Last updated on December 22nd, 2023 at 11:18 am
Tir Na Nog is a 1984 video game by Gargoyle Games for the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC. It was ported to the Commodore 64 in 1985. It is based on Celtic mythology.
The game is based on Irish folklore and mythology and follows the story of the great hero Cuchulainn.
The gameplay in Tir Na Nog is inventory-driven, and the player’s objective is to assemble the pieces for Calum’s seal while avoiding enemies and obstacles. The game features a simple control scheme, and the graphics are purely graphical, with no text parser. The game’s world is immersive and atmospheric, with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.
The graphics in Tir Na Nog are impressive for the ZX Spectrum, with detailed character sprites and well-designed environments. The sound effects and music also contribute to the overall immersive experience, enhancing the gameplay and creating a realistic atmosphere.
Tir Na Nog is a classic action-adventure game that offers an engaging and immersive experience for fans of retro gaming and Irish mythology. If you’re looking for a challenging and atmospheric adventure game.
The game was widely positively received by the gaming media. The game forms part of an unofficial trilogy with the science fiction title Marsport and Dun Darach. Dun Darach review published here.
The game got groundbreaking features for that 1984 year such as a large central character, animated backgrounds and parallax scrolling.
Psygnosis Software planned to release a PC remake of the game in June 1995. However the project was canceled.
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The Remake
there was a planned 1995 PC release of “Tir Na Nog” by Psygnosis, a remake of this classic adventure game. The game was set to feature hand-to-hand combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, with the main character, Cuchulainn, encountering various creatures during the journey. The gameplay was described as a strategy role-playing title with a blend of humor and atmosphere, allowing the use of up to 150 commands via a mouse interface.
The game was being developed by the original team and was set to include hand-painted visuals in SVGA mode, with the main character being four times larger than in the original game. The graphics were created using collage techniques, and character animations were primarily done through videotaping and drawing of snap frames. The game was to be CD-ROM-based, covering up to 2 CDs, and was designed to feature over 200 richly detailed locations.
Despite the impressive features and extensive development, the game was ultimately canceled. The reasons for its cancellation remain unclear, with speculations ranging from the impact of Psygnosis being sold to Sony, to the game not meeting modern standards in graphics and music. The cancellation was a disappointment, especially considering the significant effort and resources invested in the project.
This GTW article provides a fascinating insight into the development and subsequent cancellation of “Tir Na Nog” for PC, shedding light on the creative process, technical aspects, and the challenges faced by the development team. It also highlights the complexities and uncertainties that can surround the production of a video game, even after significant progress has been made.
