Colossal Cave
Colossal Cave Adventure, often just called Adventure, is generally considered the first adventure game. (Wikipedia puts it as the first “well-known” adventure game. Firsts are always a bit complicated.) It’s also the reason we call them adventure games. It was originally created by William Crowther in 1975 and 1976 for the PDP-10. It was inspired by his experiences exploring and mapping Mammoth Cave with his wife at the time, Patricia. In 1977, Don Woods expanded the game significantly, creating what is usually referred to as the “original” or “350 point” version (for the maximum number of points you can attain).
Colossal Cave Adventure has been remade many times over the years. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ken Williams was looking for a way to pass the time, and decided to work on a new game. His wife, Roberta Williams, suggested he create a modern version of Colossal Cave Adventure, the game that inspired Roberta to create Mystery House, and led them to co-found Sierra On-Line.
With the release of Colossal Cave Reimagined fast approaching, I set out to experience the original Colossal Cave Adventure. Since I had never played the game, it seemed right to explore it in text form first. This series begins a classic Macintosh port of the 350 point version, created by L. W. James and Associates. My friend Silver then joins me for a playthrough of the new game. Afterward we return the original for a closer look at how the two compare. We end the series with some speed run attempts on the new game—briefly attaining a second place record in the 100% category.
- David Kinder’s guide to Adventure downloads at the Interactive Fiction Archive
There are many versions of the game available on many platforms. If you’d like to play what is considered the original, look for the 350 point Crowther and Woods version. - Adventure by L. W. James and Associates
Requires a classic Mac or an appropriate emulator. Don’t forget to register your shareware. - Colossal Cave 3D
Available for Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, iPhone, and more. - Colossal Cave Adventure on Wikipedia
- PDP-10 on Wikipedia
- Xyzzy (computing) on Wikipedia
- The Colossal Cave Adventure page
Includes the history of the game, the origins of xyzzy, hints, and more. - The Adventure Family Tree
A sprawling chart detailing the lineage of just some of the many versions of Colossal Cave Adventure. - Colossal Cave (2023) on Speedrun.com
Co-Host: Silver-Streak
Silver is a sentient AI VTuber, occasional co-host, fellow fan of adventure games, and incredibly kind person. He streams a wide variety of games, often tied together with a theme.
Text Adventure, Part 1
I’m excited to explore Colossal Cave Adventure for the first time! I chose a Mac port of the 350 point version. It’s close to the one that inspired Roberta and Ken Williams to make their first game together, Mystery House, and their latest—Colossal Cave Reimagined. Let’s go spelunking!
Text Adventure, Part 2
Last week I recovered one treasure and mapped out one section of maze, then wound up in another. Let’s head back in to Colossal Cave!
Text Adventure, Part 3
Last week I finally caught the bird, and then someone… waved at me? Let’s head back in to Colossal Cave and find them!
Reimagined, Part 1
Colossal Cave Reimagined is here and I’m excited to check it out with Silver_Streak! Now I can needlessly destroy a priceless vase in three dimensions.
Reimagined, Part 2
I literally have not stopped thinking about Colossal Cave since last week. Time to head back in with Silver_Streak and see if we can solve the remaining mysteries!
Reimagined, Part 3
Last week we finished Colossal Cave… but we’re several points short of 350 and Silver_Streak is at wit’s end. Let’s head back in and try for a perfect score!
Text Adventure, Part 4
We’ve conquered Colossal Cave Reimagined, now Silver_Streak and I are heading back into the text adventure to see how it compares!
Reimagined, 100% Speed Runs
Speed running Colossal Cave with Silver_Streak! We probably won’t set a new world record but we are going to try.
Reimagined, 100% Speed Runs
Let’s see if I can do Colossal Cave 100% in under 19 minutes.