Legendary Interactive Fiction writer Andrew Plotkin joins Gil and Emma to talk about text-based stories that players can participate in. We explore the form's history and unique strengths, and discuss what good writing can bring to a game's experience.
Interactive Fiction platforms mentioned in this episode:
Inform Twine ChoiceScript InkCheck out some of Andrew's IF work:
Shade Spider & Web Hadean LandsOther video games mentioned in this episode:
Colossal Cave Adventure Zork Donut County 80 Days Heaven's Vault Galatea AI Dungeon No Man's SkyBoard games and analog IF mentioned in this episode:
Werewolf 7th Continent 1,001 Odysseys Choose Your Own Adventure™ books Meanwhile Fighting Fantasy books Leanna Fled the Cranberry BogIf you would like to explore the world of IF, a good place to start is the Interactive Fiction Database - it's like the BGG of IF!
Some good games to start with (this is hardly an authoritative list):
9:05 - You can easily play this in one sitting, and in most cases, you will want to immediately play again when you finish it the first time. Photopia - This is a spectacularly well-written game, but it can bring up some intense emotions. The Uncle Who Works for Nintendo - A fun horror game. Howling Dogs - This is a work by Porpentine, whom Gil has raved about several times on the show and this episode. Be sure to find both endings. Counterfeit Monkey - A fairly long game by Emily Short built around some remarkably brilliant word-manipulation mechanisms. You will likely need to use an emulator if you want to save your game and use the game's graphical map.Enjoy exploring the IF rabbit hole!
Ludology Episode 202 - Forgive Me Not
GameTek Classic 201.5 - The Yips
Ludology Episode 201 - Are We Having Fun Yet?
Biography of a Board Game 200.5 - Cluedo
Ludology Episode 200 - Auld Lang... Engelstein?
GameTek Classic 199 - Crystallography
Ludology Episode 199 - What's In the Box?
Biography of a Boardgame 198 - Othello
Ludology Episode 198 - Inspired
GameTek Classic 197 - Drinking Games
Ludology Episode 197 - Empires Up In Arms
GameTek Classic 196 - Apples Against Humanity
Ludology Episode 196 - Word Up
GameTek Classic 195 - Ritual
Ludology Episode 195 - Value Added
GameTek 194 - The Hanabi Challenge
Ludology Episode 194 - Lifting the Fog
GameTek Classic 193 - Merchant of Venus
Ludology Episode 193 - Lean and Mean in 2019
GameTek Classic 192 - Ties
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