What I mean is, I'm building a text adventure game, and obviously you can't have cut scenes like you do in regular games. However, my problem is my story is very detailed and its becoming very difficult to only tell it from my main characters perspective. I mean, I found certain ways to fill in the blanks by having the player explore a little, but certain parts of the plot would be better if I could just cut to another character/scene. Would it be usual for a text adventure game to switch perspectives, and have the player read lines of text as if they are reading a novel?

As far as I know, people like reading novels, so whatever you do, it cant be bad.

If its not conventional, at least your game will be more novel (hue hue).

So it just comes down to what is a better experience, and as you say, the plot would be better if you didnt force a particular way to show it.

(But do keep looking for existing examples for ideas on how to do it well)

edit:

Though make sure the gameplay doesnt motivate the player to ignore the text to find some single bit of information, or to skip it entirely. If the players own goals are to "beat the game", theyre not going to read through the story. So design it such that players are primarily interested in the story, or itll just get in the way.

edit:

Though make sure the game play doesn't motivate the player to ignore the text to find some single bit of information, or to skip it entirely. If the players own goals are to "beat the game", they're not going to read through the story. So design it such that players are primarily interested in the story, or it'll just get in the way.

I think you summed it up quite well here. While I LOVE Metal Gear Solid, many fans criticize it for "watching more than you play". Many times you have the go though quite a bit until you come to the relevant information.

I know people who make a living from making games that are books of text, so there's definitely a market for those games :wink:

I know people who make a living from making games that are books of text, so there's definitely a market for those games :wink:

Many thanks for this link!

I think you've just given me the reassurance for my game.

A text-adventure is also a little different from other games, imho.

The name alone already raises expectations, that the major feature of the game is text.

People attracted to such games, probably love puzzling and reading, or they would not play the game.

You're developing a text adventure.

I say it is safe to assume the player is going to enjoy reading! *grins*

If your story is very detailed, I think your biggest concern will be pacing. Well, actually, there's probably a host of structure methods to consider.

To answer your question: If you are considering switching PoV to another character, would it be right in saying the characters in the game are merely a means to carry the player? Why not have the player able to play different characters of the story? See, where I'm going with this?

Hah, beg my pardon. I've actually swung questions at you!

In respect of story structure, how well versed are you? A good starting point, perhaps, is a seven point structure (just youtube Dan Wells on the subject). The structure should allow you to pace your story and manage multiple story threads. Just an idea anyway.

Hope that helps.

One mechanic that I've liked in a couple non-text adventure games is to have in-game books that can be read by the player. Particularly when it's pretty clear that reading the contents will at some point will be useful. When I'm stuck on a puzzle in the game, I start to get in the mindset of carefully examining the items in my inventory and that's when I'm the most inclined actually take the time to read a length of text.

a narrator to help fill in gaps might be useful.

i'd say try the "cut to different character", and see what you think. implement just one, then play it. does it work? does it not? is it better? is it worse? this is the R&D phase of game development - rapid prototyping.

if you suspect it will be better - it usually turns out to be so.

test it.

>> games that are books of text,

(donning my best south park voice)

steve jackson! OMG! dude! he invented CAR WARS!

and they killed kenny!

<g>