How do you talk in an Infocom game?

[pocketmego]

Hi all,

 

I have recently been trying to play some old infocom games by way of emulation and I realized that I have forgotten something important to the process. How do you say something to a character in an infocom game?

 

I don't remember how to actually speak to a NPC.

 

Thanks

 

-Ray

[JB]

Say whatnow?

I know that's how the Scott Adams games did it, and it's a logical enough command that I wouldn't be surprised if it worked in the Infocom games.

[gdement]

<NPC>, <sentence>

 

eg:

 

MAX, EAT PIZZA

 

 

as I recall, I think one of the useful phrases is "tell me about"...

like

 

STILES, TELL ME ABOUT LINDER

 

so you can get that character's opinion about something.

Edited September 7, 2006 by gdement

[Xot]

The "Say" command frequently works unless there are multiple NPCs around as well.

 

As in, SAY "GO AWAY"

[SimonTemplar]

The "ASK" command

 

ex. "ASK MAN"

 

ex. "ASK WOMAN ABOUT ..."

 

 

 

 

I don `t know if this is standard for infocom but that is the command I use to

talk in telarium games. I know I also used the "ask" command in the Zork games.

[pocketmego]

Thanks for reminded me guys, as always I really appreciate the help. I sure am glad I found this place.

 

-Ray

[maibock]

You text-typers are all the same.. time to move up and get into the new point n' click graphical adventures - Sierra and Lucas Arts have some really fabulous games..

 

[+davidcalgary29]

What game are you playing? While it's true that simple commands worked best for the earlier releases, Infocom dramatically improved its parser at the end of the text adventure era, and you should be able to use standard English phrasing for most post-1985 games. In "Moonmist", for instance, a typical command might be "light the candle, go down the staircase, and talk to James".

[A.J. Franzman]

Yes, there were different methods of talking to NPCs in different games. There might possibly have even been differences between the regular and Solid Gold edition of some titles. Manuals are available online, just google for the one you need.

[pocketmego]

Currently I'm playing Lurking Horror, I'm a BIG HP Lovecraft fan. I can't get out of the open sequence in the Computer Room. I finally figured out how long to warm the Chinese food, but once he eats it, he asks what I want and I don't know how to respond.

 

(This is the weirdest post I've ever typed)

 

-Ray

[supercat]

While it's true that simple commands worked best for the earlier releases, Infocom dramatically improved its parser at the end of the text adventure era, and you should be able to use standard English phrasing for most post-1985 games.

 

I still liked the parser in Suspended: "Both Sensa and Sensa, move Fred."

[+remowilliams]

Currently I'm playing Lurking Horror, I'm a BIG HP Lovecraft fan. I can't get out of the open sequence in the Computer Room. I finally figured out how long to warm the Chinese food, but once he eats it, he asks what I want and I don't know how to respond.

 

(This is the weirdest post I've ever typed)

 

Spoiler Alert!

 

Here's some Invisiclues

 

The_Lurking_Horror___invisiclues.txt

[pocketmego]

Currently I'm playing Lurking Horror, I'm a BIG HP Lovecraft fan. I can't get out of the open sequence in the Computer Room. I finally figured out how long to warm the Chinese food, but once he eats it, he asks what I want and I don't know how to respond.

 

(This is the weirdest post I've ever typed)

 

Spoiler Alert!

 

Here's some Invisiclues

 

The_Lurking_Horror___invisiclues.txt

 

Say, thanks Remo.

 

-Ray

[A.J. Franzman]

There's a big hint in the opening text about what you're supposed to be doing in the computer center. There's also some copy protection that was a big headache even back when the game came out - two of the enclosures have a logon code and a password that you need to use to get the computer working in the game (well, sort of), but lots of folks never managed to put two and two together, so to speak. Before you use the invisiclues or a walkthrough, please do yourself a favor and (assuming you don't have the originals) find the scans of all the enclosures online. Oh, and while you're online, get a copy of the manual too if you need it. I think there are some clues in there too.