Greetings, fellow gamers! Get ready to take a trip back in time to the golden age of text-based adventures with Parsely, a unique role-playing game (RPG) that ditches the computer and puts a human in the driver's seat!
Remember those classic text adventures like Zork and Planetfall? You know, the ones where you typed commands like "GO NORTH" or "TAKE SWORD" and the computer responded with descriptions and challenges? Well, Parsely takes that same concept and gives it a hilarious human twist. One person becomes the "Parser," a human computer who interprets commands and describes the game world to the other players. It's like a tabletop version of those old-school games, but with a whole lot more laughs and social interaction!
No computer is required! It's all about human interaction and imagination.
Simple rules, endless possibilities! The basic commands are easy to learn, but the gameplay can be as complex and creative as you make it.
Perfect for parties and large groups! The more players, the merrier!
A nostalgic blast from the past! If you grew up with text adventures, Parsely will take you right back to those glory days.
Forget flipping through a Monster Manual. In Parsely, you're not building a character sheet; you're crafting a concept. Think of it like sketching out your dream D&D character on a napkin but without the dice rolls. Are you a wisecracking rogue? A noble knight? A talking squirrel with a penchant for riddles? The possibilities are as endless as the Saturday morning cartoons we used to watch.
The Parser, our digital maestro, paints a vivid picture of the world. They're like the narrator of a fantasy novel, describing the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment. Imagine the opening scene of "The Goonies," but in text form.
This is the heart of Parsely. Players don't just describe their actions; they issue commands, just like in those old text-based computer games. But these commands are more than just 'GET KEY' or 'OPEN DOOR.' They're opportunities for creative expression, a chance to add flavor and personality to your actions. The more detail you provide, the more the Parser has to work with.
The Parser is a facilitator, a guide, and a trickster. They interpret player descriptions, determine the consequences of their actions, and keep the story moving. They might throw in unexpected twists or challenges, but always with a sense of fairness and fun.
Every action reacts, like Newton's third law of motion, but with more goblins. The Parser describes the consequences of your choices, and these consequences often lead to more choices. It's a branching narrative, a choose-your-own-adventure on steroids. But here's the twist: some exits are conditional. They might be hidden, blocked, or require a specific item or action to open. So, you need to be observant and think outside the box to progress.
Parsley includes a few 'meta-commands' that allow players to interact with the game system itself. These include commands like 'INVENTORY' to check your possessions, 'SAVE' to create a restore point, 'SCORE' to see how you're doing, and 'QUIT' to end the game.
The game ends when the players achieve the victory condition, which is usually reaching a certain location or completing a specific task. The players' score is then calculated based on their accomplishments during the game.
"A hilarious and nostalgic take on classic text adventures!" - Game Master Greg
"The perfect party game for geeks and gamers!" - RPG Fanatic Emily
"So much fun to play with a large group!" - Tabletop Enthusiast Ben
Playing Parsely is like stepping into a time machine, back to the days of Choose Your Own Adventure books and text-based computer games. I played a wisecracking rogue named Roxy, complete with a trusty slingshot and a knack for finding trouble.
Carnival of Clues: Our adventure began in a quaint village, where Roxy was drawn to a mysterious carnival. Using the "LOOK" command, I explored the carnival grounds, discovering a hidden tent with a sign that read "Fortunes Told." Inside, the Parser introduced a fortune teller who revealed a cryptic prophecy about a hidden treasure.
Troll Trouble: Later, we found ourselves in a spooky forest, where the Parser described the eerie silence and the gnarled branches of ancient trees. We encountered a troll blocking our path, but instead of attacking, Roxy used the "TALK" command to engage the troll in a conversation, distracting it with riddles and jokes.
Examine Everything: Throughout our adventure, I used the "EXAMINE" command to get a closer look at interesting objects and characters. For instance, when we stumbled upon a mysterious potion, I used "EXAMINE" to learn more about it. The Parser described the potion's shimmering liquid and its strange aroma, hinting at its potential effects.
We eventually reached our goal: a treasure chest filled with gold and jewels. We didn't achieve a perfect score, but we had a fantastic time and created a memorable story together.
If you're looking for a unique and hilarious RPG experience, Parsely is worth checking out. It's a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of text adventures, but with a human twist that makes it even more fun. So gather your friends, choose your Parser, and get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!
Publisher: Jared A. Sorensen
Number of Players: 2-6
Writer: Jared A. Sorensen
Mechanics: Role-playing
Where to Buy: Drive-thru RPG
Cost: $20, Free (Preview n' Play Edition)
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