Deirdra Kiai presents: The Play

Kicking off my coverage of the 2011 Interactive Fiction Competition is The Play. An online choose-your-own-adventure type experience by the incredibly talented indie game designer Deirdra Kiai, and thus a quality piece of interactive fiction you can immediately play in the comfort of your own browser without having to type a single word. Come to think of it, it's an excellent and definitely gentle introduction to the world of text adventures, what with its elegant and intuitive interface and very simple puzzles. Anyway. Here is the link you'll be needing to, err, play The Play.

Interestingly and rather appropriately considering its tittle, The Play has gamers assume the role of a slightly frustrated theatrical director trying to save a dress rehearsal and, hopefully, a premiere, while juggling a tight budget, a trusted co-worker and three actors capable of arrogance, stupidity and sexism (among other commendable traits), though not necessarily talent. Keeping them moderately satisfied and off each others throats seems like the key to a better result, but winning is not what really matters in a game like this one. Enjoying the interesting and very well-written story, on the other hand, is.

Related @ Gnome's Lair:

• 2011 Interactive Fiction Competition: The Games
• The Case of the Vanishing Entree
• A Virtual Box of 4 Freeware Games
• Love, Hate and the Mysterious Ocean Tower