The Shack by System Masters

Part 2, "The Foundation", is in development.
======================================
"Cold, naked and confused, you open your eyes to a place you don't recognise..."

The Shack v1.8 (c) System Masters 2020-2021
https://systemmastersgames.wordpress.com
[email protected]

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE GAME AND PLAY THROUGH THE QUEST APP, AVAILABLE HERE:
https://textadventures.co.uk/quest/desktop

Web and mobile play are not recommended.

Optimal resolution is 1920x1080 (1080p, or Full HD). Resolutions lower than this may cut off part of the display causing text and commands to be unreadable.

Latest release:
v1.8 (06/10/2021) - Minor update to fix a spelling error, a grammatical error and to fix a specific description which now updates correctly when certain conditions are met. As always, thanks for the feedback!

Previous patches:
v1.7 (27/05/2021) - updated title image and cover art. Fixed a typo in the ending. Slightly altered help text screen and help command. Changed the default message which appears when trying to use a verb without a noun, to make it clearer that you need to be more specific. Added an extra hint about unlocking, using keys, and added more interactions in a certain location to better signpost the player's required actions in that location.
v1.61 (13/05/2021) - Small adjustment; made the parser more acquiescent when using keys.
v1.6 (05/05/2021) - a few typos and grammatical errors fixed. Fix for two situations not updating their descriptions after solving. Updated a few descriptions to read better.
v1.5 (02/05/2021) - small bug fix to stop the player taking an item they're not supposed to be able to.
v1.4 (22/11/2020) - community tested stable release
v1.0 to 1.3 (2020) - closed testing on finished game for polishing

A classic text adventure. This means typing and drawing your own map! System Masters games never insta-kill you or put you in unwinnable situations. You are encouraged to explore and experiment. No adult themes, no bad language. Lots of intrigue, lots to

Play online

Comment 2theleft

17 Feb 2026

Just finished this and want to let you know how delighted I am.
The images and audio contributed well to the puzzles - I'd like to see more like this.
I finished it without peeking at any spoilers in here, so people can take heart from that - if I can do it, you can.
Make no mistake, this is a hard game if you have no prior expectations about whether the author uses red herrings or not. It's also hard because when you get stuck, you have to worry if it is just some verb you don't know about.

Review Amber3

17 Dec 2025

I really enjoyed it. Very challenging. My only issue is that the game expects you to guess at what it wants you to do at times. There's a nest at one point, and I don't remember a bird in the description, but it wants you to assume the bird is there and to interact with it. If you can't see a bird, you're not necessarily know that you need to interact with it. But anyway... The mystery and intrigue are great and they keep you thinking! ARE WE ACTUALLY GETTING A SEQUEL OR NOT? I need to know what happens!!

Comment fox_wearing_socks

17 Dec 2025

Wait, nevermind, I figured it out.

Comment fox_wearing_socks

17 Dec 2025

@dan_illo What worked for me was use [thing] on [dark place].

Anyone know how to open the metal box? The comments point to the magpie, but I've explored everywhere and there is no magpie in sight.

Comment axiomatix

08 Dec 2025

Somehow i can't find the key that goes atop the crown. Can anyone give me a hint where to find it?

Review dan_illo

08 Dec 2025

It's My first adventure and I loved it! I loved how everything is connected. Waiting for part 2!

Comment dan_illo

07 Dec 2025

What command do I need to use the thing with the batteries to enter the dark place....I can't figure it out

Comment dan_illo

07 Dec 2025

@DavyB
Sorry for spoilers..
But I got it. Thanks bro

Comment DavyB

07 Dec 2025

@dan_illo:
*** spoilers***
> I'm stuck at the metal box in the study room drawer, How do I open it?
The magpie has something you need.

> And how do I get the batteries? Looks like the one from jacket isn't enough
The second battery is an electrical device.

Comment dan_illo

07 Dec 2025

I'm stuck at the metal box in the study room drawer, How do I open it?
And how do I get the batteries? Looks like the one from jacket isn't enough

Review Oluraii

28 Nov 2025

Loved it! My fav part was chasing the [_] around the map (took me a while to figure out what to do initially xD) and taking [_] out from [_] to use! Very excited to see what happens next.

Comment DavyB

19 Nov 2025

@YouaremyASDF, I think you have yet to get into the boat shed (key in farm house). Strangely, opening the shed required "use key with boat shed" rather than just "unlock shed"?

Comment DavyB

16 Nov 2025

Sorry @YouaremyASDF, it's been years since I played this through. I would need to complete it again to understand your problem but won't be able to do that for a few days. Good luck in the meantime!

Comment YouaremyASDF

16 Nov 2025

One last question: I have gotten 3 things onto the jetty near the lake. Do I need any more, and how do I use them?

Comment YouaremyASDF

16 Nov 2025

Thank you, I didn't know the command to turn the item on. Just an error on my part ;).

Comment DavyB

15 Nov 2025

@YouaremyASDF, once the batteries are loaded you should be able to use the 'thing' by itself or on other objects.

Comment YouaremyASDF

15 Nov 2025

Also, I've put 2 batteries in a thing I have found, but it still does not work

Comment YouaremyASDF

15 Nov 2025

@DavyB I don't know how I didn't think of that, but it worked. Thanks!

Comment DavyB

15 Nov 2025

@YouaremyASDF have you tried "open jacket"?

Comment YouaremyASDF

15 Nov 2025

How do you check the scarecrow's inside pockets?

Review janho

04 Oct 2025

A good, solid classic adventure with some sound and graphics. A start of the game (including the prologue) was a clever and intriguing. The start scenario for the game was suitably challenging. I only had now 10 minutes go, but I will return to this later. Good work!

Comment System Masters

26 Aug 2025

Make sure you've got something edible with you from the woodland. Examining everything helps, especially the glint you are trying to get, and where it rests, and what's taken it up there. Hope that helps! :D

Comment textadventurer1977

13 Jul 2025

I don't know how to ask for help without spoilers. I'm at stonehenge. I'm trying to get the thing I need to fit into the thing in the house. I don't know how to get it. I don't know if I'm missing an instruction but it's driving me insane...any help would be very welcome...

Review joshtgb

12 Jul 2025

Great game! Puzzles are challenging enough for experienced players but easy enough for newer players to grasp. Part of the challenge is figuring out how to interact with the scenery, not always "use x on y" and "look at z" in order to solve everything. I was able to complete the game at a leisurely pace in a matter of hours without unnecessary backtracking but could see how it could take days for others trying to hunt things down if they looked over or missed a clue spelled out in the scenery and object descriptions. Keeping my own map and referencing areas and clues that still needed addressed definitely helped. Looking forward to part 2 once the creator is able to complete it!

Review thecosmicfrog

10 Jul 2025

This was my first text adventure, and I was absolutely consumed by it! Great work to Mat and System Masters on this one. Highly recommended!

Comment System Masters

10 Jul 2025

I'd just like to thank everyone for playing, voting, and keeping this game at the number one spot for over four years! I still receive emails telling me how much you enjoyed the game, and I still reply when I can. However, I have had an issue lately where I can't reply to certain emails domains for some reason, so I'm leaving this comment here for all those people who haven't received a personal response.

Thank you, all of you <3

There WILL be a conclusion to the story - that enigmatic ending will be resolved in a future game. Life has gotten in the way massively over the years, and although The Foundation is well into production, I haven't been able to work on it for some time. When things settle down, I'll continue to work on it to provide the sequel you've all asked me about.

The story is completely mapped out, I know exactly where it's going and at what pace, and the next game will have the same level of difficulty as this one, with the same attention to detail in both atmospherics and environmental clues. And, of course, the game will be completely FREE.

Thank you all for your patience, and I hope to see you all soon!

Mat (System Masters)

Comment Cornholio73

03 May 2025

After closing the game and licking up WTH save point, appears the object I was looking for reappeared!

Comment Cornholio73

03 May 2025

Hey mates. Very glad to be playing your game. I think there may be a minor glitch. I obtained a shiny round thingy to put in a certain thingy. I obtained the contents. Used chain on contents but it is no longer appears in my inventory. I also cannot go back and obtain the shiny object to insert in certain thingy to repeat the task.

Comment benweatherall

29 Apr 2025

Fantastic game, loving it! Very stuck though, can't seem to find anything to let me open a certain tool I need to deal with a couple of ropes.

Review Tigerman Nice

09 Apr 2025

It's taken a couple of days to complete after some slow hours in the office, but I loved every minute of it. Just the right level of difficulty for me so please don't change it for the next game :D

Comment YouaremyASDF

13 Mar 2025

@DavyB Thank you

Comment DavyB

13 Mar 2025

"It was in an item I already had, I just passed over it "
Perfect example of how to answer a question without a giving anything away!

Comment YouaremyASDF

12 Mar 2025

It was in an item I already had, I just passed over it

Comment YouaremyASDF

12 Mar 2025

Never mind I figured it out

Comment DavyB

12 Mar 2025

@YouaremyASDF where did you find the first battery?

Comment YouaremyASDF

12 Mar 2025

I can't find the second battery anywhere.

Comment DavyB

25 Feb 2025

@ katgrl3 have you tried looking at the light?

Comment katgrl3

23 Feb 2025

What do you do to start the game? I tried going toward the light/wall and it doesn't work

Review Scout 167

23 Jan 2025

Got so hyper fixated on this game that I just finished it after four hours of laser focus and not eating or drinking. This was such an enjoyable experience and I'm so excited I finished it and revealed the ending! I can't wait for the sequel. Thanks Mat!

Review Neta89

30 Dec 2024

Amazing. Great atmosphere, great puzzles. Highly recommended.

Comment Neta89

26 Dec 2024

Problem solved somehow when I changed the zoom in my browser (ctrl + mouse wheel)

Comment Neta89

26 Dec 2024

Hi there, same problem as Kathy88 mentioned - I am resuming the game but now it doesn't work, the game does not respond to any command. Any help would be appreciated, I really enjoyed the game so far

Review mick green

08 Dec 2024

Captivating game with great art.

Review Kathy88

12 Sep 2024

FINISHED THE GAME!! FINALLY!

I love it so much, the map is not too big and make you wander aimlessly all around and get lost. The description is clear, the picture makes the game more immersive with soothing sound as well.

Puzzles are all tricky but wasy to figure out if you try to examine and move everything. Some of the commands are quite tricky though, have to try different simmilar commands on things to do what you want to do.

Hardest thing to figure out is to find the map to the last location, I stuck for days, but finally I emailed the admin and he replied within hours! So responsive! Thank you! Can't wait for the sequel!

Comment Kathy88

10 Sep 2024

I am stuck after getting the "stuff" from the statue. I know the "place" where I have to take it to, I did what I did at the cave, but I just can't take the "stuff" to the "place"

I also have the "thing" I get from the trailer but I don't know what to do with it.... Anyone can help....?

Comment Kathy88

07 Sep 2024

I am resuming the game but now it doesn't work at all. It wont respon to any of my text command and there are no new texts that usually pop up when you leave it

Comment Kmo73

13 Apr 2023

Thanks for coming back to me. Unfortunately the resolution on my laptop isn't high enough, which is a shame because I was liking this game. If you ever produce a text-only version let me know :)

Comment System Masters

11 Apr 2023

The officially supported minimum resolution is 1080p - the game is playable at smaller resolutions, but you will run into issues.

If you are on a laptop, you may be able to alter display scaling from your laptop settings. Set it to 100% and see if that makes a difference. If your resolution is lower than 1080p, you won't be able to play it at the optimal settings I'm afraid :-(

Comment Kmo73

11 Apr 2023

What I could play of this game I really liked but the pictures take up most of the screen and when I got to the farmhouse the image took up all the screen so I couldnt see the command bar. Can anyone help me?

Comment System Masters

30 Mar 2023

Once again, I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has downloaded and played The Shack. You've not only kept me motivated to continue to create (including the long-awaited sequel), but you've also kept my humble adventure in the number one spot for two years! Its success has been beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you to friends old and new (HC), and continue to watch this space for The Foundation and The Brothers.

~Mat (System Masters)

Review colliclaw1294

06 Mar 2023

so good I love it

Review Pudders

23 Feb 2023

I've loved text adventure games since playing The L-Shaped Room when I was about 13 at school (yes, I'm that old!), and The Shack was just brilliant! The graphics and sound really added to the atmosphere and helped me visualise where I was on the map (which wasn't ridiculously big and complex, like many other games), rather than the usual wandering around a million black screens totally lost! Some tasks took a while to work out the correct command and weren't immediately obvious why one command wouldn't work but another did (e.g. 'use key on X' didn't work, but 'open X' did, or why you couldn't 'use knife on X, but 'cut X' worked). Read all the descriptions carefully and search everything as there are clues everywhere. I got stuck a couple of times, but the developer responded to my emails straight away and was super helpful - thanks Mat! The puzzles were interesting and nicely tricky, making me feel pleased when I solved them one by one, with the story fitting into place throughout the game. Would highly recommend this game 5/5

Comment Pudders

21 Feb 2023

It's ok, I clicked on the green Resume button on the main page and that seems to have restored the game!

Comment Pudders

21 Feb 2023

I've just started playing this game, but even though I keep saving it, I come back a little while later and it says my session has expired and I have to start the game all over again. Typing 'load game' doesn't restore the game. Any ideas?

Comment System Masters

28 Jan 2023

I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who's still playing, and to all those who have left a review, comment or email.

I make games purely for the pleasure of creating them, and knowing that something I put all my heart and imagination into has been enjoyed by so many of you brings me immense satisfaction. Not the satisfaction of "Oh, look at this game I made", but the genuine satisfaction of "Someone enjoyed this experience a lot".

Thank you so much.

Mat - System Masters

Review solotoro

26 Jan 2023

I just completed this game, and it took me a while to get there! I got stuck twice, in pretty close succession toward the end. The first time I broke the mental block loose myself after stepping away and coming back to enjoy the atmosphere (the pictures and sounds are such a great addition). I have to admit that the second time I got stuck I emailed Mat - he was very kind to respond quickly and give me a simple nudge to get over the hump. Agreed with everyone that what you need is clued, even that thing I missed!

Fantastic game! I love a game that presents logical puzzles but doesn't penalize you for throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks.

Review t0r4nu

06 Jan 2023

i just finished it after forever!! such a great and immersive experience, although the puzzles are hard its more than worth the trial and error! 5/5! i wish i could start this over from the beginning just to experience the fun all over

Comment probablyrichard

18 Nov 2022

Got it. Thanks so much! Still loving the game :)

Comment System Masters

16 Nov 2022

I think (I'm not at my computer right now) the light source you need is in one of the bedrooms, the one with the bunk beds. But I could be wrong - I'll have to check later :-)

Review Snoogins

09 Nov 2022

Finally completed the game! This is one of the best text adventure games I've ever played. The depth of descriptions and examinable options makes it a really immersive game. Fantastic, wish I could wipe my memory and play it again from the start.

Comment probablyrichard

09 Nov 2022

Snoogins, I think what you need might actually be in the kitchen...?

I'm still looking for a light source. I have batteries, which seems like a good start, but nothing to put them in!

Comment Snoogins

08 Nov 2022

I've thoroughly searched both bathrooms in the farmhouse and have taken everything I can from them. Please help!

Review rebekiah27

04 Nov 2022

Fantastic, immersive game with an intriguing storyline that keeps you glued to your screen for far longer than you'd planned. Looking forward to the next one!

Tips:
- Examine everything, including items in your inventory and all the shelves
- Some items in your inventory need altering to become useful
- Some items need to be interacted with (e.g. push / pull / open) then examined again to become useful
- Draw a map
- The creators are friendly and quick to respond by email if you get stuck!

Comment System Masters

02 Nov 2022

No worries :-)

Try taking a look in the Farmhouse bathrooms. One of them has what you need...

Thank you also for keeping things as spoiler free as possible, I appreciate that!

Comment Snoogins

02 Nov 2022

Hi Mat!

Thanks for your response. I'd actually managed to get myself past those stuck bits a couple of weeks ago but now I'm stuck again.

I'm up to the statue with the 3 things needing to be added to it. I've done 2 of them. For the last one, it seems I need to attach it to a chain or string to be able to hang it around the statue's ****. Where would I find this item?

Comment System Masters

31 Oct 2022

Snoogins: You need an oiled, sharpened knife to help get you up there in the silo. This will also help you out with the jetty, too. Also, get yourself some gloves then have a good look around the jetty ;)

Richard: Once you've solved the coin puzzle, you should be able to solve the floating shed. Also, your light source will need batteries.

Everyone: Make sure to examine both the inside AND outside pockets of the scarecrow! I'll be making this clearer in a future update.

Review SomeUkranian

19 Oct 2022

Great work, sorry cant tell more, this is just great

Review probablyrichard

19 Oct 2022

So immersive. That familiarity of setting contrasted with the undercurrent of discomfort and tension. The story is compelling and well paced, the presentation draws you in, and before you know it you've been in there for hours. Unbelievable work.

Comment probablyrichard

19 Oct 2022

Incredible game. I'd be completely happy just wandering around soaking up the atmosphere, were it not for the compelling story! As it is, I NEED to know what happens next. I seem to need some sort of light source, and there seems to be a secret floating in a shed on a pond which is eluding me for the moment...any hints?

Comment Artemis06

24 Sep 2022

Is there a walkthrough for this? I just left the house and I really don't know what to do. I've just been wandering around.

Comment Snoogins

12 Sep 2022

Really need some help, I'm totally stuck and my emails to the developer have bounced back.

1. if I climb on the **** in the silo I still can't reach the *****. How do I get up there?

2. What do I do with the thing I got from the big broken trailer?

3. What do I use to cut the thing at the jetty?

4. Where do I get wooden planks for my ****?

Comment Snoogins

07 Sep 2022

Nevermind, I downloaded the Quest app and it works perfectly!

Comment Snoogins

26 Aug 2022

Hi, I've just started playing this game and I'm stuck on A Rocky Path. It's just the picture with no words and won't let me type anything.

Comment System Masters

04 Dec 2021

Cyoagal - I will don't worry!

Enigmity - I'll fix that command in the next release.

Enigmity (again) - off the top of my head, I'm not sure what you mean - drop me an email: [email protected]

Comment enigmity

04 Dec 2021

I have everything for my b.p. except the cord, help!! If it's in the silo, the shack, or have anything to do with the roots, I can't seem to get the right command for any of them.

Comment enigmity

04 Dec 2021

Bug perhaps...'cut cable' works (and selecting the item), but 'use ____ on cable' did not.

Comment CYOAgal

01 Dec 2021

Please keep us up to date on the foundation, thank you!!

Review CYOAgal

01 Dec 2021

Disappointed the next one is delayed, but if its as good as this it will be worth it! Loved it.

Review sitehomes

26 Nov 2021

Really liked the atmosphere and the mystery of it. The world seems very logical and everything has a reason why it is there. The riddles were very nice but at times too hard for me.

**SPOILER**
For example, as a non-native speaker I don't know what you are referring to with "cultivator". Also, it is not clear to me why some actions can be done with brutal force - pushing a trailer - and some require equipment - unprying the horizontal bar with a jack. I think I spent 15 min to get on the hay bale and cut the rope, because I was struggling with the commands. I also don't see why you would need to get the crumpled note before crawling into the hollow.

There are a lot of rooms which means you will have to do a lot of backtracking if you find something that fits somewhere else. Also if you miss something you need, you have to revisit 30 rooms to find out if there is anything else.

Comment System Masters

22 Nov 2021

The Foundation:

I've been redesigning some of the puzzles and ironing out the story elements which I wasn't happy with in The Shack's direct sequel. I really don't want to let you guys down when it comes to continuing the mystery and intrigue, whilst at the same time answering a lot of the questions raised during the events of The Shack. This means the sequel will not launch today as planned.

The Foundation will launch on 22.02.22

Review Johnpjczc

10 Nov 2021

This one took me a long while but I'm glad I finished it (with a tinge of help of course). The graphics were a great extra bit but it doesn't take away from the wonderful descriptive prose of the narrative. It was challenging and I had to experiment a bit with the verbs but the game does give helpful hints if you look for them.

I also recommend not holding back on examining whatever you can. There are a few easter eggs or amusing responses you can certainly stumble upon!

Comment Assidious123

26 Oct 2021

@DaMuncha try use the key on the cupboard, not the lock

Comment DaMuncha

25 Oct 2021

I've got the small key, and Im trying to open the cupboard but the game wont recognise the word "Padlock", "Latch", or "lock".

Comment Assidious123

25 Oct 2021

I'm stuck at the end part until now, can you help me, i've emailed you in 21 september but still not answered.

Comment System Masters

09 Oct 2021

If you are playing through the app (which you should be as per the listing description) then you can simply type in "load". The same thing should work for browser based play as long as you don't clear you cookies or delete your browsing data (obviously).

Comment DaMuncha

09 Oct 2021

How do I load a save?

Comment System Masters

07 Oct 2021

Hi Jim! Glad you got that figured out! I'm so sorry, I didn't get your email - there's only one 'T' in my name, maybe that's why?

Anyway, you can reach me either at [email protected] or
[email protected]

Thank you for the recent reviews everyone. It means a great deal to me, it really does!

Review jimbrock

07 Oct 2021

Top notch text adventure with the addition of some graphics and sounds which help enormously with the atmosphere.

Tricky but logical puzzles, good writing and an intriguing ending.

All in all, extremely enjoyable. I can't wait for the next instalment!

Comment jimbrock

07 Oct 2021

Typical! As soon as I ask for help, I work it out! Finished the game now. Excellent stuff!

Comment jimbrock

07 Oct 2021

I'm stuck. Can anyone give me a hint (without posting any spoilers) on how to release the cable?

(Matt, I have emailed you with this question?)

Thanks in advance

Jim

Review Lazygamedesigner82

05 Oct 2021

For three straight days this game has consumed every moment of my free time, from the first puzzle to the final sentence. Beautiful artwork, highly effective sound work, and an overall fresh spin on the traditional puzzler make this an absolute must-play game in my opinion. It was challenging (I will admit to browsing the comments section here for one specific hint!) but always fair. I can't wait to play The Foundation and see where the story leads!

Comment System Masters

29 Sep 2021

I want to thank everyone who's played, loved and rated The Shack over the last ten months or so. You have a lot more to look forward to in The Foundation!

For every person who's left those wonderful 5* reviews, there will be a little surprise for you in the sequel.

You can follow my development diary at https://systemmasters.games for all future projects!

Again, THANK YOU. It's your support which makes it worthwhile!

Review Charlie Scott

29 Sep 2021

Brilliant game -- well-written descriptions that really draw you in to the mysterious world, and tricky but entirely logical puzzles (I had to ask for help once, but that was down to my own stupidity). The attention to detail is fantastic: almost everything has a description, whether its relevant to the story or not. I can't wait for Part Two.

Review DaDude

27 Sep 2021

Excellent adventure. Loved it from start to finish, really mysterious and requires attention to detail. Atmosphere is top notch!
Best game on the platform.

Comment System Masters

27 Sep 2021

@DavidMoore we've been in touch by email, so that's ok.

@Charlie Scott - examine everything in the place you've been led to. Is something there too dark? Do you remember how you got into the cave across the river? Could something similar work here?

Comment Charlie Scott

27 Sep 2021

Brilliant game! I can't wait to find out how it ends. But I'm stuck -- I've got the hidden thing and followed the dotted line in the note, but don't know what to do next. I've tried everything I can think of. Help!

Comment DavidMoore

24 Sep 2021

Please can someone tell me how to untie the rope in the silo, it's driving me insane

Comment System Masters

15 Sep 2021

Email correction:
[email protected]

Comment System Masters

15 Sep 2021

@Shannon.E
email me ([email protected]) and I'll do my best to help you without spoiling anything.
I only check these comments periodically. If you want to say what the name of the location is in what you believe is the farthest place you've reached, I can do my best to guess where you're stuck :)

Comment System Masters

15 Sep 2021

Quest app is here:

http://textadventures.co.uk/quest/desktop

Download, install and run!

Comment bigtpsychoboy

10 Sep 2021

I am unable to find the quest app. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Comment Shannon.E

07 Sep 2021

I think I'm stuck very close to the end-- any unusual verbs I should be on the look out for? Trying not to give any spoilers, but taken an item everywhere I've thought to try with no luck!

Comment System Masters

16 Aug 2021

@Assidious123 The pond near the farm? If you can't get into the actual place, then you need to explore the downstairs in the farmhouse thoroughly :) email me if you have any issues - [email protected]

@Nancok I mention the 'in' and 'out' commands in the pre-game hints. I also think I added an extra hint when you put the clothes on :P

Comment Nancok

13 Aug 2021

So far so good, wont' review until i finish it
I did get stuck for a solid 15 mins in the shack because i "Can't open it" but just typing out lets you go outside regardless of that

Comment Assidious123

10 Aug 2021

Hi!
I need help for this one, i'm stuck in this part. I'm trying to not give spoiler.

So how you supposed to open the thing on the pond? I'm searching for hours but couldn't find the thing to open it. Can you give me the clue for it? Thanks.

Btw great job for this text adventure. The description is so great that i can feel what exactly the protagonist feel. And the puzzle is kinda hard too, you need to read everything to find the solution. Bravo!

Comment System Masters

24 Jun 2021

Hi Vii!

Due to a combination of pictures and text descriptions working as intended, 1080p (1920x1080) is my minimum officially supported resolution.

However, email me on the following address with your maximum resolution your laptop supports and I'll see if I can edit you a special version of the game which will run properly for you.

You will lose some graphical fidelity as I'll have to rescale the images and possibly make the font smaller too. But you'll still be able to play through the app!

Email me on:
[email protected]

Comment Vii

24 Jun 2021

This may be strange, but is there any way to adjust the resolution of this game? I'm trying to play it on my tiny laptop, but whether using the Quest app or accessing it through my browser, I have text extending far off to the side of the screen. I have to constantly scroll horizontally to read the lines of text - not very fun. I legitimately cannot get the game to work right on my tiny laptop, and I don't know html well enough to edit the actual game settings in the Quest app. First time I've encountered this type of error, but I really am interested in playing this game, so any help would be appreciated.

Comment BambisMom

20 Jun 2021

Thank you for a great game! Amazing! Everyone should play this to see how a real mystery is folded in on itself

Review BambisMom

20 Jun 2021

Gripping! Cannot wait for Shack 2! Atmosphere like no other IF I've played. Felt the wind!

Review Cinco de Mayo

01 Jun 2021

Only play for an hour so far but I'm HOOKED! like the atmospheric ambionce with wind and squeaky doors. This game feels hard but not TOO hard I feel clever when I figure things out. Strange things keep happening like fuzzy static (not graphics or bug in story I mean) when deciding what to do which freaks me out. So much to see and LOOK AT too my favorite game of new generation of IF

Comment System Masters

27 May 2021

Updated based on player feedback:

Latest release:
v1.7 (27/05/2021) - updated title image and cover art. Fixed a typo in the ending. Slightly altered help text screen and help command. Changed the default message which appears when trying to use a verb without a noun, to make it clearer that you need to be more specific. Added an extra hint about unlocking, using keys, and added more interactions in a certain location to better signpost the player's required actions in that location. As always, thanks for the feedback!

Comment System Masters

25 May 2021

Now I have a better grasp on commands Vs verbs, I'll change the "drink" verb to a command and work it that way so it's more intuitive. Thank you for the feedback. Without the community here offering that, the game would only be half as good as it is - thank you so much everyone.

Review bonk

21 May 2021

This is a wonderful experience. Puzzles are difficult but fairly intuitive. As others have said, every description is key, so you have to pay close attention. The atmosphere is beautifully constructed and really drew me in. Definitely not a short game (and you WILL need to draw a map), but it's worth the time and effort it takes to play. Can't wait for the sequel!

Comment bonk

21 May 2021

Thanks, got it. The river in the woods was tripping me up. I was using just the verb, and the parser kept returning the message "I don't understand that command", so I didn't think to combine the verb with the noun. That might be something to correct.

Comment System Masters

21 May 2021

Typo in previous comment: I should have written HERE, not HEAR. Doh!

Comment System Masters

21 May 2021

Hey Bonk! Pleased to hear it! Be sure to leave a review - it motivates me to continue working on the sequel...

I'll tackle your questions (thank you so much for the lack of spoilers) in reverse order:
Yes, the room is meant to be that way. You can return here later - don't worry about it for now.

The thing that's making the bubbles, you need to make sure you WEAR the protection. If you haven't found the protection (remember to examine everything for insightful descriptions), then go back to the cool, refreshing river in the woods. The one that makes you thirsty. Yes, that one. Do something here, and you'll get access to something else, where the protection lies.

You'll need the tool from the cave after you get the thing from the bubbles! (The thing from the bubbles will also need something else - something that's too big to carry around with you. Maybe you can try to move this other thing along to hear via an indirect method?)

For the circular recess, you're going to need something from the stone circle outside of the farm. Examine everything, until you discover that something lives here - something which appears to have a need. Satisfy that need to get the item you will put into the recess.

Again, thank you so much for choosing to play my game. It means the world to me that people enjoy it - I put my heart into every game I make, with meticulous planning, map making and flow chart creation to make them as fun, cohesive and satisfying as possible. When I know other people are enjoying the worlds I create, it really inspires me to do more!

THANK YOU :D

~ Mat (System Masters)

Comment bonk

21 May 2021

I love this game! The descriptions are fantastic and the puzzles are great. I am unfortunately very stuck though. I will try to avoid spoilers.

So I haven't figured out what to put in the circular recess, as it doesn't seem to be either of the fancy shiny things I have. I have the tool from the cave, but I don't know what to use it on. I want to get the thing that's making the little bubbles, but I don't have protection. Also, I've made it to the room at the end of the secret passageway, but there's no description and nothing I can do there. Is that supposed to be the case?

Comment System Masters

13 May 2021

As promised, small update: Made the parser more acquiescent when using keys.

Comment System Masters

11 May 2021

It is a bit of an anomaly, so based on your feedback, I'll add a couple of extra lines in there.

From the next update, you'll be able to "Unlock Trunk" or "Use key on Trunk".

There are other places in the game where a key is needed - only two IIRC - and they both require the "use key on" format, so yes I agree it's silly it's not included for that one instance!

Really hope you enjoy the rest of the game - it really opens up now you're outside. Make sure you EXAMINE (EXAM, X) everything, even if it's just described and not listed as an item. I do put this in the hints and tips screen you get when starting the game, and on the game listing here. Many things don't reveal themselves until you look for them. It's part of the mystery :)

Thank you so much for your feedback, and for choosing to play my game!

Comment HarperLama541

07 May 2021

Are you telling me all this time I could've opened the trunk all by saying "unlock trunk"? I didn't even think of that before. So I've been stuck for no reason.

Comment System Masters

05 May 2021

Updated to 1.6

Latest release: v1.6 (05/05/2021) - a few typos and grammatical errors fixed. Fix for two situations not updating their descriptions after solving. Updated a few descriptions to read better.
Previous patches: v1.5 (02/05/2021) - small bug fix to stop the player taking an item they're not supposed to be able to.

Comment System Masters

01 May 2021

Updated to v1.5

Comment System Masters

01 May 2021

I'll get this updated ASAP. Sorry about that, and THANK YOU for bringing this to my attention! Really appreciate it!

Comment Matt54

27 Apr 2021

I just started playing today and it's really good so far, but I think I found a minor bug. I can take the curtain in the shack and my inventory says I have "a curtain (behind which you can see some flower pots)" even when I leave the shack, which seems a little odd.

Review Toki <3

07 Apr 2021

One of my favorite games. Fantastic and very fun. I really love the whole atmosphere. I haven't completely finished yet, but I'm close! Please make more games like this one, I really enjoyed it (and am enjoying it)!

Review GBGAMES

07 Apr 2021

Tried to play it online, but so much better if you download it.

We wanted to leave a review to say it's a long time since we become stuck on an adventure, and the atmosphere kept us going. Still not beat it, but building the raft is genius.

Sound effects really make it! One small critique is not all graphics have same "style" but still five out of five for us. Please make more with same atmosphere, brilliant!

GB Games

Comment GBGAMES

07 Apr 2021

Brutal at times. Love it!

Comment System Masters

02 Apr 2021

Just to reiterate, PLEASE play this game via the dedicated Quest app. Playing in your browser will be a poor experience, and playing on mobile may not work at all, as the game makes extensive use of animations and sound.

Comment System Masters

02 Apr 2021

When you have what you need to open the trunk, simply type "unlock trunk". If you can't unlock it, you don't have what you need. Examine everything, and don't forget to pull, move and open ;)

Comment HarperLama541

03 Mar 2021

This game is really good but I am stuck on just the first level, being in the shack. Could anyone care to explain how to open the trunk I have tried everything and nothing is working?

Comment XanMag

11 Dec 2020

I tested the game online and I liked it. Unfortunately the session timed out, but so far... it seems like a great game. Will explore more after I download at home. Will report back.

Review Delovi

03 Dec 2020

As others have said, a fantastic game. Wasn't expecting the mixed genres especially towards the end. Took me ages to find one of the keys but the clue was in the text, I just missed it!

Loved the extra discription as you go to New locations for the first time.

Hopefully you'll do a sequel, I'd love that!

Thanks

Review Technologist

01 Dec 2020

Damn good adventure! Loved the mystery and writing. Great atmosphere with use of sounds adding to it.

Puzzles are tough but fair - examine everything, not just what "you can see".

I was able to do a lot of things I wanted to do that other games might not let you, the author has thought of a lot of different things.

Honestly, this is a cut above the norm.

Easy 5/5

Review Alexander23

27 Nov 2020

Really love this game, one of the best for me. There are many hidden and subtle clues, and it'll make you want to know more about the character. My tips for everyone: try doing everything, even the simplest one, and pay attention to the room/object descriptions. Some people may think it's hard, but it's doable and fun!

Comment System Masters

25 Nov 2020

Thank you! I hope you decide to stick with it, and sincerely hope you enjoy it.

The mystery is all part of the experience. I always recommend the download version first, then play online if you have to.

Play with the volume on too! It's all part of the experience :-)

Comment Camero2K

25 Nov 2020

I couldn't understand and find anything in my first try :D Maybe I should try later.
But I believe it's a great work.

Comment System Masters

25 Nov 2020

No, don't worry! And thank you so much :-D

Comment Alexander23

25 Nov 2020

Ah I'm sorry, didn't mean to, but I don't know how to explain it better. Well, I'll try then. Thanks a lot, this game is awesome.

Comment System Masters

24 Nov 2020

Please try and refrain from spoilers, as all of these comments are visible on the download page on the QUEST application itself :D

Hint: You can go back and read the writing again, for a clue, but make sure you have everything the scarecrow can give you... Then you'll be able to get where you need to be.

Comment Alexander23

24 Nov 2020

Ok, never mind my last question. I almost finish this game, but I'm confused where to go next after I obtain the cube.

Comment System Masters

24 Nov 2020

After using the batteries on it, try using the item which needs the batteries on its own. The description will let you know if you have enough B-)

Comment Alexander23

24 Nov 2020

Ahh! I should've known. Thanks a lot. Another question, how many batteries are there in this game? Because I only found two and I think it's not enough.

Comment System Masters

23 Nov 2020

Without giving anything away, have you got the knife open to start with? If so, you need to be in the location with the old farm buildings (west of the standing stones, east of the stables). Then 'Use knife on' what you find there :-)

Comment Alexander23

23 Nov 2020

Can anyone explain how I can sharpen the pocket knife? I have tried many things but I don't get it.

Comment System Masters

21 Nov 2020

First full-length adventure since 1998, on a C64, written in BASIC V2!

Don't get frustrated - read the hints page before you start (after the title screen in-game). Many objects and pieces of scenery contain clues as to their use, or give subtle hints alluding to such.

Please take your time, read everything, and experiment! Enjoy :)