Varicella Succeeds
The interactive fiction Varicella succeeds both as a game and as literature. The goal of the interactor is clear and the story line intriguing. Varicella is satisfying to play because the prologue sets out easy to follow rules to achieving the goal. Although the interactor's character may die many times before finishing the quest by eliminating all rivals, Varicella's ending is rewarding. It is also an entertaining read because of the interesting characters, black humor and historic setting. The well written narrative and political schemes within Varicella increase the reader's immersion due to the dark humor, colourful characters set in a believable story world. The interactor directs the main character, Primo Varicella, from place to place, examining things and conversing with people. Thus the interactor learns about the plot while making progress in playing the game. Descriptions of the simulated world encourage the player to continue exploring. The interactor is motivated to shift between reading the text and playing because the transition between game mode and narrative mode is so smooth it is almost opaque. The interactor must solve puzzles and accept hints to achieve the aim of the game. The work is appealing because of its “logical and solvable puzzles, usually with more than one solution.” These side plots increase the enjoyment of the journey towards the goal, until the game is won. Information found during previous plays is used to decipher the mystery to winning the throne. In addition, the time limit keeps the interactor stimulated to proceed; however, the richly painted world and characters increase the interactor's desire to explore and converse. Thus, time easily runs out and Primo usually dies numerous times before completing the quest. Pieces of the puzzle found by the interactor before Primo is killed can be used in the next game. These clues prompt the interactor's determination to beat the game and finish the story
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The interactive fiction Varicella succeeds both as a game and as literature. The goal of the interactor is clear and the story line intriguing. Varicella is satisfying to play because the prologue sets out easy to follow rules to achieving the goal. Although the interactor's character may die many times before finishing the quest by eliminating all rivals, Varicella's ending is rewarding. It is also an entertaining read because of the interesting characters, black humor and historic setting. The well written narrative and political schemes within Varicella increase the reader's immersion due to the dark humor, colourful characters set in a believable story world. The interactor directs the main character, Primo Varicella, from place to place, examining things and conversing with people. Thus the interactor learns about the plot while making progress in playing the game. Descriptions of the simulated world encourage the player to continue exploring. The interactor is motivated to shift between reading the text and playing because the transition between game mode and narrative mode is so smooth it is almost opaque. The interactor must solve puzzles and accept hints to achieve the aim of the game. The work is appealing because of its “logical and solvable puzzles, usually with more than one solution.” These side plots increase the enjoyment of the journey towards the goal, until the game is won. Information found during previous plays is used to decipher the mystery to winning the throne. In addition, the time limit keeps the interactor stimulated to proceed; however, the richly painted world and characters increase the interactor's desire to explore and converse. Thus, time easily runs out and Primo usually dies numerous times before completing the quest. Pieces of the puzzle found by the interactor before Primo is killed can be used in the next game. These clues prompt the interactor's determination to beat the game and finish the story
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