some follow up questions:
    Platform – PC, Console
    Style – PointNClick, RPG, Text adventure
    Perspective – 1st/3rd person, ISO metric
    Basic plot
    What did you do with the runes? Were they just decoration, or did you have to combine them in some way to make “magic”?

    Layne

  4. Mike Says:

    I agree with myce. Zork Nemesis had both an alchemist lab and an asylum and was on the market during the right time frame.

  5. Benj Edwards Says:

    I have to admit that Zork Nemesis was the first game that sprang to mind for me. Man, I loved that game, although it’s been so long that I’ve forgotten all the specifics about it.

    By the way, I did hear back from Erin, and she said it was for the PC, but not much else information.

    Hopefully Erin will check the possibilities you guys mentioned and comment soon.

  6. Erin Says:

    OMG!!! You ARE a collective genius! Zork nemisis is it! I can’t begin to thank you all -Especially you Benj- for taking the time and putting forth the effort. You ROCK! Thank you thank you thank you.

    Now… any ideas on how to get my hands on a copy and if there is one for a mac?

    0:)

  7. Benj Edwards Says:

    You’re welcome, Erin. I’m glad we could help.

    As far as getting Nemesis, you have two good options: bittorrent or eBay. I personally recommend trying to find a complete, physical copy of the game in the box, because it comes with some neat literature that enhances the overall gaming experience.

  8. medarch Says:

    Sounds like Zork Nemesis to me, but you already figured it out!

  9. Mike Says:

    There are a few copies available on e-bay for around $25 and they all list PC/MAC

  10. Kitsunexus Says:

    It’s a shame Zork Nemesis has dick-all to do with Zork though. But good job guys! :3

  11. james Says:

    its been awhile since ive been there, but Gametap has that game i believe… i think thats now available on Mac… not 100% sure of either statements though…

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