Last updated on December 20th, 2024 at 01:16 pm
Total Eclipse is a first-person adventure game that was released in 1988 for the Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, and ZX Spectrum computers. It is also considered an early example of a first-person shooter.
Total Eclipse, developed by Major Developments and released in 1988, is a notable entry in the realm of early computer gaming, particularly for the Commodore 64 and Amiga platforms. This game, built on the innovative Freescape engine, combines adventure and puzzle-solving within a 3D environment, offering players a unique experience for its time.
## Storyline
The narrative of Total Eclipse centers around an unnamed archaeologist who learns of a curse placed upon a pyramid dedicated to the Egyptian Sun God, Re. The curse threatens to destroy Earth during a total eclipse on October 26, 1930. Players must navigate through the pyramid to deactivate the curse by destroying Re’s shrine before time runs out. The game begins with the protagonist arriving at the pyramid in a biplane, setting the stage for an urgent quest filled with traps and puzzles.
## Gameplay Mechanics
Total Eclipse is characterized by its immersive first-person perspective and exploration elements. Players must manage resources such as water and health while solving puzzles and avoiding hazards like poison darts and falling stones. Key gameplay features include:
Water Jar: Essential for survival; players must refill it to avoid dehydration.
Heart-Rate Monitor: Indicates health status, which can be affected by environmental dangers.
Torch: Used to explore dark areas but has limited battery life.
Compass and Watch: Help players navigate and keep track of time remaining until the eclipse.
The game also incorporates combat elements, allowing players to use a pistol with infinite ammo to interact with the environment and defeat enemies.
## Reception
Total Eclipse received mixed reviews upon its release. While it was praised for its atmospheric music and engaging gameplay mechanics, critics noted issues such as slow pacing and a lack of originality compared to earlier Freescape titles. For instance, Zzap! awarded it an 84% rating, highlighting its moody ambiance but lamenting its similarities to previous games in the genre.
In contrast, Amiga/ST Format rated it at 78%, pointing out that while it was the best of the Freescape series, it lacked innovation.
## Curiosities
Freescape Engine: Total Eclipse was one of the first games to utilize the Freescape engine effectively, allowing for more dynamic 3D environments than most contemporaries.
Cultural Impact: The game’s Egyptian theme and narrative have made it a memorable title among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Sequel: The success of Total Eclipse led to a sequel titled Total Eclipse II: The Sphinx Jinx, which continued exploring similar gameplay mechanics.
Total Eclipse stands out as an ambitious project that pushed the boundaries of gaming technology in its era. Despite its flaws, it remains a significant piece of video game history that resonates with fans of classic adventure games.
The Remake
Total Eclipse 2 came bundled with some versions of the game, subtitled ‘The Sphinx Jinx’.
Those that bought the game also had the opportunity to enter a competition to witness the July 1991 solar eclipse in Hawaii (where there are loads of pyramids).
The winner would be the person who completed the game with the highest score.
To prove that you had completed it, you had to draw a map detailing where you picked up the treasures.
If the score came down to a tie-break, then the best map would be declared the winner.
We wonder if anyone won it?
