Fairlight

Fairlight - the 1986 isometric action adventure for Commodore 64 from The Edge.

Guide Isvar the adventurer through the Castle of Avars to recover the Book of
Light, using exploration, combat, and physics-based object handling.

Core loop
- explore isometric rooms and collect keys and artifacts
- fight guards with timed melee attacks
- solve spatial puzzles to open new areas and reach the inner keep

Systems and items
- inventory - limited to a few carried items at once
- physics engine - allows pushing, stacking, and realistic object weight
- enemies - patrol and react dynamically within rooms

Level design and feel
Single large interconnected castle rendered in 3D isometric view. Movement is
smooth but deliberate, with puzzles tied to object placement and key use.

Why it is notable
- early use of real-time 3D isometric physics on the C64
- port of the acclaimed ZX Spectrum original by Bo Jangeborg
- inspired later isometric adventures like Head Over Heels

Tips
- carry lighter items first to test puzzle setups
- map door connections carefully to avoid backtracking
- watch enemy routes before attacking to avoid losing health early

At a glance
Year - 1986
Developer - The Edge
Design and programming - Bo Jangeborg
Graphics - Bo Jangeborg
Music - Fred Gray
Publisher - The Edge
Genre - Action adventure
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 with keyboard assist