Hi,
I’ve been working on an Android native interpreter called IFMachine for Z-code and Glulx games over the last six months. I posted back in June and got some great feedback from a tester. Lately, I have been working with another tester on accessibility changes to make the app more helpful for folks with visual disabilities.
Since my last post the app has gained some helpful features:
- Map support and discovery for Z-code and Glulx stories. IFMachine knows how to detect room changes and map a handful of stories that I have tested and included configuration for in the app binary. On games that are not pre-discovered, IFMachine tries to deduce the current location variable as you play and starts mapping when it thinks it has done so. This discovery can be shared with me so I can add it to a future build to benefit other players.
- The app supports auto-walk between rooms and room exit customization so you can exclude a blocked path, like a newly locked door or game effect that has temporarily blocked a route.
- IFMachine attempts to figure out dynamic room names in Glulx games, like “A Beauty Cold and Austere”.
- New accessibility features to support TalkBack and screen readers.
I am hoping to get a few more folks who are interested in joining the closed testing track. If you are, DM me with the email associated with your Google Play account so I can add you to the allow list and give you a promo code.
Some map screenshots from testing in Zork I (I couldn’t figure out how to mark them as a spoiler).
