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!
GameTek Classic 182 - Pandemic
Ludology Episode 182 - The Calm After the Sturm
GameTek Classic 181 - Talmud
Ludology Episode 181 - Indy Rock
Ludology Episode 180 - Keep Them Doggies Rollin'
GameTek Classic 179 - Kill Dr. Lucky
Ludology Episode 179 - Contested Outcome
GameTek Classic 178 - Real Time
Ludology Episode 178 - Coin Operated
GameTek Classic 177 - Agricola
Ludology Episode 177 - AI, AI, Captain!
GameTek Classic 176 - Apophenia
Ludology Episode 176 - Taxonomy Driver
GameTek Classic 175 - Talisman
Ludology Episode 175 - Auld Lang Design
Ludology Episode 174 - Consensual Healing
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Ludology Episode 173 - Patternity
GameTek Classic 172 - Hyperreality
Ludology Episode 172 - Odd Coupling
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