The Adventure Games: A Beginner's Guide

The Adventure Games: A Beginner's Guide

27th Oct 2011

The Gunpowder Plot is the most epic Adventure Game ever and is available, free of charge to UK users from Monday, 31 October. But if you've never come across the Adventure Games, or are worried they might be a bit techy, we've put together the following short guide...

What is an Adventure Game?

Imagine an episode of Doctor Who where you get to make the Doctor's key decisions and explore the worlds that the TARDIS visits... You're imagining the Adventure Games! They can be divided into two types of experience. For part of the game you're watching exciting scenes featuring the Doctor, Amy, Rory and some familiar foes. But when a problem arises, you have to leap into action! You could be the Doctor, wielding the sonic screwdriver, Amy on the run from Sontarans or Rory fighting the Rutans! So, the Adventure Games are essentially episodes where you get involved with the fun, mystery and action!

Are they proper Doctor Who?

Yes! They're made by BBC Wales who produce the TV show and are voiced by Matt Smith as the Doctor and Karen Gillan as Amy. Plus, Arthur Darvill is onboard for The Gunpowder Plot as Rory makes his Adventure Game debut! The latest game is written by Phil Ford whose credits include The Waters of Mars, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Can I play them?

If you're in the UK and have a PC or Mac, you can download them free of charge from this site and then off you go! Just one thing to bear in mind - if you're under 16, you should get your parent or guardian's permission to download the games.

I'm not a gamer! Can I still play them?

The Adventure Games are intended for absolutely everyone. Please don't be put off! You can go through the games at your own pace and start again whenever you want. If you are playing the game and end up getting exterminated or defeated by the Cyberman, you don't have to download the game again - you can simply start from where you left off or return to the beginning of the adventure to have another crack at the whole thing.

All that downloading looks like a bit of rigmarole...

The download takes 10-20 mins but your computer will be doing the hard work! You just have to follow a clear, step-by-step set of instructions. If you've any problems there's a FAQ to help you out. Millions of people have downloaded the games so please don't worry about that aspect! It's easy - give it a go!

So they're free and available now?

Yes, they're free and the first four are all available now. Battle iconic enemies in City of the Daleks,. Blood of the Cybermen. and Shadows of the Vashta Nerada or explore the Doctor's time machine in TARDIS. The fifth, most epic game to date is The Gunpowder Plot, available to download from 31 October.

And finally...

The Adventure Games open up new worlds of Doctor Who. You can learn about everything from Daleks to Seventeenth Century London, but the emphasis is on adventure, fun, humour and that indefinable something that makes Doctor Who so magical! So, visit the Adventure Game homepage, click on the one that grabs your fancy, hit 'download' and within a few minutes you'll be involved in the kind of adventure you've previously only watched on TV. Hang on tight, good luck, and most important of all, enjoy them. Geronimo!