Looking for immersive sci-fi stories where your choices matter? Here are 10 text adventures you need to play:
Infinity Arcade - 23,400+ games covering space operas to cyberpunk
AI Dungeon - Endless AI-generated stories adapting to your input
CYPHER - Cyberpunk thriller set in neon-drenched NeoSushi
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Zany space adventure by Douglas Adams
Planetfall - Classic Infocom space mystery with lovable robot Floyd
Spider and Web - Mind-bending spy thriller with unreliable memories
A Mind Forever Voyaging - Explore simulated futures as an AI
Slouching Towards Bedlam - Steampunk horror in 1885 London asylum
Solarium - Post-apocalyptic 1954 blending history and fantasy
Choice of Robots - Design robots and shape 30 years of AI history
Quick Comparison:
| Game | Key Features | Genre | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity Arcade | 23,400+ games, user-created content | Various sci-fi | Mixed |
| AI Dungeon | AI-generated, endless stories | Various | Easy |
| CYPHER | Cyberpunk visuals, strict parser | Cyberpunk | Hard |
| Hitchhiker's Guide | Douglas Adams humor, tough puzzles | Space comedy | Very hard |
| Planetfall | Classic Infocom, emotional story | Space mystery | Medium |
| Spider and Web | Unreliable narrator, spy gadgets | Spy thriller | Hard |
| A Mind Forever Voyaging | Political commentary, exploration-focused | Futuristic simulation | Medium |
| Slouching Towards Bedlam | 5 endings, psychological horror | Steampunk horror | Medium |
| Solarium | Cold War alt-history, nonlinear | Historical sci-fi | Medium |
| Choice of Robots | 300,000 words, branching paths | AI/robotics | Easy-Medium |
These games offer unique sci-fi experiences through text. Try them to explore alien worlds, uncover conspiracies, and shape the future - all through the power of words and your imagination.
Text Adventures - Lost Treatures of Infocom
Why Text-Based Games Are Popular Again
Text adventures are back. Why? Modern tech and a love for interactive stories. Here's the scoop:
AI Storytelling
AI Dungeon hit the scene in 2019. It uses AI to create unique stories based on what you type. Every game is different.
Easy to Play, Easy to Make
Text games work for almost everyone. Andruid, a writer and gamer, says:
"Text-based RPGs offer a different kind of gaming experience that emphasizes imagination, storytelling, and strategic thinking."
You can play them on phones, computers, or tablets. And with tools like Twine, anyone can make them. No coding needed.
Old School Meets New Cool
People are rediscovering classic text games from the 70s and 80s. But new games are pushing limits too.
Jon-Paul Dyson, who knows his game history, explains:
"While limiting the player's actual options to a manageable set of recognized commands, those pioneering text-based interfaces could, in the hands of a good programmer and writer, provide the illusion of a world of infinite possibilities."
It's All About the Story
In a world of flashy graphics, text games focus on narrative. They let you dive deep into characters and complex plots.
For sci-fi lovers, it's a chance to explore rich universes through words. Whether you're on alien planets or solving future mysteries, text adventures offer a unique trip that's winning over gamers again.
Infinity Arcade's Sci-Fi Collection
Infinity Arcade is a text adventure lover's dream. With 23,400+ games, it's THE place for sci-fi fans who crave story-driven experiences.
Here's what makes Infinity Arcade's sci-fi collection special:
It covers everything from space operas to cyberpunk
You can make your own games
Finding new adventures is a breeze
Sci-fi themes you'll find:
| Theme | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Space Exploration | New planets, alien life |
| Time Travel | Change history, shape the future |
| AI and Robotics | Interact with AIs, face ethical questions |
| Dystopian Futures | Survive post-apocalyptic worlds |
| Alien Encounters | Meet and greet ET |
No fancy graphics here - just pure, immersive storytelling. It's like diving into a sci-fi book, but YOU control the story.
Whether you want a quick space adventure or a long, twisting tale, Infinity Arcade's got you covered. And if you can't find exactly what you're looking for? Make it yourself!
2. AI Dungeon
AI Dungeon takes text adventures to new heights. It uses deep learning to create endless, AI-generated stories that respond to your input.
What makes AI Dungeon special:
The AI adapts to your choices, creating unique storylines each time
Explore sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and more
Team up with friends to craft stories together
AI models available:
| Model | Features |
|---|---|
| Griffin | Free, less stable |
| Dragon | Better for literary stories |
| Mixtral & Mythomax | More consistent, realistic dialogue |
Since its 2019 launch, AI Dungeon has evolved:
User-friendly story card interface
Better AI models for storytelling
Create and share custom settings
Tips for AI Dungeon:
1. Try different genres
2. Use "Do", "Say", "Story", and "See" commands
3. Test various AI models
The AI can sometimes give odd responses, especially in the free version.
"Imagine a book... written while you wait, by a room full of unhinged authors hopped up on sherbet and gin." - Craig Grannell, Stuff Review
This quote nails AI Dungeon's wild storytelling. It's this surprise factor that keeps players hooked.
Sci-fi fans can explore alien worlds, time travel, or navigate dystopian futures – all guided by your imagination and the AI's knowledge.
3. CYPHER: Cyberpunk Text Adventure
CYPHER drops you into NeoSushi's neon-drenched streets. It's 2012, and you're Dogeron "Dog" Kenan, a small-time crook with a passcode fragment in your brain.
What makes CYPHER stand out?
Split-screen: Story and input left, visuals right
Ambient sounds (rain, traffic) for immersion
Printable "feelies" (ads, brochures)
It's old-school text adventure meets modern design. But heads up: the parser's strict. You'll need "turn videophone on", not "turn on videophone."
CYPHER's price tags:
| Version | Cost | You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $15 | Game + printables |
| Collector | $20 | Basic + digital hints |
| Deluxe | $25 | Collector + signed copy, extra papercraft |
Players love the art and vibe but gripe about writing and parser issues. It's tough, too.
"Unique, not just another text adventure. But man, it's HARD." - The Goug' Blog
Playing CYPHER? Try this:
Map it out and take notes
Study those manuals and "feelies"
Patience is key with the tricky parser and puzzles
CYPHER channels Blade Runner and Akira vibes. It's not perfect, but it's a fresh spin on text adventures for sci-fi buffs craving a dark, corporate future fix.
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Ready for a wild ride? The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy game throws you into Douglas Adams' zany universe. You're Arthur Dent, and your house (and planet) are about to go boom.
The game starts with Arthur trying to save his home from bulldozers. But that's just the warm-up. Soon, you're zooming across the galaxy.
What makes this game special?
Douglas Adams co-wrote it
It's packed with the series' weird humor
The puzzles are TOUGH (looking at you, Babel Fish)
You get cool stuff with it (like a pin and some pocket fluff)
Fair warning: This game is HARD. Many players hit a wall early on. But that's part of the fun.
"Just as the player gets comfortable in the narrow neck, the bottom drops out!" - Douglas Adams, Game Designer
Want to play? Here are your options:
| Version | Where to Play | What's Cool About It |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Apple II, Mac, Commodore 64, MS-DOS | The OG experience |
| 20th Anniversary | BBC website | Won a BAFTA |
| 30th Anniversary | BBC website | Works on phones |
The newest version even tweets your game moves. Space Twitter, anyone?
Pro tip: Try not to die before Arthur leaves his house. And heads up, this game loves to kill you in funny ways.
So grab your towel and jump in. If you like clever, brain-bending text adventures, you can't miss this sci-fi classic.
5. Planetfall
Strap in for Infocom's 1983 space adventure, Planetfall. You're an Ensign Seventh Class on the S.P.S. Feinstein. But your ship's about to explode!
After escaping, you crash on a mysterious planet. Your job? Solve an alien artifact puzzle, fix broken stuff, and wake up the locals.
What makes Planetfall special:
Floyd: Your robot buddy who'll make you laugh (and maybe cry)
Time pressure: Save the planet before it's too late
Laughs and chills: Jokes mixed with a creepy plague
Steve Meretzky, the game's creator, packed it with humor. Even the packaging jokes about bureaucracy.
But it's not all fun and games. Planetfall can hit you in the feels:
"Floyd did it ... got card. Floyd a good friend, huh?"
This scene, where Floyd sacrifices himself, is a gaming tearjerker.
Want to play? Here's the scoop:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | August 1983 |
| Platforms | Apple II, Atari ST, Amiga, MS-DOS |
| Death Count | 41 |
| Early Sales | 65,000 copies (first 16 months) |
Heads up: You'll need to manage food and drink. Some players find it annoying.
Planetfall mixes laughs, heart, and brain-teasers. Ready to explore? Just watch out for those 41 ways to die!
sbb-itb-08f0cde
6. Spider and Web
Andrew Plotkin's 1998 text adventure Spider and Web is a mind-bending spy thriller that'll keep you guessing.
You start in an alley, facing a metal door. But that's not the real story. You're actually being interrogated, forced to relive your memories for a mysterious captor.
Here's what makes it special:
Your character's memories might be lies
You'll replay scenes to convince your interrogator
You'll use high-tech gadgets to solve puzzles
The game's structure is unlike anything else. As Giannis G. Georgiou puts it:
"Spider and Web features some of the most memorable gadgets ever introduced in an adventure game."
| Game Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | May 4, 1998 |
| Platform | Z-code 5 |
| Language | English |
| Awards | 5 XYZZY Awards (1998) |
| IFDB Ranking | #1 on Top 50 of All Time |
This isn't just a game. It's a battle of wits. You'll need to outsmart your interrogator by telling different versions of your story. Maybe you'll suddenly "remember" a lockpick that was taken from you earlier. It's all about thinking on your feet.
Fair warning: It's tough. The game has a "Tough" cruelty rating, so expect hard puzzles and potential dead-ends. Save often and don't be afraid to start over.
Want to try your hand at being a spy? Download Spider and Web from IFDB or play it in your browser on Plotkin's website. Just remember: NOTHING is what it seems.
7. A Mind Forever Voyaging
"A Mind Forever Voyaging" (AMFV) isn't your typical text adventure. This 1985 Infocom game puts you in the circuits of PRISM, an AI exploring a simulated future.
Here's the deal:
You're in Rockvil, Dakota (but not really)
Your job? Check out a new political plan's effects
You'll jump through time, seeing how things change
What's cool about AMFV? It's all about looking around, not solving puzzles. And man, there's a lot to see.
"A Mind Forever Voyaging is a game with a huge map and a plethora of details and occurrences that create not only a fascinating backdrop, but a level of replayability that is otherwise rare in adventure games." - Steven Watson, Adventure Gamers
Think of it as the "1984" of games. It's taking shots at 1980s American politics, especially Reagan's stuff.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Released | 1985 |
| Made by | Infocom |
| You play as | PRISM (aka Perry Simm) |
| Where | Fake city of Rockvil, Dakota |
AMFV shook up interactive fiction. It showed games could tackle big ideas and still be fun.
If you're into sci-fi and want to try something different, give it a shot. You don't need to be a text adventure pro to enjoy it.
Want to play? You can grab it on Amazon or use an interactive fiction interpreter. Just remember: in this game, your eyes are your best tool.
8. Slouching Towards Bedlam
"Slouching Towards Bedlam" is a text adventure that mixes steampunk, mystery, and psychological horror. Set in London's Bedlam Hospital in 1885, you play a doctor hiding a dark secret.
The game won first place in the 2003 Interactive Fiction Competition and offers 5 different endings based on your choices. The plot? You're infected with "Logos", a virus that spreads through language.
You start in an office, listening to a brass phonograph. From there, you'll explore the asylum, uncovering clues about your past and the Logos virus.
| Game Details | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Daniel Ravipinto and Star Foster |
| Setting | Steampunk Victorian London |
| Genre | Interactive Fiction, Mystery, Horror |
| Platform | Text-based |
| Awards | 4 XYZZY Awards (2003) |
What's unique? There's no clear "right" or "wrong" path. Your interpretation shapes the outcome.
"Slouching Towards Bedlam was always intended to be a piece of interactive fiction." - Daniel Ravipinto, Co-Creator
The game explores free will and consequences. It's not just puzzle-solving; it's about making sense of a complex, unsettling world.
For sci-fi fans, it's a mix of historical setting and futuristic ideas. The steampunk elements add intrigue to the mysterious plot.
Want a thought-provoking challenge? Try "Slouching Towards Bedlam." But be warned: your choices might stick with you long after you've finished.
9. Solarium
Solarium is a text adventure that mixes sci-fi, fantasy, and Cold War history. Created by Brendan Patrick Hennessy and Alan DeNiro, it drops you into a post-apocalyptic 1954, one year after a nuclear disaster.
You play as a supernatural being trying to uncover the truth behind the apocalypse. The game is packed with references to literature, religion, and real Cold War events.
What makes Solarium stand out:
Nonlinear storytelling with multiple paths
Two possible endings based on your final choice
Clickable Twine format with an alchemical system
Real Cold War documents and events woven into the story
| Game Details | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Brendan Patrick Hennessy and Alan DeNiro |
| Release Date | September 29, 2013 |
| Platform | Twine (browser-based) |
| Playtime | 30+ minutes |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical |
The game's story centers on a U.S. preemptive strike against the Soviet Union in the 1950s, influenced by a supernatural being called the archon. This mix of history and fantasy creates a chilling narrative.
"Solarium...is one of the creepiest pieces of speculative fiction I've read, because within its framework of fantasy, alchemy, and interference from immortal spirits, it contains an element that is horrific-but-true: the story of Cold War hysteria and of how close we came to blowing ourselves up in the mid-20th century." - Emily Short, Author and Game Designer
Solarium dives deep into Cold War mentality, CIA interventions, and the fantasy of a winnable nuclear war. It's a thought-provoking experience that'll stick with you.
To get the most out of the game:
Explore different paths to uncover all the narrative layers
Pay attention to the alchemical system - it's key to the story
Play it more than once - you'll likely spot new details each time
You can play Solarium for free on its official website, Steam, or Itch. If you're into text adventures that blend history, sci-fi, and make you think, give Solarium a shot.
10. Choice of Robots
Choice of Robots is a text-based game where you're a robotics grad student. Kevin Gold, who teaches at Northeastern University, made this game that dives deep into AI and robotics.
What's cool about Choice of Robots?
It covers 30 years of your character's life with 300,000 words of content
Your choices REALLY matter, leading to totally different stories
It tackles big questions about AI, human-robot relationships, and tech consequences
| Game Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Creator | Kevin Gold |
| Released | December 2014 |
| Where to play | Browser, iOS, Android |
| How long to play | 2-3 hours per run |
| Type of game | Sci-Fi, Interactive Fiction |
You get to design your robot from scratch. Want a box with eyes on wheels? A flying furry puppet? Or maybe a spider-robot with all-around vision? Your choices shape how it looks, what it does, and its personality.
The story branches out like crazy. One game, you might end up fighting your own creation. Another, you could have a family and try to keep a war between China and America from getting too bloody.
"Choice of Robots might make you think about the future, but it's not covering new ground philosophically." - Kevin Gold, the guy who made it
To get the most out of the game:
Watch your robot's stats - they change based on what you do
Play it more than once to see different stories
Think about what your choices might lead to down the road
You can buy Choice of Robots for $6 as a browser game, a download, or on your phone (iOS and Android). If you're into sci-fi and want a game that makes you think about robots, ethics, and personal stories, give this one a shot.
Wrap-up
Sci-fi text adventures blend storytelling and player choice in a unique way. They're making a comeback, attracting both old fans and new players.
Why try sci-fi text adventures?
They fire up your imagination
Your choices shape the story
They explore big ideas
You can play them almost anywhere
Kevin Gold, who made Choice of Robots, says:
"Choice of Robots might make you think about the future, but it's not covering new ground philosophically."
This shows how these games can make you think about real issues through made-up stories.
New to text adventures? Here's how to start:
| Tip | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Keep it simple | Try well-known games like "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" |
| Take notes | Write down important info as you play |
| Try things out | Make different choices to see what happens |
| Talk to others | Join online groups for tips and chat |
Text adventures are more than games. They're stories YOU help tell. You might solve puzzles on a spaceship or build robots in the future. Either way, you're diving into sci-fi ideas hands-on.
So jump in. Let your imagination go wild. You might find yourself lost in a world of words, making choices that echo across virtual space.
Tips for Starting Text Adventures
Text adventures mix storytelling with player choice. Here's how to get started:
1. Start simple
Try beginner-friendly games like "Bronze" by Emily Short or "The Dreamhold" by Andrew Plotkin. They'll teach you the basics.
2. Learn the lingo
Text adventures use specific commands:
| Command Type | Example |
|---|---|
| One-word action | LOOK, JUMP, SING |
| Action + direct object | TAKE THE BOOK |
| Action + direct + indirect object | PUT THE TOAST IN THE TOASTER |
| Order to character | RONALD, GIVE ME THE FRIES |
| Communication | ASK RONALD ABOUT THE FRIES |
| Special command | SAVE, RESTORE |
3. Map it out
Draw a map as you play. It helps you navigate and remember important spots.
4. Use HELP
Stuck? Type HELP for in-game tips.
5. Try different approaches
If a command doesn't work, rephrase it or try something else.
6. Take notes
Write down key info, clues, and puzzle solutions.
7. Explore creation tools
Want to make your own text adventure? Check out these platforms:
| Tool | Features |
|---|---|
| Adrift | GUI-based, no coding needed, Windows-only |
| Inform 7 | Write in plain English, cross-platform |
| Twine | Free, open-source, good for nonlinear stories |
8. Join the community
Connect with other players on forums like rec.games.int-fiction for tips and discussions.
