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From: erkyrath@netcom.com (Andrew Plotkin)
Subject: Re: [CD] including hints
Message-ID: <erkyrathDwrJxp.I0D@netcom.com>
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Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 21:05:49 GMT
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Gerry Kevin Wilson (whizzard@uclink.berkeley.edu) wrote:
> So get some volunteers will to help code up hints in Inform and TADS,
> figure out exactly which hints will be used, and let them go to work.
> Have them code it as an includeable file so it can just be slapped into
> the games with minimum effort.
>
> Above all, pick a method now and get started on it.  We're holding up the
> show, and we'll be wanting at the least a pre-Christmas release.

Actually, I think the hard part is *writing* the hints. I'd like all the
hint and game files ready in a month. I don't think a small group can do a
thorough job on all the games. 

My idea at this point is to have not hints, but sort of small vague "try
this" guides. Neil dM knows what I'm talking about better than I do,
because it was his idea, but I look forward to seeing it. :)

This would not give away the solutions to every puzzle in every game. 
People would still get stuck. However, with lots of games, they wouldn't 
get stuck in every game.

This sounds like a weird half-assed measure, but the advantages:

* Reviewers would not be able to say we refused to give hints.
* We're not giving blatant spoilers.
* They can be in plain text files without giving blatant spoilers.
  (Although it may be better to have separate TADS/Inform game files.
  I'm not going to ask all the authors to recompile the things directly
  into their games.)
* It doesn't destroy the registration carrot for those shareware games 
  that offer hints for registrees.
* We can do them in time, ie, quickly. (I have a volunteer.)

--Z

-- 

"And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these were the
borogoves..."
