Hello. People have probably noticed I've not been as verbal in the past while, --- both here and on the audiogames.net forums. Partly this is due to me actually getting some work done for a change, but also this is because I've been investigating a really interesting game, ---- the dungeon exploration Roguelike Angband.
I found that mucking about with certain graphical options and changing tile size made the game's display visible for me, and of course Hal would read the text without any trouble. I've tried roguelikes before, but found the ascii graphics too small to see, and too confusing with a screen reader, however Angband's graphical tile set does work for me. I've been having discussions on the forum and E-mailing the game's maintainer about making a few changes to the game to allow it to be played without reference to the graphics, ---- ascii or otherwise. There are already several really useful options, such as the ability to list all visible monsters and items on screen at a key press, the ability to click betwene interesting objects, and to targit them remotely without having to use direction. I believe that if a coordinates system for examined objects, a directional look command, and possibly some extra messages about uncovered exits, the game would be entirely playable without reference to the graphics, simply as a grid based, complex rpg with a heavy combat basis. I'm pleased to say I got the following response from the maintainer recently: Thanks very much for the email. I did read the forum thread, but for various reasons haven't had time to fully consider what you've written yet. I will file bugs on the bug tracker for what you suggest and hopefully get them in for the 3.1.2 release. Andi Sinse the current release is 3.10, this might be a while, ---- stil I do find it encouraging. Angband is a fantastic game, and what's more, has innumerable varients which use the same game engine (and thus would also be accessible), and I deffinately hope more people will find it easier to play soon. Ps: I know Zac has played it already using ascii graphics, so I'd appreciate his oppinion here. Beware the Grue! Dark. --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to gamers-unsubscr...@audyssey.org. You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/gam...@audyssey.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to gamers-ow...@audyssey.org.