Last updated on December 24th, 2023 at 01:20 pm
The Sentinel is a computer game created by Geoff Crammond, published by Firebird in 1986.
The Sentinel is a puzzle video game created by Geoff Crammond and published by Firebird in 1986 for the BBC Micro. It was later converted to other platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, Amiga, and IBM PC compatibles. The game was among the first to use solid-filled 3D graphics on home computers and won numerous awards upon release. It has since appeared on several “best video games of all time” lists.
In the game, the player takes the role of a Synthoid, a telepathic robot who has to take control of a number of surreal, checkered landscapes of hills and valleys, by climbing from the lowest spot, where the hunt begins, to the highest platform, over which the Sentinel looms. The Synthoid itself cannot move across the level; instead, it can look around, accumulate energy by absorbing the objects that are scattered.
Here are some curiosities about The Sentinel:
- The game was among the first to use solid-filled 3D graphics on home computers.
- The IBM PC port supports VGA graphics, with an additional lighting effect: objects and terrain become darker the farther away they are from the point of view.
- The Amiga port has a sampled soundtrack by David Whittaker.
- “The Sentinel” was originally released in the United States as “The Sentry”.
- The game has been praised for its addictive gameplay and true 3D space mechanics.
- “The Sentinel” was developed by Geoff Crammond, who is also known for creating the “Formula One Grand Prix” series of racing games.
- The game has been described as a “three-dimensional hide-and-seek game from the 1st person perspective in a surreal-looking chessboard-like landscape”.
- “The Sentinel” has been reviewed positively by many players, who have praised its addictive and fun gameplay.
The Remake
In developing Zenith, we have kept the design simple while using some of the capabilities that today’s improved hardware provides. This remake takes the best from The Sentinel, and improves it with easier controls and bigger and more varied landscapes. You’ve been telling us that this results in a game that is more playable than commercial offerings. If you liked The Sentinel, you’ll love Zenith!
