Lure of the Temptress
Revolution begins
Revolution Software's debut combined point-and-click adventure with innovative NPC routines, setting the stage for Beneath a Steel Sky and Broken Sword.
Overview
Lure of the Temptress was Charles Cecil’s Revolution Software announcing itself. The fantasy adventure introduced the Virtual Theatre system—NPCs who followed their own routines and could be commanded to perform tasks. While the puzzles themselves were sometimes frustrating, the technology and ambition pointed toward Revolution’s greater achievements to come.
Fast facts
- Developer: Revolution Software.
- Publisher: Virgin Games.
- Director: Charles Cecil.
- Innovation: Virtual Theatre NPC system.
- Setting: fantasy kingdom occupied by evil sorceress.
- Legacy: first Revolution Software release; later made freeware.
Virtual Theatre
Innovative NPC behaviour:
- Independent routines: characters moved on schedules.
- Commandable: ask NPCs to perform actions.
- Living world: sense of place through movement.
- Technical achievement: complex for its era.
Learning experience
Development lessons:
- Puzzle design: some solutions obscure.
- Ambition vs. execution: ideas ahead of polish.
- Foundation: established Revolution’s approach.
- Freeware: released free by Revolution (2003).