You wake up disoriented, unsure of where you are. There is a screen telling you a story, but you aren't sure if you can trust it. It's time to ask some questions. A Small Talk At The Back Of Beyond is an experimental adventure game from ScriptWelder that has you trying to get information from a source not too eager to give anything away. The interface of A Small Talk is text-based, and you communicate by inputting questions and statements to get responses. On the right, though, is a view of the room you are in, and your observations will be key to coaxing the answers of your situation out.
A Small Talk is a short but intelligent sci-fi yarn that uses its imposed limitations to incredibly atmospheric effect. It has a lot twists packed in very quickly, which makes the pacing seem a little rushed, but there's a thematic coherence behind it that makes it all come together in a satisfying way. A Small Talk's parser is quite up to the task of telling its story, though as the game is currently in late-beta, there are still some words and commands it should recognize that it does not. Still, as the author has been quite open to feedback, the game has seen an impressive response from the browser gaming community in suggesting ways to make the parser ever more comprehensive. So go ahead and have A Small Talk At The Back of Beyond. Just don't believe everything you hear.
Note: As mentioned above, A Small Talk At The Back of Beyond is in late beta. Should you have suggestions for logical questions for which the game's parser does not give a satisfactory response, please post your feedback in the comments.
Walkthrough Guide
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A Small Talk at the Back of Beyond Walkthrough
A Small Talk at the Back of Beyond is narratively divided into two parts. This walkthrough will first give a list of commands to progress through the game, with as few spoilers as possible, followed by listings of interesting commands to try in each section.
Part 1 - Walkthrough
Hello
No
What is AGS?
Why do I need Artifical Gravity?
Give me food.
What is astro food?
At this point, the computer should admit its secret.
Part 2 - Ending 1 Walkthrough
What can I do?
I will leave
Yes.
Part 2 - Ending 2 Walkthrough
What can I do?
I will stay
Yes.
Part 1 - Things to Try
Answer "Yes" when the computer asks if you know where you are. Then, when he asks you where you think you are, answer "In Space" or "In a shelter".
Agreeing to play chess, view the computer's pictures, or listen to his story will lead to a game over. Once you know why, it becomes quite chilling.
What government?
Why was I chosen?
Agree to play chess, then select the info option of the chess program.
Open Vent
Open Window
What is esc pod?
Turn on the Light. Turn on the Light.
Can I go?
Is there anyone else still alive?
Can I turn you off?
Where is the shelter?
Who are you?
What is the time?
What year is it?
How long have I been here?
Kill me.
What is the auxiliary generators system?
What do you want?
Try repeatedly swearing at the computer.
Part 2 - Things to Try
Why should I stay with you?
Can you come with me?
Why did you lie to me?
Can you fix the ship?
Do you want to play chess?
Are you lonely?
I love you.
I hate you.
Posted by: Tricky | April 8, 2013 1:38 PM