Adventures in Interactive Land
Apr. 4th, 2012 10:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
vaneramosSoon after discovering the site, Playfic, I downloaded free Inform software. It is a tool for writing interactive fiction. Actually, it is a design system encompassing a programming language based on natural English. For example, as part of a series of commands to create a dog character, I might write:
Carry out heeling:
if the noun is obedient:
say "The [noun] hovers eagerly at your heel.";
now the noun is following.
otherwise:
say "The [noun] barks and runs in circles."
The programming language understands certain basic vocabulary such as carry out, if, otherwise, noun, say, animal and action. However, I will have to define dog as a kind of animal and heeling as a kind of action. I must also tell the program that obedient or disobedient, following or unfollowing, are values applied to dogs under various circumstances (the program will get confused unless I distinguish between the command action of heeling and the adjective value of following). Multiple dogs should have names like Farley and Achilles. Then I can create a rule so that a following dog will move from place to place when the player does. I must also provide the player with a clue that typing the command "heel Achilles" may result in a useful response in the fictional world, depending on Achilles' disposition.
It adds a fascinating new layer to creating narrative. The language was created by writers who enjoy programming and programmers who enjoy writing; people who wish to give their readers a choice of actions while still suspending disbelief. Inform comes with an exhaustive, intricate, lucid instruction manual. It is a fascinating study in language, another form of poetry. I'm still at work on my first substantial creation.
The program can create extensive narratives in which readers make a few choices to influence the outcome. It might also support elaborate games. The Playfic site features mostly puzzle-type games with one way to win, but many possible paths and obstacles along the way. Here are my four favourites, but I recommend Nautilisia if you're new at this and want to try:
I tried Nautilisia for the first time and finished it this evening. It is whimsical, fun and not difficult.
Carry out heeling:
if the noun is obedient:
say "The [noun] hovers eagerly at your heel.";
now the noun is following.
otherwise:
say "The [noun] barks and runs in circles."
The programming language understands certain basic vocabulary such as carry out, if, otherwise, noun, say, animal and action. However, I will have to define dog as a kind of animal and heeling as a kind of action. I must also tell the program that obedient or disobedient, following or unfollowing, are values applied to dogs under various circumstances (the program will get confused unless I distinguish between the command action of heeling and the adjective value of following). Multiple dogs should have names like Farley and Achilles. Then I can create a rule so that a following dog will move from place to place when the player does. I must also provide the player with a clue that typing the command "heel Achilles" may result in a useful response in the fictional world, depending on Achilles' disposition.
It adds a fascinating new layer to creating narrative. The language was created by writers who enjoy programming and programmers who enjoy writing; people who wish to give their readers a choice of actions while still suspending disbelief. Inform comes with an exhaustive, intricate, lucid instruction manual. It is a fascinating study in language, another form of poetry. I'm still at work on my first substantial creation.
The program can create extensive narratives in which readers make a few choices to influence the outcome. It might also support elaborate games. The Playfic site features mostly puzzle-type games with one way to win, but many possible paths and obstacles along the way. Here are my four favourites, but I recommend Nautilisia if you're new at this and want to try:
- Sherlock Holmes and the Indecipherable Cipher by Allison
- Half Dead by Jason Westley
- Dr. Who: Adventures in London by Allison
- Nautilisia by Ryan Veeder
I tried Nautilisia for the first time and finished it this evening. It is whimsical, fun and not difficult.
