Neuromancer

Neuromancer was created and distributed (via Activision) by Interplay Productions for the Apple IIGS in 1989.

Neuromancer is based on the famous novel by William Gibson, which spawned frequent use of terms 'cyber-punk' and 'virtual reality'. You assume the role of Case, a down and out hacker whose about to learn many sordid details surrounding cyber-space in Chiba City.

Neuromancer uses a point and click interface, although key command shortcuts can be used such as the arrow keys for quick location changes and numerals for making selections on the PAX.

You awaken in the Chatsubo bar, renown for its fatal combination of food and drink and now you need to pay your bill. You have to first use the PAX by clicking on the "PAX" icon in the lower left hand corner of the screen and download some credits. Be aware that the PAX isn't just a banking service - the News service is a good hoot and the bulletin boards are more than useful. Using items in your inventory is done by clicking on the Items button, the one that looks like a scrap of paper. Giving the bartender the relevant amount of cash will relieve you of an ensuing fine as well as reveal information of your next port of call. Keep engaging the bartender in conversation, using the speech bubble icon. The choices for conversation appear in thought bubbles, which cycle if you click anywhere on the screen but on the bubble. Once you've made you selection for what you want to say, click in the bubble, which will then turn to a speech bubble and click again to say it. Besides your travels in Cyberspace, this interface remains constant.

The graphics in Neuromancer are well drawn but not as well as those found in other Interplay games, such as Bard's Tale 1 and 2. The musical intro was written by Devo, but you wouldn't be able to tell.

I've barely played Neuromancer myself, but I hope to find the time to play it from start to finish.