Through the Looking Glass (1984) – An Early Apple II Curiosity
The early 1980s were a golden age of experimentation for Apple II software. Developers were still discovering what could be done with limited memory, monochrome graphics, and simple sound capabilities. One fascinating product of this era is Through the Looking Glass, released in 1984 for the Apple II.
Release Information
- Title: Through the Looking Glass
- Release Year: 1984
- Platform: Apple II
- Copyright: © 1984 Apple Computer
- Developer / Publisher: Sevedape
- Genre: Puzzle / Strategy (abstract board-style gameplay)
This title emerged during a period when Apple II software often blurred the lines between games, educational programs, and experimental interactive art.
Presentation and Visual Style
The first thing that stands out about Through the Looking Glass is its striking black-and-white title screen, styled like a woodcut or medieval illustration. A robed figure sits before a checkerboard-style table, immediately evoking themes of logic, strategy, and reflection—very much in line with the game’s literary inspiration.
The visual design is minimalist but deliberate, making excellent use of the Apple II’s high-resolution monochrome display. At a time when color graphics were still optional or inconsistent across systems, this kind of bold black-and-white presentation gave the game a timeless, almost book-like quality.
Gameplay and Concept
While Through the Looking Glass does not follow conventional arcade or action-driven gameplay, it fits squarely into the early Apple II puzzle and thinking-game tradition. Games of this era often emphasized logic, pattern recognition, and strategic decision-making rather than reflexes.
The title itself suggests inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, hinting at mirrored logic, reversed rules, or unconventional mechanics. Many Apple II games from the mid-1980s explored similar intellectual themes, appealing to users who saw computers as tools for creativity and problem-solving rather than pure entertainment.
Historical Context
By 1984, the Apple II had already established itself in homes, schools, and offices. Developers were free to experiment, and many small publishers released niche titles that catered to curious minds. Through the Looking Glass fits neatly into this ecosystem—more cerebral than commercial, and more artistic than flashy.
This was also a time when Apple II software frequently came with printed manuals or philosophical descriptions, encouraging players to think deeply about the program rather than simply “beat” it.
Legacy and Retro Appeal
Today, Through the Looking Glass is remembered primarily by Apple II collectors and retro computing enthusiasts. It may not be as famous as landmark Apple II titles, but it represents an important slice of early personal computing history—when games could be abstract, challenging, and quietly artistic.
Its unique presentation and intellectual tone make it a great example of how diverse Apple II software could be in the mid-1980s.
Final Thoughts
Through the Looking Glass is a reminder that early Apple II games weren’t just about action or high scores. They were often thoughtful experiments, designed to engage the mind as much as the player. For fans of vintage Apple software, this title stands as a small but intriguing artifact from a creative and exploratory era in computing history.
If you enjoy uncovering lesser-known Apple II titles, Through the Looking Glass is well worth revisiting.
