J.J. Walters wrote:What are your thoughts on the "Dungeon Master" computer game visuals? I came to the conclusion that they were a "mock animation sequence, complete with original artwork, audio and text made to look like a real game." I based this on the style of the game animation, the year the episode was filmed (late 1984) and the obviously overdubbed audio. In the Episode Guide, I noted that the game visuals seemed to be "inspired by the classic, landmark 3D first-person perspective games 3D Monster Maze (1981) and Dungeons of Daggorath (1982).". I've been into computer games since 1983 (and know a fair amount about computer history and games) and have worked in IT for 20+ years, but I've never been entirely sure about my assessment of the "Dungeon Master" game seen in this episode. It's always intrigued me, especially considering the 1984 time period.
I actually wrote a bunch of video games back in 1984/85 and did
lots of computer graphics.
Yes, you're right. The animation sequence is definitely faked - by someone who didn't know much about computer games. The resolution is far too high (no pixels seen, no jagged lines) and although it looks like limited colours, there are actually many shades - too many for most computers back then. If the computer had the ability to do such smooth scaling (when character moves up and down the corridor) and smooth animated flip (when character turns), then it could have easily had better character animation instead of that stupid skip it does (with annoying clacking shoes sound - actually far better sound than most computers at the time).
The dungeon master screen is reasonable looking so could be real graphics (or not) but the text countdown is probably a video overlay and not part of the computer graphics. The RIP Magnum screen looks real. At least they didn't fake the sound when Magnum types on the keyboard. I have the same keyboard and that's exactly how it sounds.
The real question is: why would an expensive security computer play video games at all? Computer games had to be compiled and written specifically for different computers back then. Why would anybody be writing and selling video games that ran only on this security computer? Why would a security computer have advanced graphics? The biggest question: why the hell would a security computer cost $100,000 and why would Robin Masters pay for it?
The only thing that makes sense is that the Dracos III is the security
system, not just the computer - and that the whole
system costs $100,000 and Robin is only renting the expensive bits for the jewellery competition. The Dracos III system uses an IBM PC as controller, with added cards for graphics, sound, etc. and that's how you can run some games on it. As for how it uses a Kaypro keyboard that isn't plugged in, I... don't really have an explanation for that.