As some of you know I have spent a lot of time making games that have absolutely no graphics at all. Players have to type in instructions in order to play.  And, because I never want to make a game become a typing test, you have to WAIT for your TURN!  Oh no!

 

Because of these factors a lot of people  see text-based games as archaic and are simply unwilling to play games from the previous era.  They are unwilling to have to read the text that's on the screen in order to play a game.  It's a big shame because if your imagination is strong enough the scene can play out in your head much more powerfully than any graphics card can accomplish.

Now I do love all forms of games and lap up all game design theory I can get my eyes on.  But there's something special to me about making text-based games.  I specialise in those that can be played online with other people.  Anybody with an IRC client can play my games so by default they in an environment in which they can chat with the other players and plan their next moves.

I also love trying to make text-based, turn-based games out of genres that seem impossible.  Sometimes they work, sometimes they're just dreadful.  But it's the challenge that's important.

I've been wondering for a long time how a turn-based space game could work.  Trading, running missions, blowing each other to oblivion.

How on earth would combat work if you can't pilot your ship on-screen?  Could it really be exciting just taking turns firing your lasers?

Doesn't sound possible to make it fun.

Which is exactly why I'm wondering about it.