The 11th Hour

Alternate version

A more explicit "R-rated" version of the game with partial nudity was planned at one time. While it did not get to production the script for the R-rated version can be found in the Prima Official Strategy Guide. The bad ending of the game is actually from the R-rated version, but slightly toned down and missing one effects shot. No one seems to want to fess up to being responsible for this script either, as in interviews the writer, director, and Trilobyte all deny writing it.

Cancelled port

A 3DO version of this game was in the works, but the project was scrapped due to the public's lack of interest in the console. Some promotional catalogs even listed this game with a firm release date of August 9, 1995, but needless to say, the game never came out. Still, references to this game in various catalogs and gaming magazines have resulted in countless books and web sites erroneously listing it amongst the 3DO software library.

Development

AutoDesk 3D Studio was used during development by Trilobyte for graphics and 3D design in both The 11th Hour and in its predecessor, The 7th Guest The 11th Hour was one of the pioneering games which took advantage of CD-ROM drives that could run faster than single or double-speed. Utilizing technology like quad-speed drives provided players with the availability for a better experience, performance-wise, because of their enhanced CD drives.

Game updates

A new engine allows Windows '95 and DirectX compatible gameplay. Look for it in the company's website.

Hidden features

Disc 1 came with wad file levels for Doom and Heretic modeled after the Stauf Mansion. Disc 1 also includes JPEG screenshots and WAV sound files from the game so that you can create your own Stauf desktop theme. Look for them in the GOODIES folder.

In the setup menu, users can choose between standard graphics and "spooky mode", which will transform the game's visuals from full color into faded black-and-white.

As many users recall, there was a cheat code in The 7th Guest that would unlock every room and puzzle in the house. Entering this cheat code ("Zaphod Beeblebrox") in The 11th Hour will only result in laughter and taunts from Stauf.

Completing the game will add a new saved game in slot 0 called "Open House". Using this game, players have full access to the entire house and can play any of the puzzles as many times as they'd like.

Missing subtitles

Game publisher, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, publicly stated that they were going to have/add text into the game for the express benefit for the hearing impaired. They did not follow through with this which greatly frustrated and disappointed many players and prospective players alike.

Packaging

European Limited Editions of the game were released with a clock packaging but the game is otherwise the same.

References

The game is littered with visual references (some subtle, and some not-so-subtle) to its predecessor: The 7th Guest. One such example is a pile of old, dusty game boxes for The 7th Guest in the laboratory. Surprisingly (and somewhat shamelessly), the game developers even included a 7th Guest CD-ROM as an answer to one of Stauf's riddles!

In the chapel, click the "rolling eyeball" cursor on the small bowl off to the side. Upon closer inspection, you will notice a torn piece of paper sticking out with the word "MISSED" printed on it. This is a sly reference to (or possibly a jab at) the bestselling CD-ROM game Myst. The inclusion of a torn paper was probably meant to mock the plot of Myst, which has the player search out a series of vacant islands for pages that are missing from two mysterious books.

Awards

In the German gaming magazine PC Player (issue 01/1997) The 11th Hour received a special award for the "Worst Script in 1996".

In the May 1996 issue of Computer Player, the game was named in the top 20 list of IBM PC games of that time, earning it #12th place. By the following month's issue, the game was dropped down to #16th place.

MC Microcomputer magazine listed The 11th Hour as the #1 top game of 1995.