Setting in IF

[Afterward (Ryan Veeder)]

this orange has molecules: I’ll break them apart

(not safe for work, I guess, unless you own headphones)

[Poster]

@Kytaari

I may have came across a discovery today: what I like the most about playing games is exploring and learning about a virtual environment, and what I think I like the most in story is a well-developed setting.

I’m just wondering what you’re thoughts on setting in IF is. I personally really like being immersed in a very detailed fictional environment, and I think I’ve read some posts on this forum that say something similar.

So just how important is setting in IF? Are there games in this medium that tell good stories where setting isn’t the central focus? I know I have a similar attitude when exploring MUDs: I like to really explore the backstory and think about the environment. How much pleasure does manipulating the environment bring to you when you play IF? Or what about exploring various rooms? What do you think about those old classic text-based adventure games where story isn’t exactly the focus, but you read most of the story from the manual, and then explore the environment while manipulating objects to solve puzzles in different rooms? Do you suppose the old way of telling the story and introducing the player to the environment via means of the manual is dead now, or do people still attach similar readmes in their games sometimes?

I think this kind of correlates with my interests in history and the huge adventure romps I read in high fantasy and space operas. I’ve never been a very competitive gamer, but something about thinking about a really interesting setting, both whole you’re playing the game and when you’re taking a break, really appeals to me and my sensibilities.

Unfortunately, not everyone who plays IF is an atmosphere person. Some people just play it for the puzzles. Others want some kind of relationship dynamic. I’m sure there are other reasons, but those are the three major camps – and there’s no love lost between any of them.

[Laroquod]

@Poster

I’m sure there are other reasons, but those are the three major camps – and there’s no love lost between any of them.

I’m going to need that same word again to describe the above – not matching reality, i.e. hyperbole. And in the interest of losing more love between camps, I’m going to raise my hand and say, ‘I love you, other camps.’ 8)

Paul.

P.S. Try to guess which camp I’m in.

[capmikee]

@Afterward

this orange has molecules: I’ll break them apart

(not safe for work, I guess, unless you own headphones)

Wow! Who is this band?

You’ve got a Frisbee on your back
You can use it to defend or you can use it to attack

Bonus points for awesome melodica playing.

[katz]

Surely there’s an “appreciates individual games on their own merits” camp.

[Afterward (Ryan Veeder)]

I think the name of the band is “Anosmia,” but the main dude involved is Brendon Small, creator of Home Movies and Metalocalypse.