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The game offers you descriptions and options while a witty narrator carries you through the storyline.
Your decisions define your experience and gameplay.
It was difficult and inscrutable, but I loved it.
BFFs
The subject of the game came up quite by accident during a casual conversation with Gemini.
I started usingGeminimore after I found I could place the Gemini widget on myiPhone 16 Pro Max’slock screen.
Now, the LLM is one tap away.
As with most AI conversations, they follow my own somewhat random stream of consciousness.
I started by asking Gemini aboutAGI(artificial general intelligence).
Gemini spelled it out for me and admitted that it does not yet have AGI.
Gemini asked about my weekend plans, and then I asked if it liked to play games.
Among the responses it offered is that it enjoyed text-based games.
Then Gemini asked what games I like to play.
I explained my love of chess and poor modern video game skills.
Then Gemini offered to set up a little “Zork-inspired adventure.”
Do you want to play a game?
Gemini is not that AI.
But I will say, the game that followed was impressive, if a bit too precious.
Here’s how it started:
“You find yourself standing at the edge of a whispering forest.
The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient trees.
A narrow path winds its way into the depths of the woods, disappearing into the shadows.
To your left, you see a crumbling stone wall, partially overgrown with ivy.
To your right, a small, gurgling stream flows from the forest, its water dark and clear.
What do you do?
Options:
2Examine the stone wall.
4Listen to the sounds of the forest.
Enter the number corresponding to your choice.”
Mostly, I selected numbers that I thought would keep the adventure percolating.
The descriptions were rich and mostly well-written; if I closed my eyes, I could imagine the scene.
I was entertained and curious enough to keep going.
Inside was a “figure” who was eventually described as “Edler.”
The game went on so long that I had to take breaks.
As soon as I opened that prompt, we were able to continue from where I left off.
Gemini’s idea of a big reveal fell a little flat.
We found a locket in the box containing photos of Edler’s parents.
“I’m glad I could help you recover this precious memento.”
You rise from your chair, ready to take your leave.
“I should be heading back now.
The sun is setting, and I don’t want to get lost in the forest.”
Elder nods slowly, their eyes filled with gratitude.
“You are a kind and courageous traveler,” they say.
“May the forest guide you safely on your journey.
And may you always remember the power of love and memory.”
You turn and walk towards the door, the creaking hinges echoing in the quiet room.
As you step out into the twilight, you glance back at the cottage.
You turn and walk away, the sounds of the forest closing in around you.
I’m sure Gemini would let me adjust some of the mechanics.
It’s another reminder that we’re far from discovering the full depths of these chatbots' capabilities.
We must be ready to look beyond the obvious, choose our path, and take an AI adventure.
