this post was submitted on 03 Feb 2024
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A more relaxing way to play text-based games? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 9 months ago by GrappleHat@lemmy.ml to c/retrogaming@lemmy.world
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I like text-based games (like from ifdb), but I don't like sitting at attention in front of my computer like I do all day at work. Any ideas for how to play these effectively without being on a computer?

  • I've hacked a Kindle Paperwhite & used an on-screen virtual keyboard to play these games. That worked OK, but the virtual keyboard is very imprecise and frustrating.

  • I've similarly hacked a Kindle 3 (the last model to include a physical keyboard). I hoped the physical keyboard would do the trick. Unfortunately, the key buttons are convex & very stiff - which hurt my fingertips after even short play sessions.

Any other ideas? Or is this a fool's errand?

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[–] fkn@lemmy.world 9 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Maybe I am confused why you can't play them on a smartphone?

[–] xyzzy@lemm.ee 1 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

Smartphone software like messaging or notes is built with imprecision in mind. I don't know about you, but I use the swype method (moving a finger continuously from key to key and lifting at the end of the word) and when writing a message I still spend like 50% of the time correcting mistakes from the virtual keyboard.

Because these are usually short messages, you'd instead likely be hunting and pecking the virtual keys, but without the tactile feedback of a real keyboard. For games that are all about text, it's a preference thing.

Plus a phone comes with a ton of distractions that a dedicated device without notifications doesn't. Sure, you could turn on do not disturb while playing a text game but that feels a little intense. Don't bother me, it's Zork time!!

And if you really think about it, your question is basically like asking why anyone would need a Nintendo Switch when mobile games have virtual controls.

[–] fkn@lemmy.world 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I wasn't trying to be dismissive. You bring up several good points. I asked because what seems to me the most obvious small form factor answer hadn't been considered at all.

[–] xyzzy@lemm.ee 1 points 9 months ago

All good, I know you weren't and didn't take it that way!

[–] GrappleHat@lemmy.ml 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

A smartphone's virtual keyboard would be worse (smaller) than the Kindle's, wouldn't it? Maybe I should try it though. I mean, I'm pecking this message on my smartphone's virtual keyboard so...

[–] fkn@lemmy.world 0 points 9 months ago

Lol. That's my thought. We use the virtual keyboards a lot already. Like the other poster said there are some drawbacks but I find it much easier than any physical mini keyboard (far less strain).