Interplay’s Best Classic Games

Interplay Entertainment: A Journey Through Gaming's Golden Age

Do you ever find yourself yearning for the golden era of gaming, a time when innovation flourished and new genres were born? A time when studios dared to push boundaries, creating experiences that captivated players for hours on end? If so, then you're likely thinking about companies like Interplay Entertainment. For decades, Interplay stood as a beacon of creativity, publishing and developing some of the most iconic and beloved titles that shaped the landscape of PC gaming and beyond.

But with such a vast and rich history, where do you even begin to explore Interplay’s best classic games? Which titles truly define their legacy and still resonate with players today? This comprehensive guide will take you on a nostalgic journey, highlighting the groundbreaking role-playing games, innovative action titles, and unique classics that cemented Interplay's place in gaming history. Get ready to rediscover the magic!

The Dawn of a Legend: Interplay's Early Innovations

Founded in 1983, Interplay Productions (later Interplay Entertainment) quickly made a name for itself by embracing risk-taking and unconventional concepts. They weren't just following trends; they were setting them. Their early ventures laid the groundwork for the diverse catalog of classics that would follow.

Wasteland: The Post-Apocalyptic Pioneer

Before the vast, irradiated landscapes of Fallout captured our imaginations, there was Wasteland. Released in 1988, this groundbreaking RPG, developed by Interplay, plunged players into a devastated American Southwest, laying the foundation for the post-apocalyptic genre.

• Pioneering Design: Wasteland offered unparalleled player agency, with branching storylines and consequences for every decision, a revolutionary concept for its time.
• Squad-Based Combat: It introduced complex squad management and tactical turn-based combat, requiring strategic thinking.
• Dark Humor & Moral Choices: The game was infused with a unique blend of dark humor and difficult moral dilemmas, elements that would become a hallmark of its spiritual successor.

Battle Chess: Where Strategy Met Animation

Who knew chess could be so entertaining? Battle Chess, released in 1988, wasn't just a chess game; it was a spectacle. Each piece had unique, often humorous, animations for every move and capture, bringing the ancient game to life in an unprecedented way.

• Visual Flair: Its rotoscoped animations were state-of-the-art, making it a visual marvel that captivated players.
• Accessibility: It made chess more approachable and engaging for a wider audience, proving that classic games could be reimagined with flair.

RPG Masterpieces: Crafting Immersive Worlds

Interplay's name is practically synonymous with some of the greatest role-playing games ever created. Their commitment to deep narratives, expansive worlds, and player choice set a high bar for the entire genre.

Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game

When Fallout arrived in 1997, it wasn't just a game; it was a phenomenon. As the spiritual successor to Wasteland, Fallout refined the post-apocalyptic RPG formula, creating a richly detailed and darkly humorous world that has spawned one of gaming's most enduring franchises.

• Unforgettable Setting: The retro-futuristic, atomic-age aesthetic of the wasteland was instantly iconic.
• Deep Character Customization: The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system allowed for incredible build diversity and role-playing opportunities.
• Meaningful Choices: Every decision, from dialogue options to faction allegiances, had significant and often morally ambiguous consequences.

Baldur's Gate: The Jewel of the Forgotten Realms

Developed by BioWare and published by Interplay in 1998, Baldur's Gate redefined computer role-playing games. Set in the beloved Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe, it offered an epic fantasy adventure that captivated millions.

• Infinity Engine: It was the first game to utilize the revolutionary Infinity Engine, which powered many subsequent classic RPGs.
• Rich Storytelling: A sprawling narrative, memorable companions, and intricate quests immersed players in a living, breathing world.
• Tactical Combat: Its real-time-with-pause combat system offered deep tactical possibilities for managing a party of adventurers.

Planescape: Torment: A Narrative Masterclass

Often cited as one of the most narratively rich games of all time, Planescape: Torment (1999) was a bold departure from traditional fantasy RPGs. Instead of focusing on saving the world, players explored themes of identity, mortality, and redemption in the bizarre and philosophical Planescape setting.

• Unconventional Protagonist: You play as "The Nameless One," an immortal being with amnesia, whose past lives shape the present.
• Dialogue-Driven Gameplay: Combat often took a backseat to extensive, well-written dialogue, allowing players to talk their way through many situations.
• Unique Companions: Its cast of eccentric and morally complex companions remains unparalleled.

Action & Adventure: Pushing Technological Boundaries

Interplay wasn't just about deep narratives; they also delivered thrilling action and adventure titles that pushed the envelope in terms of technology and gameplay.

Descent: The 360-Degree Revolution

In 1995, Descent blasted onto the scene, offering a truly revolutionary first-person shooter experience. Unlike anything before it, Descent allowed players full 360-degree freedom of movement in fully 3D labyrinthine environments.

• Zero-G Combat: Piloting a spaceship through claustrophobic mines, players experienced unprecedented freedom of movement and combat.
• Technological Marvel: Its true 3D environments and physics were groundbreaking for the mid-90s.
• Intense Action: Fast-paced gameplay combined with challenging robot enemies made for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

The Lost Vikings: A Brain-Teasing Triumph

Released in 1993, The Lost Vikings was a unique and charming puzzle-platformer that showcased Interplay's willingness to experiment with different genres. Players controlled three Vikings, each with distinct abilities, needing to combine their skills to solve environmental puzzles.

• Cooperative Puzzle-Solving: The core mechanic of switching between three characters, each with unique skills, was innovative and engaging.
• Humor and Personality: The game was filled with witty dialogue and endearing character interactions.
• Challenging Levels: It offered cleverly designed levels that required both quick reflexes and thoughtful strategy.

The Enduring Legacy of Interplay's Best Classic Games

Interplay Entertainment's impact on the gaming industry is undeniable. From pioneering post-apocalyptic RPGs to revolutionizing 3D movement and crafting some of the most memorable narratives in gaming history, their catalog of classic Interplay games continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide. They didn't just create games; they created experiences that resonated deeply with players, fostering a sense of adventure, challenge, and discovery.

Revisiting these titles today isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's an opportunity to appreciate the foundational works that influenced countless modern games. Many of these iconic PC games are still playable on modern systems, often through digital storefronts or emulation, allowing new generations to discover their timeless appeal.

What are your fondest memories of Interplay's best classic games? Which title holds a special place in your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Interplay's Classic Games

Q1: What was Interplay Entertainment best known for?

A1: Interplay Entertainment was best known for developing and publishing groundbreaking role-playing games (RPGs) such as Fallout, Baldur's Gate, and Planescape: Torment. They were also recognized for their innovative action titles like Descent and their early contributions to the gaming industry with titles like Wasteland and The Bard's Tale.

Q2: Is Interplay still making games today?

A2: While Interplay Entertainment still exists as a company, its role in game development and publishing has significantly diminished compared to its peak in the 1980s and 1990s. They primarily manage their intellectual properties and occasionally release older titles or license them to other developers.

Q3: What is the relationship between Interplay and the Fallout series?

A3: Interplay Entertainment developed and published the original Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game (1997) and Fallout 2. They were instrumental in establishing the series' iconic post-apocalyptic setting, dark humor, and choice-driven gameplay. In 2007, Interplay sold the Fallout license to Bethesda Softworks, who have since developed subsequent games in the franchise.

Q4: Can I still play classic Interplay games on modern computers?

A4: Yes, many of Interplay’s best classic games are still playable on modern computers. Many titles are available for purchase on digital distribution platforms like GOG.com, which often provide versions optimized for current operating systems. Additionally, emulation software can be used to play older DOS-era titles.