How to Play

Play Today

The Magnetic Scrolls catalogue is playable today through several routes — from official enhanced remasters to browser emulation and classic interpreter builds.

Which Option is Right for You?

If you want the best modern experience with full illustration quality and mobile convenience, start with Strand Games. If you want to play specific titles not yet remastered, browser play via My Abandonware is the easiest entry point. For desktop play with the original feel, the Magnetic interpreter is the definitive solution. For retro hardware fans, the Spectrum Next compilation is the 2024 choice.

  1. Option 1 - Strand Games (Best for The Guild of Thieves)

    Ken Gordon's Strand Games has produced an enhanced remaster of The Guild of Thieves for iOS and Android. This is the recommended way to play that title — updated interface, improved illustration display, and full modern mobile support while preserving the original game's text and puzzles.

    Visit strandgames.com or search "Guild of Thieves" in the App Store or Google Play. Further Magnetic Scrolls remasters are in development. See also Modern Scene for the full remaster programme status.

  2. Option 2 - Browser Play via My Abandonware

    Several Magnetic Scrolls titles are playable directly in the browser at My Abandonware. This requires no installation and is the fastest way to try a game.

    Navigate to the game page, select "Play in browser", and the DOS or other version will load in a DOSBox or similar emulator. Some illustration quality may be reduced compared to native play.

  3. Option 3 - Internet Archive Browser Play

    The Internet Archive hosts C64 and DOS versions of several Magnetic Scrolls titles, playable in the browser via in-browser emulation. Search for individual title names at archive.org or use specific identifiers such as d64_Pawn_The_1986_Magnetic_Scrolls_Side_A (The Pawn, C64) or msdos_Jinxter_1988 (Jinxter, DOS).

  4. Option 4 - The Magnetic Interpreter (Desktop)

    The Magnetic interpreter is the standard tool for running Magnetic Scrolls game files on modern desktop systems. It supports all titles, runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and handles illustrations on Amiga versions where available.

    Download from the IF Archive (search "magnetic interpreter") or via the IFDB game pages, which typically link directly to the interpreter and game files.

    Game files (in .mag or similar format) can be found on the IF Archive or via Lemon Amiga (lemonamiga.com) for Amiga versions.

  5. Option 5 - ZX Spectrum Next Compilation (2024)

    A Magnetic Scrolls Compilation was released for the ZX Spectrum Next in 2024, bringing the classic titles to modern retro hardware in a curated package designed for the Next's enhanced Spectrum environment.

    Check the ZX Spectrum Next website and the Magnetic Scrolls Memorial for availability and purchasing details.

Text Adventure Tips for New Players

Magnetic Scrolls games use a natural-language parser — you type commands in English and the game responds. The parser is considerably more capable than most players expect, accepting complex multi-clause instructions. A few tips for first-time players:

  • Examine everything. Type EXAMINE [object] or X [object] for detail. Many puzzles depend on noticing things in descriptions.
  • Try complex commands. The parser accepts "PUT THE SWORD IN THE SCABBARD AND GO NORTH" — don't limit yourself to single verbs.
  • Take notes. Maps and notes are essential. These games reward methodical exploration.
  • Save often. Use multiple save slots. Text adventures can place you in impossible states; saving frequently gives you recovery options.
  • Consult IFDB for hints. If stuck, the IFDB game pages often link to walkthroughs and hint files. The Magnetic Scrolls Memorial also has per-game resources.
  • Try XYZZY. It's a classic text adventure in-joke. Type it anywhere and see what happens.