The 80’s were a fertile time for Lucasfilm. As the original trilogy ended and the era of Star Wars – for a brief time – took a back seat, Lucasfilm Games very much became the focus for lovers of all things Lucas, and one of the most admired and beloved games was Maniac Mansion. Lucasfilm chat with Josh Fairhurst, head of Limited Run Games who have re-released the 1987 classic, to discuss the game and its impact on the scene.
Maniac Mansion and its fellow Lucasfilm Games adventure titles remain so beloved because “they kicked off an important era in gaming for a lot of people,” according to Fairhurst. “Prior to SCUMM and Lucasfilm Games, adventure games were very difficult. There was a high point of entry, and a lot of trial and error where almost everything would kill you.
“The Lucasfilm games gave kids an entry point into adventure games and games that had narratives,” Fairhurst continues. “Back then, many games didn’t have storylines. There was nothing like the crazy things you were doing in Lucasfilm games. That’s why so many people are passionate about these titles. They were formative experiences, and many people’s first interaction with real narrative and character development. A lot of people also played these games with their parents. These games were how they connected with their parents and they’re treasured memories that have transcended just being games. They are literal cornerstones in people’s lives.”
The fruits of this era are evident in people like Fairhurst himself, who are now part of the video game industry. Their experiences with the Lucasfilm Games classics are helping add new layers of richness and quality to the ever-changing medium. And now thanks to these Limited Run Games rereleases, fans today can discover the older titles for the first time.
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