Fool's Errand, The 
(1989 Miles Computing)


Designed by Cliff Johnson, one of the best puzzle 
designers ever, the concept behind Fool's Errand is 
so original that it defies categorization (it is 
based on the Tarot). Suffice to say that it is part 
devilish puzzle collection, part novel, part adventure 
and an all-around classic. 

While the game would deserve classic status on the 
merits of unique puzzles alone, it is the masterful 
blend of puzzles with an enchanting, well-written 
story (a medieval Fool who runs errands for people) 
that evolve, that makes Fool's Errand a uniquely 
original game. When each puzzle is solved, the player 
gains access to more story (with more puzzles to solve). 
In a master stroke unmatched in creativity to this day, 
Cliff even designed an uber- puzzle-- a big puzzle that 
can only be solved once all the smaller puzzles are 
solved and all the story pages are revealed. Solving 
this overarching puzzle requires careful re-reading of 
the game's story, as clues are hidden between the lines 
and old paragraphs take on new meanings. 

Puzzles in the game are wonderfully diverse. Some, such 
as the card game you will play, are downright original, 
and even the derivative ones (such as the dozens of word 
puzzles) are hardly ever boring. Characters in the story, 
which sounds as if they were plucked from Alice in 
Wonderland, are fleshed out with great detail and confidence. 
There's really no fault I can think of for this game, 
except that you will be sorry to see it end when it does. 
See for yourself why I think this game deserves to be on 
every "Best Computer Games" list; if you are even remotely 
interested in puzzle games, Fool's Errand is a must-have.