Idol of Monterey is a text-based role-playing game for the Apple II
The player must move their character about a randomly generated map containing trees and open tiles. The player starts with 3000 strength, and will intermittently encounter monsters guarding treasures. On each encounter, the player can fight, bribe, or run from the enemy. During battle, the player must select how many battle points they wish to use, and if they enter an insufficient amount, they are slain and the game is over. Each monster type requires a different amount of battle points to conquer, and this must be discovered by trial and error. If the monster is defeated, the player gains their treasure. Strength potions can increase the player’s battle points, otherwise these points fall throughout the game. Bribe lets the player sacrifice treasure to pass the enemy, at the risk of not giving enough causing instant death. Run is often successful, but if it fails, forces the player to fight or bribe.
The player receives hints on the direction of the idol as they move about the map. When the treasure square is discovered, the player must battle a large dragon requiring 1000 battle points. At any time, with or without the idol, the player can finish the game by exiting the edge of the screen. The player receives points based upon the amount of treasure accumulated and enemies defeated. They receive an additional thousand points for reclaiming the idol. Some squares have a condor, which will randomly transport the player about the map.
