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Planetfall is a 1983 science fiction text adventure by Steve Meretzky of Infocom. Like most Infocom games, because of its portable Z-machine, it was released for several platforms simultaneously. The original release included versions for the PC (as a booter and DOS) and Apple II. Only the Atari ST and Commodore 64 versions were released later, in 1985. His first title, this was one of Meretzky's most popular works and a best-seller for Infocom.
Plot
The game starts with the user assuming the role of a lowly Ensign Seventh Class on a starship of the Stellar Patrol. Reporting to an overbearing Ensign First Class, Blather, the player is relegated to the task of mopping decks. An explosion aboard the ship sends the player scrambling for an escape pod, which eventually crash lands on a nearby planet.
Eventually coming in contact with a humorous and helpful sidekick robot, Floyd, the player must unravel the mysteries of the deserted sole structure on the planet and find a way to get back home.
Details
The sidekick (Floyd) was a new concept for Infocom games. Floyd would follow the player from location to location and interaction with him was required in order to complete the game.
Since the release of Deadline, Infocom had included extra content in their game packages called "feelies". The feelies for Planetfall included:
- A Stellar Patrol "Special Assignment Task Force" ID card (about the size and shape of a credit card)
- 3 interstellar postcards
- A Stellar Patrol recruting manual, "Today's Stellar Patrol"
- Letters (presumedly to home)
The success of this game inspired a novel of the same name and a sequel, Stationfall. The 1987 sequel once again incorporated Floyd, but not as a constant companion, and did not do nearly as well as the original title.
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