''Violet'' is a work of

interactive fiction '' Interactive fiction, often abbreviated IF, is software simulating environments in which players use text commands to control characters and influence the environment. Works in this form can be understood as literary narratives, either in the f ...

by American author Jeremy Freese. It is a one-room puzzle game.

Plot

The protagonist of ''Violet'' is a graduate student trying to write 1,000 words for his dissertation. The protagonist's girlfriend, Violet, threatens to leave otherwise. The protagonist faces a stream of distractions, including a window with a view of the campus, and a computer with access to blogs and

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s. In the course of the game, the protagonist must "reconsider—and risk wrecking—" his career and relationship.

Reception

A reviewer for ''

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'' described the puzzles as "smart but logical" and "fit

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thematically into the story." The reviewer also called out the ability to disable "'heteronormativity,' so you can play as Violet’s girlfriend" as something that makes the game "Worth playing for". A second review also observes this option, noting that at least one puzzle changes based on the choice. A writer for Jay Is Games called out ''Violet'' for "succeed ngin the difficult task of capturing the intricacies of a dynamic relationship." The writer also praised the game for succeeding at engaging the player at "the core emotional level", again noting how difficult this is. Emily Short, in a review on Jay Is Games, noted the strength of the implementation, pointing to the breadth of "interesting responses even to silly or unexpected actions." Short felt that the characters were "seemingly-real" and "their problem is plausible and serious."

Wins and awards

It took first place in the 2008 Interactive Fiction Competition with an average score of 8.53. That score is the highest of any Interactive Fiction Competition entry from 1999 through 2012.1999

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''Violet'' was selected as the best interactive fiction game for 2008 by both the Jay Is Games staff and audience. ''Violet'' took 35.1% of the vote in the Jay Is Games audience award, compared to 18.7% for the second-place winner, '' Lost Pig''. ''Violet'' won four awards in the 2008 XYZZY Awards: Best game, writing, individual puzzle ("Disconnecting the Internet in Violet/Getting rid of the key in Violet"), and individual NPC (Violet, the eponymous character).

References

{{reflist

External links

Violet entry at the Interactive Fiction DataBase
— includes link to download the game, walkthrough, and reviews
IPlayIF
— Play online with Parchment.
Violet
— Play online at Jay Is Games (requires

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) 2008 video games 2000s interactive fiction LGBT-related video games Romance video games Video games developed in the United States Video games featuring protagonists of selectable gender