Endgame

From IFWiki

For the game by Samuel T. Denton, see Endgame (by Denton).

For the game by Howard A. Sherman, see Endgame (by Sherman).


In interactive fiction, the endgame is usually a series of puzzles that come near the end of the game, when the backstory has been completely uncovered, the significance of all the subquests becomes clear, and/or the special capabilities of inventory items are revealed.

If the player has invested time in getting to know the game world well enough to solve its central puzzle, a good endgame — with puzzles that are not too hard, but that either come at a fast and furious pace, e.g. Christminster; or that invite reflection upon the actions described in the main part of the game, e.g. Jigsaw — can be an extremely rewarding experience.

Note: In chess, the endgame is the final stage of play, when only a few pieces are left on the board.

See also: structure, prologue and middle game.

Links

  • Ending in the IF Gems review quotes collection (also available from the IF Archive).