The Bat

Note: This review was written during IFComp 2024, and originally posted in the authors' section of the intfiction forum on 15 Sep 2024.

This is a richly implemented parser game, full of NPCs and an incredible number of things to do. You play a valet, dealing with an eccentric employer, and have to contend with the drama that occurs during a fundraising party at his manor.

I just loved this, and laughed so much. It is extremely PG Wodehouse esque. As the valet so much was going on that I needed to deal with, and I was constantly struggling to keep up with everything and what to do next. But I was enchanted.

The game has a very limited parser. THINK to see what tasks you need to do (and yes, this list just grows so long), ATTEND TO X (or just ATTEND X) to attend to things, including picking them up and putting them down, and also helping people (including your employer) with problems and talking to them. And you can additionally use EXAMINE, as well as compass directions to move around.

It was chaos, and so much fun. I’m a very lax parser player in that I very rarely ever consciously map. But in this game that wasn’t a problem for me. I quickly learned where enough of the locations were, and could run around manically otherwise.

The need to run around was compounded by an incredibly tight inventory limit. Which initially I was exasperated by, as I’d constantly need to drop something I desperately needed to get something else I needed both hands for. But then I relaxed, dropped essential things in fairly repeatable places, and enjoyed the sheer bonkersness of it.

I think this game is tight for managing in a two hour play through. There are a phenomenal number of puzzles to solve, including ones that can only be solved after others. Apparently you can’t get into an unwinnable state. But there are an awful lot of things to do. Fortunately the THINK command helps keep you on track. And the author has kindly provided a walkthrough, which is helpful if you get stuck.

The NPCs are numerous, almost too numerous initially. But they settle into their roles, and are well differentiated character wise. They also take on different elements of the barmy plot. Having a large cast helps a lot with that.

The game also introduces a particular game mechanic which is just sheer genius. And I was pleased to see it gets heavily used in later portions of the game.

As for the ending, well I wasn’t surprised by one thing ((Spoiler - click to show)who the thief was). But I adored the absolute ending.

Thoroughly recommended, but expect to have some exasperation at least for a while as you grapple with the inventory limit. And ideally budget for more than two hours to play right through.