Dungeon Master (1987). Play online

Summary

Dungeon Master reshaped early computer RPGs by replacing the dominant turn‑based combat with real‑time action in a pseudo‑3D, first‑person view. Using the mouse, players could directly grab, push, and manipulate objects in a richly detailed hallway, while a spell‑casting system let them string rune symbols—fire plus wing for a fireball—to create magic on the fly.

The game dropped traditional experience points, letting skills grow organically the more they were used, a mechanic first seen in Dungeons of Daggorath but popularized here. Immersion was furthered by primitive dynamic lighting and directional sound effects that warned of hidden monsters, making the Atari ST and Amiga versions feel eerily alive. Its success was staggering: half of all ST owners eventually bought it, and the Amiga port forced many to upgrade their RAM beyond the standard 512 KB.

Awarded several 1988 honors, including CGW’s Special Award for Artistic Achievement, Dungeon Master inspired later titles such as Ultima VI and Ultima Underworld. Its legacy lives on through faithful fan reconstructions, modern ports, and a handful of console releases, including a cult‑favorite Super NES version.

Storyline

Dungeon Master (SNES) puts you in the shoes of Theron, the apprentice of the enigmatic Grey Lord Librasulus. Librasulus has been reduced to a non‑physical existence and can only regain form by wielding his firestaff. Theron’s mission is to dive into the labyrinthine dungeon, locate and reincarnate four fallen champions, and lead them to the firestaff’s resting place.
If the firestaff is recovered and used to slay Lord Chaos, the game reaches its true ending, restoring the Grey Lord. However, the story also branches: should Theron take the staff and simply exit the dungeon, Lord Chaos remains unbeaten, resulting in an alternate conclusion.