"Quest"-Type Computer Games
- Short for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, this type of game features immense virtual worlds, where thousands of players interact. In "World of Warcraft" players choose a character from a number of fantastical races, and explore Azeroth, a majestic and vast world. Players can team up within realms, separate instances of the title's setting, and acquire experience points to improve their character. "EverQuest" is an older game offering a similar fantasy setting on a massive scale. Players can create complex characters by combining various race and class options, which include necromancers and trolls, and must then build up their skills through many hours of combat.
- Quest games have been around for years, and retro titles originate from the 1970s, 80s or early 90s. "King's Quest" sees the player embark on a journey to regain three powerful items, and takes place across 2D screens, with interactions handled via text input. Players talk to characters and explore areas, with many encounters themed around fairy tales. Based on a dungeon exploration board game, "HeroQuest" contains 14 levels and four choices of character. Players move through a dungeon map, with the computer calculating each character's move each turn. Players spend action points to cast spells and defeat monsters, while searching for helpful items.
- Some titles are designed for kids to learn while they play. An educational project as much as a game, "Quest Atlantis" allows kids to participate in learning activities within virtual worlds. The idea is to demonstrate to kids that their actions can make a difference by allowing them to make an impact on fictional storylines. Quests featured in "Quest Atlantis" can involve interviewing real people or researching cultures, for example. A board game in video game form, "Heaven Quest" is intended to test and reinforce knowledge about the Bible. Players select a character and are taken on a tour of events from the Bible, with players trying to successfully answer trivia questions to reach Eden before their opponents.
- Quest games have appeared on a wide variety of console systems. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" stars Link, who must rescue Princess Zelda alongside seven sages from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf. Players explore a game world through two time periods, allowing interesting puzzle possibilities. An installment of the "Final Fantasy" series and available on the PlayStation, "Final Fantasy VII" tells the tale of a mercenary, Cloud, and his quest to discover his origins and save the planet in the process. Players defeat enemies using the game's turn-based battle system, and recruit others to join their team as they advance through the title's complex storyline.