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Overview

“The Manhole” is an adventure game developed by Cyan, Inc. and released in 1989. It is one of the earliest examples of a point-and-click adventure game designed for children and features a whimsical, exploratory environment.

Gameplay

Players enter a magical world through an enchanted manhole cover, leading to various fantastical locations. The game is non-linear, encouraging exploration and curiosity with no time limits or specific objectives. Players can interact with almost every object in the environment, uncovering delightful surprises and animations.

Historical Significance

“The Manhole” was Revolutionary for its time, being among the first computer games to utilize CD-ROM technology, providing a richer multimedia experience with enhanced sound and graphics. It was originally released for the Macintosh and later ported to other platforms.

Legacy

Cyan, Inc., the developer of this game, later became renowned for creating “Myst,” another groundbreaking game that built on the exploratory and interactive principles first seen in “The Manhole.” This game is often credited with paving the way for future adventure games aimed at younger audiences by emphasizing creativity and freeform exploration.

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