WELCOME TO THE MANSION
You are standing in front of a place people do not leave.
Forbidden Mansion is a classic text adventure inspired by games like Zork and Maniac Mansion. There are no graphics to guide you—only words, logic, and whatever instincts you brought with you.
Every room hides clues.
Every item exists for a reason.
And the mansion never explains itself.
WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?
Your goal is simple: escape the mansion.
Doing that will require you to explore five connected chapters, solve puzzles using observation and logic, and carry items and knowledge forward as the story unfolds.
Progress is saved automatically. The mansion remembers what you’ve done.
HOW THE GAME WORKS
You control the game by typing commands into the input box.
Each time you enter a command, the screen refreshes completely. Old text is replaced, not scrolled. What you see is your current situation—nothing more, nothing less.
If something changes, the screen changes with it.
MOVING AROUND
You can move by typing directions such as north, south, east, or west. Short forms like n or e work as well.
If you prefer, you can also say “go north.”
If a direction isn’t listed, you probably can’t go that way—yet.
LOOKING AND EXAMINING
Use “look” to re-read the current room description. This is more important than it sounds; descriptions often change as puzzles are solved.
Use “examine” to take a closer look at objects. If something seems important, it probably is.
Curiosity is rewarded.
TAKING AND DROPPING ITEMS
If you see an item, you can usually take it. Once taken, it goes into your inventory.
You can also drop items if you need to free your hands or rethink a solution.
If you’re stuck, checking your inventory is often the fastest way forward.
USING ITEMS
Most puzzles are solved by using the right item on the right object.
If something doesn’t work, try examining both the item and the object it’s being used on. The solution is almost always logical, not tricky.
OPENING THINGS
Some objects can be opened directly. Cabinets, hatches, doors—sometimes all they need is a command and a little courage.
If opening doesn’t work, there’s probably something missing.
ENTERING CODES
Keypads and locked systems appear later in the game. The codes for them are never random.
If you find a keypad, the number you need has already been written down somewhere. You just have to notice it.
HELPFUL COMMANDS
You can ask for help at any time to see a list of available commands.
The game also supports saving and loading within each chapter. Restarting a chapter resets the room but keeps your overall progress and inventory intact.
The mansion is patient. You should be too.
THE CAMPAIGN
Forbidden Mansion unfolds across five chapters:
The Foyer
Kitchen and Pantry
Basement Workshop
Observatory
The Laboratory
When you complete a chapter, a Continue button appears. Your progress is saved automatically, and you may return to the main menu whenever you like.
Items and knowledge carry forward. What you learn early may matter much later.
THE MAIN MENU
From the main menu, you can continue your campaign, start a new one, or reset everything.
Resetting the campaign erases all progress and inventory. The mansion forgets nothing—but you will.
TIPS FROM PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T MAKE IT
Read everything. Then read it again.
If a room feels empty, it probably isn’t.
If you’re stuck, try a different verb.
If something exists, it has a purpose.
And above all, don’t assume the mansion is fair.
HOW YOU WIN
You win Forbidden Mansion by solving the final puzzle and escaping the house.
When you succeed, a final story scene plays and you are taken to the win screen.
Whether the mansion truly lets you go is another matter.
FINAL WARNING
This game does not rush you.
It does not hold your hand.
It does not lie.
The mansion has been waiting.
Good luck.