Number three in my submission to Interactive Fiction Writing Month 2009, "Last Train To Nowhere" is based on a short story that I would *like* to write. This may explain why the narrative of this game is more restrictive than my last two pieces, and I'm not certain it's an approach that I will take again. 

Week three required us to implement an NPC essential for the completion of the story. There are three in this tale, all vital to moving the plot forward. They are mostly scripted, reactive, and non-autonomous. Not the most endearing of creations, but the best I could do within a few evenings.

Beware of bugs. Lots and lots of bugs. Again, there's been no time for beta-testing.

Finally, for those who may be offended: There's some adult language in this game.

"Last Train To Nowhere" comes with a built-in help and hint menu, but I've included a walkthrough in case all else fails.

I've also included the source text, which consists of two files:

mhilborn_3_source.txt
mhilborn_3_source_menu.txt

The first is the I7 source code. The second is the "Modified Help Menu" extension included by the source code. Should you wish to compile the code, you will need to have I7 install the extension source code. Consult your documentation for instructions.

Please send your feedback to mhilborn@biggles2k.com and thanks for playing. Enjoy! 


(All files within this package are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.)



SPOILER SPACE
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One a personal note, this is my least favorite of the three games I wrote, primarily because I feel the player is "railroaded" (pun intended) through the plot. The NPCs do little except react to the player, although two will converse with each other when prompted.

After completing the game, I realized that all of my submissions thus far revolve around the destruction of a male-female relationship, two tragic in their final hours, one comical. Clearly this says something about my psyche at the moment, and I wonder what Freudian vision my fourth piece will conjure.