The Tempest

About

The Tempest lets you steer Ariel through Shakespeare’s island-bound drama as a text-based adventure. You navigate dialogues and puzzles using commands in Early Modern English pulled directly from the source material. The game mirrors the play’s plot but filters it through interactive fiction mechanics requiring careful reading and precise input. Released in 1997 by Graham Nelson, it runs on PC Windows, Linux, Mac, and web browsers. The game’s most striking feature is its faithful use of Shakespeare’s original language, which can feel both poetic and baffling. Players who enjoy literary challenges and historical adaptations often praise its clever design despite the steep learning curve. A niche experience, it rewards patience with a fresh perspective on the classic tale.