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2006: Dwarf Fortress

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Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#2
It is important, when contemplating Dwarf Fortress, to realise a couple of things.

Firstly, and most obviously, the game is clearly some sort of work of art. The exact nature of the art is a bit difficult to pin down - certainly isn't an exercise in graphics and the plot is inconsistent between playthroughs - but nevertheless.

The second thing to observe is it appears to be a life's work. A lifetime has not actually passed, but still there is a singleminded dedication here that is unusual.

Thirdly, it is impossible for this sort of art to be a true lifetimes work because computers havn't been powerful enough to do this sort of thing for the full 50 years it takes to dedicate a life to one thing. Furthermore, not enough people have been exposed to computers yet.

If humanity survives to 2121, there are going to be some amazing games. Gamemakers like Tarn, possible multiple generations of gamemakers, polishing these things will have some remarkable outcomes. I am glad to be around now at the birth of computing, but it is all too easy to envy the people who will be young in the 22nd century.

Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#5
post #4

The fact that dwarf fortress generates lores and story, makes me feel like I need to try out this game. But it always seems hard to get into

You can go through and read the lore of a world without having to play.

Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#6
post #4

The fact that dwarf fortress generates lores and story, makes me feel like I need to try out this game. But it always seems hard to get into

if you install one of the "lazy newb pack" mods (this is the typical recommendation: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=126076.0) and watch a tutorial or two on how to use the interface, it's actually quite intuitive. Its interface is similar to vim in many ways.

Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#7
post #4

The fact that dwarf fortress generates lores and story, makes me feel like I need to try out this game. But it always seems hard to get into

if you install one of the "lazy newb pack" mods (this is the typical recommendation: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=126076.0 ) and watch a tutorial or two on how to use the interface, it's actually quite intuitive. Its interface is similar to vim in many ways.

ah if its similar to vim, then I might give it a try, thank you so much beacon. Sometimes I feel like that these are essential things in nerd culture lol, and I dont feel cultured enough because I dont know these. But yeah lemme fire this up and try

Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#8
post #4

The fact that dwarf fortress generates lores and story, makes me feel like I need to try out this game. But it always seems hard to get into

You could also wait for the steam version, which will have a much more intuitive UI.

Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#9
Dwarf Fortress is amazing. It's not for me, but I strongly feel that it's the most fascinating game out there. I'm happy it's out there and I hope the newly refreshed UI in the steam version lets others be as fascinated by it as I have. May it inspire a future generation of game makers!

Re: 2006: Dwarf Fortress

#10
post #2

It is important, when contemplating Dwarf Fortress, to realise a couple of things. Firstly, and most obviously, the game is clearly some sort of work of art. The exact nature of the art is a bit difficult to pin down - certainly isn't an exercise in graphics and the plot is inconsistent between playthroughs - but nevertheless. The second thing to observe is it appears to be a life's work. A lifetime has not actually…

Nicely put. DF is simply the best game I've ever played, and I've been hooked by many from many genres. The stories told within are insane.

I only play it every couple of years when the desire catches me, yet still patreon to DF. This is what games should be.

Obviously an insane barrier of entry, took me a few goes to 'get it' and even now i barely get it despite playing many varingly 'fun' forts. I watched many youtube lets plays to make different aspects be learnt.

Its a beautiful piece of art for sure.

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