TIPS FOR PLAYING
INTERACTIVE FICTION
GAMES

OVERVIEW

Although the term Interactive Fiction extends well into the genre of graphical adventures and beyond, it is generally accepted as referring to the types of text adventure games like Housequest!. Weather they have pictures for items and locations or not is irrelevant. The idea is having a game that is more like an immersive novel, and you (the player) directly influence the decision making of the main character, and thus the outcome of the game. Games like "Adventure" and "Zork" are considered the kings of the text only realm, while the more recent "Myst" is arguaby the purist form of the graphical IF. The bottom line is that they all have the same general principal, to make the player feel like he is there, in that world. Here are the 10 most important tips that will help you in successfully playing any form of Interactive Fiction game.

1) Observe everything. When stuck, wander around and observe everything again. The game makers want you to play and (eventually) want you to win. 9 times out of 10, the answer to a puzzle is hidden somewhere in the game in plain sight.

2) If it can be carried, it's probably useful. Some programmers feel it is wasteful and unfair to include irrelivant items in a game. Others get lazy. Therefore most items in a game that a player can interact with, and/or carry have a purpose. 99% of all games contain only items that are either needed to defeat a puzzle, or to set the mood.

3) Some items aren't useful right away. Just because you can't find a use for a paper bag in the game doesn't mean you should burn it at first opportunity. You may need it later, so just hang on to it, or remember where you left it, so you can get it later.

4) Items have more than their obvious use. Think of all the properties of a perticular item. For example: you have a hammer, but can't find any nails. Well a hammer has other useful properties. Most consist of a metal head and a wooden or rubber handle. So maybe you could use it to safely connect a big electrical circut without getting electricuted. The trick is to start with the obvious and not be afraid to venture into the far-fetched.

5) Think in the genre of the game. If the game is set in an Egyptian pyramid, it is doubtful you should be looking for a blender. Or perhaps, if there IS a blender in the game, it's not what you think it would be. Maybe a "blender" in egyptian times means a bucket and stick that was used to blend colors and dyes.

6) Think of real life associations. You may have to do a little research on the themes and items in the game. If you find a uniform in a US civil war game, it might be vital to know which side wore it. Go find a civil war book and look it up. A classic example of this is in "Zork", where one possible solution to a particular cyclops puzzle can be found in greek mythology.

7) Use ALL your senses. Yes it's a game on a screen, but what if you stumble on a kitchen in a graphical adventure that has wavy lines all through it? Perhaps you are meant to smell something cooking or burning there. Remember that these games are meant to make you feel as if you are there. Do exactly what you would do in that situation. If nothing else, it will lead to a humorous response or one that will mean to deepen your immersion in the game.

8) Talk to people. Know anyone else playing the game? Perhaps they found a puzzle easy that you can't get past. Try describing the situation to someone not playing. They may not be fully interested, but they may have some good 3rd party insight. If all else fails, look for gaming hint websites and fourms that may have a helpful idea. Be careful though, most will just flat out give you the answer.

9) Make a map of the game, look for patterns, list item starting (and current) locations. It will REALLY help. Especially with things like mazes.

10) Save your game often.