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If you're looking for a specific kind of IF, you can create a poll to ask other people for recommendations.
FIRST PERSON PUZZLE VIDEO GAME (2013 OR SO). 7 HOURS OF SEARCHING AND CAN'T FIND IT
by cak - No votes; created on September 8, 2023
"A game where the protagonist dies on a car accident and you play on a "limbo", full of puzzles. I played like a demo or earlyaccess like 10 years ago. Some Stages: -Wasteland, garbage incinerator. -Surreal room made of tapes and..."
CCTV cameras at the heart of it
by Max Fog - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on September 8, 2023; created on September 6, 2023
"I'm looking for a game that uses CCTV cameras (or surveillance of some kind) as an important part of the game."
One City or State or Country per Room
by Andrew Schultz - 6 votes for 6 games, last vote on September 4, 2023; created on September 4, 2023
"I'm interested in works where you have one city or state or country (or city-state) per room. David Welbourn noted that this may apply to a significant sub-area of a work, too, and in this case I'd like to allow Greg Boettcher's Nothing..."
Games with root beer in them
by Andrew Schultz - 6 votes for 5 games, last vote on September 13, 2023; created on September 2, 2023
"I played two entries in the Single Choice jam that made very visible references to root beer. Then I realized not many other games did that I could think of. I had one of my own. But given I like root beer much better than Coke or Pepsi,..."
Games with oblivion as the goal
by Andrew Schultz - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on September 4, 2023; created on September 2, 2023
"I'm trying to look away from a noble or ignoble death or, say, Ragnarok, just a "*this is the end (no really)* effect."
Two-player games
by alyshkalia - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on August 28, 2023; created on August 27, 2023
"IF games for two players"
Games exploring trauma and other messy subject matter
by Kastel - 25 votes for 18 games, last vote on September 6, 2023; created on August 24, 2023
Recovered games
by Denk - 9 votes for 7 games, last vote on September 22, 2023; created on August 13, 2023
"Any game which has been practically unavailable for a long time for most players but is now again available to play, though there might be differences from the original version."
Games with faceplants/heel turns at the very end
by Andrew Schultz - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on July 31, 2023; created on July 30, 2023
"I'm looking for--well, anything that does this. Not "you are missing 4 of 5 pieces of the magic sword," but more, it could either be something funny to notice if you really think about it, or it could be something more obviously..."
Games where deliberately losing/dying/losing an item advances the plot
by Andrew Schultz - 16 votes for 12 games, last vote on August 28, 2023; created on July 30, 2023
"The meaning of "deliberately" can be a bit broad, but I'm wondering about cases where an action clearly marked risky or fatal helps you see something or progress, and you would not have otherwise. I'm not thinking so much about where,..."
Games with aspect transfer mechanics
by David Welbourn - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on August 23, 2023; created on July 23, 2023
"One really cool thing about interactive fiction games is that they don't need to conform to normal physics. Sometimes, a game will let you take an abstract quality from something, as if it was its own object, and use it on something else..."
Games with amusement parks/fairgrounds in them
by Cerfeuil - 30 votes for 19 games, last vote on September 11, 2023; created on June 20, 2023
"Games that feature carnivals, fairgrounds, amusement parks, circuses, etc. Of any kind!"
Games to play in the summer
by Malasana - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on July 6, 2023; created on June 1, 2023
"Sunny, light-hearted games that are ideal to play during the warm summer months."
Parser games with WOW moments.
by Marco Innocenti - 26 votes for 21 games, last vote on August 23, 2023; created on May 17, 2023
"Vote for parser games (in all of history) that had incredible Wow moments, twists, or whatever made you think for ages or left you seriously amazed. As an example “that moment” in Spider and Web. Please avoid being spoilery as I would..."
long games for beginners
by Cygnus - 16 votes for 9 games, last vote on July 22, 2023; created on March 31, 2023
"so… you know how savior fair is long and awesome, but also, like, complicated? and.. cruel, as the ratings out it? I think the first thing that goot me INTO IF was anchor head. kinda that difficulty. recently played d’arkun and that was..."
Indie games that are commercial or were commercial at one point
by deathbytroggles - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on May 20, 2023; created on March 30, 2023
"So I'm not looking for games from the well-known companies like Infocom, Tellarium, Legend, etc. Looking to compile a list of: 1. Games that used to be commercial but no longer (e.g. Once and Future, The Shadow and the Cathedral, 1893)..."
Games with exploration (or even just games w/ secret passages and such)
by Cygnus - 31 votes for 21 games, last vote on September 10, 2023; created on March 28, 2023
"There seems to be a LOT of games where you just.. explore hidden secrets in mansions, or similar. some of them have a plot, some of 'em don't, but i'm lookin' for stuff like D'Arkun, the Manor at Whitby.. Or any games with just..."
Games w/ cool mechanics
by Cygnus - 17 votes for 9 games, last vote on September 19, 2023; created on March 28, 2023
"Lookin' for stuff like Colortura, What Heart Heard of Ghost Guessed, Delightful Wallpaper, etc. Just... anything that has a very unconventional and scrumptious mechanic system. Thanky!"
Games with "recipe puzzles"
by Denk - 12 votes for 11 games, last vote on April 24, 2023; created on March 19, 2023
"Any game where "recipe puzzles" are a big part of the game, whether it is alchemy, potion brewing, cooking etc. I came to think of this as I am currently playing "According to Cain" and realized the puzzles reminded me a lot of the..."
"Weird and Eerie" interactive fiction
by Dawn Sueoka - 26 votes for 17 games, last vote on September 13, 2023; created on March 19, 2023
"I’m reading and really enjoying The Weird and the Eerie, by critic Mark Fisher. In this book, Fisher explores the sense of something’s being simultaneously unsettling and fascinating. “Weird” and “eerie,” according to Fisher, are the..." PCs with mental disabilities other than depression and anxiety
by pieartsy - 16 votes for 14 games, last vote on June 23, 2023; created on March 16, 2023
"Games with PCs that have mental disabilities aside from depression or anxiety - PTSD, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, dyslexia, etc - that significantly impact them/the story. The PC does not need an official realistic..."
Programming/command-line games?
by autumnc - 29 votes for 17 games, last vote on July 22, 2023; created on March 5, 2023
"What are some games that either include computer programming as a game mechanic, elements that simulate computer programming, or include some sort of command-line or terminal interface? This could include parser games, choice-based..."
Games with flavor text
by OverThinking - 9 votes for 7 games, last vote on July 22, 2023; created on February 23, 2023
"I'm looking for games where background events and flavor text appear frequently, independently of the player's actions. Maybe there's wind blowing around objects, or someone's making a lot of noise in the kitchen. Bonus points for..."
Verb That Noun titles
by David Welbourn - 10 votes for 7 games, last vote on May 2, 2023; created on February 20, 2023
"This is a very silly poll that collects games with "Verb That Noun" style titles into one list. It amused me."
Games with Replay Value
by Lance Cirone - 19 votes for 13 games, last vote on August 2, 2023; created on February 13, 2023
"These are games that you can come to again and again, even after you beat them. It could be a story-heavy game where you won't connect all the dots until you run through it a second or third time, or an expansive core mechanic that..."
Most Sequel-worthy Game of 2022 - Author's Choice - an IFDB Poll
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 31, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the most sequel-worthy game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..."
Outstanding Ink Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 18 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Ink game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB members..." Outstanding Ink Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 23 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Ink game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible games..." Outstanding Game in a Custom System in 2022 - Player’s Choice
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game in a custom system in 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding PunyInform Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 3 games, last vote on February 15, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best PunyInform game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding PunyInform Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 11 votes for 2 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best PunyInform game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Game in an Uncommon System in 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 23 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game of 2022 written in a system used by less than 5 games in 2022,..." Outstanding Game in an Uncommon System in 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 25 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game of 2022 written in a system used by less than 5 games in 2022,..." Outstanding Game in a Custom System in 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best custom-system game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Adrift Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Adrift game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB members..." Outstanding Adrift Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 7 votes for 3 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Adrift game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Choicescript Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 11 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Choicescript game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Choicescript Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 36 votes for 11 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Choicescript game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Twine Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 32 votes for 12 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Twine game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB members..." Outstanding Twine Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 69 votes for 19 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Twine game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible games..." Outstanding Adventuron Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Adventuron game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Adventuron Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 16 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Adventuron game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Inform 6 Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 5 votes for 3 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Inform 6 game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Inform 6 Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 6 votes for 3 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Inform 6 game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Inform 7 Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 26 votes for 9 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Inform 7 game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Inform 7 Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 20 votes for 9 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Inform 7 game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Surreal Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 23 votes for 9 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best surreal game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Surreal Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 20 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best surreal game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Slice of Life Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 18 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best overall game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Slice of Life Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 24 votes for 6 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best slice of life game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Science Fiction Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 28 votes for 11 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best science fiction game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to..." Outstanding Science Fiction Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 55 votes for 11 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best science fiction game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Mystery Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best mystery game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Mystery Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 21 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best mystery game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Humor Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 24 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best humor game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB members..." Outstanding Humor Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 25 votes for 9 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best humor game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible games..." Looks like I have to do EVERYTHING myself
by Kinetic Mouse Car - 5 votes for 4 games, last vote on April 12, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is for games where the player's sole purpose is to fix things. It's their job, or a near equivalent to a job. Does not necessarily have to be traditional employment but fixing things has to be part of the PC's purpose, not..."
Outstanding Horror Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 25 votes for 9 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best overall game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Horror Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 48 votes for 13 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best horror game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Fantasy Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 21 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best fantasy game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Fantasy Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 40 votes for 12 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best fantasy game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding French Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best French game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB members..." Outstanding French Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 39 votes for 11 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best French game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding Spanish Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 6 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Spanish game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Spanish Game of 2022 - Player’s Choice
by MathBrush - 16 votes for 6 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best Spanish game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Outstanding German game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 6 votes for 3 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best overall game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding German Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best German-language game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Retro Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best retro game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB members..." Outstanding Retro Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best retro game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible games..." Outstanding Use of Interactivity in 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 20 votes for 12 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for a game in 2022 that felt truly interactive. Voting is anonymous and open only..." Outstanding Use of Interactivity in 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 30 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the an outstanding game of 2022 that felt truly interactive. Voting is open to..." Outstanding Worldbuilding of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 32 votes for 12 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the game with the best worldbuilding of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only..." Outstanding Worldbuilding of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 44 votes for 12 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the game with the best worldbuilding of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB..." Trailblazer Award of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 6 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for a game in 2022 that you saw as a trailblazer. Voting is anonymous and open only..." Trailblazer Award of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for a game of 2022 that you saw as a trailblazer. Voting is open to all IFDB..." Outstanding Feelies of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the game with the best feelies of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to..." Outstanding Feelies of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 2 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the game with the best feelies of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Most Sequel-worthy game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 18 votes for 6 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the most sequel-worthy game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Underappreciated Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 28 votes for 17 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the most underappreciated game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to..." Outstanding Underappreciated Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 58 votes for 19 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the most underappreciated game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Short Game of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 35 votes for 15 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best short game of 2022, with the definition of short left up to the voter...." Outstanding Short Game of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 61 votes for 15 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best short game of 2022, where the definition of 'short' is left up to the..." Outstanding Game over 2 hours in 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 25 votes for 12 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game of 2022 with over 2 hours of gameplay (as judged by the voter)...." Outstanding Game over 2 hours in 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 34 votes for 10 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game of 2022 with a playtime of over 2 hours (as judged by the voter)...." Outstanding Debut of 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 17 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 17, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game of 2022 by a new author. Voting is anonymous and open only to..." Outstanding Debut of 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 56 votes for 13 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best game of 2022 by a new author. Voting is open to all IFDB members...." Outstanding Game of the Year 2022 - Author's Choice
by MathBrush - 44 votes for 13 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best overall game of 2022. Voting is anonymous and open only to IFDB..." Outstanding Game of the Year 2022 - Player's Choice
by MathBrush - 88 votes for 25 games, last vote on February 18, 2023; created on January 30, 2023
"This poll is part of the 2022 IFDB Awards. The rules for the competition can be found here, and a list of all categories can be found here. This award is for the best overall game of 2022. Voting is open to all IFDB members. Eligible..." Big, impossible houses
by OverThinking - 13 votes for 7 games, last vote on August 26, 2023; created on January 18, 2023
"Think "House of Leaves" or Aaron Reed's "Subcutanean." "Delightful Wallpaper" doesn't count as, though its map is large and complex, it does make geometric sense."
Games with a limerick (or more) in them
by Andrew Schultz - 9 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 18, 2023; created on January 8, 2023
"They may be all over the place Or just one, but it's hard to trace Well-known or obscure Games? Each, my joy's pure You've helped to boost this knowledge base. Any limerick can be in the game. Maybe in its blurb. The bar is low here as..."
Exactly What It Says on the Tin
by Lance Cirone - 11 votes for 8 games, last vote on January 24, 2023; created on January 2, 2023
"Titles are a complex art. Sometimes they're deep and metaphorical. Sometimes they're catchy and fun to read out loud. Sometimes they're named after a quote or item in the game. Sometimes they don't even have any relevance to what's going..."
Games where you can dispose of useless items
by Andrew Schultz - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on January 30, 2023; created on January 2, 2023
"Mike Spivey's A Beauty Cold and Austere had a gray lady guarding a storage bin, where you could ask her if something had served its purpose. If it did, in the bin it went. If it didn't, you may've gotten a vague hint what to do with it...."
Games with NPC dialogue that gives strong yet mimesis-keeping hints
by Andrew Schultz - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on January 11, 2023; created on January 2, 2023
"In IFComp 2022, it struck me how your partner Alex, in A Walk Around the Neighborhood and your father in The Last Christmas Present did a really good job of providing an NPC that gave hints without outright spoilers. This was to help you..."
Games to play on New Year's Eve
by Malasana - 8 votes for 4 games, last vote on January 17, 2023; created on December 31, 2022
"Ideally, Winter/Christmas-themed games."
I'm looking for interactive games related to Arcadie: Second Born
by Dr. Questionable - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on December 21, 2022; created on December 20, 2022
"Games that take place in a medieval-like setting including an aspect of royalty, a rich-story, and some magic. "
games like color the truth
by cray21 - 9 votes for 7 games, last vote on December 9, 2022; created on November 23, 2022
"i am looking for more games like color the truth, honestly, i enjoyed playing it, and i hope there are more games like it"
Globe-trotters
by Kinetic Mouse Car - 11 votes for 8 games, last vote on November 22, 2022; created on October 18, 2022
"This is for games where the PC travels to different countries. The focus of the gameplay is on the travel part, the experience of not just the destination itself but also the mechanic of reaching it. Requirements: -Must take place on..."
NPCs with agency
by OverThinking - 9 votes for 5 games, last vote on March 14, 2023; created on September 22, 2022
"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..."
Games that roast players for trying "do this and you die" actions
by Andrew Schultz - 4 votes for 2 games, last vote on December 14, 2022; created on August 31, 2022
"There are a lot of serious games that do this, but I'm wondering more about stuff like "There is a button saying PUSH THIS AND DIE." And typing PUSH BUTTON or clicking a PUSH BUTTON ANYWAY hyperlink makes the player die amusingly...."
Games where the enemy/game fourth-walls big-picture meta-commands
by Andrew Schultz - 14 votes for 12 games, last vote on March 14, 2023; created on August 11, 2022
"Which games say something extra for quitting or save/load/restore? I'm thinking largely of parser commands, but Twine is welcome, too. For instance, a "ha ha, you're scared," when facing the big, bad villain, or one of their henchmen. Or..."
Games Centered Around Devices/Machines
by Amanda Walker - 26 votes for 16 games, last vote on March 14, 2023; created on August 1, 2022
"I'm looking for games that heavily feature learning how to use a device or machine. For instance, the machine in Emily Short's Savoir-Faire, Art DiBianca's devices in the Grandma Bethlinda games, or the box in Paul Michael Winters's The..."
The Most Humorous Scenarios /Characters in IF
by Canalboy - 17 votes for 17 games, last vote on April 10, 2023; created on August 1, 2022
"I was recently re-essaying Castle Ralf and if you "Cogitate" in a certain location there is a seemingly authentic sequence which appears to be formatting your C: drive. As this was a DOS game from 1987 it must have frightened the..."
Games That No-one Has Ever Knowingly Finished
by Canalboy - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 13, 2023; created on June 23, 2022
"I mean games that have no posted solutions. I realise that a lot of these could be buggy and therefore unfinishable but some will be just too difficult. I guess only the authors would know for sure."
The most enjoyable Z-code games
by Fredrik Ramsberg - 74 votes for 28 games, last vote on August 12, 2023; created on June 16, 2022
"I'd like to compile a list of some of the most enjoyable games available in Z-code format (blorbed or not). Please add games that you thoroughly liked, and vote for games already on the list. Everything from short pieces to epic works..."
Massive puzzlers that are not cruel
by deathbytroggles - 11 votes for 5 games, last vote on March 16, 2023; created on May 29, 2022
"I am looking for massive puzzle games (think Curses, Mulldoon Legacy) where the game can never be put in an unwinnable situation that isn't obvious (either before or after). "
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Use of Multimedia of 2021
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 11 games, last vote on December 2, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best use of Multimedia in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Use of Innovation of 2021
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 8 games, last vote on December 2, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best use of Innovation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Implementation of 2021
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 9 games, last vote on November 28, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Implementation in the XYZZY awards. Recall that best implementation is intended for excellence in parser use such as default responses and..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual PC of 2021
by MathBrush - 18 votes for 13 games, last vote on December 2, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PC in the XYZZY awards. Please include a comment mentioning the PC. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not an..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual NPC of 2021
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 6 games, last vote on October 7, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY awards. Please include a comment mentioning the NPC. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not an..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual Puzzles of 2021
by MathBrush - 7 votes for 5 games, last vote on May 26, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual Puzzle in the XYZZY awards. Please include a comment mentioning the puzzle. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall NPCs of 2021
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 9 games, last vote on November 28, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best NPCs in the XYZZY awards. This is for the overall NPCs of the game; there is another poll for best individual NPCs. This is not a..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall Puzzles of 2021
by MathBrush - 17 votes for 14 games, last vote on December 2, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Puzzles in the XYZZY awards. This is for the overall puzzles of the game; there is another poll for best individual puzzle. This is not a..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Setting of 2021
by MathBrush - 17 votes for 10 games, last vote on December 1, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Setting in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Story of 2021
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 11 games, last vote on November 28, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Story in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Writing of 2021
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 12 games, last vote on November 28, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall Games of 2021
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 12 games, last vote on November 28, 2022; created on May 20, 2022
"This is for suggesting games released in 2021 which you think might be worth considering for Best Game in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
Poem-based games with puzzles/endings
by Andrew Schultz - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on May 5, 2022
"I enjoy seeing people trying to mix poetry and puzzles. Even if it doesn't work, it still is fun to see people try, and quite bluntly, it's brave to attempt at all. I'd like to remove works like Phenomena or 100000 years from..."
Looking for a specific game
by Yukabacera - No votes; created on April 8, 2022
"I'm looking for a specific game which I believe I played around or before 2010. It might have been a TADS game. It had graphics. It begins with the protagonist's car breaking down on a road in a wintery, snowy landscape. The protagonist..."
horror games with human antagonists/enemies
by dollweiss - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on May 17, 2022; created on April 7, 2022
"i'm looking for horror games with no paranormal/supernatural/non-human antagonists or enemies. no lovecraftian stuff. basically: stalkers, serial killers, that kinda thing. "
BBC Micro gems
by Rovarsson - 22 votes for 18 games, last vote on June 24, 2023; created on March 23, 2022
"I found the BBC Micro archive a little while ago and I'm overwhelmed. (http://bbcmicro.co.uk/index.php?search=Text+Adventure&on_S=on) Any recommendations? I've put two games in myself from both sides of the spectrum: a 1984 old-school..."
IF Compilations (Games made of parts of other games)
by penguincascadia - 8 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 23, 2023; created on March 18, 2022
"Hello everyone, I'm looking for IF games that are mergers of other IF games or parts of other IF games together. Bonus points if the various games can interact with each other, like objects on one game section being usable in another..."
IF sampler platter (showcases the best of IF in many unique ways) because I’m bored with the basics.
by CJ - 5 votes for 4 games, last vote on April 25, 2022; created on March 17, 2022
"I want some of the best selections (just a few, 10-20 tops) of the greatest and most imaginative IF out there. I recently downloaded an IF app, and I want a bit more variety so I can learn a bit more. Stuff like 9:05 is great, I just..."
Wodehousean Comedy
by Rovarsson - 15 votes for 8 games, last vote on September 23, 2022; created on March 15, 2022
"Manors, butlers, m'ladies, m'lords. Be they upstairs or downstairs, or asking if you rang."
The New Abstract
by strivenword - 11 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on March 6, 2022
"Time goes on, vibes change, people change, historical thresholds are crossed. I always loved the unique kind of abstract/surreal genre in IF. I don't want to give a grocery list of the games that I liked it in, because I don't want it to..."
Games with Trump-like (antagonist) characters
by Andrew Schultz - 9 votes for 9 games, last vote on March 2, 2022; created on December 14, 2021
"While we want to put something like Trump behind us, it's not easy. Humor can help. So can comparing him to a historical villain. I'm interested in other efforts that have a clearly Trump-ish character in them, whether skewering his..."
Games with complex conversations
by OverThinking - 11 votes for 8 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 30, 2021
"I'm looking for games with complex NPCs who are able to have in-depth conversations, especially if conversation options change based on other events in the game. The Ur-example is, of course, Galatea, but I'd also like to see games where..."
Your crazy friend/relative's crazy house
by Malasana - 13 votes for 10 games, last vote on July 30, 2023; created on November 26, 2021
""The archetypal IF setting will always be Your Crazy Friend/Relative's Crazy House. It's the perfect way to work through all the classic IF tropes - plenty of puzzles to solve for no other reason than to see what's beyond, sealed-off..."
Highly atmospheric and immersive games
by Cryptic Puffin - 30 votes for 19 games, last vote on September 25, 2023; created on November 14, 2021
"I'm looking for games with effective use of location, language, etc. to really immerse you in the locale and the story, no matter the genre-- any game which you felt really taken with the atmosphere would be great. Thank you!"
Games With Unfair Beginnings
by Canalboy - 23 votes for 16 games, last vote on July 2, 2023; created on October 7, 2021
"By this I mean games that can be made unwinnable near the start or have hellish opening puzzles."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual Puzzle of 2020
by Sobol - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on September 22, 2021; created on September 17, 2021
"This is for suggesting games released in 2020 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PUzzle in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
Parser games (any system, any age) with English rural setting/atmosphere
by Marco Innocenti - 20 votes for 12 games, last vote on March 10, 2022; created on September 17, 2021
"I'm looking for any parser game (modern or vintage) that is set in an English, rural, Victorian overall ambient, both indoor and outdoor. As an example, something in the mood of The Hound of the Baskervilles, with moors, villages,..."
Games that would work well as a movie
by Karl Ove Hufthammer - 13 votes for 7 games, last vote on May 1, 2023; created on August 17, 2021
"As a contrast to games with impossible-to-film moments, which games do you think would work well if they were adapted to the big screen, either as a feature film or a short film (live action or animation)? A game might work well because..." Best mechanical/physics puzzles.
by Rovarsson - 13 votes for 12 games, last vote on March 14, 2023; created on June 23, 2021
"I had a lot of fun with the underground trolley puzzle in Axe of Kolt by Larry Horsfield. Any other games that feature cool mechanical devices, Rube Goldberg machines or solutions that rely on using the laws of physics (gravity of..."
Games for 13year old with adult reading level
by Lyon - 12 votes for 11 games, last vote on September 14, 2021; created on June 19, 2021
"I'm looking for game recommendations for a 13-year-old. They have an adult reading level, so vocabulary isn't a challenge, but don't take that as a restriction: I think they would be content reading a less mature work as well. Ideally, a..."
AGT must plays?
by Rovarsson - 8 votes for 4 games, last vote on December 16, 2021; created on May 7, 2021
"I've recently started playing Cliff Diver 1 and I quit because I got impossibly stuck. I don't want to give u^p on a potential treasure trove though. Recommendations for AGT games?"
Choice-Based Games with a Spoke and Hub Structure
by J. J. Guest - 10 votes for 8 games, last vote on November 22, 2021; created on April 18, 2021
"After playing a couple of the Fabled Lands gamebooks, I noticed they use a Spoke and Hub structure. I'm interested in choice-based IF games which use a similar structure. Sam Kabo Ashwell's blog post "Standard Patterns in Choice-Based..."
Medium-hard puzzle and adventure games
by Bentabnick - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on April 25, 2021; created on April 6, 2021
"If you made or can find a medium-hard adventure game, puzzle game, or both, please respond."
Games where the player must draw their own map
by Paxton - 26 votes for 14 games, last vote on July 18, 2022; created on March 29, 2021
"Ideally these are games whose puzzles/challenges involve the map in some way (hidden connections, layout analysis, &c.) and aren't just games which could be mapped. I'm especially interested in games which use the action of drawing the..."
Games with detailed descriptions of art works
by Greg Frost - 21 votes for 13 games, last vote on October 17, 2022; created on March 22, 2021
"I am looking for games which use the literary technique of ekphrasis: "a vivid, often dramatic, verbal description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined" (Wikipedia)."
Games that are adaptations of conventional (not CYOA) books
by ChrisM - 43 votes for 29 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on February 24, 2021
"I'm interested in games that are straightforward adaptations of conventional books (probably novels, but I'd be interested to know if there are any non-fiction book adaptations). The ones that I know of are The Famous Five and The..."
Original short adventure games
by DarkWolf - 4 votes for 4 games, last vote on December 21, 2021; created on February 18, 2021
"I'm searching for an adventure game that's relatively short, with good descriptions - kind of like Spider and Web. Is there any other game like it?"
games with cooking
by jlvp1234 - 25 votes for 13 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on February 13, 2021
"I'm looking for games with cooking. ever since I have played gourmet and, gourmet version1, wich is the same, I have also played you got a stew going. does anyone have any recommendations other than these on wich I have just mentioned?"
RPG games worth playing for a text adventurer.
by Rovarsson - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on February 12, 2021
"Over on the IF-Forum, there was a post recommending a number of Eamon games that are not hardcore RPG. So, can you suggest Eamon or other RPG-style games that lean towards IF? (Big on puzzles, low on kicking monster's bums and stats.)"
Games that are comfy and cozy
by MarkyJez - 26 votes for 17 games, last vote on September 30, 2023; created on January 11, 2021
"I'm interested in trying out games that are more relaxed than a lot of IFs are. Though I do like the adventure and excitement of those particular IFs, I also want to try out other stuff that is more quiet and understated, the kind of..."
games with guns
by jlvp1234 - 3 votes for 2 games, last vote on February 1, 2021; created on January 11, 2021
"I'm looking for games that are similar to gun mute and, amist the saige brush and cactus, might be butchering that final title."
Games featuring a central evolving puzzle mechanism
by Lance Campbell - 30 votes for 14 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on December 16, 2020
"Looking for any games that feature a core puzzle mechanism that the player masters and expands upon throughout the game. The puzzle mechanism should start out simple, and evolve and expand in an organic way, supporting the game and story..."
Visual Novels for IF fans
by autumnc - 17 votes for 8 games, last vote on January 4, 2023; created on December 10, 2020
"Visual novels are a form of interactive fiction whose community is almost entirely distinct from the interactive fiction community based around IFDB/IFComp. There are plenty of visual novels that can easily be recast as CYOA text-based..."
Best ChooseYourStory games
by MathBrush - 37 votes for 11 games, last vote on April 9, 2021; created on December 9, 2020
"I'm interested in knowing what the best ChooseYourStory games to play are"
Best of The Quill, PAW and GAC
by Denk - 44 votes for 35 games, last vote on May 26, 2023; created on November 15, 2020
"More than 1000 games were made with the British tools "The Quill", "PAW" and "GAC" through the 80s and early 90s. Some bad, others worth playing today. I would like to know which are the best. Those with the most votes are probably among..."
Best parser games since 2017
by Rovarsson - 104 votes for 43 games, last vote on July 27, 2023; created on November 9, 2020
"When browsing for good recent games, I'm overwhelmed by the amount of Twine and Choice games. Add to that a great number of games with five stars and only one rating, many of which are also, yes, Twine and Choice games, it gets difficult..."
Games with a good "Investigation" feel
by C4rd1n4l - 17 votes for 10 games, last vote on July 10, 2022; created on October 19, 2020
"I'm looking for games that really push you to closely examine every nook and cranny of a setting. Maybe an escape-room game of some kind where the player has to "solve" all the puzzles in a room before progressing."
Historical sci-fi / alternate history
by Rovarsson - 14 votes for 10 games, last vote on April 13, 2022; created on September 22, 2020
"I loved "Slouching towards Bedlam". Does anyone know of any other games that have that "the-future-as-it-might-have-been-imagined-long-ago"-feel? Anything steampunk qualifies, I'm also thinking of Jules Verne's novels and even the world..."
Games Where the Title Is You
by AKheon - 57 votes for 46 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on September 11, 2020
"Games with a title that is the same as the main character."
I'm looking for Easter Eggs..
by morganthegirl - 25 votes for 19 games, last vote on February 5, 2023; created on September 2, 2020
"I'm somewhat new to IF and was wondering if Easter Eggs are ever hidden in these games as they are in others? If so, which games have them? If there a lot of them, then which ones are the "best"?"
I don't know how to play a game
by High virago - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on December 13, 2021; created on August 24, 2020
"i don't know how to play a game in the ifdb so can you please tell me?"
Best Hosted Games from Choice of Games
by MathBrush - 21 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 15, 2022; created on August 2, 2020
"Sobol suggested having a poll just for Hosted Games, as they have a greater variety in quality and receive less attention."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Use of Multimedia of 2019
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Multimedia in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Innovation of 2019
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 9 games, last vote on August 1, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Innovation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Implementation of 2019
by MathBrush - 7 votes for 6 games, last vote on July 2, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Implementation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual PCs of 2019
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 8 games, last vote on July 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual NPCs of 2019
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 13 games, last vote on July 2, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual Puzzle of 2019
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 8 games, last vote on June 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PUzzle in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall NPCs of 2019
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 14 games, last vote on June 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best NPCs in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Setting of 2019
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 14 games, last vote on July 2, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Setting in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall Puzzles of 2019
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Puzzles in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Story of 2019
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 14 games, last vote on June 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Writing of 2019
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 13 games, last vote on July 22, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2019 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall Games of 2019
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 11 games, last vote on July 23, 2020; created on June 22, 2020
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Game in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
Best non-infocom games of the commercial era of the 1980s and early 1990s
by Mikalye - 15 votes for 14 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on May 27, 2020
"There were a bunch of commercial games released in the 1980's and early 90's. In the UK, Magnetic Scrolls release 9 games between 1984-1990 Level 9 released 24 games and a port of Colossal Cave between 1981-1991, Delta 4 released 9ish..."
Games that could use more reviews
by MathBrush - 34 votes for 23 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on April 23, 2020
"I love to review games. Let me know if you've made a game that needs more reviews, or can suggest someone else's! I might not be personally able to review every game due to time, content, or platform, but I'll try!"
First attempt IF
by beecadee - 25 votes for 19 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on April 6, 2020
"Anyone wanting to write IF has to start somewhere. Looking for games that were authors' first attempts... First attempts in a given development system count!"
Unplayable (or almost unplayable) games you love
by loudcat - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on June 15, 2022; created on March 31, 2020
"I've been thinking about games with game-breaking bugs (or games that repeatedly crash and are hard to get through) that are otherwise really solid games. Do you have any games like this?"
Best of Quest
by Denk - 17 votes for 12 games, last vote on May 24, 2023; created on March 14, 2020
"There are more than 600 Quest games on IFDB. Surely there must be a lot of bad Quest games, but there are certainly good ones too. It would be interesting to know, which ones are worth playing."
role play/ toy games
by Xw - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on April 4, 2020; created on March 6, 2020
"any thing1"
games with magic
by Xw - 23 votes for 18 games, last vote on August 5, 2022; created on March 6, 2020
"any game will do"
Low-rated games worth playing
by diddlescatter - 11 votes for 8 games, last vote on January 2, 2023; created on February 26, 2020
"Looking for games that may have gotten poor reviews but are still memorable and worth playing for the story."
Best Mobile Games that Aren't Choicescript
by thecanvasrose - 13 votes for 7 games, last vote on September 13, 2022; created on December 8, 2019
"I've run into some cool ones. Let's hear it! 》 Choicescript games are often (but not always) titled "Choice of ____." Games like "Choice of Robots" and "Creatures Such as We" are Choicescript games. "
Wide open spaces.
by Rovarsson - 19 votes for 13 games, last vote on August 25, 2023; created on November 29, 2019
"This can apply to the setting of the games; prairies, deserts, icecaps come to mind. It can also apply to the feel of a game, the impression that the player is free to roam far and wide. Open game-worlds."
Historical adventures.
by Rovarsson - 15 votes for 12 games, last vote on January 11, 2023; created on November 28, 2019
"I love historical novels, no matter what time period they're set in. They do have to be accurate though. Can you suggest IF-games that are also like that? (In short: no magic.)"
Your Favorite/Best Twine Games
by thecanvasrose - 27 votes for 15 games, last vote on December 16, 2020; created on November 3, 2019
"1. Please leave a description with your vote and tell me what the game is/why you like it/etc. 2. Free to play games preferred. 3. I'm interested to see what's new or less well known."
Nontradiational Parser, Gamebook, IF and Systems
by thecanvasrose - 40 votes for 34 games, last vote on July 31, 2022; created on October 20, 2019
"I'm making a list based on this poll as I play the elected games and can write snippets about them. See here: https://ifdb.org/viewlist?id=3n6rheokfkcsntf - - - - - - - - - I'm looking for games which are: 》Neither parser nor gamebook..."
Games which take place in chat messenger systems or on a digital interface
by grimperfect - 48 votes for 32 games, last vote on March 28, 2023; created on September 23, 2019
"Specifically, works where the main mechanic is either exploring a in-game digital interface(ala Secret Little Haven) or communicating using a type of chat/text messenger system(think Emily is Away). "
Plot over Puzzle Parser
by thecanvasrose - 37 votes for 21 games, last vote on August 13, 2021; created on September 8, 2019
"Looking for what it says on the tin."
Good Games in French/Bons jeux en français
by thecanvasrose - 22 votes for 16 games, last vote on March 2, 2021; created on August 26, 2019
"I've recently reached an intermediate level of French speaking at my university. I can easily read relatively straightforward sentences, that is, but writing which is highly poetic or archaic I will not understand. I think I know French..."
Scariest Games! (Horror or Otherwise)
by thecanvasrose - 30 votes for 20 games, last vote on September 27, 2023; created on August 20, 2019
"I'm a sucker for horror, psychological suspense, adventure, the paranormal and supernatural, monsters and mystery. Please suggest scary games to me - even those which lie outside of the genre of horror, like sci-fi, crime or fantasy, if..."
Games about grannies
by baf - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on August 7, 2022; created on July 17, 2019
"Recently, a representative of Ubisoft attracted some attention by saying, about an upcoming game with a grandmother as a protagonist, "Nobody has dared to do anything with a granny before, I think." Obviously he was only really speaking..."
Educational IF
by Spike - 44 votes for 25 games, last vote on March 19, 2023; created on July 7, 2019
"Several of us are interested in using IF for education, both in the classroom as well as more broadly. The purpose of this poll is to collect examples of IF with an educational focus."
Kid-Appropriate Games
by Princessthe1st - 22 votes for 13 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on June 9, 2019
"I'm looking for games for middle-schoolers, that are hard and fun but still appropriate."
One Hit Wonders
by deathbytroggles - 32 votes for 16 games, last vote on April 13, 2021; created on May 11, 2019
"Good games by authors who apparently retired after their one gem."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Use of Multimedia for 2018
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 10 games, last vote on July 28, 2022; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Multimedia in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Innovation of 2018
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on June 17, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Innovation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Implementation for 2018
by MathBrush - 16 votes for 14 games, last vote on June 17, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Implementation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual PCs of 2018
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 7 games, last vote on June 17, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting puzzles in games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual NPCs of 2018
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 9 games, last vote on June 17, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting puzzles in games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Individual Puzzles of 2018
by MathBrush - 11 votes for 9 games, last vote on July 15, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting puzzles in games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual Puzzle in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall NPCs of 2018
by MathBrush - 11 votes for 11 games, last vote on July 6, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best NPCs in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Setting of 2018
by MathBrush - 18 votes for 16 games, last vote on July 15, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Setting in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall Puzzles of 2018
by MathBrush - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on April 19, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Puzzles in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Story of 2018
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 13 games, last vote on July 15, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Story in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Writing of 2018
by MathBrush - 16 votes for 14 games, last vote on June 17, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Overall Games of 2018 -
by MathBrush - 19 votes for 18 games, last vote on July 15, 2019; created on April 15, 2019
"This is for suggesting games released in 2018 which you think might be worth considering for Best Game in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination.This is not an official list. The point of poll is partly to suggest games..."
Games good for reading aloud to someone else
by tunesmith - 10 votes for 8 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on December 24, 2018
"I'm looking for IF that works well for reading aloud to someone else, and then typing in what they would like to do. We like Inform games and parser games in general. So games that are a little more story focused, and with not as much..."
I Am You: Games involving possession of another character
by Spike - 15 votes for 9 games, last vote on May 5, 2023; created on December 14, 2018
"Three games I've played in the past couple of months have featured the PC's ability to possess other characters as a primary or secondary game mechanic. What other IF works feature this possession mechanic?"
Choice-based puzzlefests
by Spike - 21 votes for 12 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on November 22, 2018
"I enjoy games with lots of good puzzles, but so far nearly all the ones I've played have a parser-based interface. This poll is to help me find good choice-based puzzlefests."
Games where the interaction is really cool and clever
by Isa - 32 votes for 16 games, last vote on May 16, 2023; created on September 26, 2018
"I'm really interested in games which put a new spin on the mechanics. I'm thinking of a specific one where the narrator is really mean to you and is its own character in the game, but I'm really interested in any games which are..."
The great puzzlefests
by Victor Gijsbers - 105 votes for 46 games, last vote on September 2, 2023; created on August 9, 2018
"Playing Curses!, I started wondering which games belong to the canon of great puzzlefests. With this term I mean puzzle based games that are long, difficult and punishing; but also fair, engaging and truly rewarding to work through. The..."
Games you would like to see finished
by Denk - 19 votes for 14 games, last vote on September 19, 2023; created on July 27, 2018
"Unfinished games, e.g. IntroComp games, which you would like to see finished. Hopefully, this will encourage authors to finish their games."
games with female protagonists
by X.W - 46 votes for 31 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on July 11, 2018
a game with a male protagonist
by X.W - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on July 9, 2018
"I am look specifically for explicit games [edited for clarity]"
I am looking for games that involve exploring and collecting objects but don’t involve horror or creepy themes
by Brennen Kinch - 11 votes for 7 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on June 25, 2018
"fore example games that involve keys and things that unlock other parts of the game that don’t involve creepy things such as ghost and monsters and things like that"
Great games that consist of a single puzzle
by Spike - 34 votes for 19 games, last vote on February 18, 2021; created on June 15, 2018
"I'm looking for well-designed and challenging games that revolve around solving a single puzzle. The puzzle may have multiple parts, but the whole game needs to be essentially about solving that single puzzle."
lucid dreaming and/or sleep paralysis themed games
by DAB - 6 votes for 6 games, last vote on June 13, 2018; created on June 8, 2018
"What it says on the tin. ^"
First Story Idea?
by ElHackeramng - 2 votes for 2 games, last vote on April 25, 2018; created on April 17, 2018
"So I've been wanting to start developing in twine, but what's stopping me isn't the technical side of things since there are lots of great tutorials online, it's the lack of creativity. In other words, I have no idea what to write about...."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Settings of 2017
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 12 games, last vote on April 26, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best setting in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Multimedia of 2017
by MathBrush - 19 votes for 17 games, last vote on May 19, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Multimedia in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Implementation of 2017
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 13 games, last vote on April 25, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Implementation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible innovation uses of 2017
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on May 19, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Innovation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Writing of 2017
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 12 games, last vote on April 25, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Puzzles of 2017
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 9 games, last vote on April 30, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Overall Puzzles in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible stories of 2017
by MathBrush - 18 votes for 15 games, last vote on July 31, 2022; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Story in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible individual PCs of 2017
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 9 games, last vote on April 5, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. Games not mentioned here will remain eligible. This is not an..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible individual puzzles of 2017
by MathBrush - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on April 5, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best individual Puzzle in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible individual NPCs of 2017
by MathBrush - 9 votes for 8 games, last vote on May 1, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible NPCs of 2017
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 10 games, last vote on April 25, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best NPCs in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Games of 2017
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 27, 2018; created on March 18, 2018
"This is for suggesting games released in 2017 which you think might be worth considering for Best Game in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
Twine stories
by Boris - 2 votes for 2 games, last vote on April 10, 2018; created on January 22, 2018
"Once you've published your work, consider adding it to the IFDB."
im looking for a awsome game with wizards
by kenzie da pirate - 9 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 10, 2018; created on December 8, 2017
"lava walking shoes are cool and i like unicorns"
games where you can create your own character/aspects of character
by Angharade - 14 votes for 11 games, last vote on August 5, 2022; created on October 28, 2017
"I'm curious if there are any IF games where you can create your own character. I'm more interested in parser games than point and click, but I'm open to exceptions if they merit a mention. Also games wherein your actions change..."
"IF with, wings of poesy"
by A. I. Wulf - 8 votes for 8 games, last vote on October 21, 2019; created on October 26, 2017
"I would like to explore the IF works with a pinch of poetry. I want to find the IF games with a good dose of emotions collected in tranquillity, heightened by wings of poesy."
Games with the best writing
by A. I. Wulf - 68 votes for 32 games, last vote on September 10, 2023; created on October 18, 2017
"Games are a new medium of art. It's still a maturing medium. But still some works May have succeeded in being truly classic in their writing. As an enthusiastic writer I need to know about the growth of IF in this field."
The absolute hardest non-broken games you've played
by MathBrush - 34 votes for 22 games, last vote on July 8, 2023; created on September 23, 2017
"After reading Jason Dyer's post on his excellent adventure blog (at bluerenga.wordpress.com) about the hardest adventure ever (which I haven't tried yet, but want to!). Everyone has a game that they've experienced that is just absolutely..."
Best text effects (parser, Twine, other)
by MathBrush - 11 votes for 7 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on August 30, 2017
"What games have you played with great text effects (animations or styling or so on)?"
Hallucinogenic games
by jakomo - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on August 1, 2017
"What games best evoke the psychedelic/hallucinogenic feelings of using DMT/Mescaline/LSD/Ayahuasca etc ?"
Trying to find a good comedy.
by H. W. Wiliams - 79 votes for 45 games, last vote on September 29, 2023; created on July 31, 2017
"I'm hoping to find a good comedy IF title. I've been away for a while and want a good laugh before I head back to work. Any suggestions? "
Personal Taste and the Process of Selecting IF
by juliaofbath - No votes; created on July 30, 2017
"I would like to determine how IFDB members select new IF games to play/texts to read. Is your taste informed by lists, polls, or the algorithm based on user ratings that recommends further material? Please let me know! This is an..."
Maintained Hall of Fame / High score list
by Denk - 19 votes for 14 games, last vote on March 12, 2023; created on July 27, 2017
"Maintained Hall of Fame or high score list is a great idea. Let's list those games where a maintained hall of fame/high score list is maintained, preferably online."
Canonicity and IF
by juliaofbath - 209 votes for 51 games, last vote on August 27, 2022; created on July 27, 2017
"I'm interested in determining whether or not a clear canon has emerged within the world of IF/hypertext. Of course, there is a clear critical opinion regarding which works belong to this tentative canon, but I'm interested in what..."
Best in-game music
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 12 games, last vote on December 9, 2017; created on July 5, 2017
"I'm looking for games with great in-game soundtracks."
Best cover art
by MathBrush - 65 votes for 44 games, last vote on August 3, 2023; created on June 17, 2017
"What games have really good cover art?"
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Settings of 2016
by MathBrush - 28 votes for 25 games, last vote on June 16, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best setting in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Multimedia of 2016
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 15 games, last vote on June 28, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Multimedia in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Implementation of 2016
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 28, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Implementation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible innovation uses of 2016
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 13 games, last vote on June 28, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Innovation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Writing of 2016
by MathBrush - 24 votes for 22 games, last vote on June 28, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Puzzles of 2016
by MathBrush - 13 votes for 9 games, last vote on June 21, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Puzzles in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible stories of 2016
by MathBrush - 10 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 28, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Story in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible individual PCs of 2016
by MathBrush - 15 votes for 15 games, last vote on May 25, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible individual puzzle
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 11 games, last vote on July 3, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best individual Puzzle in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible individual NPCs of 2016
by MathBrush - 11 votes for 11 games, last vote on June 17, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible NPCs of 2016
by MathBrush - 12 votes for 12 games, last vote on June 28, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best NPCs in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For your consideration: XYZZY-eligible Best Games of 2016
by MathBrush - 19 votes for 17 games, last vote on June 30, 2017; created on May 16, 2017
"This is for suggesting games released in 2016 which you think might be worth considering for Best Game in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
game with detectives
by msdfaraji - No votes; created on May 15, 2017
" کارآگاهان برای رمز گشایی پرونده یک جنایت به کمک شما احتیاج دارند. اونا نیاز دارند فردی با قدرت استنتاج بالا بهشون یاری برسونه تا پرونده مهمی رو حل کنند. اگه فکر می کنی چنین قدرتی داری بازی رو شروع کن. "
Story of your life
by Nadya Sanders - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on May 3, 2017
"MASH-like story line. Just for fun and there's no real goal or point."
Looking for games that take place between the 50's and 60's
by H. W. Wiliams - 7 votes for 5 games, last vote on January 27, 2018; created on April 4, 2017
"I'm interested in playing some great noir style games in any genre really."
Games with Toys
by IFforL2 - 47 votes for 30 games, last vote on September 6, 2022; created on March 12, 2017
"I want to distinguish toys from three other IF game elements: Puzzles require the player to find a solution to a problem in the narrative. If she can't find a solution, she's stuck. Branching allows the player to steer the plot of the..."
L'aventura del explorador
by Terrco - 2 votes for 2 games, last vote on March 20, 2017; created on February 2, 2017
"Relat de les aventures d'un explorador singular on es trobarà amb tota mena de perills..."
Games about experiencing chronic/long-term illness
by verityvirtue - 13 votes for 12 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on January 7, 2017
"Games which primarily involve the experiences of the PC or an NPC with an illness, which may involve their experiences with healthcare professionals and other services. Not to say there isn't a place for games whose PCs have a long-term..."
Less-linear Twine Games
by Nathaniel - 23 votes for 14 games, last vote on July 31, 2022; created on December 8, 2016
"Twine (or other hypertext) games where your decisions make a significant difference, and the story changes significantly based on them (not just resulting in your death)."
games about cats
by beetlesack99 - 26 votes for 22 games, last vote on August 19, 2022; created on October 22, 2016
"are there any"
IF created as a media tie-in
by Felix Pleșoianu - 22 votes for 14 games, last vote on July 21, 2020; created on October 19, 2016
"Hello, everyone. I'm looking for IF pieces originally created as media tie-ins (i.e. as promotion/extras for a bigger project). The plan is to write an advocacy piece, but only two examples spring to mind: Emily Short's City of Secrets,..." Dynamic open world IFs
by Natrium729 - 30 votes for 18 games, last vote on August 2, 2022; created on October 3, 2016
"I'm looking for good "open world" IFs, that is, IFs where the player can just wander and explore the world without necessarily following the main plot (think Elder Scrolls). They could take place on a planet, in a city, or even just in a..."
The Best Games of 1st Half of 2016
by Anya Johanna DeNiro - 31 votes for 11 games, last vote on December 16, 2020; created on July 14, 2016
"Sometimes by the end of the year and after the Comp it's hard to keep front-and-center the games that appeared earlier in the year! Here is a place to list what has tickled your fancy so far. One vote per game only please."
Games about mother-child relationships
by verityvirtue - 18 votes for 13 games, last vote on January 30, 2023; created on July 2, 2016
"Games which deal with mother-child relationships, no matter the nature of either party."
Games about strange and wonderful plants
by verityvirtue - 30 votes for 17 games, last vote on January 21, 2023; created on June 26, 2016
"Botany! "
Slice of Life Games
by BlitzWithGuns - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on January 27, 2018; created on June 22, 2016
"I'm interested in some slice of life games which are able to make you feel nostalgic and warm inside, something like 'Photopia'!"
Mise-en-abîme
by Sobol - 26 votes for 17 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on June 17, 2016
"Mise-en-abîme is a technique of having a play within a play, a painting within a painting, etc. Let's list those interactive stories where the characters play interactive stories."
Games about Time Travel
by Estrong157 - 34 votes for 23 games, last vote on September 1, 2023; created on June 15, 2016
"more specifically, games with time travel as a gameplay element."
Getting back into IF, best re-introductions to the genre
by Sorrel - 34 votes for 17 games, last vote on July 27, 2017; created on May 29, 2016
"I haven't played any IF for roughly the past 6 years and am excited to get back into it. So, what have I missed? What have been some of your favorite games released since 2010? Alternatively, what games do you think would serve as a good..."
Best German-language games
by MathBrush - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on December 3, 2019; created on May 13, 2016
"I'm looking for your favorite games that are written in the German language. I've added a few games I've liked."
Games with Books/Bookshelves/Libraries
by Andrew Schultz - 46 votes for 31 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on May 13, 2016
"I'm interested in games with lots of books you can read through. Maybe it's just a lot of cool titles and authors. Maybe they're randomly or procedurally generated. Maybe they reference pop culture, or maybe they're the author's own..."
The most underrated game you've authored
by Anya Johanna DeNiro - 17 votes for 17 games, last vote on April 11, 2020; created on May 8, 2016
"Interpret "under-rated" however that means to you. Perhaps it's one that's simply not played very much for whatever reason. Or it's a game you consider flawed but still worth playing, or an early effort that you are fond of."
Great game sequels
by Teaspoon - 45 votes for 28 games, last vote on March 4, 2023; created on April 9, 2016
"Whilst writing a review of "All Alone", Joey Jones's sequel to his game "If I Wasn't Shy", I became curious - how many examples of sequels are there in IF? Preferably good ones."
School of Chaos Creepypasta's
by StrawberryPie1 - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on August 5, 2022; created on April 1, 2016
"I'm looking for realistic gaming stories that include creepypasta"
Looking for a good Western.
by Bishopofbasic - 23 votes for 13 games, last vote on August 2, 2022; created on March 23, 2016
"Howdy everyone, I'm on the hunt for a good western text adventure or IF depending on how you call it. Something, that's quite fun to play. The year of release doesn't matter to me. Just looking for some great games to sink my teeth into...."
Games about travel
by penguincascadia - 95 votes for 74 games, last vote on August 6, 2023; created on February 19, 2016
"This list is for games either about travel or with travel as a major part of the plot or background. Stuff like being able to choose where you go from a relatively wide range of destinations, road trips, exploring a city or region as a..."
Games with a great city setting
by penguincascadia - 48 votes for 15 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on February 19, 2016
"I'm looking for games that attempt (with at least some success) to portray a large city setting that the player can explore and interact with to at least some depth. Games like Gotomomi, City of Secrets, and A Mind Forever Voyaging are..." For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible games of 2015
by Brendan Patrick Hennessy - 35 votes for 32 games, last vote on April 17, 2016; created on February 12, 2016
"This is for suggesting games released in 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Game in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible writing of 2015
by Brendan Patrick Hennessy - 34 votes for 32 games, last vote on August 13, 2016; created on February 12, 2016
"This is for suggesting games released in 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Writing in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible stories of 2015
by Brendan Patrick Hennessy - 24 votes for 23 games, last vote on February 18, 2016; created on February 12, 2016
"This is for suggesting games released in 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Story in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible implementations of 2015
by Brendan Patrick Hennessy - 24 votes for 24 games, last vote on February 16, 2016; created on February 12, 2016
"This is for games released in 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Implementation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not mentioned here will..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible innovation uses of 2015
by Brendan Patrick Hennessy - 19 votes for 19 games, last vote on March 8, 2016; created on February 12, 2016
"This is for suggesting games released in 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Innovation in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible multimedia uses of 2015
by Brendan Patrick Hennessy - 17 votes for 17 games, last vote on April 17, 2016; created on February 12, 2016
"This is for suggesting games released in 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Use of Multimedia in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible settings of 2015
by verityvirtue - 39 votes for 39 games, last vote on April 10, 2016; created on February 11, 2016
"This is for suggesting settings from games released 2015 which you think might be worth considering for Best Setting in the XYZZY awards. This is not a zeroth-round nomination. The category will still be text-entry, and games not..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible puzzles of 2015
by verityvirtue - 14 votes for 13 games, last vote on April 30, 2016; created on February 11, 2016
"This is for suggesting puzzles from games released 2015 who you think might be worth considering for Best Individual Puzzle in the XYZZY awards. Leave a brief description of the puzzle in the comments. This is not a zeroth-round..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible PCs of 2015
by verityvirtue - 18 votes for 18 games, last vote on April 30, 2016; created on February 11, 2016
"This is for suggesting player characters from games released 2015 who you think might be worth considering for Best PC/Best Individual PC in the XYZZY awards. Leave the name (or namelessness) of the PC (or PCs) in the comment on your..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible NPCs of 2015
by verityvirtue - 25 votes for 24 games, last vote on April 9, 2016; created on February 11, 2016
"This is for suggesting non-player characters from games released 2015 who you think might be worth considering for Best NPCs/Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY awards. Leave the name (or namelessness) of the NPC (or NPCs) in the comment on..."
Best Choicescript games
by MathBrush - 61 votes for 24 games, last vote on September 5, 2022; created on December 10, 2015
"I've only played a few choicescript games, but I loved Creatures Such as We, The Race, and Scarlet Sails. What can you recommend?"
IF guide for non-IF software
by frofroggy - 5 votes for 3 games, last vote on January 13, 2016; created on December 5, 2015
"I'm looking for IF with puzzles that are solved by literacy in a non-IF software tool. The story should communicate an experience that the user might have a hard time experiencing themselves without the IF providing a guiding narrative..."
Best Post-Comp Releases
by Anya Johanna DeNiro - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on November 19, 2015
"Looking for games that did more than bug fixes or extra polishing in their post-IF Comp releases, but rather made substantial changes in scope or content for the better. It could be a middling Comp game made great or an already good game..."
Milking
by CMG - 21 votes for 16 games, last vote on April 11, 2020; created on November 18, 2015
"After playing Hard Puzzle by Ade McT, which centers around assembling a "milking stool" under rather sinister circumstances, it struck me how odd it can be to feature milking in a game. This poll is for any games that include or..."
Your favorite homebrew parser
by MathBrush - 27 votes for 20 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on October 25, 2015
"Homebrew games don't get a lot of love here, but some of them are pretty good. What is your favorite homebrew game?"
Hypertext stories that make heavy use of text transformations
by Bruno Dias - 17 votes for 13 games, last vote on July 21, 2018; created on October 20, 2015
"I'm looking for hypertexts that make heavy use of stretchtext and related effects to tell their story - Links that add, remove, or alter text within a passage. Swan Hill for instance makes heavy use of this, and my own work does too, but..."
Procedurally generated IF
by verityvirtue - 24 votes for 15 games, last vote on August 12, 2022; created on October 11, 2015
"Looking for IF which uses procedural generation (? I'm not a programmer) to derive its writing, story, etc."
Modern Text Adventures
by glaap - 4 votes for 3 games, last vote on July 23, 2018; created on October 6, 2015
"As I'm currently working on a game that tries to modernize the text adventure genre in a way that it gets closer to movies while still maintaining the idea that you just have a text interface, i'd like to do research on the most..."
Child-friendly CYOA (or other interface that's not traditional parser)
by blue/green - 10 votes for 8 games, last vote on December 9, 2015; created on September 13, 2015
"Most of the games I see on the "appropriate for children" lists are pure parser IF. Are there kid friendly games that have a more accessible interface? CYOA, hyperlink, hybrid parser--any interface that offers some help in figuring out..."
IF of yours you'd most recommend
by blue/green - 41 votes for 39 games, last vote on March 29, 2023; created on September 9, 2015
"If someone were going to play one IF you've written, which one would you recommend? This can be based on any criteria you choose: personal favorite, highest rated, most representative, most accessible, whatever. (You can always change..."
Misunderstood games
by MathBrush - 22 votes for 18 games, last vote on August 2, 2022; created on September 7, 2015
"I'm interested in games where the reviewers 'just don't get it', where part of the game that is essential or hidden got overlooked. I'm thinking of Scary House Amulet as a prime example, where a solid parody game is passed off as poorly..."
a game about a boy, which was sold together with a bound book (novel or short story)
by BearWithMe - 1 vote, last vote on September 1, 2015; created on September 1, 2015
"As a child I remember visiting my next door neighbor, who had a text adventure, which was sold together with a novel (i.e a real fictional book). The story was something about a boy, who perhaps lost his family, ran away from home or..."
Games that did it earlier
by Floating Info - 11 votes for 7 games, last vote on November 25, 2017; created on August 26, 2015
"What are some lesser known games that were first to have a feature that was later perfected by a more well known game?"
Longest games you ever played
by MathBrush - 47 votes for 22 games, last vote on July 9, 2023; created on August 2, 2015
"I'm looking for the game that you played that had the most content (not necessarily being stuck on a puzzle for a long time)"
Games centered around a "groundhog day" loop
by Merk - 63 votes for 33 games, last vote on September 30, 2023; created on July 29, 2015
"Two that come to mind, which I haven't played in years and may be remembering wrong, are Moebius and All Things Devours. Games with fail states, by their nature, fit the bill from a mechanical level, but I'm curious about games where..."
Great Openings
by Floating Info - 17 votes for 11 games, last vote on August 3, 2022; created on July 27, 2015
"What games have your favorite openings? By opening I mean everything before the first room description in a parser game or the first screen of a choice game. It could be a sentence, a few sentences, a paragraph, or more. But I'm looking..."
Some of the worst games written.
by Bishopofbasic - 5 votes for 4 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on July 23, 2015
"The last time I put up a poll, I got some really great games, and loved playing them. So now I'm looking for some of the worst IF games ever created within the community. Something in the likes of Ed Wood."
The Squick Squad
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on October 21, 2019; created on July 21, 2015
"A list of games with a heavy emphasis on disgusting, gross-out subject-matter, whether in service to some higher goal, or just because the author is nine years old and thinks poop is the funniest thing ever."
I'm looking for a great surreal game.
by Bishopofbasic - 47 votes for 21 games, last vote on March 6, 2023; created on July 12, 2015
"It's pretty hot up here in Canada and I was wondering if anyone knew of any great surreal type games. Something I can spend my time in front of the AC or in my office hiding from the world. Thanks you guys."
Sci-fi games with truly "alien" aliens
by wwenches - 10 votes for 6 games, last vote on August 12, 2022; created on June 27, 2015
"I love "Cradle of Eve" by Kitty Horrorshow and I've been enjoying "Coloratura." I would love more sci-fi games (either standard IF or Twine games) that deal with truly alien creatures, rather than just going for standard humanoid aliens..."
Games with 'enhanced interfaces'
by verityvirtue - 7 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on June 5, 2015
"Looking for (parser?) games which use side panels, or similar, to streamline delivery of information AND are on a platform which does not usually have such a feature (therefore, Undum, Quest, Storynexus etc. games are out.) Something..."
Games / stories with an eighteenth-century setting
by chux - 5 votes for 3 games, last vote on September 10, 2022; created on May 19, 2015
"That is, I'm specifically interested in a European / Western version of the 18th-C.: Age of Enlightenment; Great Awakening / Puritanism; Colonial and Revolutionary USA; Louis XIV to French Revolution; hoop petticoats, justacorps, and..."
The game(s) that changed your mind about Twine
by MathBrush - 55 votes for 29 games, last vote on March 17, 2023; created on May 18, 2015
"I've seen many people discuss their feelings for Twine. Many of them say that they didn't think it was a 'real' platform at first, but then certain games changed them (see, for instance, the commentary in "IF is Dead. Long Live IF") For..."
Games with interesting content that unlocks after beating the game
by MathBrush - 14 votes for 10 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on May 6, 2015
"After playing Tenth Plague, I was interested when I saw the game had a commentary mode. I was looking for similar "extra content" in other games."
Humble Beginnings
by Floating Info - 20 votes for 15 games, last vote on July 31, 2022; created on April 30, 2015
"What are some games that start off with the PC in a regular situation but turn into something different? This would include a regular person finding a portal to a fantasy world, or a regular person already in a fantasy world abruptly..."
Games with amusing deaths
by Andrew Schultz - 31 votes for 22 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on April 7, 2015
"Lots of games have one amusing death, but what games best take the concept and run with it? These deaths could be nudges on messing something up, or even better, or even a nice reward for a reader who is playing attention and notices a..."
For Your Consideration: Games from 2014 that should be nominated for the XYZZY Awards
by Molly - 57 votes for 43 games, last vote on April 12, 2015; created on March 15, 2015
"There were a lot of great games released in the past year, and now that the XYZZYs are coming up, it seems like a very good idea to take a poll of all the games from last year people would like to see nominated. The management has asked..."
Father-Son Relationships
by matt w (Matt Weiner) - 14 votes for 11 games, last vote on September 12, 2022; created on March 13, 2015
"Going along with the Mother-Daughter poll, any games that touch on father-son relationships? Again, not necessarily the center of the work."
Mother-Daugher Relations
by matt w (Matt Weiner) - 50 votes for 31 games, last vote on January 29, 2023; created on March 13, 2015
"What are some IF works that involve a relationship between a mother and a daughter? Not necessarily as the center of the work, but as something that impinges on it at all."
NPCs Made Easy
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 33 votes for 19 games, last vote on January 22, 2019; created on February 9, 2015
"A list of games which notably use elision, sleight-of-hand, cleverly framed premises, or other fiendish implementor tricks in order to include significant NPCs in the story without having to implement them in deep, complicated detail...."
Give me a second chance!
by verityvirtue - 38 votes for 21 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on February 1, 2015
"I'm looking for games which work like Bigger Than You Think - where dying isn't the end, where you're given second chances, where your second chances give you gear or skills or knowledge that you need to know to win the game."
Games Theoretically but not Practically Beatable on First Attempt
by Floating Info - 19 votes for 15 games, last vote on July 29, 2022; created on January 25, 2015
"I'm looking for a very specific level of difficulty: a game where you theoretically could beat it on your first attempt, but you won't. At some point in the game you'll fail, but that point may vary from person to person, and when you..."
Non-Infocom games of commercial era worth playing
by tekket - 83 votes for 34 games, last vote on May 5, 2021; created on January 6, 2015
"What commercial games published between 1980-1993 other than those by Infocom do you think are worth playing? "
Games with non-standard directions
by Andrew Schultz - 28 votes for 19 games, last vote on March 4, 2023; created on December 28, 2014
"I'm wondering about games (primarily parser) with weird directions beyond NW/SW/SE/NE, up, down or inside/outside. I like the example in the Inform docs (Charles S. Roberts) about hexagonal directions but have no clue how to go about..."
Vertical Games
by Anya Johanna DeNiro - 42 votes for 22 games, last vote on June 26, 2023; created on November 17, 2014
"Looking for games that really explore verticality, which go up (way up) in their setting. Human-made structures in particular: towers, skyscrapers, radio antennae. Games that figuratively can make you feel dizzy, particularly after a..."
Should Glulx IF be described as 'for all systems'?
by Sheogorath - No votes; created on November 13, 2014
"Several years ago, the only systems you could put a 'terp on were PC, Mac, and Linux computers, but with the advent of the smartphone, 'all systems' has grown by 100%, if not more. That's why I believe that only TADS3.1 (without WebUI)..."
Fun Halloween Games!
by bluevelvetwings - 15 votes for 11 games, last vote on August 22, 2022; created on October 14, 2014
"There are already polls for good horror games, and there are quite a few good ones on this site. But I'm looking for ones that fit the side of "spooky" but not "terrifying" - things that make you giggle nervously at the scares, but don't..."
First IF that you have ever played
by BlitzWithGuns - 67 votes for 36 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on August 23, 2014
"What is the first IF that you have ever played? The game that made you love the concept of IF?"
Games with character creators/creation
by cynical11 - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on August 3, 2014
"Basically, any game that features any kind of character creation system; but, the more in-depth, the better."
Games You Return To
by Ghalev - 34 votes for 20 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on July 27, 2014
"What games do you find yourself revisiting from time to time, games that have proven to be a kind of comfort-food of text adventuring, the warm old socks of parser and puzzle, the socks-full-of-comfort-food of overextended metaphor? What..."
IF with a sense of wonder
by blue/green - 49 votes for 23 games, last vote on August 16, 2022; created on July 17, 2014
"What interactive fiction would you recommend that evokes a sense of wonder? These could be games that capture wonder or beauty in ordinary things, perhaps by viewing the world through the eyes of a child. Or they could be games that..."
Best Steampunk games
by Alyssa Barstow - 19 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 16, 2017; created on June 20, 2014
"Looking for Steampunk style games- something with the flair of the Fallen London text game or a story like Incarceron. Can be any length."
Best of ADRIFT 5
by strivenword - 12 votes for 11 games, last vote on February 7, 2023; created on June 19, 2014
"I set up the Linux version of ADRIFT 5 on my Mint 16 system. I even ripped the icon from the Windows version, as documented in this thread. Software support for Mint 16 is ending after this month. Before I have to configure my system all..." Dreams That You Have To Escape From
by Dachi Sirbiladze - 6 votes for 6 games, last vote on March 20, 2022; created on June 8, 2014
"Lets Say A Guy Who Started Sleeping On A Regular Night And Had A Dream That He Needed To Find A Way To Escape Whatever Is In His Way To End The Dream"
Good sci-fi games
by IFDent - 61 votes for 29 games, last vote on August 12, 2022; created on May 29, 2014
"I'm looking for a good science fiction game (sci-fi game) for example, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Infocom. Can't get enough sci-fi text adventures."
Plot-driven Narrative
by Jerako - 30 votes for 20 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on May 25, 2014
"I'm looking for a list of games to try where the narrative is the focus of the game. Where the author is really trying to tell a story over making a puzzlefest (though puzzles aren't necessarily unwelcome, especially if they drive they..."
Kusoge of the IF Comp
by Molly - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on March 1, 2017; created on May 21, 2014
"From Hardcore Gaming 101: "Kusoge" (糞ゲー, or クソゲー) is a Japanese compound word - "kuso", meaning "garbage, crap, shit", and "ge", short for "geemu", the Japanese pronounciation of the word "game". It means, quite literally, "shit game"...." Games with unique hint systems
by delano - 50 votes for 28 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on April 27, 2014
"I'm looking for games that offer hints in any way, except for printing them in sequence on the screen. For example: characters that offer hints; objects that, when examined or used in a certain way, suggest actions to the player; etc."
Brilliant trolling games
by Not Troll - 14 votes for 10 games, last vote on June 18, 2020; created on April 23, 2014
"Some games are just that bad, some are so bad it's good, and a few are obviously trolling. Yet, are there games that troll so much that they start to be brilliant? Or even those that seems to be trolling that turn out to be brilliant..."
8-Bit Basic games under 20k
by jgerrie - 1 vote, last vote on April 15, 2014; created on March 31, 2014
"I'm looking for the best adventures written in any version of Basic that run on a classic 8-Bit computer such as the TRS-80 Model 1, Commodore Pet or Vic 20, ZX81, or early Apples. In other words I'm looking in the range of memory..."
Non-human Perspectives
by Rhetta_Lynnea - 76 votes for 33 games, last vote on February 1, 2023; created on March 18, 2014
"I'm looking for IF narrated by aliens, animals, anything."
Games that show everyday life
by Sam Jackson - 51 votes for 26 games, last vote on August 24, 2022; created on February 24, 2014
"I'm looking for preferably short games that focus on part of someone's life in our world and preferably our time. I would like games with an emotional focus."
games with great interactivity
by nick love - 9 votes for 6 games, last vote on March 17, 2014; created on February 22, 2014
"I want a game with a great variety of interactiveness. I want it to be challenging but fun and comedic."
im looking for a good horror game
by nick love - 40 votes for 16 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on February 22, 2014
"I'm looking for something with a creepy environment. It also has to be very challenging."
For Your Consideration: Games from 2013 that should be nominated for the XYZZY Awards
by Molly - 26 votes for 26 games, last vote on March 8, 2014; created on February 18, 2014
"There were a lot of great games released in 2013, and now that the XYZZYs are coming up, it seems like a very good idea to take a poll of all the games from last year people would like to see nominated. The management has asked that we..."
Games with Native themes
by Chad Comeau - 7 votes for 4 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on January 9, 2014
"I've been wondering if there are any IF games dealing with Native American or First Nations themes. I have yet to discover a game that meaningfully deals with this topic. Thanks!"
Twine-bending Twine Games
by Mostly Useless - 46 votes for 22 games, last vote on February 25, 2023; created on January 3, 2014
"Twine games that do something you found unusual and interesting, not in terms of story, but visually or mechanically, or both."
What are your favorite games?
by Christopher Caesar - 45 votes for 24 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on December 19, 2013
"I was wondering which games are worth playing, as I haven't found any games that take a while to complete that are worth playing"
Games much improved in later versions
by Karl Ove Hufthammer - 27 votes for 18 games, last vote on February 12, 2021; created on November 17, 2013
"Most IF works are only available in ‘version 1’, but some are released in updated versions. And a few see a large amount of bug fixing, rewriting and polish. This is a poll for highlighting these games, games that the authors have taken..."
Games with diseases that alter perception
by Mrs. Info-adventurer - 14 votes for 8 games, last vote on October 14, 2015; created on November 11, 2013
"You know those parasites, fungi, and viruses that attack small insects or animals and control their minds? Well I'm looking for a game with a disease like that which alters your perception. Are there any games like that? Thanks a million..."
Hilariously Bad IF games
by american00b - 18 votes for 11 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 10, 2013
"Earlier today, I felt like playing an Interactive Fiction game that is the literary and stylistic equivalent of such masterpieces as Birdemic and The Room. I still have that feeling, so if you find anything like Plan 9 from Outer Space..."
Games for language learners
by Emily Boegheim - 23 votes for 21 games, last vote on April 23, 2019; created on November 1, 2013
"What are some good games for people trying to learn another language? I imagine that short games with relatively simple prose and not too many non-standard commands (if they're parser games) would work best, but feel free to suggest..."
The worst IF ever?
by theqbasicwizard - 23 votes for 13 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on October 18, 2013
"I'm wanting to do an episode for the podcast that deals with only the worst possible IF games ever programmed? You know the kind that if you would have played it for another minute longer, that you would have never played another IF ever..."
Persuasion
by Adam Myers - 9 votes for 6 games, last vote on July 29, 2022; created on October 12, 2013
"There are many games in which the player convinces someone to do something. This may be by undertaking to perform a quest or exchange an item, by making a threat, or in still other ways; but almost invariably, it will be by giving them a..."
Awesome Text Adventure Gaming wants to review your game
by theqbasicwizard - 11 votes for 7 games, last vote on November 14, 2013; created on October 9, 2013
"I would love to review the game that you have created and review for an upcoming episode of Awesome Text Adventure Gaming. "
An underrated Text Adventure
by theqbasicwizard - 4 votes for 3 games, last vote on July 5, 2017; created on September 27, 2013
"Howdy, I'm looking for a game to play that is extremely underrated and unknown by the general audience. Something like a horror game of sorts."
Cool Murder Mystery/Detective Games
by Christopher Caesar - 43 votes for 18 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on September 25, 2013
"Hey everybody. I am looking for a murder mystery text game. I finished An Act of Murder a while ago and want to play more games like that, where to get to solve the murder yourself. If you could tell me some of your recommendations that..."
Long-Form Games That Don't Require Mapping
by Sdn - 37 votes for 19 games, last vote on September 1, 2020; created on August 30, 2013
"Playing Losing Your Grip has reminded me of just how tedious I find manual mapping in lengthy games, no matter how much I enjoy everything else. So, I'm looking for some long, engrossing games that don't require the player to draw maps...." Best sci-fi games
by Ant-Fan - 68 votes for 36 games, last vote on August 12, 2022; created on July 8, 2013
"I'm looking for games from the sci-fi genre. I would prefer classic-style games, even if they're not classics (such as 'Across The Stars') because one of my all-time favorites is Planetfall, but really, anything goes."
Australian Setting or Characters
by Rhetta_Lynnea - 21 votes for 13 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on May 31, 2013
"I've played several good games with Aussie characters or setting, and I was wondering if there are any others. It doesn't have to be the main focus of the game, just a little extra colour."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible puzzles of 2013
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 12 votes for 9 games, last vote on March 8, 2014; created on April 23, 2013
"This poll is a place to suggest individual puzzles from games released in 2013, which you think might be worth considering for Best Individual Puzzle in the XYZZY Awards. Leave a brief, unspoilery-as-possible title for the puzzle in the..."
For Your Consideration - XYZZY-eligible NPCs of 2013
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 19 votes for 16 games, last vote on February 22, 2014; created on April 23, 2013
"This poll is a place to suggest non-player characters from games released in 2013, who you think might be worth considering for Best Individual NPC in the XYZZY Awards. Leave the name (or namelessness) of the NPC (or NPCs) in the comment..."
For Your Consideration: XYZZY-eligible PCs of 2013
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 17 votes for 15 games, last vote on February 17, 2014; created on April 23, 2013
"This poll is a place to suggest player characters from games released in 2013, who you think might be worth considering for Best Individual PC in the XYZZY Awards. Leave the name (or namelessness) of the PC in the comment on your vote...."
Lost Pig type puzzle complexity
by Mostly Useless - 21 votes for 14 games, last vote on April 26, 2016; created on April 10, 2013
"I haven't played a lot of IF, as I'm often put off by what are (for me) difficult puzzles. Without doubt the most satisfaction I've had from finishing a game has been Admiral Jota's Lost Pig, and I would love to hear about other games..."
Bugs that you can take advantage of
by Fredrik - 12 votes for 12 games, last vote on October 8, 2015; created on April 8, 2013
"Bugs are an annoyance, usually, but in some rare cases, bugs can actually make the life of an adventurer easier. Some bugs can help you in certain situations, perhaps even to bypass puzzles, and they can sometimes provide positively..."
For Your Consideration: Games from 2012 that should be nominated for the XYZZY Awards
by Molly - 31 votes for 30 games, last vote on July 21, 2013; created on April 4, 2013
"There were a lot of great games released in the past year, and now that the XYZZYs are coming up, it seems like a very good idea to take a poll of all the games from last year people would like to see nominated. The management has asked..."
Must-Play IFs for learning to write IFs
by Tondo - 13 votes for 7 games, last vote on April 25, 2013; created on March 24, 2013
"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. ..."
First and Third Person Second Person Narratives
by dacharya64 - 29 votes for 19 games, last vote on December 13, 2022; created on March 20, 2013
"Not as complicated as it sounds! Interactive fiction is dominated by the iconic second person narrative (*You* find yourself in a room). But this is not the only way that these stories could be told. I'm looking for those games out there..."
Most inappropriate response.
by Biep - 15 votes for 9 games, last vote on April 11, 2023; created on March 19, 2013
"Sometimes responses simply don't make sense - but sometimes they DO make sense, but inappropriately so, with sometimes humorous results. If possible, please put how to elicit the response in the Quick Quote part of the comment, and the..."
I'm looking for mysteries.
by MCCLUTCH32 - 38 votes for 20 games, last vote on June 25, 2022; created on March 14, 2013
"I like a game with a good story, good puzzles that aren't too difficult to understand and a good mystery. I was thinking more along the lines of horror, but murder mysteries work as well."
Achievements, catch them all and other stuff.
by Xionix - 17 votes for 10 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on March 13, 2013
"Looking for some IF with achievements, like, collect the 50 golden coins, or if you type 20 wrong commands you get the newbie achievement, or if you type "use hat in head" you get the "IF hater-to-be" achievement, well you get the idea."
Games with maps...
by Xionix - 66 votes for 47 games, last vote on August 6, 2023; created on February 28, 2013
"I started playing Counterfeit Monkey, and I notice a good map is a way for us newbies to get into the game more easy. And I hate to draw so, are any other games that got a in-game map? It can be any genre."
Looking for some easy to pick up psychological thriller games.
by Xionix - 3 votes for 3 games, last vote on February 21, 2013; created on February 19, 2013
"Hello, Im new into IF and Im looking for some psychological thriller, mystery or something that will get you guessing till the end. Again, Im kinda new so I prefer easy one (I still can't get Galatea to talk to me so you get the idea)...."
Unreliable narrators
by verityvirtue - 57 votes for 19 games, last vote on August 19, 2022; created on February 12, 2013
"I'm interested in games which hinge on the 'unreliable narrator', from amnesia to a plain distorted worldview. The more this distortion affects the storyline, the better."
Games like Glowgrass
by Timewalker - 3 votes for 2 games, last vote on August 22, 2014; created on February 9, 2013
"I'm looking for games like glowgrass which have a puzzle taking place in less than about five rooms, and also requiring common sense."
Glulx Hyperlinks
by Jeremy Freese - 5 votes for 5 games, last vote on March 2, 2021; created on January 7, 2013
"I was playing around a bit with a couple of the Glulx hyperlinks extensions, and this led me to be interested in looking at some games that have been written in Glulx and make use of hyperlinks."
All the Pretty Sources
by Jeremy Freese - 30 votes for 21 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on December 20, 2012
"IF games that have source code available that you'd hold up as an example of what good looking source code is supposed to look like. (I was motivated to post this by wanting to study some I7 source, but actually pretty source from other..."
Best games you've played in 2012
by Molly - 29 votes for 18 games, last vote on December 16, 2020; created on December 15, 2012
"The year of our lord Two Thousand Twelve is almost over, so let's reflect back on the games we've played this year and see which ones we liked the most. Note that the games don't have to have come out in 2012 to be eligible for this..."
Combat puzzle games
by Jeremy Freese - 32 votes for 17 games, last vote on March 16, 2023; created on December 12, 2012
"What I'm looking for are games that have fights that are ostensibly combat, but the solution to winning the fight is really a matter of solving a puzzle."
Vast but not Cruel
by Floating Info - 34 votes for 11 games, last vote on August 8, 2021; created on December 10, 2012
"I'd like to see games that are long and spacious, yet aren't Cruel (or very Nasty) on the Zarfian scale. Essentially, games that the main reason for saving is for time or the occasional timed part."
IF that purposely conceals crucial player character information
by Puddin Tame - 55 votes for 18 games, last vote on August 23, 2023; created on October 28, 2012
"IF that doesn't explicitly clue players in on knowledge they would/should have if they actually were the player character (The character's motivation, interests, relevant parts of their past etc.), which, for good or bad, results in some..."
Child authored IF
by Hulk Handsome - 12 votes for 9 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on October 24, 2012
"It's incredibly unlikely to find a game created by a child (12 years or under) that's actually well made, but they can still be enjoyable. It's fun to see a young ones imagination run wild, limited only by their... likely poor coding..."
Up, Up, and Away: IF starring super heroes
by Molly - 19 votes for 11 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on October 11, 2012
"It's often been said that super-heroes are a poor fit for IF, given the reliance of the former on flashy, colorful costumes and fights. But let it never be said that some poor bastards didn't try. What are some notable attempts at..."
IF for wannabe Authors
by SinfoolGamer - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on October 17, 2012; created on September 26, 2012
"For all the wannabe IF Authors out there, what games would you recommend they play/research? Hopefully looking for multiple types (best & worst IF) and also IF with sounds/pictures/animation & with well done feelies (maps, letters,..."
Best games of the last 12-18 months?
by Tobi Tesuji - 31 votes for 14 games, last vote on September 19, 2014; created on September 23, 2012
"I haven't looked at any new games since more than one year. So, what did I miss? What are the best/most interesting games of the last 12-18 months?"
This Is Who We Are
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 64 votes for 29 games, last vote on February 28, 2023; created on September 12, 2012
"A considerable number of games exist largely as the commentary of the IF community (or some subset of it) upon the medium and the community itself. These works are likely to be befuddling to outsiders, but provide windows onto blah blah..."
NPC-less Exploration
by Dannii - 26 votes for 16 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on September 2, 2012
"Supposedly one of IFs strengths is for exploring places with few other people, often abandoned places, but I can't think of many works which have zero NPCs and consist of a lot of exploration. Usually there's at least one NPC, or the..."
Neil Armstrong Commemorative Space Poll
by Joey Jones - 33 votes for 16 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on August 25, 2012
"I'm hankering to play a good space-themed game. That is to say, a game not necessarily set in space, but a game that is in some way about space or our relation to space. Any takers?"
I am new to interactive fiction, could anyone recommend a game for me?
by Urtikor - 38 votes for 21 games, last vote on January 31, 2021; created on August 19, 2012
"Hello, I just recently came across interactive fiction and I want to try it out and see if it's my kind of thing. I tried Dreamhold for maybe half an hour, but even though it seemed well written, solving puzzles isn't interesting for me...."
Games with a Halloween theme
by Cuxxu - 24 votes for 19 games, last vote on January 3, 2023; created on August 10, 2012
"Some of us over on boardgamegeek/videogamegeek/rpggeek are starting a interactive fiction-of-the-month club. It was discussed having a game with a Halloween Theme for October. Most of the people will be fairly new to IF. Any suggestions?"
Games featuring music
by Karl Ove Hufthammer - 26 votes for 19 games, last vote on May 16, 2017; created on July 29, 2012
"I have always thought that music has a huge potential for enhancing IF, more so than graphics has. So what are the best examples of IF games that use music? Note that this poll does not include games with only sound effects; they have to..."
Lost Treasures of the IF Comp
by Molly - 21 votes for 14 games, last vote on August 26, 2022; created on June 21, 2012
"It seems that for every Comp game that's still talked about today (e.g., Slouching Towards Bedlam, Shade, Photopia, etc.), there's ten or so that have been almost completely forgotten; some of them even placed in the top ten or higher...."
Comfort Food IF
by Molly - 32 votes for 21 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on June 11, 2012
"Lately I've been chasing away the blues by playing through my IF backlog. This made me wonder, what IF do you play as a pick-me-up? Maybe it's something that calms and soothes you, maybe it's really funny, or maybe it just distracts you..."
The Modern Zorkalikes
by Ghalev - 19 votes for 11 games, last vote on September 3, 2020; created on June 2, 2012
"My desire is straightforward, but proving difficult to satisfy. I want games that are like the Zork games might have been, given a more contemporary set of design ideals. It seems to be an abandoned playing field in some ways, as if the..."
"Camp" Games
by Pinstripe - 20 votes for 12 games, last vote on November 14, 2020; created on April 15, 2012
"Games which have, or might be considered to have, a camp aesthetic or sense of humor. "Camp is a certain mode of aestheticism. It is one way of seeing the world as an aesthetic phenomenon. That way, the way of Camp, is not in terms of..."
Absolute worst IF
by NOM3RCY - 8 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 30, 2019; created on April 11, 2012
"There's a surprising lack of a "worst IF" poll. I felt that I had to make it. We've all played the classics, the Colossal Caves, the Zorks, the Anchorheads, the Slouching Towards Bedlams. What are the games that you should never play?"
A poll for games which aren't normally on polls.
by Pinstripe - 32 votes for 18 games, last vote on July 14, 2020; created on April 10, 2012
"There are some games which are ubiquitous. A poll for funny, happy games? Lost Pig will be there. A poll for beautiful, dramatic games? Photopia always makes it. Conversational games? Galatea. Artsy games? Pretty much anything by Zarf...."
Your very first game.
by DustyCypress - 75 votes for 41 games, last vote on May 23, 2023; created on March 28, 2012
"Do you still remember when you played your very first IF? How did you get drawn (and perhaps addicted) to IF and have been playing still? What was the title that started it all for you? I started with a collection called "The Adventure..."
PC's personality integrated with the story
by JasonMel - 82 votes for 42 games, last vote on August 1, 2023; created on March 27, 2012
"I would like to be able to recommend to someone many examples of interactive fiction in which the player character is far from a cipher or an everyman or everywoman, but is instead a character with a definite personality within a game..."
Deep fictional worlds
by Kenji Yamada - 31 votes for 12 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on March 25, 2012
"I'd like to play more games set in fictional worlds with deeply-imagined cultures and history. Implementation depth would also be a plus."
Sex in non-adult IF
by Ferret From Hell - 42 votes for 25 games, last vote on January 27, 2023; created on March 20, 2012
"It struck me the other day that sex is one thing that actually seems to feature rarely in IF. What games are there, other than out and out AIF, that give prominence to sex or sex scenes? The only ones that immediately spring to mind are..."
Great Escapes
by JonathanCR - 29 votes for 13 games, last vote on June 12, 2018; created on February 21, 2012
"Everyone knows that "escape the room" games and puzzles are an IF cliché. But which are the best examples of this classic genre?"
Games part of an unfinished series
by Jonathan Blask - 45 votes for 29 games, last vote on May 17, 2023; created on January 15, 2012
"I think it is both funny and interesting when games bill themselves as "Part # in the [blank] series" (and other games are never written). It is fun to speculate what directions those future games may have gone. This poll is a memorial..."
More than it appears to be...
by dacharya64 - 92 votes for 38 games, last vote on August 18, 2022; created on January 14, 2012
"I'm looking for games that aren't exactly what they seem. Perhaps they come across as simple or romantic or anything really, the point is that things take a turn for the worse (or perhaps the better) and everything begins to change...."
Apocalypse How
by katz - 21 votes for 11 games, last vote on July 31, 2022; created on January 2, 2012
"Post-apocalyptic games: equal parts cliche and fun. Authors are free to dispense with pesky NPCs, complicated modern technology, and implementing working everyday items. Players can have no inhibitions about acting like murderous..."
Speed IFs that are awesome
by trojo - 46 votes for 23 games, last vote on August 9, 2020; created on December 27, 2011
"Expectations for Speed-IFs are generally low, but sometimes games written as Speed-IFs are in fact awesome-- not just "awesome for a Speed IF" but truly worthwhile. List some favorites here."
Games with good magic system
by RedHatter - 47 votes for 17 games, last vote on August 2, 2023; created on December 7, 2011
"I'm looking for some games with a good magic system. Doesn't have to be at brilliant as Savoir-Faire but consistency would be nice." Christianity in IF
by strivenword - 61 votes for 35 games, last vote on July 28, 2023; created on November 17, 2011
"Sam Kabo Ashwell's statement in his recent review of Cana According to Micah that "the best works dealing prominently with Christian themes are written by non-Christians" made me curious. Perhaps a list of games with serious Christian..."
forgotten gems
by Marius Müller - 57 votes for 27 games, last vote on September 8, 2023; created on October 25, 2011
"I'm looking for games that don't show up in the IF histories or recommended lists, for what reason whatsover. Old games that maybe weren't boundary-pushing or noteworthy, but still give you a fun play experience. If you ever thought..."
No Mazes, please!
by AndyC - 42 votes for 25 games, last vote on June 6, 2022; created on October 10, 2011
"I am a returning player to IF (which I loved 30 years ago) having recently discovered the fantastic Frotz for the iPad. Looking at some of the old games again has really blown me away. I don't enjoy drawing maps but I love reading good..."
Child friendly but not too child friendly
by Zzoro26 - 13 votes for 6 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on September 30, 2011
"I want something without "adult themes" and reasonless violence but kinda goofy and a tad violent"
Games with good rpg elements that are if
by Zzoro26 - 25 votes for 13 games, last vote on December 25, 2019; created on September 30, 2011
"I'm looking for a good interactive IF that has good rpg elements"
Multiple solutions to puzzles and/or situations.
by Hulk Handsome - 25 votes for 14 games, last vote on January 6, 2023; created on August 29, 2011
"Games that offer more than one solution to most of the puzzles and/or situations encountered. Bonus points if this means that items have multiple applications (unless they do something even more clever)."
Dystopia
by dacharya64 - 32 votes for 22 games, last vote on August 2, 2022; created on August 29, 2011
"I love dystopian fiction, and after playing Square Circle, I decided I had to see if there were other dystopian tales in the IF-verse."
Games with misleading titles
by Cendare - 27 votes for 17 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on July 17, 2011
"I was thinking about "Nothing But Mazes" and how it, in fact, contains things that aren't mazes. What other games have titles that don't quite reflect what's inside?"
Games with Difficult Puzzles and a Forgiveness Rating of Tough or Lower
by Athe - 26 votes for 14 games, last vote on August 28, 2020; created on June 27, 2011
"While searching for games that were difficult, I found many games that had a very unforgiving forgiveness rating, which I don't find very appealing. I do like puzzles, however, so I would be interested in finding games with challenging..."
Sublime Moments
by Sam Kabo Ashwell - 111 votes for 57 games, last vote on July 27, 2023; created on May 19, 2011
"I've been thinking about games that provide really brilliant moments. This is not about the overall quality of the game: there are plenty of excellent games that never deliver a clear, standout moment of unalloyed excellence. And surely..."
Worst IF Titles
by diddlescatter - 64 votes for 31 games, last vote on July 13, 2023; created on February 13, 2011
"(Sorry, Fredrik, but your poll was such a great idea that I couldn't resist!) So here's the question: Which titles out there do you absolutely hate? Remember, it doesn't have to be a game you've actually played. In fact, maybe it's a..."
Best IF Titles
by Fredrik - 175 votes for 57 games, last vote on August 11, 2023; created on February 13, 2011
"No doubt you have played some great games with great titles, or been disappointed to find games with great titles that did not hold up to expectations. What are the best titles of IF? They can be funny, elegant, evocative, or whatever..."
Calling all Scott Adams fans... YOU PICK: I'll Play
by diddlescatter - 12 votes for 5 games, last vote on August 24, 2020; created on February 11, 2011
"Okay, I've never played a Scott Adams game (*gasp!*), and I can't decide where to start. So here's my question to all you seasoned pros out there: IF I WERE TO PLAY JUST ONE SCOTT ADAMS GAME IN MY LIFE, WHICH ONE SHOULD I PLAY? Cast your..."
Wandering NPCs
by Fredrik - 58 votes for 37 games, last vote on November 19, 2019; created on January 7, 2011
"I have always been fascinated with games that have several wandering and independent NPCs, especially when you have the ability to try to order them around. This sets the stage for a game where no one session is like any other, and even..."
Type-in games
by Fredrik - 6 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 6, 2011; created on January 4, 2011
"I can only guess that I was not the only one spending hours upon hours typing in those BASIC listings from magazines and books back in the 80s. And unavoidably learning the art of programming in the process. Not to mention gleaning..."
Doing things backwards
by Mike Ciul - 21 votes for 12 games, last vote on December 16, 2020; created on December 3, 2010
"Games that take traditional IF tasks and puzzles, and do them backwards or subvert them in a clever way. Thanks to olethros on raif for the inverse puzzle idea."
Games That Changed Your Mind
by Ghalev - 16 votes for 15 games, last vote on September 27, 2020; created on December 1, 2010
"Before you played X, you never thought you'd like horror games. Before you played Y, you never thought you could take a game with a dragon in it seriously. Before you played Z, you thought linear games would just frustrate you. Tell me..."
Best classic zork adventure
by Aintelligence - 17 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 25, 2023; created on November 26, 2010
"What is the best classic zork adventure which includes all zork including classics and subdivisions."
Very Short Games
by tggdan3 - 56 votes for 29 games, last vote on July 20, 2023; created on November 3, 2010
"Games that can be completed in less than 30 mintues. Need not be one room (though that obviously helps). Hopefully, the games are fun as well. "
Spanish games
by Fredrik - 24 votes for 20 games, last vote on February 12, 2023; created on November 2, 2010
"I really need to improve my rotten Spanish, and I can think of no better way to do it than by playing IF. But there are tons of games out there, so what to choose? In other words: Por favor, ¡dame los favoritos tuyos!"
Games with multiple endings
by tggdan3 - 49 votes for 33 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 1, 2010
"Obviously not counting "death" as an ending, but non-successful ends can count if there are other successful ends. Variation in endings should at least vary the ending somewhat (as opposed to be an extra word or two). "
The Most Obscure Commercial IF Game I've Ever Played
by Xervosh - 16 votes for 14 games, last vote on November 25, 2022; created on September 9, 2010
"I'm hoping to be reminded of some of the obscure little IF games I may have played during the 1980s, but since can't recall. In addition, this poll may get a few more obscure games from the 1980s (or early 90s, or late 70s) listed in the..."
Villains
by Victor Gijsbers - 35 votes for 19 games, last vote on May 22, 2023; created on September 1, 2010
""[T]he thief [in Zork] is important to the development of interactive fiction because he functions as a true villain, not simply an obstacle or opponent.", writes Nick Montfort. Apparently, he moves around, taunts the player, actively..."
A Poll About ... A Poll About ... Hm. That's Funny. I Can't Recall.
by Ghalev - 76 votes for 35 games, last vote on January 20, 2023; created on July 30, 2010
"As of the founding of this poll, the IFDB has only seven games with the "amnesia" tag. I don't buy that for an instant. Please vote for games where the player-protagonist-person is dealing with a bout of forgetfulness (usually about who..."
High fantasy interactive fiction
by strivenword - 16 votes for 12 games, last vote on August 6, 2022; created on July 27, 2010
"My favorite genre of fiction, interactive or otherwise, is high fantasy -- the genre of such epic series of novels as The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and The Wheel of Time by Jordan. I'm especially interested in games with an alternate..."
Games that inspired you to MAKE a game.
by MyTheory - 54 votes for 35 games, last vote on April 22, 2021; created on July 27, 2010
"Whether it was the witty dialogue, the charming atmosphere, or the cleverness of the puzzle - you played "this" game and it inspired you to write your own. Selfishly, I'm looking for my own inspiration, but I am also very, very curious..."
New Game Challenges
by tggdan3 - 9 votes for 9 games, last vote on April 3, 2015; created on July 22, 2010
"User-made challenges for existing IF games meant to make the game harder/more fun"
Solved without Hints
by joncgoodwin - 200 votes for 109 games, last vote on January 31, 2023; created on July 16, 2010
"I'm very interested in hearing truthful accounts of at least somewhat difficult games (or games that don't solve themselves at least) solved completely without recourse to hints, walkthroughs, etc. "
Games with mysticism
by Anya Johanna DeNiro - 30 votes for 16 games, last vote on February 3, 2022; created on July 16, 2010
"What I'm looking for are games that aren't "other-world" fantasy, but rather use one of the following as part of its thematic underpinnings: Renaissance magic, Neoplatonism, hermeticism, gnosticism, alchemy, or any other kind of..."
Bound by human frailties???
by Stickz - 28 votes for 20 games, last vote on May 5, 2023; created on June 23, 2010
"I'm looking for games where the PC is faced with needs like eating, sleeping, and thirst. Unusual inventory limitations. Things that make them appear a little more human."
Fast-paced action scenes
by Juhana - 47 votes for 26 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on May 28, 2010
"Fast-paced action is something that's notoriously hard to do in IF where waiting for player's input necessarily pauses the game every turn. Which games have succeeded in creating action scenes that convey the sense of urgency, danger and..."
Mouse & Milquetoast - Modern-World Games With a Timid Protagonist
by Ghalev - 29 votes for 16 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on May 17, 2010
"In some games, you play a brave hero, or a cynical crime-fighter, or a cunning robber. In others, you play an artificial mind, an alien, or an animal. In many, you play nobody in particular, just an average person of some kind, doing a..."
Split-up PC functionality
by baf - 66 votes for 26 games, last vote on September 20, 2023; created on April 21, 2010
"In a normal game, there is a single fictional entity that is considered to be: - The protagonist: the character that the player is meant to identify with, and whose goals you are trying to achieve - The viewpoint character: the character..."
Emotional IF
by Sorrel - 58 votes for 23 games, last vote on April 25, 2023; created on April 8, 2010
"I'm looking for IF that inspires one or more strong emotions in the player – an IF that pulls on your heartstrings a little. "
One Room Non-Escape Games
by tggdan3 - 64 votes for 27 games, last vote on August 28, 2023; created on April 7, 2010
"I'm looking for a one room game, where the purpose is NOT to escape that one room. (Eliminating games such as Enlightenment, Suveh Nux, 69,105 keys, etc). I'm not sure if there even ARE many such games, but I would be interested in..."
Game mechanics as story
by aaronius - 7 votes for 7 games, last vote on June 23, 2015; created on April 7, 2010
"In the best story-centered board games, the rules and system mechanics create or encourage the sorts of stories the game is supposed to be about; one suspense-themed game I discovered recently uses a Jenga tower to create rising dread in..."
Games with easy English
by Fitbos - 18 votes for 14 games, last vote on June 28, 2018; created on April 6, 2010
"I'm a Chinese guy who is really interested in text-based stuff, but my English is not very good for me to play games with hard English. Especially games with slangs every where. So I'm just looking for games that really written in easy..."
Games for iPhone or other mobile devices
by DenniaDale - 12 votes for 12 games, last vote on March 10, 2021; created on March 26, 2010
"This is simple and I'm sure the list will grow as new games are developed, but what IF games are available for the iPhone, or like devices? I'm aware of one called "Cathy's Book" which looks like a lot of fun, at least for girls, but..."
Games with an evolving environment
by Sorrel - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on May 8, 2017; created on February 5, 2010
"I'm looking for IF where the setting constantly evolves/changes to either advance the plot or confuse the player. Something to the effect of Shade. "
Nautical IF
by Felix Larsson - 15 votes for 10 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on February 5, 2010
"I know there was a couple of commercial high-sea text adventures. Now I am on the look-out for ‘modern’, post-commercial IF with a nautical theme. As far as I can tell, there is a definite shortage of bucaneers, boatswains, able seamen..."
Games with no victorious end
by NosesAreAlive - 5 votes for 3 games, last vote on May 30, 2017; created on January 17, 2010
"I'm looking for games which can be won, but don't end when they are."
very hard games
by aw1231 - 51 votes for 28 games, last vote on May 2, 2023; created on January 16, 2010
"I am look for the hardest IF games ever."
Games where the PC is an antihero
by Sorrel - 50 votes for 21 games, last vote on August 9, 2022; created on December 23, 2009
"I'm looking for games where the PC is the villain/antihero of the story and the traditional plotlines of "good beats evil" aren't followed. "
Holiday games
by Sorrel - 9 votes for 5 games, last vote on August 19, 2022; created on December 16, 2009
"I'm looking for some IF games to get me into the holiday spirit. "
Games with an abrupt and unexpected ending twist
by dutchmule - 76 votes for 27 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on December 13, 2009
"I'm looking for games which, as in a lot of short stories, feature a sudden and unexpected revelation/twist at the very end of the game, that possibly changes your interpretation of what the game was really all about. (but please be..."
Useless, pointless Z machine games!
by NosesAreAlive - 1 vote, last vote on January 2, 2010; created on December 12, 2009
"The titles says it all!"
No map necessary
by Divide - 68 votes for 40 games, last vote on May 14, 2022; created on December 1, 2009
"Pieces which can be fully enjoyed without drawing map, ideally without taking any notes whatsoever. Ones which you could play on a bus, on a break, laying on bed, etc. with nothing but a portable player. Games for which you don't need..."
Games That Reward Sticking With Them
by Ghalev - 22 votes for 12 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 24, 2009
"Here's a dangerously subjective poll. I can be a bit impatient with text adventures on most days, sadly, and if a game doesn't grab me, shake me, French-kiss me and hump my leg in the first 2,000 words (those long intros count toward the..."
Sandbox games
by JonathanCR - 8 votes for 7 games, last vote on February 15, 2016; created on November 23, 2009
"There are two competing philosophies in game design (in games in general, not just text games). One is the story: tell a story in which the player is the protagonist. Games of this kind have strong plotting but they can often seem to..."
Games to Remember
by Newbot - 6 votes for 6 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 15, 2009
"These are games you put down in awe after completing them -- it would seem wrong to play them again immediately. Yet long afterwards, something brings them back to mind, and you want to play them once again."
Birds in IF
by Wendymoon - 79 votes for 49 games, last vote on March 16, 2023; created on November 8, 2009
"What games can you think of with birds in them? What's the bird? Is it important to the game?"
Great quotes
by aaronius - 17 votes for 11 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 5, 2009
"Post your favorite sentences/excerpts from games in the comment field. Especially lovely if they are from deeper in the game than the opening text, although all are welcome."
Games with Impossible-to-film moments
by aaronius - 23 votes for 15 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on November 5, 2009
"I'm looking for games that demonstrate the power of text-based games. Games with sentences that would make developers of 3D games weep, like "The army of ten million robots marched over the liquid landscape," or "She concealed her anger..."
Games with Chases
by Jeremy Freese - 26 votes for 15 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on October 25, 2009
"The chase scene, a staple of Scooby Doo and action movies, but how often has it been done in IF?"
Games with "logical" puzzles
by Victor Gijsbers - 58 votes for 27 games, last vote on July 18, 2022; created on October 6, 2009
"Some puzzles--like chess problems or sudokus--can be difficult even though you know all the rules. I'm looking for IF games with this kind of puzzle: you can get to know the rules by simple exploration, and then you still have to solve..."
Fate vs Free Will Games
by loocas - 22 votes for 17 games, last vote on April 25, 2023; created on October 2, 2009
"I imagine that the interactive nature of IF would allow themes of fate and free will to be used powerfully. Perhaps the PC is given a glimpse of his or her future and the player tries to avoid it. Are there games in which this is done?..."
Games with high replay value
by Wendymoon - 41 votes for 27 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on October 2, 2009
"What games do you find yourself returning to again and again? Maybe to get every last lousy point, to do some amusing things, to try for different endings or just for the enjoyment of replaying?"
ZCode games with non-standard status lines
by Dannii - 12 votes for 10 games, last vote on July 7, 2019; created on September 6, 2009
"I'm interested in finding ZCode (primarily those written in Inform, though Infocom games could be ok too) which have a non-standard status line. Whether it's with colours, maps, arrows, or more! With such a list I can investigate what..."
One-room conversation games
by Sorrel - 33 votes for 9 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on September 2, 2009
"I'm looking for a one-room game where the main focus is the conversation with an NPC. The kind of game where the NPC feels so realistic that you actually begin to feel an emotional connection of sorts. Something to the effect of Galatea."
A fine bit of homebrew
by JonathanCR - 6 votes for 4 games, last vote on October 1, 2009; created on August 9, 2009
"Most games here are written with Inform, TADS, or other custom IF-writing languages. Some, however, are written in more standard and less specialised languages, such as C++, Java, or even BASIC. These "homebrew parsers" usually lack the..."
Oh, You BEAST: Games where you're an animal!
by Ghalev - 45 votes for 28 games, last vote on September 1, 2022; created on August 6, 2009
"I know of a small handful of games where you play a beast, and I want to know of more. (By beast I mean a cat, a dog, a chicken, an orangutan, that kind of thing ... not looking for mythical monsters and not looking for part-timers, so..."
Most unique games
by Jeremy Freese - 42 votes for 25 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on August 4, 2009
"Whatever else might be said about ___________, there's not another game like it."
Games with a city setting
by JonathanCR - 52 votes for 18 games, last vote on August 1, 2022; created on July 30, 2009
"I'm interested in games that are set in cities - historical, modern, fantasy, or science-fiction. In particular, games that make you feel that you are in a real, functioning, busy city where life is being lived all around you. Which..."
One room games
by cpuguy - 37 votes for 20 games, last vote on August 4, 2022; created on July 22, 2009
"I would like to know what one room games are available. I enjoyed the acorn court, and am looking for more similar games."
Creepy Games
by J'onn Roger - 81 votes for 27 games, last vote on March 16, 2023; created on July 17, 2009
"I'm not looking for supernatural/ghost stories or horror stories, just games that do a good job being scary and/or disturbing."
Games that include a maze you would describe as 'hey, actually fun'
by Jeremy Freese - 44 votes for 22 games, last vote on April 23, 2023; created on July 16, 2009
"Everybody always dissing mazes in IF. What are the games that prove them wrong?"
Best Short Games (5-60 minutes)
by Sasha Davidovna - 223 votes for 67 games, last vote on April 8, 2023; created on July 12, 2009
"I'm pretty new to IF and am having a lot of fun, but in between a toddler and a job and other real life stuff, I'm having trouble finding time to finish many of the longer games I want to play. Can you please recommend me some fun and/or..."
Games with extraordinary "wow" moments
by J'onn Roger - 56 votes for 22 games, last vote on January 1, 2023; created on July 7, 2009
"If there is a moment in a game that stands out to you with vivid clarity, a moment of extraordinary beauty with writing that makes you really makes you see what is taking place, list the game here. Since surprise may play a part in the..."
Games with exceptional clothing systems
by Fitzzy - 17 votes for 13 games, last vote on April 1, 2023; created on June 18, 2009
"Games of any genre, irregardless of the quality of the game itself, that has an exceptional clothing management system in place."
Multi-Part Games
by Bloodsong - 54 votes for 38 games, last vote on August 23, 2022; created on June 10, 2009
"I was wondering just how many games out there, either completely text based, or text-adventure hybrids, are out there that involve a story line over the course of several games. I know for sure of the Sorcerer trilogy from Infocom...any..."
Adjustable Default Games
by Emily Short - 14 votes for 8 games, last vote on November 10, 2011; created on June 10, 2009
"Works in which some aspect of the game's default behavior can be customized (e.g. by changing the person of the narration), especially if the game allows players to play with alternatives to standard IF conventions."
Outstanding individual puzzles
by Jeremy Freese - 47 votes for 23 games, last vote on December 8, 2018; created on June 6, 2009
"I'm interested in examples of excellent individual puzzles in IF. In other words: not 'Spider and Web' so much as 'getting out of the chair' in 'Spider and Web' "
Trading and Buying Games
by Emily Short - 37 votes for 20 games, last vote on August 24, 2022; created on June 2, 2009
"Games where a significant portion of the gameplay involves buying, selling, or trading items, especially if there are tactical advantages associated with different objects and the player has to decide which things to acquire for what..."
Once More, With Feelies
by Ghalev - 37 votes for 23 games, last vote on August 2, 2022; created on May 22, 2009
"I'm polling to learn of modern (post-commercial-era) IF that revels in the tradition of providing additional documentation & related materials which are evocative and deepen your enjoyment of the game. What games have gone that extra..."
teeanagers
by tiffanyfh - 8 votes for 8 games, last vote on August 9, 2022; created on April 9, 2009
"im a teen and i want games that are entertaining for people around my age (16) to play. i liked punk points for example something like that would be nice. thanks."
Really hard puzzle/adventure games
by Silius - 39 votes for 19 games, last vote on August 9, 2023; created on April 9, 2009
"You know like with lots of puzzles you have to solve."
Must-play games
by Jeff Sonas - 308 votes for 57 games, last vote on August 25, 2023; created on March 26, 2009
"I am looking for the games that, in your opinion, you simply must have played in order to really call yourself an IF aficionado. Or if someone wanted to play N number of IF games in order to get as good an overview of the IF classics..."
"Ed Wood" Games
by murphy_slaw - 22 votes for 10 games, last vote on April 19, 2019; created on March 8, 2009
"I'm looking exquisitely bad games. Games with warped aesthetics and worldviews far removed from consensus reality. Games that are, in the words of Michael Martin, "exactly good enough that I had to keep going to see what it did next"...."
Vivid games
by Jeff Sonas - 141 votes for 48 games, last vote on August 13, 2023; created on March 8, 2009
"I'm looking for games that evoked strong feelings or strong mental images that stayed with you long after you finished the games."
Top-notch horror or terror games
by madducks - 120 votes for 29 games, last vote on March 16, 2023; created on March 7, 2009
"I'm looking for games that are the best representations of horror or terror in IF."
Games where you can't screw up
by Pinstripe - 75 votes for 39 games, last vote on May 23, 2023; created on March 2, 2009
"Sometimes, when I'm playing a game, I spend more time juggling my save files than I do reading the text. I don't want to have to restart because I picked up the green rod instead of the clay jug (with apologies to Zarf). So I'm looking..."
Games with stupid player characters
by murphy_slaw - 30 votes for 12 games, last vote on May 10, 2015; created on February 27, 2009
"I'm looking for games where the player character is significantly stupider and/or less observant than the average player - the kind of game where part of the challenge is making sense of the descriptions offered through the simplistic..."
Games with NPCs that tag along
by Ghalev - 86 votes for 48 games, last vote on July 30, 2022; created on February 12, 2009
"List here any games that feature a (preferably memorable!) "sidekick" character - an NPC who follows the viewpoint character around for most or all of the game, as per Floyd in Planetfall or Trent/Tiffany in Leather Goddesses of Phobos."
Romance Games
by Molly - 76 votes for 27 games, last vote on August 5, 2022; created on February 3, 2009
"In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm looking for games that deal with romance and relationships."
Influential Games
by Rose - 482 votes for 64 games, last vote on September 8, 2023; created on February 1, 2009
"As a historical exercise, I've begun compiling a list of IF games that have either done something ground breaking with the medium or otherwise influenced it; and I've turned it into a poll so everyone can have input on the expansion...."
Great treasure hunt games
by Molly - 30 votes for 18 games, last vote on December 10, 2022; created on January 1, 2009
"Good treasure hunting games in the vein of Zork and Adventure, although they may not necessarily be set in caves."
Games with great puzzles
by Molly - 30 votes for 17 games, last vote on March 13, 2023; created on December 30, 2008
"Games that have great puzzle-design. The puzzles need to be logical and internally consistent."
IF that centers around holidays
by Molly - 34 votes for 25 games, last vote on December 4, 2022; created on December 27, 2008
"I'm looking for IF that centers around specific real-world holidays, e.g. Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Passover, the Fourth of July, Guy Fawkes Day, Halloween, etc."
Games with graphics and/or sound
by eyesack - 168 votes for 88 games, last vote on August 12, 2022; created on December 15, 2008
"I couldn't find an easy way to search for this, so I figured I'd ask the hivemind: What games use graphics and/or sound to enhance the gameplay, similar to City of Secrets and Necrotic Drift?"
Simulation Games
by tadsPro - 2 votes for 2 games, last vote on May 7, 2015; created on December 5, 2008
"Hi TADS lovers!; I am new to TADS and i have played a few games. I want to know if there are any TADS games that emulate a system. I mean is there any game which simulates real world airplanes or space crafts in which the player will..."
Artistic Games
by WriterBob - 128 votes for 33 games, last vote on August 18, 2021; created on November 15, 2008
"I'm interested in games that take the fiction of IF to new levels. These are not straightforward, plot driven games. Think instead of games that play like poetry, or games that focus on a character's revelation."
Games for Beginners
by WriterBob - 280 votes for 71 games, last vote on June 18, 2023; created on November 11, 2008
"I'm looking for games that are suited for adults who are new to IF. My purpose is to share these games with friends and let them get experience IF without being frustrated by mazes or guess-the-verb issues. Please avoid children's games...."
Fun single-room games
by Jeff Sonas - 62 votes for 21 games, last vote on September 11, 2022; created on October 29, 2008
"My kids (9 and 12) like to play IF games on my phone during car drives so they are looking for something quick and fun that doesn't require much mapping. What single-room adventures are out there?"
Games suitable for children
by Mike Sousa - 91 votes for 36 games, last vote on November 17, 2022; created on October 11, 2008
"My 10 year old twins recently "discovered" IF. They fell in love with Grunk and are asking for more games to play. I've searched BAF and have some ideas, but figured I would give this poll a shot since there are hundreds and hundreds of..."
Games that most resemble an Infocom work
by David Cornelson - 69 votes for 23 games, last vote on December 18, 2021; created on October 10, 2008
"If you've played a game that "feels" like an Infocom game, add it to the list."
AI developments, particularly NPC-AI
by breslin - 30 votes for 17 games, last vote on June 10, 2018; created on October 10, 2008
"Doesn't need to be satisfying as a conventional game, but must be interesting as an experiment. The idea being that AI work in IF is something that still needs work. Name the games you think which are contributing to this area of genre..."