Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Introduction to Text Based & Story Games

Take a look at these text-based games. Please play with any of the games on this website:

Text Based Games (a short history)

Choose your own adventure books began to arrive in the late 1970's (particularly from Bantam Books) to entice younger readers. The role-playing industry was just getting started. For more history on fantasy role playing games, check here. More information about Choose Your Own Adventure books can be found here.

Before you create one, it's a good idea to read what these games are like to get the hang of it. If you haven't yet tried one, please do. You can usually get clues and hints by typing "help" in the text box.

Most CYOA books took place in exotic locations, in fantasy worlds, outer space, or somewhere appropriate for the genre in question. Popular genres are usually fantasy, science fiction, horror, adventure, and similar styles, but any literary genre can be used. For a list of genre options, check here.

Once you've settled on a genre, you should start your story by creating a setting and a starting situation. Remember that you are writing in 2nd Person POV (so use the pronoun 'you') for full effect.

The hardest part (apart from organizing, planning, and writing your story) is learning the software. You can choose either twine or quest software. Both are linked below. Instructions are found online or as copied handouts given to you in class.

Twine (& take a look at Twine - Help)
Quest Program (a little more advanced than twine...this program is blocked by our district but you can access it at home if you wish to use it.)
ADRIFT

You may work alone or with one other writer for your text based story. Spend your time reading the sample CYOA texts (see links below) or the games.
Finally, if you missed it a few days ago:

Zork (text based game): Zork is one of the first text-based games from the early 80's. It was widely popular at the time. If you're new to the experience, read this first. It will explain how to get the most out of your adventure.
Adventure (text based game)
Jigsaw (text based game)

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