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From: tjohnson@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Todd R Johnson)
Subject: Re: Encrypted hints
Message-ID: <1992Dec9.145540.27902@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
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References: <1992Dec8.154640.10324@pollux.lu.se> <1992Dec8.163209.29880@Princeton.EDU> <9561927@MVB.SAIC.COM>
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 1992 14:55:40 GMT
Lines: 25


Encrypted hints seem pretty silly to me. If I want a hint, then give
it to me. Don't make me do cartwheels to get it. One way to encourage
the player to think before getting a hint is to layer a series of hints
from minor spoiler to major spoiler. The first time help is requested,
the minor spoiler is given. Then the game requires a certain number
of steps (or perhaps a certain variety of moves) before giving the
next spoiler.

Something like:

You're on a wide cobblestone street. To the north is the castle. To
south is an intersection filled with a crowd of noisy people.

>help
You wonder what the crowd of people are so excited about.

>help
You're not that incapable of action.

...other moves...

>help
You might be able to get a better view if you walk into the crowd.

