Rise of the Triad: The HUNT Begins

"Rise of the Triad: The HUNT Begins" is the shareware version of the original Rise of the Triad, developed by Apogee Software.

Plot
Unlike many other shareware games of the time which were distributed via the Scott Miller model, The HUNT Begins is a separate episode that serves as a prequel to the retail game. As Taradino Cassatt, member of the High-risk United Nations Taskforce (HUNT), the player must infiltrate the stronghold that El Oscuro's followers have established on a small island in the Gulf of Santa Catalina, and shut down their operations.

Gameplay
The gameplay remains unchanged in the shareware version. As it was meant to showcase the various features of the full game, some of the enemies and obstacles encountered in The HUNT Begins actually only make their first appearance in episodes two and three of the Dark War. That way, the shareware version allows to sample a substantial portion of the game's arsenal, enemy roster, items, traps and other obstacles.

Levels
The shareware version contains only one episode with 8 levels (one of which is a secret), with the deluxe edition containing an additional 3. There are also 2 Warp-Only levels and up to 11 multiplayer (aka Comm-Bat) levels, depending on which version you own.

The HUNT Begins Warp Only Levels Deluxe Edition Levels
 * 1) The HUNT Begins
 * 2) Foggy Mountain
 * 3) The Fourth Door (Secret Exit)
 * 4) Dark Tunnels
 * 5) Metal Threat
 * 6) Ride 'em, Cowboy!
 * 7) Boom Boom Boom
 * 8) Wall to Wall (Secret Level)
 * Too Tall
 * Play Room
 * Prelude to a Kill
 * Jumpin' Jehoshaphat
 * GADZOOKS!

Comm-Bat Levels
 * The Corpseyard
 * Falling For It
 * Fun House
 * The Labyrinth
 * Dark Warrens
 * Hill and Hill Again
 * Iron Tower
 * The Great Divide
 * The Seige (Deluxe Version Only)
 * The Box (Deluxe Version Only)
 * Rise and Tide (Deluxe Version Only)

Versions
There are only two versions of the shareware game - The original and the "Deluxe Edition". The Deluxe Edition was a special version of the shareware episode distributed only by LaserSoft, until October 21 st, 1999 when Apogee released the levels as freeware from their website. The version didn't add any new levels to the main episode, but offered 3 new Warp-Only levels and Comm-Bat levels.

Notes & Trivia
To be Added