Best Laid Plans

by David Whyld profile

2013
Science Fiction
Inform 7


Return to the game's main page

All Member Ratings

5 star:
(0)
4 star:
(3)
3 star:
(2)
2 star:
(0)
1 star:
(0)
Average Rating: based on 5 ratings
Number of Reviews Written by IFDB Members: 1
Write a review
1-5 of 5


- Edo, June 25, 2022

- Serge Kirillov, August 12, 2015

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Great intro to a story--, December 16, 2013
by streever (America)

This is a very short piece for the intro comp. It is not a game, but an introduction, and as such, the story & plot are not fully revealed.

This piece balances the familiar tropes of IF--you begin locked in a cell, in a lab full of hostile agent--against the unfamiliar and novel--you have a device which absorbs scenery and repositions it. It has a lot of promise, and even as a short, stand-alone piece it is worth playing and contains much to praise.

The premise is familiar, and the subversion of it through the main game mechanic is really very engaging. For a 10 minute game, it gives the impression of a much larger world, with an almost endless capacity for interaction. This feels like a huge game, and I felt incredibly disappointed when I had reached the end so quickly.

An unusual protagonist with fantastic powers is explained without creating a wall of exposition or back story, nor employing heavy-handed sci-fi tropes--very well-done. In general, the writing is very good. It is engaging and creates a sense of place and character quickly and briefly.

I really hope that this intro is developed into a full-length game. I'd love to see the capabilities of the device fleshed out, and this is my only real criticism. I was frustrated that I couldn't dictate where an absorbed object should be released in a room--although, I expect I'd be fine with that in a full game, it would be nice to be able to move objects to different walls, even if it doesn't change the game world much.

Was this review helpful to you?   Yes   No   Remove vote  
More Options

 | Add a comment 

- E.K., September 8, 2013

- Mr. Patient (Saint Paul, Minn.), August 19, 2013


1-5 of 5 | Return to game's main page