The still unique and haunting Loom was a welcome addition to yesterday's GOG.com LucasArts drop, but it poses a problem for purists: the version offered - the only version commercially available - is the VGA Talkie version.
This is a fine version of the game and no doubt for some definitive. For others, the original version, with its incredibly inventive EGA graphics by Mark Ferrari, complete script (the voiced version was re-written for disc space restraints) and gorgeous character close-ups is at least as worthy of preservation.
And the game's creator, Brian Moriarty, took to Twitter to count himself among them:
- To experience LOOM as it was actually developed in 1989/90, obtain the original EGA .LFL data (78 files, 2,151,598 bytes total).
- Use SCUMMVM graphics mode 3X, render mode EGA, AR correct ON, fullscreen OFF. Audio: AdLib, all defaults. Remarkably authentic.
- Again: Please buy a commerical release to properly renumerate the publisher/distributor! Sales make a remaster/sequels more likely.
So buy Loom, then play the version of it you want.
Also, this is a good time to mention that the version of Zak McKracken that got released yesterday is the excellent FM-Towns version. No word yet from David Fox on whether he tacitly supports obtaining the older versions after purchase, but my nearest available authority, Remi, feels that "it's probably fine."
Source: Brian Moriarty's Twitter
(TSB's is "Please send money.")
Jason
Did not know that; thanks! I still need to buy all this stuff.
I didn't even realize it until I saw a post on the GOG forums. It's strange that they don't mention the available versions at all on the store page - I mean it is actually a feature, isn't it?
Anyway, I really recommend getting this game. It may not have been as successful as Maniac Mansion but it's still a great adventure (and adorably whacky from start to finish)!
Taller Ghost Walt
Zak McKracken comes with both the FMTowns version and the PC EGA (?) version. To be honest I actually prefer the latter.
Did not know that; thanks! I still need to buy all this stuff.