Crypt of the Undead (1982) is a horror-themed adventure game with light RPG elements, published by Epyx for the Apple II and Atari 8-bit computers. In this eerie quest, players awaken in a shadowy cemetery at nightfall, unsure of how they arrived. The challenge: escape within 12 in-game hours or remain entombed forever. Played from a top-down perspective, players navigate a haunted graveyard, searching for keys to unlock crypts, gold to boost power, and bagels—yes, bagels—to sustain health. A ticking clock adds urgency to the exploration, and with every passing moment, the dread deepens. Enemies including zombies, werewolves, and vampires relentlessly pursue the player through maze-like corridors. The combat system is turn-based with a twist: players roll randomized attacks in real-time and must choose whether to engage or flee. Each encounter is shaped by previously gathered weapons, clues, and boosts, with success depending on timing and luck. Despite being developed by Crystalware, Crypt of the Undead was picked up and released by Epyx after Crystalware ceased operations. It was one of four titles released simultaneously—the others being Escape from Vulcan’s Isle, The Nightmare, and King Arthur’s Heir. Among these, Crypt of the Undead stood out to reviewers for its moody atmosphere, imaginative puzzles, and haunting sound design. Critics praised the game’s graphics and unique ambience, though noted that repeated playthroughs revealed fixed puzzle solutions and reduced replayability. Still, it remains a memorable relic of early computer horror and adventure gaming.

One of best of the titles that Epyx acquired from Crystalware, it’s another fun puzzler that could part of a great revival.  The manual is here. We think the real opportunity is to take The Nightmare, Crypt of the Undead, and Escape from Vulcan’s Isle and dissect them and see how to re-release all of them as a bundle.  They were all written by the same developer — Marc Benioff of Salesforce fame — and share similar mechanics.