The Hobbit: A Software Adventure

About

A text-based adventure game where you play as Bilbo Baggins navigating Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Solve puzzles, interact with characters like Gandalf and Gollum, and collect treasure using simple text commands. The story follows Bilbo’s quest to help Thorin reclaim his kingdom from Smaug, with encounters involving trolls, elves, and riddles. The game includes a summary of The Hobbit for newcomers, serving as both guide and reference. Released in 1982, it was one of the earliest fantasy text adventures, praised for its engaging storytelling and branching scenarios. Available on platforms from Commodore 64 to ZX Spectrum, it became a benchmark for the genre. Though rudimentary by modern standards, it holds a 84/100 average on retro review sites, with fans highlighting its creativity and replayability. The inclusion of the full novel made it accessible to players unfamiliar with Tolkien’s work, cementing its place as a classic for text-adventure enthusiasts.

Storyline

Now, the book by which all other fantasy adventures must be measured has come to life as the ultimate computer program. Now you can enter into one of the most incredible fantasy adventures the world has ever known. As Bilbo, the reluctant hobbit, you suddenly find yourself on a wonderful, frightening, magical journey. You, Gandalf the wizard, and Thorin the dwarf are off to slay the evil dragon and return the treasure he is hoarding. Along the way you will meet trolls and goblins, wizards and elves, Gollum, Bard, and other creatures of Middle-earth. What’s more, through your computer, you will actually be able to talk to these creatures, make friends (and enemies!), share meals, and collect treasure. You will visit many incredible places; some familiar, some new and strange, but all exciting. For those who do not know of hobbits and their world, J. R. R. Tolkein’s book The Hobbit is included in this package. It will introduce you to the marvelous, magical adventures of Bilbo and guide you throughout your journey in Middle-earth. And you can visit Wilderland again and again, and each time your adventure will be new and exciting.