A great game, and it's pretty amazing that the author could fit that much stuff into such a small package...

I haven't gotten very far in the game yet, because I can't find the level 4 access code or figure out the life-support data disk (!). However, from what I've seen so far, it's pretty good. The controls are a bit frustrating until you learn them, but once you do, playing is a breeze. The storyline seems very good so far, and, speedwise, it's pretty smooth on my TI-83+SE.

I have no major complaints, except that my friend's TI-84+SE glitches sometimes - the graphics become squeezed to the left of the screen and refuse to fix themselves until “Mirage OS” is exited. And the AI, as mentioned before, it a bit 'flitty,' but that's not really a problem. Most average gamers wouldn't notice that.

This program implemented grayscale graphics to their best - the best I've ever seen, in fact. Since I'm trying to get into game programming, I can truly say I'd learn a lot by studying this game's code (if it was accessible).

The storyline is really cool. You slowly, through little "Cartridges," see the bigger picture of what's going on, who you are, and so much more. It literally sucks you in! Be advised, that the bits of news are really nice, sounding as if it was really written. The graphics, well, I can't stop raving about the graphics. There was much skill put into developing sprites that look realistic, and everything almost like a profession video game. The screen changes to show the data cartridge information, locks on doors, puzzles, and so much more.

The are three things that are downsides, however. First, the grayscaling slows down the program a lot. Also, the cursor system wasn't exactly up to my par. You can only move it right and left, but not up and down. This was a little annoying to me, but who can complain with such great graphics! The last thing is the dumb AI. They scurry around, and I guess it's to make up for your character not being able to move very agile.

Graphics:

When I first saw screen shots of Desolate, I was amazed by it's cool looking graphics. Due the use of Duck's Grayscale Package it uses the best flicker less grayscale engine around. The author put some time in drawing the sprites! Nice little effects like blood or scratches on the wall and objects lying around on the floor making the rooms different from each other.

Points: 10/10

Gameplay:

The gameplay is supreme. There are few Adventure games on the calc, but non of them has a good story as this one. If you play it, you will get 'sucked' into the game from the first till the last moment! A little downside are the enemy's in the game. With a rather simple AI, they are not much of a threat. Also the key detection is a little slow, so you have to hold down the key for a couple of seconds before it will recognize it, but this is because the grayscale uses most of the speed of the calc.

Points: 9/10

Other:

Besides that the game is supreme in graphics and gameplay it has also a replay value. After beating the game you'll get 3 award. The challenge is to play the game again and get the best awards to see the extend ending. Another thing that I am impressed by was the fact that there are some items hidden which can be found through out the game to get a little more 'story'...

Points: 10/10

Overall:

After playing the game already 3 times I would say that this is the best game ever for the calc. Just download it, and you will agree with me. For every programmer/game developer: Do it like this author!