Alternate Reality Dungeon

Alternate Reality: The Dungeon - the 1987 first-person RPG for
Commodore 64 from Datasoft.

Descend beneath the city from “Alternate Reality: The City” and face a
labyrinth of traps, monsters, and mysteries in a massive, multi-level
dungeon.

Core loop
- explore 3D corridors tile by tile, mapping as you go
- fight creatures in turn-based battles using melee, missile, or magic
- find loot, train skills, and discover the path to freedom

Systems and items
- stats and skills - strength, agility, charm, and magical talents grow
- spells - multiple schools including healing, defense, and attack
- weapons and armor - weight and type affect damage and fatigue
- guilds and trainers - unlock advanced skills and magic paths
- morality - good and evil choices influence encounters and endings

Level design and feel
Seven connected dungeon levels with hidden teleporters, traps, and
one-way doors. The smooth-scrolling view and ambient effects make it one
of the most atmospheric RPGs on the C64, blending tension with mystery.

Why it is notable
- direct sequel to “Alternate Reality: The City,” originally planned as
part of a six-part series
- praised for its deep simulation and detailed 3D engine

Tips
- rest and eat regularly or fatigue will drop your stats fast
- map carefully - many doors are one-way or illusionary
- join a guild early to gain magic or combat skills faster

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Paradise Programming
Design and programming - Philip Price - Ken Jordan - Dan Pinal
Graphics - Gary Gilbertson
Music - Gary Gilbertson
Publisher - Datasoft
Genre - First-person RPG
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - keyboard for commands