Some interactive fiction games (like "The Closet" and "Pick Your Poison") have a choose-your-own-adventure structure. Others, such as "The Study" and "Hide and Seek", are parser-based: you type commands at the bottom of the text in order to move around and interact with objects and characters. These types of games can be more challenging because you aren't necessarily told your options or how to move the story forward--but I think exploring the world is part of the fun!
If you are new to playing IF, you might find these commands useful:
Go east, west, north, or south.
Examine [object]. For example, you might examine the computer.
Open [object]
Take [object]
Drop [object]
Put [object] on [object]
Sit in/on [object]
Of course, there might be other commands specific to the game you are playing. If you've been frustrated trying to play my games, keep an eye out for walkthroughs of "The Study" and "Hide and Seek". I should have them up in the next couple of weeks.
If you're interested in a more in-depth tutorial, I recommend The Dreamhold. It was the first IF game I ever played, and I've been hooked since!
I love the idea of interactive fiction games offering different structures, whether it’s a choose-your-own-adventure or a more challenging parser-based approach. The thrill of discovering the story and figuring out your next move is what makes these games so engaging. It reminds me of the precision and challenge involved in using a Lil Bubba curb machine price—it requires understanding the tools and making careful decisions to achieve the perfect result, just like in these games!