Cybercon III

Cybercon III is a first-person sci-fi adventure game released in 1991 for the Atari ST and Amiga and later ported to MS-DOS in 1993. Designed by Ricardo Pinto, it stands as a remarkable example of complex, atmospheric gameplay that pushed the limits of 16-bit computers in the early '90s.

Ricardo Pinto was no stranger to the gaming world. Before creating Cybercon III, he had already demonstrated his technical and design skills, contributing to titles such as Carrier Command, which helped define the genre of strategic vehicle simulation. Pinto's work on Cybercon III reflects a similar ambition: fusing action, exploration, and problem-solving into an immersive, large-scale environment. You will see similarities with other games such as Driller and Damocles: Mercenary II.

Set in a dystopian future, the game places the player inside a massive underground military complex controlled by an out-of-control AI—Cybercon. Your mission is to disable it from within. But Cybercon III is not a traditional shooter; it’s more of an intricate solo infiltration mission played entirely from a first-person perspective. This view, rare at the time, immerses the player in a hostile and claustrophobic world filled with machinery, automated defenses, and complex systems.

The game's standout feature is its massive structure: 400 unique rooms, each designed with its own function and set of challenges. Exploration is non-linear, and survival requires solving logical puzzles, manipulating machinery, and understanding the layout of the base. The interface resembles simulation games, with monitors and control panels used to access doors, elevators, and security systems. Players must learn how the base operates and use that knowledge to outwit the AI rather than rely solely on brute force.

Graphically, the game uses vector-based 3D visuals that, while primitive by today’s standards, were impressive at the time. The use of shading and a subdued color palette gives the world a cold, mechanical feel. The Amiga version adds slightly more polish and smoother performance than the Atari ST, while the MS-DOS port, released two years later, benefits from faster machines but retains the original aesthetic and structure.

Cybercon III was praised for its depth and ambition, but it also divided players. Some found its learning curve and minimal handholding frustrating, while others appreciated its commitment to immersion and cerebral gameplay. There was no in-game map, no guidance system, and progress required a good memory and plenty of experimentation.

In retrospect, Cybercon III is a cult classic—uncompromising and ahead of its time. It predates and anticipates elements seen later in games like System Shock and Half-Life, not through graphical sophistication, but through its commitment to integrating story, world design, and player agency into a single, immersive experience. Ricardo Pinto, who later left games to pursue a career as a fantasy novelist, delivered with Cybercon III a game that still holds a special place in the history of sci-fi adventure gaming.