PLAY 80s and 90s PC CLASSICS ON WINDOWS 11, 10, 8, 7, VISTA, XP & MACINTOSH OSX
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SHANNARA PC GAME +1Clk Macintosh OSX Install

SHANNARA PC GAME +1Clk Macintosh OSX Install

$ 19.95


Actual Game

 

Shannara
Based on the world of Terry Brooks

1-Click Install
Macintosh OSX

(Legend 1995)

MY PROMISE
My games are genuine, install in one step, look, sound and play in Macintosh OSX like they did in the old days, or your money back. This is my unconditional guarantee for three years.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
This listing includes the original game CD. An on-screen printable manual is also included. The box is pictured for reference and is not included.

I will also provide a compatibility CD that will allow the game to run under OSX versions 10.6 and higher. This covers any Macintosh made since late 2009.

Verify your version: From the Apple menu (upper left of screen) select About This Mac.

INSTALLATION
One step: Insert my CD and the game will automatically work on your computer. Done. Yes, it's that simple.

Want to play? Click the icon. Want the game off your computer? Move the game to the trash. Zero hassle.

TECH SUPPORT
Rapid response technical support for three years is always an e-mail or phone call away.

In the extremely rare event I cannot get this title to work on your system I will take it back for a full refund. All I ask is minimal assistance from you during the troubleshooting process.

 

The Game
Released in 1995 Shannara, a first-person, point and click adventure, is presented in a combination of hand drawn graphics and verb text options. The images are relatively static, but well done – particularly the character models. Shannara also has a great deal of dialogue. There is full speech to go with the subtitles, and I found the voice acting to be excellent.

The opening shows the evil warlock Brona being brought back to life through the magical powers of an ancient book. You begin the game as young Jak Ohmsford, son of the man who previously defeated Brona with the Sword of Shannara. In order to stop Brona again, Jak needs to retrieve the sword, now broken, and re-forge it through the use of magic artifacts belonging to elves, dwarves, trolls, and gnomes (none of whom get along, of course).

You're not alone for long. Early on, you are joined by the lovely Shella, and the two of you set out together. As the game proceeds, you are accompanied by several other characters, represented by icons at the bottom of the screen. Each has his or her own ideas and inventories, and interacting with them becomes vital to solving many of the puzzles. I very much liked the "party" aspect of the adventure.

The supporting cast is also vital when it comes combat. Shannara's battles require no quick reflexes or even much courage. In fact, you're advised to run away as often as possible (which is most of the time). When you're finally forced to stand your ground, a turn-based (untimed) combat mode begins, in which you issue commands from a separate menu. The menu hints at complex strategies, but the fighting is very basic stuff, and you'll quickly get the hang of it. Should you happen to "die", you're given the option to retry from the beginning of the fight.

Navigation comes in two forms. When in a specific location, a compass highlights the directions you can move. When moving between locations, you control your party on an overland map, dodging Brona's minions and picking your path.

The puzzles are logical and so well integrated that they really just feel like part of the story – obstacles and challenges to be overcome as a matter of course.

While all these factors contribute to making Shannara a solid experience, the best feature of the game is the writing. This is easily one of the best written adventures I've ever played, which should come as no surprise. In addition to whatever input Brooks had in making the game, the game was designed by Lori and Corey Cole of Quest for Glory fame.

Shannara is a game with a conscience. I found myself caring about each of the party members, which became all the more important as the game wore on, because I was required to make choices that affected them personally. Not only that, but my decisions were called into question – this is no click and forget game. I was accountable; as the leader, I needed to make the best choices for the greater good, and to take care of my friends as best I could. There are subtle branching paths depending on the most important decisions, should you want to replay the latter part of the game for alternate experiences. Ultimately, though, you'll discover that your motives are what is truly important. This level of character development gave Shannara a depth that few other games can rival.


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