NPCs with agency - an IFDB Poll

I'm looking for the most-developed "AI" characters—people with goals, who can move around and complete tasks whether or not the player character is there to see them or tell them what to do. People with memories and personalities, who can react and behave sensibly to the PC and the world around them. Bonus points if there's code available or some other explanation to how it's been done. I know IF doesn't technically involve actual AI, but I'm looking for the best approximation.

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	She's Got a Thing for a Spring, by Brent VanFossen 3 votes "I hope this one..." [+]"I hope this one counts, but Bob is one of the most ridiculously awesome and independent NPCs out there. He is on his own personal schedule. He cleans, gardens, paints, reads. He does all the hobbies at his own pace throughout the day. The player can choose to interact with him (and he interacts with them right back) or decide to stay at a distance. This does not deter him. He will keep doing his own thing. If any NPC has agency, it is Bob. " () --Kinetic Mouse Car... (No comment) [+](No comment) ( - Full review) --Rovarsson... "Bob is still one..." [+]"Bob is still one of the best independent NPCs." --David Welbourn... Vote for this game

	Pytho's Mask, by Emily Short 3 votes "Everyone is memorable and unique" [+]"Everyone is memorable and unique: Also, you get to romance them! Made me feel so special" ( - Full review) --Lance Cirone... "This game has..." [+]"This game has intrigue and a large cast. It probably counts, but I'd have to replay it to be certain." --David Welbourn... (No comment) [+](No comment) () --aluminumoxynitride... Vote for this game

	Deadline, by Marc Blank 1 vote "Many mystery..." [+]"Many mystery games have multiple NPCs who have agendas and this game was one of the first to do so." --David Welbourn... Vote for this game

	Suspect, by Dave Lebling 1 vote "Another mystery..." [+]"Another mystery game with independent NPCs." --David Welbourn... Vote for this game

	Finding Martin, by G.K. Wennstrom 1 vote "There are several..." [+]"There are several time travel bits where NPCs are acting on their own and you can try to interact with them -- or even with YOUR OWN PAST SELF/SELVES who have already been there and then." --David Welbourn... Vote for this game

Is there another game that you think should be on this list? Just fill in the title of a game you'd like to vote for.

Poll created on September 22, 2022