Maniac Mansion

Maniac Mansion - the 1987 point and click adventure for Commodore 64
from Lucasfilm Games.

Rescue Sandy from Dr. Fred’s weird mansion by switching between three
teens, exploring rooms, and using a verb interface to solve puzzles
while dodging the Edison family.

Core loop
- swap between characters to explore different rooms and routes
- examine - pick up - use items to unlock new areas and machines
- avoid patrols and time triggers while pushing deeper into the house

Systems and items
- verbs bar - open - close - push - pull - give - use - read - and more
- character skills - Bernard fixes electronics - Wendy writes -
Michael photographs - Razor and Syd handle music - Jeff has phone skills
- cutscenes - periodic events change patrols and hint at next steps
- multiple endings - different teams and choices lead to unique finales

Level design and feel
One large mansion with secret labs, locked doors, and odd gadgets.
SCUMM powers a clean cursor interface on C64 - joystick selects verbs
and targets - making adventure play comfortable on a home micro.

Why it is notable
- first SCUMM game from Lucasfilm Games by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick
- multi character puzzle design with many alternate solutions on C64

Tips
- pick a balanced team - Bernard plus Wendy or Michael covers many routes
- stash risky items before roaming Edisons catch you
- save often - some actions can soft lock later solutions

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Lucasfilm Games
Design - Ron Gilbert - Gary Winnick
Programming - Ron Gilbert - David Fox - Aric Wilmunder
Graphics - Gary Winnick
Music - Chris Grigg - David Lawrence
Publisher - Lucasfilm Games
Genre - Adventure
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - cursor driven