Erstellt am: 10. 3. 2014 - 11:27 Uhr
Today's Webtip: Don't Panic
I've already died ten times this morning.
I'll probably die a good thirty more times before the day is over. If I'm lucky I will at least make it down to the pub for a few drinks before I get zapped onto a Vogon Spaceship where I can die trying to figure out how to get the Babelfish stuck in my ear.
When it comes to Infocom text based adventures I like to keep my expectations of success low. Something I learned over thirty years ago while trying to work my way through their collection. I don't remember ever beating one.
I do remember trying to figure out the Babelfish part of their Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy game, though. Figuring that one out was a moment of personal pride.
BBC/Infocom
I'm being a bit more optimistic this time around. The game has been updated in a few ways that might make up for my personal weaknesses. It now has graphics. Nothing major, but a few visual clues makes it a lot easier to remember what you were doing. A compass makes navigation less perilous, and sound effects just makes it more fun.
Not that Douglas Adams' original script needed much help in the fun department. I don't think anyone has ever killed me with so much grace and good humor.
30th Anniversary edition of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Those of you who might need a quick refresher on the story line are lucky too. The BBC is also rebroadcasting the original radio play. It's a bit different than the book, rather different than the TV show and MUCH different than the film. It's also a perfect example of the best things about radio.
It might also help you get through some sticky bits in the game. I won't make any guaranties though. You are much more likely to get run over by a bulldozer than Dent ever was.