Six Micro Stories is brought to you by Robert Lafore the author of Two Heads of the Coin and His Majesty’s Ship Impetuous. Lafore’s games bring a unique twist to the genre in that the author is constantly striving to foster conversation between the player and the computer. In Lafore’s previous games he has the computer identifying key words that the player types in and then attempts to simulate a conversational interaction as realistically as possible. Certain words will serve to move the game forward. The concept is no different in Six Micro Stories however the setup is.
Lafore presents six short stories and by doing so places the character in an extremely unique situation and in some cases a moral dilemma.
In the first story, The Empty World, you play the role of a pilot who finds that the entire continent of North America has suddenly disappeared along with all radio signals. This sounds like something right out of a Stephen King story.
In The Unexpected Question you’re asked to explain, during an oral exam which determines how the rest of your life will play out, just what Art means to you.
In The Guilty Look you are faced with a moral dilemma as you are “seemingly” caught stealing a priceless heirloom; but not everything is always as it appears.
Fatal Admission has you playing the role of a spy whose assignment might be blown.
The short vignette Encounter in the Park is a bit different from the others as you find yourself in a chance encounter with who might be the girl of your dreams. Sometimes you have only a brief window of opportunity in life; can you strike up a conversation with this woman and keep her interested?
In The Big Deal your company is on the verge of bankruptcy but you may be able to save yourself and your family as it just received an offer to buy you out. Can you close the deal before it is too late?
Six Micro stories is short and sweet and if you’ve never played a Robert Lafore game you’re in for a unique experience because Lafore has his own spin on the interactive adventure medium.
Each of the six stories places you in a thought provoking situation and the reactions and experiences couldn’t be more diverse. The game was a welcome respite and diversion after my long, grueling experience with The Tarturian.