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From: chidder@fred.aurora.edu
Subject: One of the things that annoys me a lot is when...
Message-ID: <32230483.652E@fred.aurora.edu>
Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 14:21:55 +0000
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An If game does something like this:

>examine durbin
Signed by Ms Durbin herself - "Kisses to all the boys out there!" And 
there's a generous ration of crosses. There's something faintly odd 
about the printing technique, you can't help thinking.

>examine printing
You can't see any such thing.

>examine crosses
You can't see any such thing.

>examine signature
You can't see any such thing.

>examine technique
You can't see any such thing.

>examine odd
You can't see any such thing.


It makes me pull what's left of my hair out.  IMHO, an author should   
Never, ever imply that there is something odd, unusal, etc about 
something unless a clue has been provided to point the player in the 
right direction.  And unless expressly used otherwise, all available 
syonyms(In the above case, printing, corsses, etc) should be made to 
refer back to the long descrip of the object itself.

BTW, my intent here is not to slam Jigsaw(the game from which the sample 
above is taken). Its an ok game.  I find it too hard, with too many 
puzzles being either illogical/things I would never think of/dont have 
enough clues given(as above).; however I am in such awe of the prose 
style here I bang my head aginst the wall and pester poor people who 
dont know me for hints constantly.
  I much prefer, and reccomend Mr Nelsons earlier game 'Curses'.

Or (blatant plug) If your willing to wait a year- a year and a half..my 
own game 'Shopping.'(Beta Test -May 97, Christmas 97 release.  
Hopefully..)

Chidder

Or if you want to wait a year or so

