First, I'm download the node.js program that is required to use it. It's taking longer than expected!
Next, I have to reboot the computer to work node.js! (Fantastic! 😑)
Next, I finally download ChoiceScript!
I am able to use ChoiceScript for non-commercial (educational) purposes as stated in their license agreement!
What I find interesting about ChoiceScript is that no programming is needed and the script is very approachable and friendly to writers. As seen below, most of the script is done on Notepad with choice commands indicated by the *choice input being indicated as such and the choices themselves with the # symbol followed by text and *finish to indicate the end of the choice option. You can nestle branching multiple choices into a single choice by indenting for more robust options and nuance as shown with the first choice in the screen below.
There's also a stats screen and variables that you can implement into the game! The variables for the stats are also included in the beginning sections of the startup text shown above.
While this is nice, I can already see that making an involved text-based training or story might be a bit confusing to parse through with this script! In any case, let's get to making a simple scene! Using the startup text, I'll make a quick scene. I edited the start-up text and came across a problem as shown in the second screen below.
It looks like I have an issue with tabs and spaces appearing on the same line! I'll have to do more of a deep dive in tutorials and learning ChoiceScript. But working with nestled/branching choices will be more complex than necessary I think. Once I get into some tutorials and looking through the forums, I can then evaluate whether this is something I'd like to use. Tomorrow, finish with ChoiceScript and start on Inklewriter!
Week-to-Week Plan
Week 4 Continue on evaluating these text-based engines
Week 5 Show results in class, choose engine/tool, and work on Project!
Week 6-9 Work on this darn project and not piss off the Professor!
