Must-Play IFs for learning to write IFs - an IFDB Poll

by Tondo
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So I'm fairly new to IFs in general, but I've been enjoying reading some of the IFs on this site. Now I want to get my feet wet a bit, and try writing my own IF.

In that regard, I would like to know some IFs that are considered great role models or classics, IF's that have set the bar for the genre.

Thanks!

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Lost Pig, by Admiral Jota
4 votes
"A modern IF classic" [+]"A modern IF classic: A good example of how thorough testing and implementation enriches a game." () --Molly... "Short, seemingly simple, brilliant" [+]"Short, seemingly simple, brilliant: Excellent puzzle design and NPC management, and awesome writing to boot!" () --Mostly Useless... (No comment) [+](No comment) --explorington... (No comment) [+](No comment) () --DJ...

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Photopia, by Adam Cadre
3 votes
"Narrative, narrative, narrative." [+]"Narrative, narrative, narrative." --Marsh... "Great example of..." [+]"Great example of puzzle-less IF. One of the first to be produced, if I'm not mistaken." () --Molly... (No comment) [+](No comment) () --DJ...

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Shade, by Andrew Plotkin
2 votes
"Can't have too much Zarf on lists like this" [+]"Can't have too much Zarf on lists like this: A great horror story. Shows how effective good writing can be to setting a mood, and uses intentional 'bugs' to great effect." () --Molly... (No comment) [+](No comment) () --DJ...

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The Dreamhold, by Andrew Plotkin
1 vote
"Extremely..." [+]"Extremely player-friendly, and an excellent example of exposition and characterization through setting. Doesn't play around much with the form of the medium, so it's a good indicator of what players may expect of your work. " --Dominic Delabruere...

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All Roads, by Jon Ingold
1 vote
"Research, immersion, writing prowess" [+]"Research, immersion, writing prowess" () --Marsh...

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The Witness, by Stu Galley
1 vote
"Witness is a classic " [+]"Witness is a classic : Witness is one of the earliest IF games to break out of the "adventure" mold. It's a nice small-scale murder mystery, with logical clues, a good writing style and some unique twists. And it's not too difficult. So this gives me hope I can write something in this genre!" ( - Full review) --ZUrlocker...

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Bronze, by Emily Short
1 vote
"Very well..." [+]"Very well written, well thought out, and player-friendly." --darint...

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Poll created on March 24, 2013