Next up are some prototypes for PC DOS in the shape of Magician’s Apprentice, a very obscure platformer game that was originally due for release on the Konix Multi-System (which also was unreleased itself), and which was recovered last year.
After the cancellation of the Konix game, the title was ported to PC, polished up and released as a bonus game with Alien Olympics. The game was practically identical apart from some musical improvements and intro/end sequence embellishments.
There are two working builds in total which can be ran via GAME.EXE in DOSbox or similar. Under the “JOEMAGIC” folder is a very early version dated from the 12/09/1994 that just allows you to navigate the maps by pressing the number keys and using the cursor keys to navigate.
The second folder has a later build from 29/09/1994 where you can control the main character and navigate around the map, using cursor keys and the ALT key to jump. You can skip to other levels by pressing 1-4, however – if you try moving too far or jumping, levels 2-4 will crash out quickly. There might be some DOSBox settings that improves stability. Level 1 works fine.
There are other executable files which have been included, but they give a blank screen and are likely trying to load files that don’t exist. If anyone manages to get the other files running, please let us know and we’ll update the page.
There is no sound, and lots of content is missing. There could well be some differences from the final game, including slight differences in graphics. If you spot anything interesting, please get in touch via the comments and share what you find and we’ll eventually update the page.
With a huge thank you to Mark Greenshields for allowing us to preserve these prototypes.
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