Write your next move
Select a suggested action or describe what you want to attempt. State an action and its intent, not a guaranteed result; then wait for the response before deciding again.
Tidepool Evolution
Interactive fiction · Visible resources; one irreversible adaptation
DRAMAFORK / Interactive fiction
Tidepool Evolution
A new body can also close a path.
Before the tide rises, you are a tiny pool creature with three units of nourishment. A thick shell resists waves but will not fit a crevice.
- Genre
- Survival · Adaptation trade-offs
- Challenge
- Visible resources; one irreversible adaptation
- Story format
- A complete short story in 3–8 choices
01 / STORY
Game introduction
An interactive experience built around reading and choosing your next action. Explore at your own pace and interact with the story's world.
- How the story unfolds
- Story and simulation
- Starting choices
- Confirm the identity and starting choices offered by this work. These describe how you enter the story; there is no single required play style.
Story themes
- Survival
- Adaptation trade-offs
02 / PLAY
How you play
Story decisions and ongoing state share the same journey. Alternate between understanding the current scene and checking the conditions behind your next move. Follow the actual feedback rather than assuming that a successful outcome is guaranteed.
Actions for the current situation
The available choices are your starting point. An action can have requirements, costs or a different result from what you expected; read the current feedback before trying the next move.
Follow the consequences
Read the new scene and updated status together. Check the current objective and any changes before committing to another action, so each turn follows from the last.
Explore from a checkpoint
This work supports checkpoints. Use a checkpoint when the save controls offer one, and branch from it to try another route without replacing your original progress.
From your first move to the next scene
Create your player
Confirm the identity and starting choices offered by this work. These describe how you enter the story; there is no single required play style.
Read the situation
Read the current scene, status and available actions. Distinguish information the story has given you from assumptions you have not checked.
Choose your next move
Select a suggested action or describe what you want to attempt. State an action and its intent, not a guaranteed result; then wait for the response before deciding again.
Review what changed
Read the new scene and updated status together. Check the current objective and any changes before committing to another action, so each turn follows from the last.
Before you begin
- Confirm this work's starting identity and conditions, then read the opening scene.
- Check the current status, objective and action requirements before deciding.
- Free input describes an attempted action; it does not guarantee rewards or success.
- When comparing routes, use the checkpoint and branch controls offered by this work.
Creator introduction
READ / MAKE
Browse the article archiveGuides and making-of notes
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