I remember this game well. I was told that its plot was based on a movie made by George Lucas, hence the Lucasfilms logo at the beginning; I haven't been able to find it, even on this site, if it does exist. This was a wierd game, like when you pressed the power button on the nintendo to start it up, it would stutter once and then start. I also remember that no one would get in the pool because they said something like they didn't want to get their clothes wet, and if anyone got into the pool once it was drained, you had to get out before the tentacle refilled it or you would drown. There were also useless characters like Wendy and Mike who had dumb music and had obscure talents that didn't really advance you in the game much. I almost always chose that nerdy guy and Sid, Sid was everyone's favorite. I always worked out with the workout machine, the Hunkinator or something like that.
In response to your question, to get out of the dungeon, you need at least two people. Have the guy you want to get out get by the door on the far right, and the other guy go to a loose brick somewhere between the doors. Have him push it, and switch to the other guy and have him go through the now-open door. You need to be quick so it might take a few tries. Also, if you have contacted the police or have what you need to end the game, the combination to the door to the tentacle is 0-0-0-0. Talking about this game has brought a great nostalgia to me, I think I'll go watch some Rainbow Brite or something.
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megawhoosits
21 years ago
First of all, it was not based on a movie. The concept was created by Gary Winnick and Ron Gilbert, and they were making fun of B-rated horror flicks (this is what Gary Winnick said himself). There was a film once called 'Maniac Mansion', but it was a horror porno film that was also called 'Amuck!', and I sincerly doubt there's any connection.
The pool was a nuclear cooling pond, so yes, if you got in it you would die.
The tentacle wasn't the one who drained or refilled the pool- the valve was under the front doorstep (through the grate), and basically you would post one character by the valve and take the other into the pool while it was empty, taking care to fill it up after you were done, or the Nuclear Reactor would meltdown and the house would blow up.
Wendy and Mike were actually very useful: Wendy could rewrite the Meteor's manuscript and make him a millionaire; Mike could develop the film and win over Ed's help. The ending to the game was different depending which characters you chose, because you would have to exploit those particular talents.
Hunk-o-Matic
There are two ways to get out of the dungeon- use the brick as previously mentioned, or get the key to the dungeon which is in the chandelier. You have to play the tentacle mating call to break the chandelier.
The combo to the inner door is only 0000 if the video game machines are not fixed and Fred hasn't placed Meteor Mess. Unfortunately, the NES version made it too easy, such that no matter what kids you had, the combo was always 0000 as long as you didn't fix the wires (to the arcade machines).
Hope that was informative
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21 years ago
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Dr_Edison
20 years ago
Just look around if you want a download.
And I must say this is my favourite adventure game of all time, Monkey Island, Sam & Max, or any of the others ain't got shit on it (I feel like Denzel Washington.)
The only one that comes close is it's sequel. I know that the game is outdone in almost every category my future adventures, but my love for this game still stands.
Come to the board for Jon Vitti!
http://imdb.com/name/nm0900140/board/threads/
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insomniac_rod
20 years ago
This is my favorite RPG game ever(can I say it's RPG?).
MM is a smart and entertaining game that was way ahead of it's time and remains fresh to this day.
Every video game player MUST play this game, it should be an obligation.
If you want to refresh your memory and live again the magic of MM , download (free) MANIAC MANSION DELUXE; it's the same game but with better graphics.
"Hate is baggage, life's too short to be pissed off all the time".
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20 years ago
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the2man
17 years ago
Man, I was so happy to find the MMD floating around on the net. I remember years ago I was such a fan of the original Maniac Mansion that I sent a very nice letter to Lucasarts giving them praise. They sent me one of the original posters for the game! It was still on my wall for many years.
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