What is this site?

     This site is Roger Wilco's Virtual Broomcloset (a.k.a., The Virtual Broomcloset, The Broomcloset, Wanda)--the web's first and foremost site devoted to providing hints, information, and lots of other neat stuff for fans of Sierra's Space Quest series. If you're not already familiar with Space Quest, I'd imagine that this site probably wouldn't hold much interest for you. Just to be on the safe side, though, the Space Quest series chronicles the misadventures of Roger Wilco, Space Janitor, as he bumbles his way through saving the universe from a variety of nefarious threats. So far, there have been six installments in the series (plus a remake of the first episode, Vonster D. Monster's unofficial Space Quest: The Lost Chapter, and the now-cancelled seventh installment).

When was this site launched?

     The Broomcloset debuted on November 29, 1995. In World Wide Web time, that makes this site practically ancient! When this site was launched way back then, it was comprised of just a few walk-throughs, some reprinted articles, and a bunch of really bad HTML code. Since then, it's expanded quite a bit, but still includes its fair share of sloppy HTML.

Why was this site launched?

     In a nutshell, I had been a devoted, long-time fan of the Space Quest series. When I got to college and got on the Web for the first time, I realized that there were websites for almost every topic under the sun--except Space Quest. Since I really wanted to visit a Space Quest site, I realized I would have to learn HTML and design my own. Hence, the Broomcloset.

Who is the webmaster of the Virtual Broomcloset?

     Hi! My name is Decaffeinated Jedi. I'm 24 years old, and I'm currently a doctoral student at the University of Georgia in lovely Athens, GA, studying the discipline of political science. In the past, I've attended such notable educational institutions as Virginia Tech, King College, Castlewood High School, Castlewood Elementary School, and the St. Paul Public Library's Storytime Program. Plus, I've been a Space Quest fan for almost fifteen years now, believe it or not!

Do you work for Sierra? If so, could you tell me what Al Lowe is really like?

     No, I do not work for Sierra. This site is entirely fan-based and unofficial (just ask Sierra's legal department). However, a number of Sierra employees (including SQ designers Mark Crowe, Scott Murphy, Josh Mandel, and Leslie Balfour) have visited the Broomcloset and often contributed various bits of information about the series, as well as interviews.

     On a side note, I actually had a chance to speak briefly with Leisure Suit Larry designer Al Lowe a little over a year ago. He's really a terrific guy! You should check out his website.

     Despite various rumors, I'm afraid that I'm not a girl/woman/female--not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you. I am (and always have been) a male. Jess is short for Jessee (not Jessica, Jessi, or something like that). So, I guess that makes the second question a moot point, eh? Anyway, here's a somewhat recent pic of me and one from a few years back.

Who did the rockin' redesign for the Virtual Broomcloset on its fifth anniversary?

     That would be Justin Gosine of Frost Byte Interactive. Not too shabby, eh?

Where can I get the Space Quest games?

     It's getting harder and harder to track down any of the Space Quest games these days. Sierra no longer produces the Space Quest Collection and has not announced plans to restock the product in the future. You can always give the various online auction sites (such as eBay) a try. Quite frequently, you'll find several gamers auctioning either individual Space Quest games or the Space Quest Collection. Also, you can check out the Game Trading Zone and attempt to arrange a purchase or trade with another gamer. Other than those suggestions, however, your options are rather slim.

     By the way, don't even bother writing me to ask if I'll send you a copy of one of the Space Quest games. You're only asking to have your message deleted.

What's the deal with Space Quest 7? I heard it was coming out, but now I hear that Sierra has cancelled it.

     Well, production for Space Quest 7 was, at one time, underway. There's even a promotional AVI on the latest version of the Space Quest Collection. Then, Sierra decided to place the product "on hold indefinitely." For more details, check out this site's Space Quest 7 Rumor Central!

Listen, I can't get past the Datacorder puzzle in Space Quest 6! Can you send me the solution?

     No problem! The solution is now provided in my Space Quest 6 Walk-Through. Sierra recently released the copy protection information for SQ6 at their website. You can also download it here at the Broomcloset.

I can't get by the Skate-O-Rama in Space Quest 4! What do I need to do?!?

     Restart, Restore, or Quit? Sorry--a little bit of Sierra humor, there. If you're having trouble with the Skate-O-Rama sequence, it probably has to do with the fact that your system's processor is too fast. To correct this problem, try downloading Mo'Slo or Turbo, small utilities that will temporarily reduce your clock speed enough to make this scene possible to complete. If that doesn't work, try referring to the step by step, graphical instructions at Sleeray's Roger Wilco Memorial.

     Alternatively, you can also download Space Quest saved games from the Virtual Broomcloset to bypass this scene. Saved games are also available to bypass other troublesome sequences in SQ1VGA, SQ4, and SQ6.

How do you get those Space Quest screenshots I see all over the Broomcloset?

     To grab screens from the Space Quest series, I use the handy (yet undocumented) screen capture utility that's built-in to Windows 95. Pressing Alt-PrintScreen at any time will copy the current display to the system's clipboard. Then, all you have to do is paste the image from the clipboard into your favorite image manipulation program (such as Paint Shop Pro). Boom--instant screenshot!

Has this site won any awards?

     It just so happens that the Broomcloset has been honored with an award or two. Here's a brief list:

•      Winner of the net's "Net Rave" rating in December of 1996 with a perfect score of 18 out of 18 points. Here's a portion of what they had to say about the Broomcloset: "...For me, this site is what the Web is all about.  Words can't even begin to describe what an excellent experience this site is. Go there now."

•      In July of 1998, the Broomcloset was voted by Internet fans as the recipient of two prestigious StarCon awards! The site was chosen as the Best Space Quest Site and received an award for Best Layout/Ease of Use. Thanks to everyone who voted!

•      The Virtual Broomcloset was also fortunate enough to be picked as the recipient of Gamer's Zone Site of the Day!

•      This site has been honored with awards from Space Quest sites including Roger Wilco's Stellar Voyages, the Keronian Bar, and WilcoBurger!

Has anyone ever written a song about your site and/or message forum?

     As a matter of fact, someone has! Ryan "Cool Guy" Henneboehle wrote an awesome song entitled, "Don't Cry, Jedi." You can download it here. Thanks, Ryan!

Did Rodney Dangerfield really visit the Broomcloset?

     Yes, comedian Rodney Dangerfield did visit the Broomcloset a few years ago. He had this to say about it: "So this is where I end up. Somebody's Broomcloset. I don't get no respect. No respect at all." I never get tired of that bit!

Who is your favorite Spice Girl?

     Wow, this question is starting to look dated! My favorite Spice Girl is definitely Sporty Spice, Melanie C. She's closely followed by Posh and Scary, with Baby bringing up the rear.

Are you involved in any other Web projects?

     At the moment, no. I used to be an editor with Verbosity Magazine before it fell victim to a hostile takeover. Since then, I nearly started work on a new zine called Sticky Pickle, but never quite got around to it.

What is a "sticky pickle?"

     Trust me, it's a long story.

Do you play another other games besides Space Quest?

     As a matter of fact, I've always been an avid gamer. I'm a fan of the various Sierra series, my favorites (along with Space Quest) being Quest for Glory, Leisure Suit Larry, and the Laura Bow games. Other than Sierra games, I'm a big fan of LucasArts' stuff (especially the Monkey Island series). I'm also known to play a bit of Madden 2001 on the PS2.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

     Yes. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Sorry--I couldn't resist!

     There are tons of people I'd like to thank. First off, I'd like to thank Mark Crowe, Scott Murphy, Leslie Balfour, and Josh Mandel for all the great inside information they have contributed to the Broomcloset (not to mentioned creating the Space Quest games in the first place). Thanks also goes out to Troels Pleimert for his friendship and all his help with this site over the years. This site wouldn't be possible without Chris Heschong generously providing it with a virtual home at wiw.org.

     Also, I can't leave out all the other people who have helped out with this site in some way or another: Vaughn Gosine, Justin Gosine, Christian Giegerich, Andy Couch, Seth Waddell, Corey Welton, Jonathan Phillips, Diane Murase, and everyone else! Thanks, guys!

Comments, questions, suggestions... jess@wiw.org