Frustrating PC gaming instances: reached a dead-end with a puzzle in an adventure game, resorted to contacting the developer for assistance.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, a unique support system was prevalent among point-and-click adventure game enthusiasts: hint lines. These services, offered by gaming companies such as Sierra On-Line, LucasArts, and Infocom, allowed players to dial 1-900 numbers and access pre-recorded hints for various game puzzles they found difficult[1].
By calling these premium numbers, players could listen to menu-based hints for specific challenges in their games and then return to their computers to progress. Despite its perceived nostalgic charm, the pay-per-use model meant that it was not a cost-free solution. Players incurred telephone charges proportional to call duration and frequency, with per-minute rates sometimes significant[1].
This system became less commonplace with the emergence of the internet, as it was gradually replaced by freely available online game guides and forums. Today, the only remaining way to access the old hint line experience is through replaying vintage adventure games themselves. Coincidentally, Monkey Island 2 features a scene where the player's character attempts to call LucasArts for assistance while navigating the game world[1].
Reflecting on this bygone era, Chris Livingston shares some anecdotes about his encounters with hint lines. At the time, he was in his young adult years, alleviating him from footing the phone bill. Nevertheless, he found the ability to communicate with the game companies personally and potentially hear from industry icons like George Lucas an exhilarating experience. Despite limitations, the hint lines provided much-needed assistance to many gamers bewildered by the intricate puzzles commonly found in adventure games[1].
[1] - Enrichment Data - for context and additional information.
Fans of point-and-click adventure games in the late 1980s and early 1990s could place a bet on their ability to solve puzzles, as hint lines were a popular support system offering pre-recorded tips for game challenges. However, the pay-per-use model of these hint lines turned out to be a technology-infused entertainment expense for players, with charges incurred proportionate to call duration and frequency.oday, while the internet has largely eliminated the need for these hint lines, Monkey Island 2, a classic game from LucasArts, provides a win-win scenario for fans, offering a glimpse into the past by reenacting a scene featuring a call to the company for assistance. In his reminisces, Chris Livingston, a young adult gamer during that time, recalls the thrill of potentially communicating with industry icons like George Lucas, despite the financial constraints of the hint lines.
