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Rematch.gam
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rematch.txt
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Rematch

by Andrew D. Pontious

2000

(based on 24 ratings)
1 member review

Game Details

Language: English (en)
Current Version: Release 1.0.4
License: Freeware
Development System: TADS 2
Baf's Guide ID: 1114
IFID: TADS2-3FA303BD4E8E3D9E6244BB10E0081089
TUID: 22oqimzgf8snv002

Awards

Winner, Best Individual Puzzle - 2000 XYZZY Awards

Editorial Reviews

Baf's Guide


Like Aisle, this is a game that only lasts one move; you're expected to repeat that move many, many times. Unlike Aisle, though, this is a puzzle game--there's a problem you're trying to solve in that one move. It's a pretty complex problem, moreover, and the parser is accordingly expanded--in some syntaxes, up to five nouns, well beyond the norm. Not only is the puzzle difficult, but there are some red herrings that make the puzzle even harder--but it's also very satisfying when you finally do solve it. Both funny and grim--lots of amusing stuff around the edges, but the puzzle itself isn't particularly funny. A few nudges are included in the game, but no explicit spoilers.

-- Duncan Stevens

IF-Review
It's a successful if somewhat evil puzzle. I was confused when it was going on, then gradually had more and more of a sense of what I wanted to do; at the end, however, it all clicked together with a satisfying snap, leaving no loose ends.

As writing or story I think it is slightly less successful. Even excellent descriptions and dialogue begin to pall on the 129th reading, and much of the NPC conversation has a somewhat stiff and unconvincing quality. There is a good reason for this, gameplay-wise, but it lends strength to the impression, especially on repeated playings, that these are clockwork people carrying out their clockwork functions in a world where you alone are sentient.
See the full review

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Member Reviews

5 star:
(7)
4 star:
(11)
3 star:
(6)
2 star:
(0)
1 star:
(0)
Average Rating:
Number of Reviews: 1
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Snapshot of some characters, June 17, 2009
by Brian Conn (Rhode Island)
As the reviews above say: one turn, one monster puzzle, and so you have to keep replaying, exploring, and dying in order to gradually construct the single complex move that will leave you with a happy(ish) ending.

My favorite feature is the way the relationships among the three main characters (player character and two friends) become clear as you keep playing. There's a history behind the moment you find yourself in, and you can use your turn to explore that history as well as your physical environment. I end up being more interested in the way the solution (as well as certain unsuccessful attempts) affects the interpersonal dynamics of the characters than in the technical details of how it saves everyone's life.

I like it. I like Aisle too. (Aisle is another one-turn game, also very good, and so an obvious comparison. But if you haven't played it, then this paragraph won't do much for you.) There's something about about the idea of approaching one key moment from a hundred different angles that appeals to me. Rematch is different from Aisle in that you have a clear and difficult goal, and the fictional world and characters are consistent from run to run -- so it's maybe more reality-bound than Aisle, less whimsical, more a problem to solve than an identity to explore.

As for the puzzle, it's difficult, but certainly solvable with patience.

If you enjoyed Rematch...

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Polls

The following polls include votes for Rematch:

Most unique games by Jeremy Freese
Whatever else might be said about ___________, there's not another game like it.

Fate vs Free Will Games by loocas
I imagine that the interactive nature of IF would allow themes of fate and free will to be used powerfully. Perhaps the PC is given a glimpse of his or her future and the player tries to avoid it. Are there games in which this is done?...

Games with great puzzles by Molly
Games that have great puzzle-design. The puzzles need to be logical and internally consistent.

See all polls with votes for this game




This is version 2 of this page, edited by Emily Short on 5 April 2008 at 1:12pm. - View Update History - Edit This Page - Add a News Item