The Forgotten: It Begins
First of seven planned modules, only one released.
The Forgotten: It Begins, a 1999 adventure/puzzle video game, was created and developed by Ransom Interactive using their proprietary Ransom Interactive engine, and published by DreamCatcher Interactive. The game required over a thousand hours of development. The concept of a serialized franchise spanning seven games, referred to as "modules," was established early in 1995. This non-violent, puzzle-oriented genre was chosen in response to customer feedback on DreamCatcher's earlier titles, Beyond Time and Jewels of the Oracle.
The game's website launched on October 19, 1999. *The Forgotten: It Begins* shipped on November 15, 1999, to retailers including EBX, Babbages, and Microcenter, and was also sold via the DreamCatcher Games Online Store.
A sequel, *The Forgotten II: The Collection*, was planned to continue the plot. By April 2000, the complete storyline for all seven modules had been fully developed, with story arcs and puzzles for Episodes 2 and 3 completed. At that time, modeling and artwork had begun, and the game interface was reworked to support larger panoramas and puzzles. A new gaming engine was also being developed for improved flexibility and performance in *Forgotten II* and future titles. The first two games were intended for single CDs, while modules three through seven were targeted for DVD release.
The game's objective is to locate Richard Haliburton, who has disappeared in New Orleans. Critics praised the game's atmosphere, approachability, and intriguing premise, but criticized its short length and poorly-developed story. Others noted a lack of urgency or danger. *Computer Games Magazine* gave it a score of 1.5 out of 5.
- Developer
- Ransom Interactive
- Publisher
- DreamCatcher Interactive
- Release Date
- November 15, 1999
- Genre
- Adventure/puzzle
- Engine
- Ransom Interactive engine
- Platform
- PC
Lore & Background
The Forgotten: It Begins was developed using Ransom Interactive's proprietary engine, with over a thousand hours of work invested. The concept of serialization was decided early in 1995, aiming for a franchise spanning seven games called 'modules.' The genre choice—non-violent adventure/puzzle—was a direct response to customer feedback on DreamCatcher's earlier titles Beyond Time and Jewels of the Oracle, which expressed a desire for such games. The game's website went live on October 19, 1999, and the game shipped on November 15, 1999, to retailers including EBX, Babbages, and Microcenter, as well as through DreamCatcher's online store.
Reader's Guide
The Forgotten: It Begins is significant as an early example of a planned serialized adventure game franchise that failed to materialize beyond its first installment. Its development reflected market trends toward non-violent puzzle games, and its use of the mTropolis engine was notable for the era. The game received mixed critical reception: critics appreciated its atmosphere and approachability but criticized its short length, poorly-developed story, and lack of urgency or danger. Computer Games Magazine gave it a score of 1.5 out of 5. A sequel, The Forgotten II: The Collection, was planned and had its storyline fully developed by April 2000, with modeling and artwork begun, but it was never released. An unreleased spin-off, Thibedeaux: Escape from Hell, based on a character from The Forgotten, was also planned with a multi-level demo for E3 2000 that did not materialize. The game's legacy lies in its unrealized ambition and as a footnote in the history of adventure gaming.
Did You Know?
- The game was created using the Ransom Interactive engine with over a thousand hours of work.
- The narrative was originally supposed to span seven games, but only the first was completed.
- The game received a score of 1.5 out of 5 from Computer Games Magazine.
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