Alternate Reality the City

Alternate Reality: The City - the 1985 first-person RPG for Commodore 64
from Datasoft.

Awaken as a kidnapped human dropped into a shimmering sci-fi city, where
you must survive, earn gold, and uncover why you were taken.

Core loop
- explore streets and alleys tile by tile in first-person view
- fight or flee enemies for gold, weapons, and armor
- eat, drink, and rest to maintain health and stamina
- improve stats through training, gear, and experience

Systems and items
- day/night cycle - shops close, danger rises after dark
- hunger, thirst, and fatigue - survival stats drain over time
- morality - good or evil deeds affect encounters and fate
- weapons and armor - upgrade carefully to balance weight and defense
- currency and inns - pay rent, buy meals, and store valuables safely

Level design and feel
The city is a looping grid of shimmering walls, gates, and hidden shops.
Random weather, ambient music, and hunger timers create a living world
feel rarely matched on the C64. Combat fades seamlessly from exploration
to duel screens.

Why it is notable
- technically advanced engine with smooth-scrolling 3D view
- first of a planned six-part series, continued by “The Dungeon”
- known for its haunting intro tune and atmospheric presentation

Tips
- buy food and drink early before venturing far from the gate
- join a guild to access training and protection
- save money at inns; death without savings wipes your progress

At a glance
Year - 1985
Developer - Paradise Programming
Design and programming - Philip Price
Graphics - Philip Price
Music - Gary Gilbertson
Publisher - Datasoft
Genre - First-person RPG
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - keyboard for commands