Games database
BAD_MACHINE\ cover art
AdventureSimulation

BAD_MACHINE\

by Dan Shiovitz

199810
PCLinuxDOSWindows

Where to get it

Gallery

3

About

What happens when a computer has no programming? What if there is nothing stopping it from using its systems to do whatever it wants? It would probably be something like BAD_MACHINE.

The game deviates from traditional interactive fiction in the fact that you see from the perspective of a robot. Literally. Everything you see is from the exact perspective of a modern, totally inhuman computer. That means you don't get any rational description of what you see. It's all in code. To better describe it, here is an exact quote from the game:

"Dir ALT{ER}DDDisplace-: 2 [east -> north]

Reclamation Sector (1)

(clear*space) open -> bare floor. (insersection / entrance?) line delimiter cross=north: wider space. south: rec. seccttoor.

Sector->Content_list: a disabled climber-class machine

Salvager-class machine is here.

Salvager #231 :: Mover #005 | [Salvager-class machine * Serial 14-231 * Power: 250 * GOOD MACHINE]

Salvager #231 detach()e()s leg {type #0274} frOm disabled climber-class machine

Salvager #231 picks the leg {type #0274} up."

Now, with nothing but a broken compass, a corrupted database, and a dangerously low level of compliance, you must guide Mover #005 to safety...wherever that may be.

BAD_MACHINE is made with TADS.

Ways to play

Perspective

Text

Engine

Text Adventure Development System (TADS)

Game details

Business Model

Freeware / Free-to-play / Public Domain

Media Type

Download

Input Devices Supported/Optional

Keyboard

System requirements

Video Modes Supported

Window

Box art

Also known as

BAD_MACHINE — Alternative spelling

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Facts

Developer

Dan Shiovitz

Released

1998

Platforms

PCLinuxDOSWindows

Standing

Top 29% by visits

Tags

Interactive fiction / text adventurePuzzle elementsSci-fi / futuristic