voice & text | week two

[hauhra]

Since we’re all feeling a little under the weather this month, I thought of a way we could still have fun while we’re rotting away in our beds from boredom: a choose-your-own-adventure game.

I understand that this might be a new concept for some of you, so I’ll explain how the game works before we get started. I’ll give you a single prompt to start with. Your job is to reply to my prompt and wait for more information from me. I’ll then give you another prompt based on what actions you took in your response… in other words, it’s a bit like collaborative storytelling. However, only one writer can establish the setting, and that’s me.

Got it?

Now… let’s begin.

Weary traveler! The spooky, demon castle that you had set out for when you started your journey to slay its lord months ago is upon you. It rests atop high cliffs, its darkened towers and turrets looming over the forest surrounding it. It appears to be guarded only by a drawbridge. But be careful! It hovers above treacherous waters. Try not to fall in.

How do you wish to proceed?

>_

Comments

[unrecovered]

Really? How do you look at something like this and not think Zork?

[Though there are people here from dimensions without computers, so...]

Although I don't remember Zork having so many creative ways to die.

[Wash has never actually played Zork; this is 100% snide commentary on Bakura's play style. Guess who likes to read the comments?]

[hauhra]

In my defense, there were games other than Zork with gameplay just like what I've presented here... like Shadowgate, for instance, which, coincidentally, has plenty of creative ways for your character to die should you make even the slightest misstep - an easy enough thing to do in that surprisingly complicated setting.

[unrecovered]

So instead of going for a fairly simple game like Zork, you decided to go with something that lets you brutally kill everyone who takes you up on what looks like a friendly offer.

[This guy is starting to remind him of Felix, which is never a good association.]

[hauhra]

It's more challenging that way, and when it's more challenging, the game will last that much longer because it's that much more interesting... keep it too simple and players will lose interest too quickly.

[ Case in point: everyone who's outgodmoded him thus far even though he's none too happy about that, but you know what, he's going to use that as his excuse anyway. ]

[unrecovered]

Tic-tac-toe and hangman are simple, and we've been playing those games for centuries. Simple doesn't mean boring.

Also, if you make your game too frustrating, players will lose interest because it's bullshit.

...and because the way you're describing everyone's deaths makes you sound like a serial killer.

[hauhra]

It might not for some people, no, but for the rest of us, well... we'd like something a little more difficult than tic-tac-toe and hangman. Besides, those games lose their mileage pretty fast because they play out the same way every single time. Say what you will about my endings, but at least they're all, ah, creative and unique and set every player's route apart.

But by all means, if you're such an expert, then go on... make your own game instead of coming here to complain about mine.

[ way to prove that you're exactly the kind of pissbaby GM that no one likes, bakura ]