The Manhole is an adventure video game developed by Cyan, Inc. (now Cyan Worlds) and first released on November 24, 1988. It was created by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller, who later became known for the best-selling adventure game Myst.
Gameplay
The game is an exploration-driven "software toy" with no defined goals, objectives, or endings. The player opens a manhole cover to reveal a gigantic beanstalk, which leads to a series of fantastical worlds populated by whimsical characters, including Mr. Rabbit. The emphasis is on visual exploration and discovery rather than puzzle-solving or narrative progression.
Development
The Manhole was created using the HyperTalk programming language on Apple's Macintosh line of computers. The original release ran in black-and-white. The game was the first commercial product from Cyan, founded by Rand and Robyn Miller.
Release History
- 1988 – Initial floppy disk release by Cyan, Inc., distributed via mail order.
- 1989 – CD-ROM version published by Activision. This version is recognized as the first personal computer game distributed on the CD-ROM format.
- 1992 – Re-released for MS-DOS as The Manhole: New and Enhanced, which included a Windows 3.1 version.
- 1995 – Re-released as The Manhole: CD-ROM Masterpiece Edition by Broderbund, featuring color graphics, music, voice acting, sound effects, and new characters. The color artwork was designed by Cyan artist Chuck Carter using StrataVision 3D.
- 1991 – Released in Japan for the PC Engine (TurboGrafx 16) and later for the FM Towns.
- 2007 – Made available on GameTap.
- 2010–2011 – Released on GOG.com, Steam, and iOS.
Platforms
Mac OS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, TurboGrafx 16, FM Towns, iOS.
Reception
In March 1989, Macworld described the game as "the first children's software to require a hard disk" and praised its "realistic sounds, the fantasy-filled graphics, and the stack construction." The magazine highly recommended it for young children and noted that "it's hard to imagine a playful soul of any age who wouldn't enjoy exploring the mind-tickling world inside The Manhole."
The Manhole won a Software Publishers Association Excellence in Software Award in 1989 for Best New Use of a Computer.
Significance
The Manhole holds a notable place in video game history as the first PC game released on CD-ROM and as the debut title from Cyan, the studio that would go on to create the critically acclaimed Myst series.
