Writing about Azrael's Tear--looking for help

[TBob]

Hello all!

I'm a freelance writer from the website Skirmish Frogs, and I'm doing an article on the classic abandonware underdog Azrael's Tear. Specifically, I'm hoping to get some clue as to why it didn't take off in the abandonware scene in a huge way, compared to many other DOS classics on sites like HotU or Abandonia. If any of you guys running HotU have any input (was it the system requirements? the lack of brand recognition?) I would absolutely love to know, since you're pretty much the experts on this subject, being some of the only people hosting AT these days. Why do you think this fantastic game has stayed forgotten for so long? Thanks for your time!

-TBob

[LotBlind]

I'd love to be able to call myself an expert :) I'll never have the time to play all the games Sarinee (the ex hostess) looks to have done. If anything, after your article is done (and indeed if there are other articles on games featured on the site), we'd love to link to it.

Actually, I see the Wiki page and Mobygames entry (the reviews specifically) giving clues as to what went wrong for the game: they mention a difficult interface for starters.

[TBob]

Thank you for the reply! I've definitely seen some comments about why the game flopped initially--the Wiki and Mobygames pages have been a big help. My biggest question is what happened once it became abandonware, since the hardcore people in the abandonware scene are used to jumping through hoops and clunky interfaces to play classic games. All I can guess so far is that it's a nightmare to get running, and its high-def graphics made it almost unplayable in DOSBox until recently. However, that's only speculation, which is why I was hoping the HotU crew might have more insight into what went wrong over the years.

As an aside, do you guys have its download count since it went up on your site? If so, how does it compare to other HotU games? Thank you!

[LotBlind]

Sadly, because it's not the same site (it's a clone), we don't have any download data from back then. And there's no downloads now.

Let's hope someone has ideas... I don't think everyone who used to frequent the site has found the new forums yet.

[TBob]

Ah, that's a shame! I didn't realize the original HotU was long gone. I might try asking around on VOGONS next, then. Thank you for your time!

[LotBlind]

Yeah, we're the closest thing left (and yes, Sarinee granted everyone the right to create clones to continue the legacy). We'll gladly link to your article as I said, so make sure to pop by again when you're done!

[Archibald]

I disagee with calling the website "a clone". Sarinee clearly gave us the right to continue and it is her who started the whole revival initiative which resulted in the HotU you know today.
But yes, a lot of old info was lost in the transition.

[LotBlind]

I wanna say it's semantics: this site WAS just one of many after all and its basis is an existing site. Therefore it's a clone. A legit clone but a clone nonetheless.

[Laurie Stearn]

On Sunday, August 27, 2017 at 11:21:59 PM UTC+10, LotBlind wrote:

I wanna say it's semantics: this site WAS just one of many after all and its basis is an existing site. Therefore it's a clone. A legit clone but a clone nonetheless.

Hah, it's been that long that I never knew the original site folded. It's semantics, although I hold "clone" tends to refer more to cloning something that is still in existence. As time passes folk forget that. Perhaps "tribute" site is better.

In any case the new HOTU has been around almost as long as the old one- that alone will make it "legit" {forget about the clone thing} :P