On August 31st, Defense Force unveiled a new version of Encounter HD, specifically version 1.2.3, accompanied by a fresh demo. The project first launched in December of the previous year, but its origin dates back even further. First released in 1983 for Oric computers—which were primarily known in the European market—Encounter’s history is overshadowed, largely due to its shared title with a more prominent shoot ’em up from the same era that appeared on more popular platforms.
For long-time developer Mickael Pointier, Encounter holds a special place in his heart. It was the game that helped him learn English, his dictionary by his side as he unraveled its noir mysteries. The game developed by Severn Software faced challenges from the outset, particularly because it was created for the relatively obscure Oric platform, which limited opportunities for more complex ventures. Pointier’s desire to develop a superior version of Encounter stemmed from pondering “what if?” scenarios: What if the Oric had succeeded? How could text adventures evolve with its modest specifications of a 1MHz 6502 CPU, 64 KB of RAM, and 16 KB ROM powered by Microsoft BASIC?
The question remains: What compelled Pointier to create an HD version of Encounter? The answer is simple—the narrative. Unlike the prevalent fantasy and sci-fi themes of the time, Encounter presents a captivating mystery noir focused on rescuing a kidnapped girl under time constraints. Unlike many text games that often ended with arbitrary deaths, Encounter’s logic flowed with real-world reasoning—making it accessible for young players like Pointier, who had a limited grasp of English but a passion for gaming.
Encounter HD aims to engage modern gamers with visually appealing graphics. The new demo that launched alongside version 1.2.3 is three times larger than the previous one and incorporates most features from the full game. The full version is available for purchase on Steam, thanks to the interest shown by users across social media who were hesitant about installing the game from such an obscure platform. Pointier has included an emulator and launcher to ensure the game is user-friendly for contemporary players.
Oric enthusiasts can still enjoy Encounter HD on original Oric hardware. For those wishing to experience the game in its classic format, Pointier has made the source code for both Encounter available as well as the launcher on GitHub, complete with localization and scripting documentation. The accessible free demo and full version, priced at $2.99, can be downloaded from the Defense Force website here.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
