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The source files and a precompiled ZMachine storyfile of this adventure were recovered from a salvaged "Infocom hard drive", and made publicly available on GitHub in an effort to preserve them.

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Ballyhoo

by Jeff O'Neill

Mystery
1985

About the Story

Spangleland! Sawdust and glitter, buffoons and cotton candy! It's a place where your wildest dreams come true! At least, that's what you think... until you get behind the scenes at the big top. Then you learn how easily sweet dreams can turn into nightmares.

Beyond the spangles lies a seedy world of deception and crime. Exploring the tattered corners of the circus lot, you overhear a conversation about the owner's daughter. It seems she's been kidnapped, and the hired gumshoe couldn't find the nose on his face. Good samaritan that you are, you start poking around on your own.

But watch your step. As the night progresses, you realize you're in as much danger as the little girl. For the kidnapper is lurking right there on the lot, trying to set you up for a permanent slot in the freak show.


Game Details

Off-Site Reviews

SPAG
When I first played Ballyhoo, I strongly disliked it because of a technical problem. [...] But if you can get past these glitches, you will find quite a nice little game. There are several characters, all well developed. There are everal amusing little responses and sidelights [...] The game captures the circus feel in much the same way that Hollywood Hijinx captures the Hollywood feel. As an added bonus, you get an all text blackjack game in the bargain.
-- Graeme Cree
See the full review

Page Update History

v.11: 23-Aug-2020 00:41 - Petter Sjölund (Current Version) - Edit Page - Normal View
Changed IFIDs
  v.10: 23-Aug-2020 00:41 - Zape
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v.9: 21-Apr-2019 05:07 - Tristano
Changed download links
v.8: 21-Nov-2014 17:58 - robchambers74
Changed IFIDs
v.7: 21-Nov-2014 17:57 - robchambers74
Changed IFIDs
v.6: 21-Nov-2014 17:21 - robchambers74
Changed IFIDs
v.5: 10-Apr-2013 04:40 - Edward Lacey
Changed external review links
v.4: 11-Dec-2010 15:51 - Michael Roberts
Changed download links
v.3: 11-Dec-2010 15:50 - Michael Roberts
v.2: 03-Jul-2010 21:00 - RedHatter
Changed download links
v.1: 19-Feb-2008 19:19 - Emily Short
Created page