VGSources / Games / Interplay Entertainment
post-apocalyptic video game
Wasteland
By Interplay Entertainment, released 1 Jan 1988
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- macOS
- Commodore 64
- DOS
- science fiction video game
- role-playing video game
What it is
Wasteland is a post-apocalyptic RPG first released in 1988, developed by Interplay Entertainment. Set in 2087, it casts players as a Desert Ranger investigating a new threat in a devastated American Southwest. Hunger, disease, raiders and mutants endanger survivors, while the choices players make shape the world. Recruiting help and following leads are part of the investigation. Wasteland Remastered updates the original with overhauled graphics and sound, an expanded musical score, and the original game’s illustrated storybook with voice-over. It also includes controller support and quality-of-life changes. Steam lists single-player, achievements, partial controller support, Steam Cloud and Family Sharing. The Steam release is for Windows and dated February 25, 2020; the game is also listed for Linux, macOS, Commodore 64 and DOS.
What players like, and what they don't
- Choices shape the world
- Recruit help and follow leads
- Illustrated storybook with voice-over
- Steam Cloud support
- Single-player only
- Steam version lists Windows only
- Steam lists partial controller support
Who it suits
Suited to players interested in a post-nuclear RPG built around investigation, recruiting help and consequential choices. The remastered edition also includes the original illustrated storybook with voice-over.
Wasteland combines a bleak setting with investigation and choices that affect the world. The remaster adds updated audiovisual presentation and controller support while retaining the original storybook.
