Frederik Pohl's Gateway
Description official descriptions
When humans finally managed to colonize the planet Venus, they discovered a gigantic system of artificial underground tunnels there. It is assumed that a highly advanced alien race known as Heechee has constructed those tunnels thousands of years ago. Eventually, an abandoned, yet fully functional Heechee spaceship is discovered. One of the explorers boards it, which leads humanity towards the discovery of a space station with many similar ships - all with coordinates of unknown planets already punched in. This station becomes known as the Gateway, being humanity's only connecting point to the rest of the universe.
Since traveling to the potentially dangerous destinations involves a great deal of risk, only some particularly courageous (or perhaps reckless) adventurers, called "prospectors", volunteered to go on these journeys. The protagonist of the game is one of those prospectors, having won the membership alongside a small sum of money and a one-way ticket to the Gateway. Eventually, he discovers an ancient device that contain a warning against a mysterious alien species known as Assassins - and the prospector is entrusted with the task of protecting the humans from that threat.
Gateway is a text adventure with graphics, based on the Heechee universe books by Frederik Pohl. It is identical in interface and general concept to Legend's other text-driven adventures (such as the Spellcasting series): the player may opt for text-only input as well as selecting verbs from a list. Clicking on objects or characters within the graphical representation of the location provides a text description. Puzzles are mostly inventory-based, though there are logic-related tasks as well. The player character explores various planets during the course of the journey. In a few cases, it is possible to die in the game.
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Credits (DOS version)
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| Producer | |
| Design & Implementation of Part I | |
| Design & Implementation of Part II | |
| Design & Implementation of Part III | |
| Additional Design | |
| Computer Illustration | |
| System Architecture | |
| System Programming | |
| Special Cinematic Effects & Animation | |
| [ full credits ] | |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 81% (based on 11 ratings)
Players
Average score: 4.2 out of 5 (based on 32 ratings with 5 reviews)
Definitely one of the best; but can you find a copy?
The Good
I've played many, many adventure games over the years. This may not have the best graphics, the best music or the best interface, but it has the best story. (Admittedly, though, I played the game using the hint-book that was packaged with it, so I didn't get too waylaid or frustrated by the puzzles).
You play a 'prospector', or space adventurer, who travels to far off planets from your base on 'Gateway': a space station created by an alien civilisation, and later discovered accidentally by humans.
Its gripping stuff. No really it is. Compelling in fact.
The Bad
It was virtually impossible to buy. Unlike its successor (Gateway 2) it's rare. It comes up on e-bay every 4 months or so (if you're lucky) and goes for a lot of money but I'd recommend it as its worth every penny (cent, euro etc).
The Bottom Line
A rare treat from story-tellers supreme: Legend Entertainment. The game is a challenge, but finding a copy is even more of a challenge!
DOS · by jossiejojo (37) · 2005
The Good
Great plot, unprecidented atmosphere (even today), splendidly programmed and masterly fullfilled.
The Bad
A bit short, forehaps?
The Bottom Line
Gateway is a worthy game based on one of the most original science fiction novels of all time; "gateway" by Frederik Pohl (which, by the way, is one of my favourite books, so I guess this review is a bit biased).
Having its own independent plot, "Gateway: The Game" still re-creates the novel's famous atmosphere, and then some: following with a splendid and faithful re-creation of the Gateway facility and the Heechee starships (though I would like the other features of the book: traveling with companions for example, the turn-around as the ship slows down in Tau-space and so on - but hey, this game was made in the early 90's).
Gateway was one of the last real quality adventure games - a rare breed which, too me, seems to be dying in our day's. For present day computer companies have a lot to learn from these good old days; the days when making games was not just another way to make cash, but also when making the game itself involved the love from its creators.
Gateway, and its sequel, is one of those rare games we can truly call a work of art!
DOS · by Stargazer (99) · 2003
An absorbing, compelling science fiction adventure!
The Good
The 'being there' factor is great if you are a fan of text based games, the writing is good in quality, the plot great, and, well, it just feel good 'till the end! And the VR puzzles rule!-) Plus, this game is freeware nowadays, something as great as this for free should not be passed up.
The Bad
Hmm.. well the musics aren't exactly from the top although they do fit, and the graphics are good but not excellent. But hey, this is a text based adventure game anyway!
The Bottom Line
Gateway is a brilliant game in the feel and the storyline alike. If you like the genre you really need to play this.
DOS · by RmM (68) · 1999
Discussion
| Subject | By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| RIP Frederik Pohl | Pseudo_Intellectual (67148) | Sep 3, 2013 |
Trivia
Art
Much of the art in this game (and on the cover) are by Chris Moore. He's got an art book called JourneyMan: The Art of Chris Moore out that includes a few of the illustrations used in the game.
Inspiration
The game is (surprise) based on the Heechee trilogy series of books written by Frederik Pohl, first of which is accordingly titled Gateway.
Freeware release
For a time, the game was available as freeware from Legend's website.
References
The Heechee numbers used in the game are the same that are used by the Predator in the movie by the same name.
Awards
- Games Magazine
- 1992 - included in the "Top 100 Games of the Year" ranking
Information also contributed by Indra was here, KnockStump and Timo Takalo
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Fan Page
Contains information about Gateway, covers, credits and a walkthrough
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by RmM.
Windows added by Xoleras.
Additional contributors: Terok Nor, Jeanne, Patrick Bregger.
Game added October 22, 1999. Last modified May 12, 2024.