The Journeyman Project
Author: Linden Lentz
Date: June, 1994
Keywords: Quadra Interactive game software program review CD-ROM
Text: The Journeyman Project by Linden Lentz, SMUG member The Journeyman Project, an interactive CD-ROM adventure, first made its appearance in 1992, helping to create the standard by which all following CD-ROM games were measured. One of the first of the photo-realistic CD games, it's held up remarkably well. As a member of the Temporal Protectorate of 2318, you are part of an Earth at peace. The invention of time travel threatens that tranquility. Time appears to be unraveling. Somewhere, sometime and for some reason there has been an attempt to sabotage history. You are in the driver's seat of the first time travel machine, the Pegasus. In this non-linear time travel adventure, you alone are responsible for correcting this mayhem. Your BioTech interface provides instant access to inventory controls, movement buttons, display panels, energy displays, digital compass, date display, an artificial intelligence module, windows of informations and access to a bank of multi-purpose biochips. The BioSupport suit acts as an environ-mental bubble. For a limited amount of time, it can shield an agent from outside dangers or compensate for harmful conditions. As an added bonus, it can keep the agent from being tracked by unfriendly forces. The world of The Journeyman Project is an extremely rich and detailed one. The graphics are elaborate 3-D models based on multiple views of each object. Elaborate texturing, photo-realistic shadowing and detailing make this a joy to behold. QuickTime movies and animations enhance the experience. One of the strengths of The Journeyman Project is the sound track. Environments and animations are brought more fully to life by the rich stereo sound. The sound effects and mood music are exquisite. The standard Macintosh point-and-click mouse interface is utilized. One does not have to remember a multitude of keyboard commands. While it doesn't have the responsiveness of a Nintendo or Sega controller, it is as good as any Mac game I've used. The story line is quite involved. As you travel back in time to investigate temporal disturbances and attempt to safeguard history from sabotage, you will find that there is more than one way to solve many of the problems you encounter. Your final score is based on several factors. Among these are the restoration of the time zones, the number of times you jump to a time zone (the fewer the better), and the amount of energy you have left upon completing a time zone. I was impressed with the program's approach to violence. Temporal agents are given bonuses for choosing the peaceful solution to each time zones and an additional ''Ghandi'' bonus if all time zones are completed nonviolently. As a science fiction aficionado, I was intrigued by the storyline. I spent many, many hours in front of my computer and still have not come close to completing the adventure. The multiple pathways make it more enjoyable. My ten year old son has also spent a good share of the last month exploring this adventure game. He was entranced by the graphics and sound, but was daunted by some of the puzzles. It definitely will give you hours and hours of entertainment for your dollar. One of the knocks against The Journeyman Project in the past has been its slow speed. Version 1.2 seems to have taken care of that problem. It is advertised as having improved the playing speed-as much as 300% (and it is also AV-compatible). For best performance, it is recommended that you turn off all INITs except QuickTime and your CD drivers. As with all long-term adventure games, it is recommended that you SAVE & SAVE OFTEN! The package includes a quarter-page size manual that explains the premise, the interface, the time machine, the biosupport suit and historical log. It also explains the optional keyboard commands, and most important, it contains the codes needed to access restricted areas and files. The CD-ROM disc contains a demo file, a HiRes Audio demo, QuickTime version 1.6.1, and a Read-me file. On the top level of the disc are three files that give you a choice between 5, 8, or 16 MG versions. If you have 3350K free RAM you can use the 5MG file but it is not recommended. For those with 5500 free RAM, the 8MG version will run smoothly. Using an LC475 8/160, Apple 300 CD drive and Yamaha YST-M10 speakers, I was able to run the 8MG file. I was prepared for an ploddingly slow go of it, but was pleasantly surprised at how well the game ran. I found it to be beautiful to look at, full of mental challenges and needful of a quick arcade hand. I would recommend that you turn off the lights, crank up the speakers and buckle up for the adventure game you don't just play - you experience! The Journeyman Project has a suggested retail price of $79.95, although it can be purchased from most outlets for far less. It is also commonly available bundled with other CD-ROM titles. The Journeyman Project requires a 256-color-capable Macintosh II family computer with a 13" color monitor, at least eight megabytes of RAM, and a multimedia compatible CD-ROM drive. In addition, your computer must be running System 6.07 or later. It is strongly recommended that you have System 7. (System 6.07 will run, but is subject to problems.) If you purchased a copy of Journeyman Project after October 1, 1993, you can upgrade to version 1.2 for free. Otherwise, you may upgrade to version 1.2 for $9.95 plus shipping and handling. The Journeyman Project was created by Presto Studios, Inc. and is published by Quadra Interactive, Inc. P.O. Box 188033 Carlsbad, CA 92009-9793 619/431-9530
Copyright © june, 1994 by Linden Lentz