Intv Prime is developing an amazing looking RPG for the Mattel Intellivision (Wikipedia, book; console first released in 1979), called The Minstrel’s Legend (TML). Formally announced in September 2016, it should see release this year (thanks to Indie Retro News for the heads-up). The game is described as “a one-player ‘sword and sorcery’ open world role-playing video game.” Set in an Earth-like planet in fantasy medieval times, the object is for a small group of adventurers to renew the imprisonment of the demon Xcitticx by playing a magical song. The song is written on parchment that was torn into thirds – one piece is in an overrun fort, another in an abandoned mine, and the last is in Xcitticx’s temple itself. If they cannot succeed in a few days, the demon will escape and the game will be lost.

TML is said to be one of the few games for the Intellivison that features a persistent world, where changes to the game world are stored and kept. Limits on equipment and abilities last throughout the game, areas that are left will have the same state when revisited, and events that occur in the beginning will make a difference at the end. Sounds great and should be a fun cartridge release when it’s finally available!

Full description from the official Website follows:

The game mechanics are similar to those used in the early Ultima series, Nethack, and tabletop role-playing games. Movement, decisions, and combat are turn-based. The terrain of the continent does not change, rewarding repeat players that remember the tricks of navigation, but the location of the fort, mine, and temple changes with each game, and the layout of each one is programmatically generated. The player’s party begins with four apprentice-level characters, having various statistics (strength, intelligence, agility, fortitude, luck) and skill sets that require them to work together to complete the mission.

• Calio, the minstrel. He leads the group and the only one that can play the song to re-imprison the demon and win the game.
• Gruk, the warrior. His skills as a hand-to-hand fighter are critical to protecting the rest of the party from enemies.
• Pelia, the ruid. Her healing talents are important to keeping the party alive during the adventure.
• Tloju, the wizard. His spellcasting ability is crucial to obtaining pieces of the song parchment that Calio must play.

 

The characters start with minimal equipment, but can acquire new items and treasure by defeating enemies in battle. Treasure can be traded at a safe outpost for new/additional items.

As wandering monsters and enemies the guard the parchment pieces are defeated, the characters will gain experience. Increased experience improves character fighting ability, spell quantity and power.

The player must balance the need to find all parchment pieces to re-imprison Xcitticx, the need for characters to rest (to heal and renew spell and song abilities), and the need to strengthen the party through battles.