"Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future." - Charles F. Kettering.

Testimonials

"Malinche Entertainment has breathed new life into Interactive Fiction and made it more captivating than ever thanks to Howard Sherman's relentless devotion."  -- Grandmaster Marc Blank, Implementer of Zork 1, Zork 2,  Zork3 , Deadline, Enchanter, Border Zone and Journey as well as a founder of the legendary Infocom.

"You have made my husband a game widow.  I am so enthralled in your games I can't even sleep at night ..." - Mona W.

Media Buzz About Interactive Fiction

"Part of the latest craze in home computing" - Time Magazine

"An amazing feat of programming." - The New York Times

"The passion that players bring to these games comes from the same source as all fiction-induced pleasure - the projection of self into another world and the desire to learn what happens next as the adventures unfold. Only in this case, it's up to you determine what happens next." - Rolling Stone Magazine

Acclaim for The First Mile

"The First Mile should come with a night light. Nightmares galore! Implementor Howard Sherman is at the top of his game.  The First Mile is frighteningly good!" - Jack van Landingham, Hollywood actor.

"A long time ago, I was introduced to text gaming through Infocom's Deadline. I was thrilled to see that someone has introduced new high quality text games into the market.  I bought The First Mile and will be purchasing Greystone soon.  I had forgotten how enjoyable it is to be the main character in an interactive novel.  This is more fun than any graphic game on either a console or computer." - Kent H.

Snippets from Ricardo Pautassi's Review in Justadventure.Com

"...the overall quality of the characters is good, in the sense that they have their own agenda, can follow orders, show an acceptable knowledge of their environment..."

"All in all, in-game descriptions are pretty interesting."

"The amount of detail presented to the player in TFM is bigger and the prose more vivid."

"when entering a room you will be offered a very rich description, running about three to five lines."

"Another good point of TFM is that has many optional puzzles, including a maze and the possibility to make your own “contribution” to the killing spree. Some of these additional quests are pretty good, requiring NPC’s cooperation and exploration. There are also many ways to kill the foes and most of them will require repeated attacks. Sure, you can die in many ways, drowned, eaten by beasts, under the influence of spells, poisoned, etc. So, save early, safe often, as it is said. Nonetheless, these death situations appear in dangerous moments and are organically inserted in the pace of the game."

"To sum it up, TFM offers a great deal in terms of gameplay quantity."

Excerpts from the Review by Rob Michaud of Adventuregamers.Com

Rated  

"The First Mile is perfect for that late night chill-fest that's so rare in gaming today."

"Text adventures live and die by their story, and rest assured, this is a great one."

"There is a scoring system in place to award points as you play through the game, with different puzzle solutions garnering you different point amounts. This lends a nice replay value to the game as you try out different solutions in order to eke out that last point."

"...by the end, with the mysteries solved and your final score displayed, your only thought will most likely be how much you want to experience it again."

"...for the length of play time you'll get out of the game, combined with the replay factor in trying to max out your points and try different puzzle solutions, it is money well spent."

"Bottom-line: A lengthy, challenging game that will keep you glancing over your shoulder the whole time you're playing it."

"The First Mile is horror fiction, perhaps something torn out of Stephen King’s notebook. As soon as the game begins, my heart thumps harder with each move I make as I encounter a body, hear a hellhound growling, and see many empty buildings and homes."

"If you can’t get your teen to read a book and she constantly plays video games, sneak this into her computer, iPod, or Smartphone and she’ll convert and read without hesitance." - Meryl Evans, celebrated writer

"I am enjoying your game immensely. I dislike computer games with graphics, they make my eyes water. I am so glad that you are carrying on the tradition of well thought out, literate games." - Mike W.

"I just purchased The First Mile last night online and love it!" - Allison B.

"I'm only about 2 hours in to The First Mile (I've barely cracked the surface), but I can say that it is an excellent title, and I will probably end up losing many a night's sleep over it.  It's hard to stop playing once you've started.  In closing, great job with The First Mile, Howard.  It is much more enjoyable than I could have even fathomed.  Keep up the good work." - Dave G.

"I just received my copy of The First Mile today and I am enjoying it greatly. Okay, I've torn myself away from the game for too long." - Rich M.

"You really did it this time.  This is a scary kind of game and I just love it.  I received my copy this morning and I haven't stopped playing the whole day."  (but wait - there's more!)

"This game is getting more interesting all of the time...it's getting so good it is almost scary. It is so much fun. I really believe this game is as good as my beloved Pentari: First Light. If you ever decide to start writing books, I will buy the first copy and then all of your books.  You are really a good writer. I enjoy everything you write. I am your number one and most loyal fan."- June F.

"Man, this game is gruesome...." "There are so many weapons in the First Mile."  "I am now emotionally involved in this game...I need to see what happens next!!"  - Stuart F.

"The prose is superb." - Will L.

(This next one's a little long but so worth reading from start to finish)

"I remember being 6 or 7 years old and staying up all night staring at the blue screen of my Commodore 64/128 trying to figure out how to open the Gates of Hades.  Until now, I have never come across anything close to that experience again.  I once heard of an interactive game called, "Majestic."  As you probably know, this game never came to be.  I occasionally do a Google search for something similar and usually shut down the computer disappointed.

Last Friday night I was at the mall with my wife, and after looking for something entertaining at the bookstore and video game store, I told her that I wished there was a book or game that was really interactive.  Something that required thinking, solving puzzles and riddles.

The next day I did my regular internet search and clicked on the first few results.  After finding nothing but disappointment, I decided to look several pages down on the search results.  I randomly picked one of the many "O's" and came across your website.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  I read the descriptions of each of your games several times and then spent several hours contemplating my purchase.  Not whether or not I would buy, but which of the games I would buy first.  I finally decided on "The First Mile" for no other reason than it was first on the webpage.  I figured I would try it out to see if it lived up to my expectations.  So far I have not been disappointed." -  Tim J

Raves for Azteca

"I have just downloaded Azteca from your site. I have already run into my first problem. I am at the point where I have the chalice the gold knife and the crowbar. I can only speculate that my next step has to do with the guardian with the spear. If there's any kind of hint you can give me that would be awesome. By the way, thanks for putting out a cool game. I haven't played a text game since I was a kid." - Mike

"First of all, thanks for keeping Interactive Fiction alive.  I started playing Zork on my Commodore 64 in 1983 and have been an addict ever since. Your stories kick ass.  I have done the intro to Pentari and have started Azteca and am totally stuck, but not quite ready for a hint.  Do you do any "invisiclue" type thing?  I am also curious if you ever get in contact with Dave L. or Marc B.  It would be great if they started making IF games again.  I spread the word as much as possible, but many people these days just don't seem to understand the joy of making your own maps and solving puzzles using your brain. The puzzle of the Jaguar Room is currently stumping me, and I believe that is was a bad idea to break the calendar stone using the crowbar, but we shall see.  Will ask for help if i don't get it figured out this week.  I don't get to play too often as i have a restaurant business and put in many many work hours per week. Yours truly, from adventureland G.U.E. 776 Rekroz D. Grueslayer " - aka Phill D  

"The temple feels very real to me. I can vividly imagine the place and how sacrifices might once have been conducted there. The ending is a great plot twist." - Felix G.

"Although I have not yet had time to enjoy Azteca for more than about 30 minutes, I wanted to tell you that what I've seen so far brings back the good old memories of exploring Infocom text adventures.  I've always regarded Infocom as the interactive fiction "gold standard" but so far I've found your work equally enjoyable. Your prose is rich and I'm eager to further tackle the mysteries in the world(s) you've created." - Ed M

"I came by Malinche by an advertisement at MobyGames.  I visited your website, tried Azteca and was hooked at once.  No graphic knickknack, no annoying hardware requirements, just a good game and pure imagination." - Uwe S.

"I like the game. I swear I am playing an Infocom game." - Scott H.

"This game and First Light are both wonderful. It's good to see that people are still writing and playing interactive fiction and are just as passionate (and some even more) as I am. Keep up the good work!" - John C.  

"I have enjoyed Azteca!  I saved the archaeologists / anthropologists this afternoon.  I scored 65 points in 75 moves.  I will try again the full 75 point win. Thank you for your help, kindness and interest. Keep up the good work! I'll look for another of your adventures online." - Kelly C.

"I really enjoyed the game.  Much more stimulating than most games.  These make you think." - Cindy M.

"I think Azteca is great. I really find myself in the game with all the detail. I find it excellent that you had actual pictures of the pyramid." - Carly K.

"Thanks a lot for your hints, Howard.  They helped a bunch. Anyway, I beat Azteca two ways but the highest score I got was 55.  That's cool. Azteca is a great game." - Michael S.

"I finished the game but I didn't score all of the points.  I really enjoyed Azteca." - Lisa L.

"The story line was good." - Stephen

"I've got the hang of it now. Azteca is quite good really." - Scott H.

Salutes to Endgame

"It's a great story and very feasible. The packaging is also good." - Ibrahim G

"The story line is timely and extremely interesting." - Stuart F.

Praise for Greystone 

"When I was a kid, I used to play a game called "Suspect" by Infocom on a Commodore 64 (I'm sure you know this game). I was too young then to figure it out, but it always stuck with me. It's been one of those things that I never was able to finish...and I hate that.

Anyway, I just got back from a business trip and had a whole weekend to do whatever I pleased. I thought of Suspect and decided to surf to see if I could find it, or something like it. After placing a bid on eBay for Suspect and downloading a Commodore 64 emulator, I found your site, and, specifically Greystone. I was giddy when I saw that you offered a digital download!!! Thank you--not enough people do that.

I've played the game and enjoyed it. I was able to solve 3 out of 4 murders. I haven't figured out which one I was unable to solve, yet.  I enjoyed the game." - Tracy C.

 "THIS IS ADDICTING!" - Karen L.

"I really liked Greystone's evidence. It reminded me of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (a very good book but a not so good movie) and of Silence of the Lambs my favourite book/movie as well as the book version of Hannibal. I also really liked the 'time element' in the game that after a certain amount of turns the killer will get after you. And the fact that you find, after the game starts, <censored to prevent spoiling the plot>'s body somewhere stashed away, this adds a nice sense of urgency. I also liked the fact that suspicion was thrown on more then one person and that <censored again>  had actually a reason for killing the people he did..."  "The atmosphere of the game was very well done and every new floor and room brought something new so it was never boring..." "All in all a very good game with nice tension" - A. Radix

 

"I'm enjoying the game Greystone very much. I must say the maps you mailed to me are a very big help. This game is huge." - Joan B.

 

"I have honestly not played a text adventure in probably 20 years, but I just started Greystone and so far love it." - Randy Sluganski, Justadventure.com

Sharon Wheeler, Editor of Reviewing the Evidence:

"If you've ever wondered what it would be like to solve your own mystery, you might want to have a go at Greystone."

"I'm having great fun running my own investigation..."

"If you love riddles and puzzles, as well as crime fiction, I think you'll like Greystone."

The entire piece can be read at http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com

Joy Spear Reviewer for The Murder and Mayhem Book Club:

"I am completely in awe of your work."

"I LOVED IT!! This is so intriguing!! I can play it over and over and not get bored with it. I had the trowel but when I went back to question the gardener, I had left it in my room. I thought about arresting him but didn't think I had enough evidence & no motive. I should've followed my first mind on that one!!"

"This is an awesome way to put your sleuthing skills to the test!"

"I am hooked!! I am so tempted to restart the game and play again, and I am so easily bored that it is unreal so that is really saying something."

"Greystone will very easily be more than that book you just couldn't put down."

The entire review can be read at http://www.murderandmayhembookclub.com

The Review of Greystone by Justadventure.Com

"Howard Sherman has done a good job recreating not only Greystone's buildings but also it's surroundings...thus offering hundreds of areas to explore and examine."

"I found at least fifteen different endings of the game and should say this is by far the most interesting feature of the game."

"...Mystery story lovers should find the quest for the murderer addictive..."

"I'm always thinking of new things to ask the patients and am surprised about how much they actually know.  I actually like this better than a lot of the Infocom stuff. More detail. I can't wait to explore ALL of Greystone. It's nice to see an author of your quality  actually spending the time to create new masterpieces like this. The setting of the Greystone mental hospital is BRILLIANT. Greystone is the best Interactive Fiction game that I have seen. It is VERY WELL written. I haven't gotten the chance to play any of your other stuff (yet) but I look forward to it." - Kevin M.

"I am just having the best time with Greystone. I am enjoying reading the story so much I forget I am playing a game. I am having a ball exploring. I noticed you have started a new game. I want to be on your waiting list. It is wonderful I will have a third Howard Sherman adventure for my collection." - June F.

First Light Accolades

"Thanks for the hint!   That helped a lot!   Great little game! I even got to see three different endings." - Dolby D. talking about Pentari: The Prequel

"Love your game! I'm stuck at the very beginning. This is a blast, and I look forward to rekindling some great Zork memories." - Liz complimenting Pentari: The Prequel

"Because I was so impressed with the [Pentari] test drive I went ahead and purchased First Light. .I love this game! Maybe I'll give my daughter a chance to play Pentari, if I can tear myself away long enough.  Thank you for what you've done with these games." - Kristin R.

"Awesome Game!" - Wendy N. talking about Pentari: The Prequel

"First of all, I wanted to tell you how much I have been enjoying Pentari First Light.  Being blind, as I know many of your customers are, it is a lot of fun being able to get every detail right there without having to see the screen.  Also, horrible as I am at mental map making, I have been able to really keep the whole game thus far in my head...This is my first time playing interactive fiction, and I must say, I am glad I have been sticking it out even though it was frustrating at times...I am really enjoying this game, and I just bought Greystone a few days ago." - Jeremy H

"In the first 15 minutes I knew I was going to completely enjoy the adventure This is the type of relaxation I really need! Thank you!"  - Daniel W.

Rob L had quite a few nice things to say about Pentari: First Light.  Here are some of the excerpts from a post he made on JustAdventure.Com in September 2006:

I started playing the game and found myself once again hooked to a text adventure.  

I enjoyed the Pentari world and thought the writing style was very good, as were the descriptions.  The city of Delphin was very well realized and I enjoyed wandering round, talking to the characters and exploring all of the locations.

The storyline was intriguing and you did feel like part of a story.  The rich, vivid descriptions also helped, and the place felt magical and far away.  I could tell that the author had put a lot of effort into realizing the game locations.
 
I found the characters interesting and some were amusing.  
 
Another thing I should mention is that this is a massive game.  Once you have wandered round the surface of Delphin, there are castles, keeps and underground lairs and mountains to explore.  I didn’t once get bored of exploring, as I thought the writing style was of a high quality.
 
There are also some awesome spells to be cast, which is very satisfying when they work.  I had a very enjoyable time playing Pentari, and don’t regret the purchase for a minute.  

(editor's note: Wow.  Howard was floating on air after Rob's glowing testimonials. He bellowed "Wait until he steps inside The Apprentice and Second Dawn!" with a chuckle as he headed back to his studio.)

"I'm very impressed. Really.  I have to hand it to you.... I think it's important that these games have logical puzzles and yours were. Pentari is better than any of the Zorks." - Fran S.

We're in awe of your lavish compliments, Fran, and thank you humbly for the kind words.

"Thank you for bringing back mind adventures of the best kind." - Mona W.

"I want to commend you on your prompt service. I ordered First Light on a Saturday and it was in my mailbox on the following Wednesday. I was expecting a much longer turnaround time. I am looking forward to the adventure of First Light. If First Light is anything close to the Zork series I will be back for more of your titles." - Richard B.

(First Light is very much rendered in the Zork tradition, Richard. We'll be looking forward to your next order as soon as you solve PFL!)

"I enjoy your style of writing. After this game I am eyeballing Greystone. :-) "- Steven P.

"Pentari: First Light is great fun!" - William H

"I'm having a good time adventuring through Delphin's castle right now.  I like how you put in a lot of rooms, staircases, ladders, etc.  But that damn Valen! I'll figure out how to take him yet!" - Scott C
 

"The back-story sounds... um, interesting" ..." I really liked the line, 'Hell of a place for a party.'- Jessica K.

"Killed the <censored to prevent spoiling the finish>  and all. Pretty cool game!" - Jared

"I enjoyed it quite a lot.  The story seems to be really good and I like the prose.  I especially like the couple of extra rooms outside the warehouse that add to the atmosphere." - Ruediger H.

"That's Cool!" - Harry, one of our volunteer play testers, commenting on an early beta version of First Light.

"The writing is good... on the level of the Dragonlance novels I would say." - anonymous commenting on First Light

"This is my kind of game.  I think you have done a great job." - June F.

"Thanks for creating an adventure game and making it public with feelies.  I wish more people would do that.  It makes the game more fun to play." - Darius K.

"I must say that I have spent more time working on this game that about any other I have played.  I have enjoyed it more than any other in a very long time. I love the old Infocom text adventure games...I probably have a complete collection. Your game has filled a huge gap in adventure game play as I know of no other text adventure published in years.  Obviously, the game is long, many rooms to explore, many items to find, many puzzles to solve and overall, in my opinion, very difficult but for the most part fair. Your descriptions were outstanding.  I appreciated your encouragement and help as I struggled through it. I have very much enjoyed this game.  Very tough, but rewarding for someone who loves adventure games." - Bill E. just after completing First Light

Here's what Justadventure.com had to say about First Light:

"Pentari: First Light is a game that will appeal to both the hard-core IF player as well as the casual adventurer and constitutes a must-play for those spellbound to fantasy."

"PFL has been described as a Zorkian game and it certainly shares many features with the legendary Infocom game."

What People Are Saying About Malinche:

"Thank you for the First Mile demo. I am really impressed with the game.  I think you’ve captured the flavor of the old Infocom games.

I also appreciate that you’ve included the maps and the tutorials.  As I’ve told you previously, I’m new to interactive fiction, and I need all the help I can get.

What got me started was playing an old Infocom game (Witness) on the internet. I think it was neat that I could play this game on my computer.  I did buy the complete collection of Infocom games many years ago, but never played them. I am a collector of games, and I knew these games were classics.  I don’t know whether I can play them now on Windows XP.  I’m sorry I didn’t play them with my older computer.  But I am grateful for this website with the old Infocom games.  

I did order Greystone, and I will shortly order 1 or 2 more games, probably the full version of 1^st Mile.  Endgame is certainly intriguing." - Steve T.