Monday, October 5, 2020

High Jinnks: IFcomp 2020

High Jinnks is a choice-based story about a jinni's mishaps in human society. 

The presentation is straightforward — there are no special text effects, and minimal formatting is used for the font and background colors. These design choices keep the focus on the writing. 

The story was fun and well-written. The plot moved at a comfortable pace, and it was satisfying to roleplay as a mythical creature slumming it in human society.

As the story unfolds, you learn how the main character's personality has been shaped by past experiences. Flashbacks and asides added another layer of complexity and emotion to the narrative, retelling stories from Scheherazade with a unique perspective that revealed family connections and personal encounters. 

The jinni's motives were simultaneously alien and understandable, connected to his magical nature while remaining relatable for humans. (Nobody wants trouble with the cops, and everyone can appreciate a good coffee maker.) 

Ultimately, the narrative is on rails. A second playthrough brought me to the same major plot points, but different aspects of the story changed based on new selections I made along the way. It was handled well enough that it didn't detract from my enjoyment.

It’s a bit like a magic trick: when the presentation is smooth enough, you can ignore the mechanics and delight in the experience.

Artwork by Donald Conrad:



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