“Hyena” is a new toolset/language for creating “AudioGameBooks,” sort of a Choose Your Own Adventure audiobook that can be played with just a single button. Branching storylines are just one possibility for Hyena. “Lone Wolf – Flight from the Dark,” the first game packaged with the Hyena download, has a simple RPG system built in with hit points, skills, weapons, and inventory, all controlled by clicks from the single button.
The game text is supposed to be read through a text-to-speech convertor but on my Nintendo DS (and DS-X flash cart), only the text appeared, which made the whole thing into a slightly clunky text adventure. (There are also Sony PSP and PC versions of Hyena.)
The concept is strong, although I must admit at first glance I thought it was supposed to be a prank. I quickly realized how engaging the single-click, audio-only concept could be with the right game mechanics and story. (No offense to the writers of Lone Wolf, but its generic monk-on-the-run theme didn’t really entice me.) Playing a game while running or taking a walk could be a lot of fun. Now they just need a Hyena port to the iPod and other portable media devices.
HYENA – AUDIOGAME PLAYER [CollectingSmiles.com via Waxy]
Wow, I remember reading Lone Wolf on paper as a misguided youth. At least I was savvy enough to eventually realize that letting my “character” die in combat due to unfortunate dice rolls was a crummy way to read a book. So I derandomized it. I did still like the grittiness as opposed to CYOAs; kind of like PC gaming versus NES gaming. Less polished overall, but that cut both ways.
I think this might catch on in a big way, especially if the standard CYOA format can be applied and the Gamecasts can be made to work with any old mp3 player. How much fun would it be on a road trip to be able to play a game without needing to take your eyes off the road?
Once The 2-XL Emulator works offline it’s all over for me; I will pledge my fealty to the machine.
Oh wow, I loved the Lone Wolf series – bought every book, read/played through every one several times. I was so sorry when the series ended. I’m definitely going to have to pick this up.