Games like Codename Obscura (ZX Spectrum Next)

Background story It's a beautiful day in the gorilla enclosure at Sydney's famous Taronga Park Zoo. There's only one problem. You're not a gorilla, you're a chimpanzee named Charlie. Some idiot zookeeper has mistaken you for a baby gorilla and put you in the wrong enclosure. It must be someone new, as the staff are normally very good. The gorilla is currently asleep. You need to find your way back… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Charlie the Chimp.

***GOAL ***Collect objects from nature, enjoying the sights and sounds while you're at it. You'll have to solve a few puzzles in the process. The game is basically a text adventure "treasure hunt". If you're new to text adventure games, please read "HOW TO PLAY" below, type "Help" in-game for more information on how to play, or first play Sandcastle Adventure, which includes a beginner tutorial.**… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Snowshoe Adventure.

It’s early morning. Just another day… or is it? You can’t think what’s special about today, but maybe… something? Anyway, you’re Hermes, Greek god and messenger, and today you’ve got a letter to deliver to Zeus, king of the gods. He also happens to be your dad. Sounds simple, right? What could possibly go wrong? WELCOME This is our first parser game, a collaboration between Darren (ancient, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Basilisk and the Banana (TALP).

The game 'Haunted House' is a text adventure in the classic style for the 48K ZX Spectrum. It is an expanded version of the game of the same name that was presented as a type-in program in "Write your own adventure programs" published by Usborne in 1983. This version — which marks 40 years since that publication — features graphics for selected locations, music, 42-column text, save and load to ta… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Haunted House.

"Will you stop doing that!" snapped Sam. "Stop what?" I asked. "Re-releasing the same cases all over again." "But Sam, we covered this last time. There have been significant changes since we first told the tale. I know you are going to ask what so here is a list. 1st.  We are now using DAAD instead of PAWS which means we can reach a wider audience. 2nd.  We freed up some memory, and as a result, w… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Case of Murder - Re-Release.

Background You are Rowan of Bunglewood Downs, would-be thief and seeker of magic. There's known to be a Cave of Magic deep in the forest of Bunglewood. The cave is not hard to find, but no one goes there for fear of being eaten by a troll. As no one's been there, no one knows for sure what's in the cave. It's rumoured to contain treasure, but if it contains treasure, why isn't it called The Cave o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Seeker of Magic.

Background Your name is Susan. You are 14 years old and you have ambitions of becoming a witch. You have just completed two years of study at the Spooksville Academy of Witchcraft. You reckon you know all the theory and now it's time to put that theory into practice. As with all trades, you must start out as an apprentice. You've been allocated to Broomhilda, the old witch that lives in the spooky… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Witch's Apprentice.

Background story One day, Igor is minding his own business in the living room of Frankenstein's castle, when the doctor comes running down the stairs from his laboratory. He is clearly excited. "Igor! I've done it! The machine is ready and there's a thunderstorm due tonight. I need fresh body parts: head, hair, eyes, ears, body, arms, hands, legs and feet. You know what to do. Bring the parts to t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Igor's Quest.

Introduction In the days when the Wild West was roamed by bandits and murderers, lawmen had a lot to deal with. Honest sheriffs and brave rangers tracked outlaws over wild terrain, but very often they had to stop at the Mexican border, because they had no jurisdiction in Mexico. Countless gangs of bandits used this to their advantage. They would cross the border to rob and kill in the southern s… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Desperados.

Introduction The weather is getting hotter and bushfire season is approaching. The animals have to stock up on food and prepare their bushfire survival plans. Every year, the animals appoint a bushfire warden. The bushfire warden has an important job to do, for he or she has to check on all the other animals and make sure that they have their bushfire survival plans in place. This year, it's Kenny… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kenny Koala's Bushfire Survival Plan (TALP).

Background This game is an adaptation of the Italian adventure Ken Richards: L'Ira di Anubi by Bonaventura Di Bello. It was originally published on the cover tape of Viking, no. 9, October 1987 for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. It has now been translated to English and rewritten for a modern audience with the original author's permission. This new version includes many enhancements that were… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Wrath of Anubis.

Introduction Mr and Mrs Graham have gone out to a movie and left you to babysit their young daughter, Anna. What could be easier? Anna is in bed, so you settle down on the living room couch and fall asleep. In your sleep, you dream that Mr and Mrs Graham come home and find Anna missing. The police are called, a city-wide search is instigated and you are severely reprimanded...and rightly so. Amid … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Babysitter.

Fixing Time: A Hack & Makerspace Adventure This classic-style text adventure was created for the Text Adventure Literacy Jam 2025. Introduction Step into the shoes of a curious Hackspace member as you uncover a mysterious machine, tinker with intriguing technology and travel through time itself. Inspired by the golden age of interactive fiction and created as a tribute, this adventure d… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fixing Time: A Hack & Makerspace Adventure (TALP).

Background This game is an adaptation of the Italian adventure Dimensione Sconosciuta by Bonaventura Di Bello. This was his first game. It was originally published on the cover tape of Load'n'Run, no. 37, April 1987 for the ZX Spectrum. It was later rewritten as Amos Newton: Incubo and published on the cover tape of Explorer, no. 8, June 1987 for the Commodore 64 and MSX. It has now been transla… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Unknown Dimension.

Introduction In the years following the American Civil War, you lead a simple life as a cowboy. Despite the low wage, you scrimp and save and manage to buy a small ranch near Tucson, Arizona, where you live with your wife Sarah and daughter Betty. You dream of a bright future for your daughter and work hard every day to earn the money needed to provide her with a good education. Then, one day, y… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wild West.

Introduction You're Danny Dipstick, the sociable single. The only trouble is that all the girls hate you because you're a dork. Every Saturday night you go to the local nightclub and every time you strike out and end up going home alone. Tonight is going to be different. After picking up some advice from your neighbour, you vow that tonight is the night that you will meet a nice girl and get her … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Danny Dipstick.

Introduction On 24 January 1848, James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill, Coloma. When news spread, thousands flocked to the area and the great Californian gold rush began. Mining camps popped up all over the place and some of these developed into townships. When the gold rush died down, some of these towns were abandoned just as quickly as they had appeared. You're a grizzled old prospect… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hangman's Gulch.

Background It's 23 December 2020. It's been a really tough year for many people with bush fires, floods and other natural disasters and then the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people are doing it tough, so it's up to Santa Claus to bring a smile to their faces and make sure that all the nice children get a present on Christmas Day, even if their parents can't afford it. Today also happens to be your birt… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Santa's Trainee Elf.

Introduction Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, the Romanian villagers tell tales of the strigoi. The strigoi are said to be troubled spirits that have risen from the grave. They are attributed with the abilities to transform into an animal, become invisible and to gain vitality from the blood of their victims. There have been recent reports of peasant children dying mysteriously in the local villa… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Carpathian Vampire (TALP).

Introduction You were driving home from the Second National Conference on Acid Rain when you started getting tired. As it was late at night and you were in the middle of nowhere, you pulled over to the side of the road for a bit of shut-eye. When you wake up, you find that it's dark and dismal outside and raining heavily. You'd better get a move on and get the car under cover. Despite all the … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Acid Rain.

Introduction Of all the forms of alchemy practised throughout the ages, the best known is the quest to turn base metals into gold. Of course, everyone knows this is impossible. Even so, there's a rumour that an alchemist in the forest has figured out how to do the impossible and has been building up quite a stash of the shiny yellow metal. After picking up a lead in the local tavern, you think y… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alchemist's Gold.

Introduction The stories about the Ark of the Covenant are well known, but its current location is a mystery. According to French author Louis Charpentier, the Ark was taken to the Chartres Cathedral by the Knights Templar, but no one outside the cathedral has ever seen it. There may be a good reason for this. You were raised in a small village about 100 km from Chartres Cathedral. According to lo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Search for the Lost Ark.

Background This game is an adaptation of the Italian adventure Alan Simmons: Bucaneer by Bonaventura Di Bello. It was originally published on the cover tape of Viking, no. 8, September 1987 for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. It has now been translated to English and rewritten for a modern audience with the original author's permission. This new version includes many enhancements that weren't … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Caribbean Treasure.

Introduction You feel your brain rattling around inside your head. Someone is shaking you. "Wake up! Wake up!" You rub your eyes and squint in the bright morning sunlight. You vaguely make out the silhouette of your next-door neighbour, Peter the pumpkin eater. "Mother Goose has been kidnapped!" That catches your attention. You spring out of bed. Mother Goose is your other next-door neighbour… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Who Kidnapped Mother Goose? (TALP).

Introduction You wake up feeling groggy. Your head hurts. "Blimey. What happened?" You run your fingers through your hair and feel a nasty bump on the back of your head. The last thing you remember was sweeping the floor in the pub before the early morning patrons started arriving. You look around. "What the hell am I doing in the broom closet?" Goal Your first goal is to find out what you're doin… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Captain Cutter's Treasure.

"Well", said Sam "This is a little bit awkward" "What do mean Sam?" I asked. "You've just released the story of my second case that took place in Markham Manor." "Yes", I replied puzzled. "Well, you called it 'The Mystery of Markham Manor', but there is already a game with a very similar name." "Don't be silly" I replied "I'm sure there isn't". I went off to look. "You're right Sam", I said, "Mayb… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Mystery of Markham Manor.

Have you ever wondered what the robot spider did when it went into the wall to help Olivia? In this Hibernated 1 addon, you will see the events on the stranded alien ship through the eyes of an unusual and rather unexpected protagonist: Vermin Extermination Unit 4 aka Vlad. Eight Feet Under reveals a previously unknown part of the Hibernated 1 events, so it's essential to complete the main game fi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Eight Feet Under - A Hibernated 1 Addon.

Background This game is an adaptation of the Italian adventure Murray Shannon: L'Orrore di Goldmine City by Bonaventura Di Bello. It was originally published on the cover tape of Explorer, no. 8, June 1987 for the Commodore 64 and MSX. It has now been translated to English and rewritten for a modern audience with the original author's permission. This new version includes many enhancements that … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Horror of Goldmine City.

Background This game is an adaptation of the semi-graphic Italian adventure 'Murray Shannon: L'Orrore di Goldmine City' by Bonaventura Di Bello. It was originally written using The Quill and Illustrator and published by Edizioni Hobby S.r.l. on the cover tape of 'Explorer', no. 8, June 1987 for the Commodore 64 and MSX. The data was extracted from the C64 version using UnQuill, translated to Eng… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to horror-of-goldmine-city.

Background This game is an adaptation of the semi-graphic Italian adventure 'Murray Shannon: I Semi del Male' by Bonaventura Di Bello. It was originally written using The Quill and Illustrator and published by Edizioni Hobby S.r.l. on the cover tape of 'Viking', no. 1, January 1987 for ZX Spectrum and C64. The data was extracted from the C64 version using UnQuill, translated to English and rewri… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Seeds of Evil.

Coming Soon in 2026! This is the final installment in Legend Entertainment’s Spellcasting series, authored by Steve Meretzky. Spellcasting 401 is the continued story of one nerdy Ernie Eaglebeak, now in his senior year studying magic at Sorcerer University. He must overcome a fiendish curse, pass his final exams, win the hand of his lifelong crush, Lola Tigerbelly, and defeat his evil stepfather … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SPELLCASTING 401: THE GRADUATION BALL.

Coming Soon in 2026! This is the final installment in Legend Entertainment’s Spellcasting series, authored by Steve Meretzky. Spellcasting 401 is the continued story of one nerdy Ernie Eaglebeak, now in his senior year studying magic at Sorcerer University. He must overcome a fiendish curse, pass his final exams, win the hand of his lifelong crush, Lola Tigerbelly, and defeat his evil stepfather … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SPELLCASTING 401: THE GRADUATION BALL.

They came from the stars, determined to claim your world. You and your crew fought valiantly in your version of 2225, driving the invaders back. Victory seemed within reach-until the time-space continuum began to unravel. Your Intelligence Service confirmed your worst fears: the invaders are now traveling to the past, aiming to sabotage your current technology and leave your future defenseless. Wi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tempus Fugit (TALP).

Introduction In the wild West, the tin star is the symbol of law and order. The men who wear the tin star are respected by the community, as they face violent and cunning criminals nearly every day. After a group of criminals kidnapped your wife and daughter and almost took your own life, you decided to join the ranks of these brave lawmen and became a sheriff in the town of Tucson, Arizona. For… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tin Star.

Introduction Woe is you! You've wagged school and spent all day at the carnival and you've run out of money. You were wandering around a quiet area behind all the main rides when you came across a sign over an entrance that said 'Administration'. The sign had been crossed out and replaced with 'Troll's Cave - Admission Free'. What a great gimmick! You couldn't resist the temptation of a free ride,… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Escape from the Troll's Cave.

When you graduated from the University of Tokyo you were so eager to start working and beginning your new life as a young adult that you delved into your job full-time. Now, after so much work without any rest, tired of living in such an overcrowded city like Tokyo, you decided to spend a few days back in the little village where you were raised. Despite now growing into a town, the village is sti… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to World of Monsters (TALP).

"Do you ever get a feeling of deja vu?" asked Sam. "I feel like we've told this story before." "Don't worry Sam things have changed since we first told your story. For a start, we have both grown older and with the distance of time we found a few errors." "Like what?" asked Sam indignantly.  "Well, we left some players stranded in a jail cell with no way out, other players stranded in the back of … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Dragnet Case Re-Release.

Ranked 3rd at the Text Adventure Literacy Jam! Synopsis You are Lysidice, a young Athenian maiden prisoner of the Labyrinth. Though you are under the protection of the Minotaur, you know your luck is bound to run out. And when he shows up...So you will need to escape the maze, if you want (him) to survive... Lysidice and the Minotaur is an interactive parser, created for the Text Adventure Lite… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Lysidice and the Minotaur (TALP).

GOAL:In Sandcastle Master you play as a kid at the beach with your family. Your goal is to build a sandcastle, find treasures, and decorate the castle. Explore and solve puzzles to find five treasures, then drop them onto your sandcastle and admire your work. BACKGROUND:This game includes a tutorial to help players learn to play classic "text adventure" style games, and the game is suitable for ch… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sandcastle Master (TALP).

Introduction There's a carnival in town and your young son has been pestering you to go. You know that if you do, you'll spend all your money on stupid frivolous things, like candy and fairy floss. The household budget can't afford that and you have a mortgage to pay off. On the flip side, if you don't go, your son will think you're the worst father in the world. So, you consult the missus. She… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Organ Grinder's Monkey.

Introduction You were looking forward to a break from chess, and a holiday on Aunt Clarissa's farm was just what you needed. You may have been the county's youngest chess champion, but those long afternoons hanging around the Wigtown chess tables was not much fun for a ten-year-old. You would much rather be running around on your Aunt Clarissa's farm. Well, it used to be your Uncle Bill's farm, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Taste of Terror.

Introduction For generations, your family have been the guardians of the Time Crystals of Cythii. It's a pretty cushy job. All you have to do is prevent the crystals from being stolen, but no one would be stupid enough to steal them or the stability of time would be torn to shreds. Unfortunately, the unthinkable has happened. While your parents were out doing the shopping, you were left in char… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Time Crystals of Cythii (TALP).

There is no computer in the history of anything more obscure than that the El Conquistador Especial 124. Released in mid-1984 in Spain and only sold for a period of a few weeks in June, it was developed and used specifically by a small contingent of farmers called themselves "Los Señores Grandes de España" ("The Great Overlords of Spain") who wished to secede from the country and declare war on Sw… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Que Pasa, Perro?.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:atmosphere, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

93% User Score Based on 46 reviews

Alchemy, puzzles, and a crashed starship. Old-style interactive fiction — a classic text adventure. No graphics! No dialogue trees! No point-and-click! You type your commands, and read what happens next. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hadean Lands.

TWO is a treasure-hunt style TEXT ADVENTURE game in which every location description, object description, incidental message & response message consists of a maximum of TWO words.  TWO was written using using the in-browser development tool, ADVENTURON CLASSROOM. A link to the source code of the game can be found at the bottom of that page. If you like two, please consider entering the #treasurehu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TWO.

Learn how to play text adventure games with this interactive tutorial game. You are "The Adventurer" and for some reason, you really want to get into the cave of magic. There is a problem however .....  a troll is outside the cave and won't let you pass. Oh dear!Learn to code this game (in about an hour) with the tutorial here.8-bit releases at bottom of page. Amstrad PCW &  ZX Spectrum. Goal To … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Cave of Magic (TALP).

Forgotten Island - a text adventure Text Adventure games are a genre of video games in which the player interacts with the simulated game world using textual commands.  The game usually describes a location or situation, the player tells the game how they wish to interact with the world, and the story then continues.  This game was created as an entry for the TALP 2022 Jam.   Text Adventure Lit… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Forgotten Island (TALP).

Introduction You are currently serving aboard the USS Ibis, the first of the US Navy's top-secret Puny class submarines. The Puny class is an attack submarine that packs maximum firepower into a minimum-sized hull. It relies on speed and stealth to surprise the enemy. The USS Ibis is currently on a training exercise in the North Atlantic, just off the coast of Newfoundland. You were doing some rou… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Submarine Sabotage.

Introduction Every year, the king holds an extravagant ball where he invites all the local dignitaries and they lavish him with gifts. The king sells some of these gifts after the ball and uses the money to fund the ball the following year. More importantly, he also gifts some of the money to enterprising craftsmen, tradesmen and other small businesses to help them establish or improve their busin… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The King's Ball.

Introduction Frederick H Winchester III was a rich man who lived in the city of Dunedin in New Zealand. Winchester's grandfather was an Englishman who emigrated to New Zealand in the early 1800s and became very wealthy as an importer/exporter. The grandfather's business was passed down the family line to Winchester's father, then to Winchester himself, along with the company's wealth. Winchester's… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Mystery of Winchester High (TALP).