Lure of the Temptress

Lure of the Temptress is a fantasy adventure game developed by Revolution Software and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment in 1992.

It was the debut game for Revolution Software, and with it, the studio introduced several unique features to graphic adventure games. The 'virtual theatre' and 'auto routing' features were most notable. The virtual theatre system set all NPCs (non-playable characters) to a daily schedule, and they would wander around the world. Auto routing would allow your character to automatically avoid obstacles rather than the player having to do that manually. Revolution will later use the same engine for Beneath A Steel Sky and Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars.

Playing as a peasant by the name of Diermot, you follow your king and his party to a nearby town that has requested assistance. You and the crew unwittingly ride into a band of man-eating Skorl who are being led by the titular temptress, Selena. Selena and her army manage to defeat the king's men and dispatch the king himself. You wind up captured by the Skorl and are thrown into the local dungeon. With a little bit of help, you manage to escape and plunge headlong into a plot to save your homeland. Control your fate through a point-and-click interface and a system of drop-down menus. Diermot can navigate the world, solve puzzles, pick up objects, and command certain supporting characters. Enlist allies and complete quests on your road to take down the temptress.

Fun fact: The temptress was not part of the game's original story. Revolution Software added her later, once they chose the title. Lure of the Temptress was received favorably upon release and praised for its innovative controls and graphics. In 2003, the game was released as freeware. Give in to your temptation to play!!