So you want to be a hero?
Definitely not an easy task. Hero's Quest 1 (later to be named Quest for Glory) was the first of Sierra's adventure lineup to blend their classic model with many aspects of a traditional RPG. The basic way it works is the same if you're familiar with adventure games: You're given a basic storyline and you need to go and figure it out. This original version is text based, so you have to type out all of your actions. I actually like this better because I get a lot more gratification from figuring out what to say and to whom, what questions to ask, and how to interact with the environment, as opposed to adventures that use icons for actions/talking/looking/etc...
First off, HQ1 added classes. In the beginning, you can choose to be a Fighter, Magic User, or Thief. Even though it's pretty basic compared to other games, they did a great job making the game different depending on what you choose. Besides the obvious (magic for MUs, sneaky-type skills for Thieves), there are areas only accessible by certain classes, and many problems have multiple solutions depending on what kind of skills you are good at (for example, one way you may climb something to get to an objective, another way you may use your keen throwing skill to fix the problem a different way, or use a spell in a unique way). Numerical stats were also introduced like Strength, Agility, Luck, or Vitality, as well as for each individual skill. All of these go up depending on how you play the game and get experience. Merchants were also added (not exactly an RPG only element, but new in this genre, nonetheless), which have a couple options of adventuring gear, and well as some necessary quest items.
The story is pretty stock: the Baron of the land has had a curse put on him by a local hag, and both of his children have been missing for some time. Brigands are pillaging his lands, monsters run rampant, and the sheriff is too old to help. Obviously it's up to you to fix all of these things. After being dropped off in the town and doing a little exploring, you set out into the wilderness and on your quest. In good adventure game form, there's plenty of side stuff to do, and the main storyline is set up fairly non-linear. As you're solving what seem like side quests in whatever order you like, you're often finding essential items you'll need later. As I said earlier, your class changes what happens a bit. A good thief can eventually discover the location of the Thieve's Guild, steal from houses, and fence his loot. Magic User's can buy spells from a local magic shop, play the wizard Erasmus' Mage's Maze game for a special spell, and all three classes can have slightly different solutions to many situations.
Some helpful hints for playing HQ1:
- In the top menus, there are shortcuts for frequently used phrases (Ask About, Cast, Look At, Inventory)
- Typing "Run" can help you get around quicker, or get away from monsters that are chasing you.
- F4 turns on "High Speed Hero", making your walk faster without speeding up the rest of the game.
- Be sure to watch for keywords during conversations, and always "Ask About" different things.
- Try typing "Get Rocks". You'll need them for many things, and it's not exactly obvious that you can do this.
- Typing "Rest" lets you rest for 10 minutes (limited times), to regain some stamina.
- See Rule #1 from my earlier articles. Save now, save often. Don't get stuck having to restart.
HQ1 (and other Sierra adventures) are best played in ScummVM, an emulator made specifically for them. It's free and easy to install. Just hit "Add Game", and choose the directory where you unzipped the game.
Download ScummVM HERE.
Download the original HQ1 HERE. Click Download, then the Floppy symbol.
Download the enchanced free version of HQ1 HERE.
This version has better graphics and uses the point and click icon system instead of typing.
GOG.com also has a great collection of all 5 Quest for Glory games, with the original HQ1 as a bonus, for only $10. Quite a steal considering the later ones aren't available as abandonware.