Yep - at the time another frustrated Zzap reader who received this instead of the awesome-looking Katakis demo.
Having said that, the atmosphere and feeling of isolation was somewhat compelling, and I did spend a lot of time just wandering around and that was actually quite enjoyable!
Yaztromo, I agree with you completely, and my experience mirrors yours.
I got this game as a gift - a part of a large compilation of games. All were original, commercial releases with instructions.
But I of course didn't read instructions, so I had no idea what to do, but I loved the atmosphere and the time machine theme.
Too bad the game was too difficult and downright dull in the long run, despite the promising start.
If the whole game had been like the beginning (the living room, fireplace, time machine, easy puzzles, etc.), it would've been a great classic.
It does indeed have a special atmosphere, especially when played during the darkest time of the year.
I wasted hours of my childhood wandering about the timezones in this not having a clue what to do but loving the atmostphere. And that's what makes this game so special - That surreal lonely atmosphere.
Now I've seen a playthrough on youtube I doubt I would've been able to solve it even now.
7/10
I appreciate games that don't kill you (especially repeatedly) because it was rare back then. But just because you cannot die, does not mean that this is an easy game.
I guess they figured that they already made difficult puzzles (through time and space, no less!) It's also a rarity to see a story told well without any words.
I got this game in a special package that boasted 20 games for $20. This package had some really terrible titles in it like "Spite and Malice" or "Richard Petty's Talledega." Among the filler were good games like "The Legend of Knucker Hole", "Caverns of Khafka" and this little gem. Time Tunnel! This game was great! I did have some instructions with the game that gave clues on each level. Without these I doubt I could have figured out how to make the flying broomstick or other such puzzles. The hardest part of the game is probably getting the cage floating with the balloon and then timing it out to land on the scorpion. I remember reading the completed scroll and wondering what a "daimyo" was. The ending was kind of anticlimatic but the whole experience was very memorable and the game had a high replay value.
Commodore User
4/5 Apr 86 p16
Your Commodore
7/10 May 86 p46
Your Computer
3/5 Apr 86 p44
Zzap!
49% Apr 86 p18
Score 64.75
I was not at all pleased to find this on the front of that Zzap! issue in place of the Katakis demo, but oh well. At first, I wasn't impressed, but after a couple of plays, I started to find it oddly compelling. This game goes to show just what we have come to take for granted in games today. If this came out now, it would tell you what the objects were, very probably have an intro tutorial to explain what you were meant to be doing and would of course have a save system and a built-in map. Back then, you were on your own.
What strange and enchanting game! A good deal of the high rating I give this one is from its uniqueness and originality alone!
I remember when playing this long ago, r4ight from the start I had no idea what to do and could do nothing and needed help. I got help from a C64 pen-pal (via snail-mail, no less) for that first step, and once I did, I went through the whole thing to the end myself, though it took me nearly a week of playing many, many hours each day.
But that was just fine as it was so wonderful and enjoyable to play all the way through!
Hmm, that was about 15 years ago!
It's wonderous, whimsical, and atmospheric, with clever puzzles, and interesting scenery (even totally despite the simplistic graphics).
I wonder how much I remember of this one. I'm going to play it again and find out...
You must remember in the past when a friend set you up on a blind date? You go along and the first thing you see is a kilogrammatically challenged woman (with hairy armpits). On first appearances you say to yourself 'no way'. But when you sit down and talk with her you realise she has a great sense of humour and a great personality. Its a lame allegory I know but it sums up Time Tunnel- if you can get past those awful graphics and screeching music...
My brother and I spent days and nights playing thi game, and we finished it. Great puzzles, nice music, excellent game idea. A must-have!
I think I needed a whole year to finish this game without reading any solution...
I remember the notice didn't give any informations about the game, we had to discover step by step what to do...
So a real original concept which really hooks me.
A perfect 10/10
Another early memory for me! this takes me back I can tell you! me and my bro had great fun working out all the little puzzles and eventually finishing it one day. Had a feel good factor about it that I still feel to this day.
Unbelievably deep atmosphere, this game is the most fascinating one I've ever played on C64 or PC.
The loneliness of the main and only character, emphatised by the soundtracks gives this game really that something I never encountered on any other game until now.
The Persian stage is just so amazing, but every stage made me reflect, even the Black Hole.
GREAT!!!
What a great review! I agree with almost everything said!
Time Tunnel does indeed have a mysterious feel to it and is enchanting to play. The time zones make you fell that you are really there and the peace and serenity, and absence of people give a ghostly magic to this game.
To those who complained, the reason for not liking the game is evident in your comments - you didn't devote enough time to it!
I love this game. There are just none like it out there these days. I have it on tape and on my CCS64. If you have a sleepy afternoon to spare give it a go!
Though I didn't have a clue about the game objectives, I kept playing it because it was kind of mysterious...
A very great adventure game, and perhaps the first one I finished with no help.
Many souvenirs on it, medusa, some tricks and others. Very plesaant to rediscover it. It didn't took age.
Cool game.
I got this off the cover of Zzap64. The Katakis issue I think. I must of played this for all of 3 minutes...
I also got this from the Zzap! cover... And got nowhere without any instructions. Still, I would have loved to play the game further, because it has a cozy atmosphere despite the blocky graphics.
Great atmosphere!!!
I love this game. I never finished it, I must try it again, nowadays...
A fun and addictive game indeed!!! I love puzzle games so I can't help it!!!
A fun game, I spent hours trying tfigure out the oject puzzles. Got it in '89, didn't finish till '94, playesd it on and off. A lot of fun childhood memories with it.
Yep I got it on the cover of Zzap 64. I couldn't make head nor tail of it. I don't think I did anything other than just run around a few rooms.
The thought behind the game is great but the result is no big hit. Poor graphics and sound combined with low game-play makes it a pretty bad game.
I also got this game from the front cover of zzap after katakis was withdrawn , shame as I like r-type clones lol oh well time tunnel was great anyway and I also have no instructions
One of the classic puzzle adventure games! Lots of fun, and although I couldn't solve it without the help of a guide back then, more then 15 years later I tried again to see how much I remembered..made it through and this time without help! Its funny how the solution came back as I played...will try again in 15 years lol
I go this free with Zzap after Katakis was withdrawn! Can't play it to save me life as no instructions...
A really good adventure game. I picked it up for like $5 off a clearance rack expecting it to suck, but it totally didn't. Some of the puzzles are pretty tough, and I never did get teh last manuscript fragment (couldn't pass the scorpion in the Old West stage). Quite a bit of good fun.