Onward with the next batch of IFComp entries, as I review my initial impressions of each game’s opening (introduction, “About” screens, and the first location), summarized by the Capture Score from 1 (intriguing; a definite play) to 4 (dreadful and forgettable). Just a reminder, no spoilers here, just early impressions.
Hard to believe, but with this next set I find myself only halfway through all of this year’s entries — and I’m only reporting my initial impressions.
Games covered here include “Dracula’s Underground Crypt”, “Search for the Ultimate Weapon”, “Cry Wolf”, and “Snack Time!”.
“Dracula’s Underground Crypt”, by Alex Whitington
Upon opening the game, I’m notified immediately that this release may be less than ideal because of the author’s recently discovered requirement for a social life. Later, after typing HINT, I come across the FAQ list (well, more precisely it’s the QTIWBFAIAEAMQATG list, but never mind that), the first [More...]
Monks, Manuscripts, and Modern Technology
This has nothing to do with the IF Comp. Nor does this have anything to do with adventure games, interactive fiction, or indie game development. It does, however, concern a medieval European abbey and the intersection between monks, manuscripts, and modern technology, and if you haven’t noticed I just can’t help but be drawn to juicy stuff like that.
I caught this story in the NY Times while traveling on a cross-country flight, and thanks to the miracle of the web you, too, can partake. John Tagliabue reports that a vast collection of handwritten medieval books and manuscripts, one of the oldest and most valuable collections in the world, is going online with the support of a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. (Link may require a login to the NY Times web site.)
The monastery in St. Gallen, Switzerland, is so [More...]