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From: lash@tellabs.com (Bill Lash)
Subject: Re: Multiple solutions to problems (Possible Spoiler for Zork 1)
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Message-ID: <1996Jan24.185747.16514@tellab5.tellabs.com>
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References: <Pine.LNX.3.91.960106091510.24188A-100000@gateway1.brisnet.org.au> <4dvljs$jn1@sonic.net> <markb-2201962301250001@brad.pcix.com> <4e3tle$63o@lynx.unm.edu>
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 18:57:47 GMT
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In article <4e3tle$63o@lynx.unm.edu>, Neil Bowers <neilb@zen.khoral.com> wrote:
>Mark Borok (markb@pcix.com) wrote:
>: I've always liked the idea of a game where there is
>: more than one solution to a given problem. Anyone know of games like this?
>
>This can be further refined into two categories:
>
>   1) multiple `correct' solutions
>
>	Where there is more than one solution, and no solution scores
>	more, or is `better' than others.
>
>	I can't think of any large examples offhand, but there are quite
>	a few of the form "how to persuade an NPC to do something for you".
>
Spoiler warning for Zork 1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In zork 1 the gold bar could be taken from the echo room by either
typing "echo" in which case the accoustics of the room were shattered,
or, you could open up the Dam and let the water drain from the
reservior, then close it.  You then had several turns to take the gold
bar before the echo room returned to it's original state.  I believe
that both gave you full credit.

>   2) one optimal solution
>
>	Where there is one correct solution, further refined by:
>
>	   a) alternative `wrong' solutions
>
>		These are often solutions which seem right short term,
>		but later on are revealed as red-herrings, for example.
>		For example, getting through the Guarded Door in Enchanter.
>
>	   a) alternative sub-optimal solutions
>
>		Using such a solution does not preclude completion of the
>		entire game say, but you won't get a 100% score.
>		Wishbringer is an example.
>
>I think 2a is the most frequently used of these, but I don't have a huge
>experience to draw on.
>
>taxonomically,
>neilb


-- 
Bill Lash
lash@tellabs.com

-- 
Bill Lash
lash@tellabs.com
