Gnome Ranger

Gnome Ranger is a text adventure with graphics created by Level 9 Computing and released in 1987 on several 8-bit and 16-bit platforms. Releases include Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Macintosh, and others.

The game is often compared to Magnetic Scrolls' masterpiece The Pawn, but Gnome Ranger doesn't aspire to be such an epic game. Nevertheless, it's well-written, funny, and not too hard. This adventure, set in a fantastic and surreal world, was written by Pete Austin and developed using Level 9's engine KAOS - the same engine used to produce Knight Orc.

One of the game's best aspects is the text parser, which, besides the classic commands, can support instructions given to other characters. For example, you can ask them to go and find an object for you. In fact, our hero will encounter several fantasy creatures, including unicorns, centaurs, giant eagles, and other beings. Interacting with them will be fundamental to solving all the puzzles. Movements are also made easier thanks to useful commands like GO TO, while an interesting choice is the "OOPS" command, a sort of "undo" that will cancel the latest move, in case you realize it's wrong.

Unlike many other games, the Amiga version uses the hi-res mode to allow more text on the screen. Considering this is a text adventure, it's a good choice, despite the limit of 16 colors for the images.

In short, Gnome Ranger might not be the most famous adventure, but it's a game that all fans of the genre should try at least once.