Myth: History in the Making

aka: Conan
Moby ID: 11027
Commodore 64 Specs
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Description official descriptions

Depending what machine the player is using, the game welcomes him/her with a different story. In the 8-bit version of this platform game the player controls a teenage boy from the 20th century (featured on a box cover) who falls through a tear in the space-time continuum and is transported to the "Time of Legends." There he is rescued by a high priestess who informs him that their world is under attack from Dameron - the Dark Angel of Time who must be destroyed. When he succeeds he will be sent back home. The 16-bit machines were presented with a bit different scenario deeply etched into mythology (check a box cover). The main character is a mystical warrior - Ankalagan - who lives in the year 63AD and uses the powers of Stonehenge to travel in time and combat evil throughout the ages. Apart from the story and slight graphics changes, the rest remains the same.

Myth: History in the Making is a platform game with a lot of fighting. The levels of this game deal with different mythologies from ancient Greece to the Vikings, over to Valhalla (where none other than the hammer-wielding Thor awaits you), and more.

Apart from jumping from platform to platform, you'll also fight the enemies and bosses in your path with a variety of weapons. In the beginning you have only fists to defend yourself, but later you'll find more powerful weapons, such as swords and axes. Typically, enemies keep appearing and coming at you from all sides, no matter how many of them you kill. There are many various types of enemies, different on every level that require a different approach and weapons in defeating them.

Some obstacles in the game require not only brute force, but also a bit of thinking and puzzle-solving (and guesswork) to get past.

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Screenshots

Promos

Credits (Commodore 64 version)

5 People

Programmer
Graphics
Producer
Sound Effects
  • Maniacs of Noise
Protection
  • Digital Marketing
Concept
Additional Design

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 76% (based on 27 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.3 out of 5 (based on 37 ratings with 1 reviews)

Let me tell you of the days of low adventure...

The Good
Cover art?

The Bad
Graphics Music Controls Gameplay Story (lack of it)

The Bottom Line
Conan for the NES... Do I need to say more? I will try to be as objective as possible here so that future generations shall not suffer by playing it.

The first thing that strikes you when pressing the start button is the size of our hero. Am I really playing as the mighty warrior or is it Bilbo Baggins? Sprites are very small, and together with atrocious graphics already make you wanna throw this game through the window. Don't get me wrong, I do not judge old games by their presentation, but here the laziness , or should I say lack of talent, of the programmers is noticeable.The backgrounds are also missing details. The look of enemies is a little better, though. They come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from imps to warriors and dragons.

Next huge disappointment comes with the music. It is hardly audible !!! It seems it was muted on purpose by Mindscape staff I wasn't expecting any choir or powerful brass moments, but 8 bit standards were definitely lowered here. Other sound effects are also rare and leave you with a feeling of dissatisfaction.

If it wasn't enough already, the controls are horrendous as well as hilarious (right in that order) You jump sideways by pressing... DOWN!!! That's right, I"m not lying to you. If I am not mistaken, it must be the only case in the history of gaming were the developer incorporated such mechanics. It will surely result in many failed attempts to reach the platform or dodge the enemy. Apart from that you can jump straight in the air by pressing up (thank Crom they haven't butchered that element) as well as use action buttons for combat.You can kick or punch your foes or perform two different swings with your short range weapon. Should I mention the fact that the hit detection leaves much to be desired for? Oh, well nothing's perfect...

In terms of gameplay, the game, surprisingly, does not shine.The player is not presented with any story or purpose of Conan's quest. There are eight stages , each of them rather short, but still troublesome. You traverse a dark forest, a desert, an ancient pyramid or a vessel during tempest, to name just a few. The thing is that on your way you have to pick up various items and use them mainly against the bosses. Not that they pose any serious threat to you, but guessing which weapon suits the situation can take some time.Your standard weapon is the sword, but there are also projectiles like fireballs or daggers. Basically the levels can be divided into two categories, one focused on mindless running ahead and the other one demanding you to jump up and up till facing the level boss.These are at least somewhat nicely done and inspired by the legends and mythology. If by any chance you will finish the game (come on, you ain't so desperate,are ya?) you will be treated to a highly lame end screen depicting our exhausted protagonist, wearing a diaper and holding an axe.CONAN THE KING...What he heck!? An absolute letdown and anti climax after all that epic adventures...

The final verdict can be only one.This is indeed a barbarous title. I am addressing here all respected gamers as well as the posterity. Avoid it at all costs.To err is human, but to get duped by the nice box or cartridge label is just unforgiving. Let this masterpiece rot in the blackest depths of hell, away from the vast majority of decent and amazing NES titles.

NES · by MusicFreakPL (3) · 2012

Discussion

Subject By Date
Two games indeed Risingson (15) Dec 15, 2012

Trivia

Atari ST version

Atari ST version of the game was officially announced by System3 and there was even a preview version available however the full version was never released.

Amiga version

There are two Amiga versions of the game: floppy version and CD32 version (which is the same as floppy version). There was also a special edition of the game released that contained a comic and a poster.

Helpline

The original Spectrum version included a Helpline phone number, unfortunately the phone number in question was mistyped, meaning that a random lady in Eltham received numerous calls asking for solutions to the game's puzzles.

Sequel

Advertising, as well as the ending sequence of the Amiga version (and possibly others) suggest a sequel was planned, titled Dawn of Steel.

Awards

  • Commodore Format
    • April 1991 (Issue 7) - listed in the A to Z of Classic Games article (Great)
    • October 1995 (Issue 61) – The Top Ten C64 Games of all Time
  • EMAP Golden Joystick Awards 1990 (published by ACE #33, 1990/6)
    • Winner Best 8-Bit Graphics

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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by EboMike.

ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC added by B.L. Stryker. Antstream added by firefang9212. Amiga CD32 added by Kabushi. NES added by Atom Ant.

Additional contributors: Martin Smith, LepricahnsGold, Trypticon, mailmanppa, Jo ST, FatherJack.

Game added November 15, 2003. Last modified January 17, 2024.