Two Swallows

Interactive fiction: an overview

This is by no means a complete collection of all things IF, but it contains the sites and resources that I’ve found most useful.

Getting started

• Brass Lantern’s extensive Beginner Resources page. Includes an introduction, how to play guides, and more.
• SPAG‘s play instructions

History

• A short history of interactive fiction from Chapter 8 of the Inform Designer’s Manual, by Graham Nelson. (The majority of the book is about the Inform 6 programming language, but chapter 8 deals more in generalities and is well worth a read if you plan to write your own work of IF.)
• Brass Lantern’s history page
• Let’s Tell a Story Together: A History of Interactive Fiction by Jimmy Maher
• Wikipedia entry for Interactive fiction

Interpreters

Interpreters are the pieces of software that are required to play IF games. Because there are many different programs for writing IF, there are many different interpreters, which is why this list is a little intimidating. It should, however, cover most types of game files and operating systems.

• Gargoyle plays ADRIFT, AdvSys, AGT, Alan, Glulx, Hugo, JACL, Level 9, Magnetic, TADS 2, TADS 3, and Z-code (except version 6) game files. (Windows, Unix)
• Git plays Z-code and Glulx game files. (Windows)
• Spatterlight plays ADRIFT, AdvSys, AGT, Alan, Glulx, Hugo, Level 9, Magnetic, TADS 2, TADS 3, and Z-code (except version 6) game files. (Mac OSX)
• Zoom plays Z-code and Glulx game files. (Mac OSX, Unix.)

Finding games to play

• The Interactive fiction database is probably the best place to find games. It’s searchable, and if you create an account you can keep track of games you’ve played or intend to play. You can also review/rate games, and view or create recommended lists.
• Parchment is an online interpreter with a long list of playable games.

Games for beginners

While most (if not all) games have a list of commands in the help menu, some have been made especially for newcomers to the genre.

• Bronze – has a tutorial mode, and is one of my favourite works of IF.
• Dreamhold – has a tutorial mode.
• Mrs. Pepper’s Nasty Secret – has a tutorial mode.
• Suveh Nux – a short but well-implemented one-room puzzle game. Optional built-in hints.
• Theatre – not specifically for beginners, but a classic of the genre and a good way to really familiarise yourself with modern IF. Built-in hints.