Screenshot of the QDK program in both edit and play modes on Windows XP. Courtesy of textadventures.co.uk and Axe Software.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with a text-based RPG maker called Quest (or QDK). The program is relatively simple to use, but has the potential to create extremely complex games using advanced scripting, if/then statements, commands, timers, etc. I’ve seen several great games developed as examples so far by other QDK programmers themselves and they have inspired me to start working on one of my own games. I’m releasing this exclusively at Omni Labs and at Project Animus (since PA has a forum for such “out of the box” stuff).

Running the game is simple. It integrates both point-and-click and command line functions to make navigation and user control simple. And, yes, I’ve said before, the entire game is text-based though it has the capability of integrating images, flash (like YouTube videos, etc.), music, and so much more. The object of the game I’m developing now is to play as John Moreau, a private eye working for the firm Black & Wilson in New York City, and help the local police and FBI to solve the kidnapping of the French ambassador’s son. But the game isn’t as simple as you may first think. It’s more than just finding clues and objects, and moving around the world to different locations, it’s about making the tough decisions. As you progress in the game, the decisions you have to make become more difficult and demand critical thinking. Make the wrong choice one moment and you may face some undesirable consequences later on. 

Currently, I’m releasing a quick beta version of the game. For the time being you will only be able to move your character around a few rooms in the Black & Wilson private investigation firm. There’s little back story to everything right now only because I’m wanting to test out the installation and see what you guys think of the game controls, and whether or not you’d be interested in receiving a full version to play.

If you would like to help me with this you have two options for running the game:

1. Download the .exe file we have created for you to use.
2. Download the QDK client and then download our .cas file to your computer. When you have installed Quest (QDK) on your computer, open the program to play a game (not create/edit) and then open up the .cas file you downloaded.