I've finished a mini-gamebook (90 entries) for the next Windhammer Competition. That won't be for some time, however.

Regards as to new gamebooks...looking forward to Ian Livingstone's next adventure!

It's a shame Steve Jackson is no longer active in FF circles. I'm glad he's doing well (lecturing on games design at a university in London) but it would be fantastic if he reprised his old writing pen for another epic adventure.

adam
Thu Jan 19 05:52:46 2012

Hey everyone, just checked in after a few months and saw a few more books have been added. Cant wait to check them out, thanks again for all the work putting them on the site.

Robert Douglas
Fri Jan 20 16:08:18 2012

I envy hermits. At least, the people who are able to become hermits. In today's society it's easier said than done. The only way it can be achieved is through a vast amount of wealth and the sanctuary of a private residence - even then, I fear currency will no longer hold any meaning within ten years time. Best to have a vegetable patch and orchard, just in case!

But what has triggered this need for solitude? Perhaps the current social and economic climate has affected my judgement of people. Or that the seeds were sown during my youth. I disliked school. Intensely. Never fitted in, and was never given the chance. The only good thing about it were those lunchtime discos in the assembly hall. Mind you, these were only held every Friday. School trips were enjoyable (visiting Ironbridge museum or a pantomime) but, few and far between, stuck with the same, tiresome people.... I rest my case.

Society sickens me. One of my pet hates is Big Brother - not the one from George Orwell's '1984', but an entity even worse that blights our television screens. When viewers delight in the misery of others, I have to ask: WHY? What's with all this wasted energy? In a sense, I can understand the reason for those volunteering - the excitement and lust for fame - but derision of the public exacts too heavy a price in return. I suppose we can gain valuable information from observing social interaction and personality clashes...but at the expense of people's sanity? REAL people. What really disturbs me is the audience's attitude. How they rub their hands with glee, anticipating the horrors to come, slavering at the maw.

Thus, I shun society's values and enshroud myself in reading and writing, watching documentaries, quiz shows, people who can impress us with knowledge and talents, comedians with the ability to make us laugh...

It's very sad we're living in a world where many enjoy the suffering of poor, wretched souls who have suffered enough.

asgardian
Sun Jan 22 05:36:12 2012

Robert, very true. Just don't lose hope - there are also good people in the world and I believe things ultimately balance out. The very fact that you are saying these things gives me hope :)

duffmeister
Sun Jan 22 16:43:47 2012

Very well said Robert. I often feel concerned about the delight so many people in our society take in the suffering of others. There seems to be a fashioble trend for saying words to the effect of 'Human nature is essentailly sadistic', a claim that is not only depressing and a lazy excuse for inactivity when facing problems, but also a displayal of complete ignorance of evolutionary biology. No 'inherently sadistic' species could ever survive, let alone flourish, because within a handful of generations they would bring about their own destruction. While humanity is hardly an ancient species, the fact that it has persisted for hundreds of millennia (Exactly how many depends on what you specifically define as 'human') proves that it is not as inherently self destructive or sadistic as proponents of an increasingly fashionable cynical attitude insist without any actual evidence to back up their claims. There have been many cultures at different periods which have been selfless and charitable to the point of self neglect. Even in todays world there are numerous cultures far more compassionate and charitable and far less selfish and sadistic than our own. The issue is not one of human nature, but of society, and I like to gain some solace in the fleeting nature of societies and cultures, in which a culture if it lasts a millenium, and even then is likely to have changed so much as to become completely unrecogniseable in the process. So whilst I often feel very concerneed by the selfishness, cynicism and sadism popular in our culture and society I think that it is a tragic but brief period in human history. And I think people like yoursleves are probably essential in bringing us out of it :)

Robert Douglas
Wed Jan 25 01:24:39 2012

@ asgardian
@ duffmeister

Thanks for the kind words. Your comments are very interesting - especially how it's society that affects human nature as opposed to human nature itself being the culprit. However, I've often wondered whether we're prone to animal instincts, i.e: tribal wars fought over territory, or jealous because somebody has their eyes on a potential partner, and so on.

Perhaps the one thing that sets us apart from the animal kingdom is our ability to imagine: allowing us to ask questions, search for the right answers, manipulating science and the elements to our advantage. At times, such a precious thing can be abused by those with evil intent (spreading lies and discord).

Very few - like ourselves - also use it to create fantastic stories. Entertaining...and hopefully inspiring others to excel.

That's why I believe FF gamebooks, alongside other great works such as Dickens, Shakespeare, and countless authors throughout the ages contribute to our lust for adventure and exploration. That moment of FF discovery in 1987 no doubt changed my life; I wouldn't be writing this or any gamebooks if it wasn't for Steve and Ian inspiring me. I'm not normally one for heaping an avalanche of praise, but credit where it's due...

asgardian
Thu Jan 26 13:01:48 2012

Yes, this has always been true of man. When we perform an act of kindness, or create something such as art, film or literature, we transcend the mortal clay and exist in our noblest, purest form.

Robert Douglas
Fri Feb 3 02:34:31 2012

A particular point has been raised concerning the player's attribute scores. Much as we all love Fighting Fantasy, to be honest there's always been a downside to the rules. Rolling a 1 leaves you with Skill of 7, or rolling 2 totals a mere 14 for Stamina. The player would never really get very far on such diabolical stats!

In light of this, I'm very keen on pre-generated characters; veteran soldiers, assassins, etc would perhaps start with a 9 or even 10 for Skill. This gives the player more of a chance.

Ian Livingstone introduced this concept in 'Legend of Zagor' - but some of the Wizard Books publications have also implemented a pre-generated character section. In this way, at least the player isn't tempted to cheat (thus feeling guilty) when choosing an 'approved' set of stats. Also, it's great to have some kind of personal background to your character!

Also, while wizards are comparatively poor fighters, they should start with a dozen select spells to help raise Stamina and aid in combat, ie: 'Fireball', 'Summon Creature', or 'Illusion' - but a 'Spell-casting Ability' element to the rules determines success or strength of a spell. Opportunities to purchase/obtain/earn more spells are provided along the way.

SCC
Fri Feb 3 09:34:57 2012

Robert, funny you should mention that. Am currently working on a story that is a direct sequel to a famous FF story with an unsatisfying ending. The hero is a veteran of many adventures and as such has all attributes maxed out. That said, it is still easy to challenge such a character if handled well.

Robert Douglas
Fri Feb 3 14:17:35 2012

@ SCC,

Interesting...and somewhat mysterious! Will you be posting it on this site once it's finished? Wonder if it's to do with Chadda Darkmane...?

FishFingers
Mon Feb 27 02:06:28 2012

Yes: I think 'Oh Well Part 2' by Fleetwood Mac sounds quite a good theme to that fan trailer inspired by 'The Curse of Drumer'. As it's 1980's, could have DJ John Peel introduce the song. I know you worried about time of Peel's slot and time of day (dusk); the hero - being a big fan of the DJ - recorded it on tape, so can be played at ANYTIME. Nice touch, eh? About 00:19 into the track, titles come up. 02:05 could be incidental - not sure where to insert this however. But 04:17 would be a fantastic for the end credits!

Stuart Lloyd
Sat Mar 10 19:03:40 2012

Hello all! I'm doing the April A to Z blogging challenge on why gamebooks are so great. My A post is for amateurs so if anyone is interested in answering the below questions, I will feature them in my post and if you have any webistes, I will advertise them.

What was the first gamebook you read (that wasn't your own)?

What is your favourite gamebook?
What gamebooks/interactive fiction would you recommend to a newcomer to the genre?
Summarise what a gamebook is to a newcomer in 100 characters or fewer.
Why are gamebooks great compared to games or books?
Where did you come up with your ideas for gamebook stories?
Where did you come up with your ideas for gamebook game systems (in this case additional rules for FF)?
When it comes to writing a gamebook, what's the most important thing that you do?
What inspired you to write an amateur gamebook?
What has writing a gamebook taught you?
What have you got coming up in terms of your gamebook projects?
Do you have any websites/blogs/Twitter feeds?
What do you think the future of gamebooks is?

Many thanks for your time and support.

Stuart

Phil Sadler
Sun Mar 11 20:11:21 2012

What was the first gamebook you read (that wasn't your own)?
Deathtrap Dungeon

What is your favourite gamebook?
House of Hell.

What gamebooks/interactive fiction would you recommend to a newcomer to the genre?
Something easy like Forest of Doom or perhaps something 'forgiving' like Legend of Zagor.

Summarise what a gamebook is to a newcomer in 100 characters or fewer.
A great way of reading a book without the effort of a fully fledged novel

Why are gamebooks great compared to games or books?
You can change the course of the story; you can be the hero.

Where did you come up with your ideas for gamebook stories?
Deathtrap Dugeon, House of Hell and Temple of Terror, but also many others such as Way of the Tiger and Lone Wolf.

Where did you come up with your ideas for gamebook game systems (in this case additional rules for FF)?
The instant death rule of mine is from Lone Wolf. The deadlock rule i'm not sure about, maybe I've forgotten.

When it comes to writing a gamebook, what's the most important thing that you do?
Keep throwing interesting decisions at the player: real choices that actually mean something.

What inspired you to write an amateur gamebook?
Deathtrap Dungeon.

What has writing a gamebook taught you?
It's easy to make things too difficult.

What have you got coming up in terms of your gamebook projects?
Nothing I'm afraid.

Do you have any websites/blogs/Twitter feeds?
What do you think the future of gamebooks is?

Phil Sadler
Sun Mar 11 20:13:12 2012

The future of gamebooks may well be Destiny Quest.

Robert Douglas
Sun Mar 11 21:32:13 2012

'Star Strider' in 1985.

I have about twenty favourites - and can't choose between them!

'City of Thieves' or perhaps 'Scorpion Swamp' would perhaps be the most basic for first-timers.

An adventure of a lifetime lies within your hands!

Whilst offering an exciting story with great characters, gamebooks are more interactive; defeating monsters, discovering valuable items, and solving puzzles gives the player a sense of achievement.

Lone Wolf, Freeway Warrior, and perhaps the entire FF series has influenced my writing in some way or another. Steve Jackson's 'Fighting Fantasy - An Introduction to the Roleplaying Game' had some helpful tips and suggestions when creating a gamebook adventure. The Advanced (Dungeoneer, Blacksand, and Allansia) expanded on gameplay ideas. The story/dialogue elements inspired by Peter F Hamilton's sci-fi novels and Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series. Certain films and tv series also influenced my writing ideas.

'Below Zero Point' features Armour, perhaps from 'Legend of the Shadow Warriors'. The Magic in 'Prison of Pestilence' came from a mix of Sorcery! and 'Citadel of Chaos'. 'Snakeland Scorpion's' Lore skills are similar to several other titles in FF and using a Bow is from Lone Wolf. Fear is a continuation in 'Curse of Drumer', its Guns idea borrowed from 'Freeway Fighter' and 'Freeway Warrior'.

I have a general idea in my head of what I want to do, then plan it loosely from the very start, coming up with the plot direction and obstacles as I go along. I bear in mind frequency of die rolls, number of enemies, inserting certain items for player to discover as bonuses, penalties for carelessness.

Serious attempts after reading Joe Dever's style, and gaining valuable literary experience from Peter F Hamilton.

Questioning the journey itself as opposed to the destination.

My 90 entry gamebook for the Windhammer Competition was been completed two months ago (waiting for the official green light, 1st August). Currently working on second instalment in the Sean Calibre Case Files. Considering a sci-fi idea set on modern-day Earth - if that makes any sense to you!

No website - at the moment I'm quite happy being a contributor.

It's difficult to say. But through the internet and downloads on to Kindle and E-books are the best way for them to be preserved; no concerns over 'out of print' titles! And of course: online (amateur) gamebooks, including reviews, articles, and other information, would certainly be kept alive by constant community interest. If FF is discontinued for the second time, then popular websites will be upholding the gamebook hobby. I believe there's always going to be fans - perhaps for decades to come...?

Stuart Lloyd
Sun Mar 11 22:28:19 2012

Thanks guys! I'll have a great A post!

Gaetano Abbondanza
Mon Mar 12 01:06:10 2012

What was the first gamebook you read (that wasn't your own)?

THE CAVE OF TIME

What is your favourite gamebook?

HEART OF ICE by Dave Morris

What gamebooks/interactive fiction would you recommend to a newcomer to the genre?

LONE WOLF SERIES OR VIRTUAL REALITY SERIES

Summarise what a gamebook is to a newcomer in 100 characters or fewer.

INTERACTIVE FICTION: THE READER CONTROLS THE STORY BY MAKING DECISIONS THAT CONTROL THE FLOW OF EVENTS

Why are gamebooks great compared to games or books?

THEY'RE A COMBINATION OF A STORY AND A PUZZLE WITH AN ULTIMATE GOAL FOR THE READER TO STRIVE TOWARDS

Where did you come up with your ideas for gamebook stories?

GAMEBOOKS THAT I'VE READ; MYTHS, LEGENDS AND HISTORY

Where did you come up with your ideas for gamebook game systems (in this case additional rules for FF)?

INFLUENCED BY OTHER GAMEBOOK SYSTEMS AND ALSO THINKING ABOUT THINGS THAT THE READER WOULD FIND NOVEL OR FUN

When it comes to writing a gamebook, what's the most important thing that you do?

MAKE IT FUN; TRY TO PRODUCE SOMETHING THAT I WOULD WANT TO READ

What inspired you to write an amateur gamebook?

MY LOVE OF THE GENRE

What has writing a gamebook taught you?

WRITING CREATIVELY IS BOTH FUN AND CHALLENGING!

What have you got coming up in terms of your gamebook projects?

"DEVIL'S FLIGHT": 300 SECTION SPACE / HORROR ADVENTURE (THINK OF THE MOVIE "ALIENS"

Do you have any websites/blogs/Twitter feeds?

NOT AT THIS TIME

What do you think the future of gamebooks is?

ONLINE APPS SUCH AS WWW.GAMEBOOKADVENTURES.COM

Haoie
Thu Mar 29 19:46:02 2012

Anyone see the new artwork from Blood of the Zombie? Looks suitably gruesome!

Robert Douglas
Tue Apr 3 16:11:13 2012

Hi Stuart, nice to see the interviews up and running. Every little bit helps.

I stand corrected about Star Strider's release date - but for some reason Luke Sharp's gamebook is stuck in my head as the very first time I encountered FF; my visit must have been later than I'd said. Still, Creature of Havoc is definitely the first gamebook I bought.

Robert Douglas
Thu Apr 5 22:17:59 2012

This might sound an odd thing to ask, but: which of your favourite song theme can inspire a gamebook idea?

Perhaps we could make a competition out of it?

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