Lords of Karma

The first clue as to the unconventional nature of this text adventure is the
scant description within the game manual. Unlike most games of its era, _Lords
of Karma_ doesn’t rely on a written narrative peppered with enticing
illustrations to prepare and color the player’s experience. Even Lords of
Karma’s plot is to be discovered in-game, just like the vistas and scents of
its magical world. There is treasure, of course, and deadly foes, but what to
do with the spoils of adventure? You only know that you quest for “karma
points” to take to heaven, and that you begin in the central square of the
mythical city of Golconda.

The standard abbreviations and two-word commands move you through this text-
only, turn-based adventure, but don’t stand there gawking. While looking twice
can reveal something missed the first time, it will also put you in the maw of
a hungry crocodile. Happily, rebirth is just around the corner. Dying doesn’t
end your game — the karmic wheel keeps turning. It simply strips you of your
worldly goods and puts you on a mountaintop. The map is fixed, and the karma
points are yours to keep, so progress belongs to the persistent (and those who
find the in-game hint book).