Remember a time when Blizzard wasn't just about Orcs, Protoss, and demons? Long before Warcraft dominated PC screens and Diablo sent shivers down spines, there was a darker, grittier hero with a shotgun. Let's talk about Blackthorne, a true classic cinematic platformer that might have flown under the radar for some, but holds a special place in the hearts of many retro gamers.
Released in 1994 by Blizzard Entertainment (then Silicon & Synapse) and published by Interplay, Blackthorne arrived on the scene during the golden age of 16-bit consoles (SNES) and burgeoning PC gaming. It wasn't your typical run-and-gun action game. Instead, it borrowed heavily from the likes of Prince of Persia and Flashback, offering a slower, more methodical pace focused on exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic gunplay.
What is Blackthorne?
At its core, Blackthorne is a sci-fi fantasy cinematic platformer. You play as Kyle Vlaros, prince of the peaceful Androthi people on the planet Tuul. After his kingdom is overthrown by the monstrous Ka'dra'suul led by the evil Sarlac, young Kyle is sent to Earth for safety. Twenty years later, now a hardened military captain, Kyle returns to Tuul to reclaim his throne, avenge his father, and free his people. Armed primarily with a trusty pump-action shotgun and a whole lot of attitude, he's ready to dole out some justice.
A Story Worth Fighting For
For a game from the early 90s, Blackthorne had a surprisingly deep backstory, often detailed more extensively in the manual than in the game itself. The planet Tuul's origin involves a shaman whose death split his essence into a Lightstone and a Darkstone, leading to two distinct kingdoms. The Darkstone corrupted the Ka'dra'suul, turning them into the monstrous force Kyle must confront. His return isn't just about kicking butt; it's about fulfilling a prophecy and restoring balance to his world. It's classic fantasy tropes blended with a cool, dark sci-fi aesthetic.
Gameplay: More Than Just Jumping
Unlike faster action games, Blackthorne demands patience and strategy. Kyle's movement is fluid but deliberate, featuring smooth animations thanks to techniques like rotoscoping (or motion capture in the Mac version).
Key gameplay elements include:
- Strategic Combat: This isn't about spraying bullets. Both Kyle and enemies can press against walls to take cover, dodging incoming fire. Gunfights become tense standoffs where timing and positioning are crucial. Peek out, shoot, duck back in!
- The Shotgun: Kyle's primary weapon feels powerful and satisfying, especially with its distinct pump sound. You can find upgrades to increase its power.
- Exploration and Puzzles: Levels are maze-like, requiring you to find keys, bombs, and other items to progress. You'll also encounter friendly prisoners who might offer hints or necessary items.
- The "Look Away" Shot: A signature move where Kyle fires his shotgun behind him without looking. Totally impractical in real life, but undeniably cool in a video game!
- Items: Beyond weapons, you'll find healing potions, remote bombs, and the crucial keys needed to unlock doors and cages.
- Levels: The game takes you through diverse environments: dark mines, lush forests/swamps, arid deserts, and the imposing Keep. The Sega 32X version even added snowy mountains!
The difficulty ramps up, and while you have infinite lives, dying usually means restarting the level, adding weight to every encounter. Sarlac is the main antagonist and the game's only true boss, making the final confrontation a significant challenge you'll need to be ready for.
The Look and Sound
Blackthorne boasted impressive visuals for its time. The character animations were fluid and detailed, and the environments were atmospheric, ranging from gritty caverns to alien landscapes. The DOS version had a lower resolution but maintained a strong art style, complete with a bit of pixelated gore.
The sound design is also memorable. The distinct pump of Kyle's shotgun, the explosion of bombs, and the grunts of enemies all contribute to the game's feel. The music, while perhaps not as catchy as some contemporaries, provides a fitting, often moody backdrop that enhances the dark atmosphere without being distracting.
Where Does It Stand Today?
Upon release, Blackthorne received generally positive reviews, particularly for its animation, dark tone, and unique gameplay blend. Critics praised its strategic combat and atmosphere. Some noted the slower pace or lack of variety in bosses as minor drawbacks.
Today, Blackthorne is often remembered fondly by those who played it. It's seen as a solid, atmospheric cinematic platformer and an interesting piece of Blizzard's early history before they became the RTS/RPG/MMO giant we know. It might not have the same widespread recognition as Warcraft or Diablo, but it's a game that holds up surprisingly well if you appreciate its deliberate pace and strategic challenges.
Playing Blackthorne in the Modern Era
Good news, retro fans! You don't need ancient hardware to revisit Tuul. Blackthorne has been made available digitally and is relatively easy to play today:
- GOG.com: Often available on GOG (Good Old Games), pre-configured to run on modern systems via DOSBox. This is usually the easiest plug-and-play option.
- Archive.org: Sometimes found in browser-playable formats via the Internet Archive, offering a quick nostalgia fix.
- DOSBox: If you have the original DOS version, you can run it yourself using DOSBox, a fantastic emulator for running old DOS games.
Whether you experienced it on SNES, DOS, or are discovering it for the first time, Blackthorne is worth checking out for its unique style and challenging gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Blackthorne a Blizzard game? Yes! It was developed by Blizzard Entertainment (then Silicon & Synapse) and published by Interplay.
- What platforms was Blackthorne released on? Originally DOS and SNES in 1994. Later ported to Sega 32X, Mac OS, and Game Boy Advance.
- Is Blackthorne free? Historically, Blizzard made the DOS version available for free via Battle.net for a time. Availability varies, but digital storefronts like GOG often sell it for a low price, or it can be found on sites like Archive.org.
- Is Blackthorne difficult? It can be challenging, especially with the strategic combat and the penalty of restarting a level upon death. Patience and learning enemy patterns are key.
Conclusion
Blackthorne remains a fascinating artifact from a different era of gaming and a different era for Blizzard. It's a game that rewarded observation, strategy, and a steady hand with a shotgun. If you're a fan of cinematic platformers or simply curious about the roots of one of gaming's biggest companies, diving into the dark world of Tuul with Kyle Vlaros is an adventure well worth taking. It's a retro gem that still shines with its unique atmosphere and satisfying gameplay.
