First Times by Hero Robb

I highly recommend downloading this as to playing it in the browser because glitches surface in online play and the original music I wrote for it doesn't seem to work in the online play either.
This is my first foray into IF, so be gentle. I used a simplified language for inputs on this game. You pretty much only need to type look, take, use "whatever" (on "whatever"), go (north/east/south/west), and read. You awaken in what appears to be a hospital. Good luck.

Edit: Now uploaded is version 1.1 with numerous bug fixes and clarifications.

Play online

Review misper34

04 May 2024

I thought this was a good game. I enjoyed it. And the story escalation is pretty interesting. I also enjoyed how the music cued. Good work!

Review Emerald-Covered_With-Honey

28 Oct 2023

I see some glitches in the game, but the gameplay itself is really fun, I like horror. But quite the gameplay, I am astonished. Truly the best thing I have seen today. -Emrldflame

Comment Losersarenot alive in this realm

21 Aug 2021

When I type use sheet on gurney
This showed up:
Error running script: Error evaluating expression 'canAdd': Unknown object or variable 'canAdd'
Error running script: Variable does not refer to an object: 'obj'
Nothing happens.
Error running script: Error evaluating expression 'ListExclude(ScopeVisibleNotHeldNotScenery(), player)': Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

It's supposed to add something but it won't work.

Review Cinco de Mayo

01 Jun 2021

Like watching a horror film except YOU are in it and the stakes are real! Like that he made his own music for it, that's a dedication

Review Mayuzzolina

16 May 2021

This is amazing! It was the first thing that brough me into these types of games and I love it! :D I also like how at first it's alright but then just slowly goes into more and more insanity

Comment Supersa78

14 Mar 2021

How do you get sound ?

Review LemonDemon_

05 Mar 2021

It's a good horror text adventure game... especially if its the developer's first foray into IF...
Now I do have to say, sometimes it would bug out slightly when I entered something into the command bar, making the response time a bit slow...
But other then that, the sound effects are competent, the story feels eerie, etc...
So yeah, if you want to pass the time, give this game a go... :>

Review M̶T̶

01 Dec 2020

You use a scalpel on the doll then spider will come out then you drop the egg of feed the egg to the spiders.

Comment M̶T̶

01 Dec 2020

it broken I CAN'T TYPE :/

Comment SuperHappyCake

03 Mar 2020

It got to be very tedious for me.

Comment Scarygamer

13 May 2019

Horrible I can't get passed open your eyes

Comment wdtfs3

20 Aug 2018

nvm i got it

Comment wdtfs3

20 Aug 2018

what's the point of the egg?

Comment misper34

15 Jul 2018

I've not finished this game yet, and want to wait until I am before leaving a full review. But so far, I have to say this is one is very well done. The music cues and sound effects add something special to the atmosphere too. I think some of the people knocking this game in the comment section likely aren't used to a 'Zork'-style game, and they have never played a text adventure outside of the type that gives you a multiple choice selection to choose from when playing. Some of us older geeks who grew up in the infocom era love this kind of stuff.

Comment razzwolf

11 Mar 2018

like for real it could be a good game i guess but u cant do any thing i get the blade and explore the whole room and thats it u cant use any other comands to do jack it sucks

Comment StandardUpstart

25 Jan 2018

neonmonkey4: It is a little tricky. You have to "x drawers" - which will tell you about a specific drawer (67, I think). Then "x 67" to see that there is a small painting of birds and an egg shaped hole. You're smart, you know what to do from there.

This game is all about the "look at", which can be simplified to "x" if you weren't aware. You really have to look at everything.

Comment StandardUpstart

25 Jan 2018

The strip club room, where the stage is and the flowers; it says "you can't open it [the door]". There's a poster. Etc. When I was "running" from the vending machine heading to the toy room, I kept hitting "e"-enter and I guess I charged right through because, in spite of what it says, I can go through the door. I restarted and went straight to that door and sure enough, it says the door won't open but you can still go east. Is this a mistake or did I miss something?

Also, I'm crazy stuck. I've been looking for a walkthrough but can't find one. Any help?

Comment neonmonkey4

18 Jan 2018

I am too stupid to get out of the first room so im pretty sad about that

Comment jmnevil54

07 Dec 2017

I got stuck. But some of the comments say this is a remake? If it is, it is well done!

Review charlie_kb

28 Sep 2017

This is an incredibly atmospheric game, 10/10 for the sound, kept me unnerved the whole way through. Excellent job!

Comment n3rdyn1nj4

05 Sep 2017

I absolutely love this game, but I can't download the file so I can play offline. It really put a damper on my day, honestly, in terms of gaming.

Review Jfulls002

01 Sep 2017

This was the first IF text adventure I ever played, when I was about 12, and it scared the S**t out of me, but I loved it. Still love it at 18

Comment mrpandaa

22 Jul 2017

Hi Robb! I'm in the part that has the player running around the hallways and such. Still can't figure out how to get the Janitor's Closet open....anyways, just wanted to say that I loved the first part with the pregnant woman doll, and also to tell you that the music for me played just fine until I loaded a save file. Then it stopped entirely. Maybe there's something funny going with the coding there, like all of the sound files being stringed together in order or something? Anyways, hope that helps a bit, and great work!

Review GameofChocolate

18 Jul 2017

It's a super awesome, fun, and creepy game. But with the hundred thousand freezes I gave up. Awesome job on the writing though. Very dark and twisted. :)

Comment Scarlett Phantom

14 Jul 2017

I'm very surprised that I can add a comment that long, and I apologize to anyone who has to scroll past that.

Comment Scarlett Phantom

14 Jul 2017

SPOILER ALERT (@Lucius. sorry it's 2 years late.)

This is going to explain the endings. If any of you need help, you can message me. I'll try to respond. And... I might add a walkthrough on a blogspot of mine. Would that help any of you? If I do, I'll add another comment with a link to it.

Okay, so the first thing of note is that there are multiple endings. Four, to be exact. At the very end, you walk down a bunch of steps while looking at scenes from your life to the left and right. You reach a mirror at the very end. The last three scenes are the same in all the endings. I think you're dead in all of them, but I don't have definite proof for most of them, so...

Mind you, these are my interpretations. The stories themselves are rather weird, so... Yeah, there could be a totally different meaning to all of them. The quotes afterwards are the actual endings, which I will not interpret.

Apocatastasis - You get this one when you free the boy and go northwest. It basically shows how you were an apathetic shell who couldn't really show outward emotion until your... wife, I'm going to assume, dies in childbirth. I'm pretty sure your character goes insane after that, abusing the child and murdering people, but I'm not entirely sure about that.

"You gaze into the mirror and see the man the doll has become. You have broken the apathetic shell. You have torn the flesh open to create your voice and now you see what you have become.
Beautiful.
Nothing is more beautiful than matter and energy recreating itself. You are bleeding from your wounds, the scars will never heal, and you have destroyed all that you loved. But you are not broken. You will not become broken. You will not allow it. Regret is the way forward. Mistakes leave wounds that bleed into the future, and you avoid the recurring pain.
The cosmos explodes in a display of everything. For itself. For you. You are the piece of the universe that, by astronomical luck, is capable of experiencing it

Review emmodii

28 Mar 2017

Admittedly, I'm not done with the game (At the part where the hallway blacks out and the doll is chasing me and I left it at that part because I need a damn breather first), but so far, I think I've played enough to say this has been absolutely AMAZING so far. It's the only horror text adventure I've played so far that managed to scare and freak the absolute Hell out of me.

The sounds are a very nice touch to it and definitely add in to the creep factor, and it hasn't been done in excess so far, so it's still creepy and definitely not overdone.

I'm a little loss at some parts, so I look around for hints others have put online, but I can definitely say so far that it has been amazing.

Comment Aech778010

07 Jan 2016

USE SCALPEL ON DOLL!

Comment Aech778010

07 Jan 2016

how do you get out of the first room?

Comment Aech778010

07 Jan 2016

try wiping sheet on the door theres a message on the door

Comment Aech778010

29 Dec 2015

this is quite confusing

Comment Aech778010

29 Dec 2015

wheres the key for the door?

Comment Aech778010

29 Dec 2015

you ate the gurney? Awesome

Comment mrfriendlybee12

22 Oct 2015

Why in the world does it say "game over this game has finished"... there wasn't a definite ending to it when I did this Idk which room I was in but I went thru north dor and all of a sudden it ends...???!!!

Review ShiolawlzLawliet

11 Sep 2015

This game was very interesting, though I ended up not finishing it. I had followed a walkthrough for the second part, but i couldn't get something to happen, so i quit. I know that this is probably just something I didn't do, so over all, awesome game! ^^

Comment Nameless-Namely

10 Jul 2015

I have to say, I got so lost so fast

Comment Lucîus

07 Jul 2015

Game (i guess) bugged out after i choose northeast. Even though i enjoyed the game it was realy hard and took a lot of my time. Now after spending all this time i couldn't learn the ending and i don't want to start over and type every single thing again to get where i was. Can someone explain the storyline and ending please. With a spoiler warning of course. Thanks.

Comment alucya10

27 May 2015

How do you get past the second part? The clanging is creeping me out... SOS!

Review nathans

15 Apr 2015

I woke up then got stuck. I think i broke it when i ate the gurney

Comment nathans

15 Apr 2015

Sucks Ballsacks

Comment Scarlett Phantom

01 Apr 2015

@subreality77- There are 4 endings- Apocatastasis, Inferno, Oblivion, and Resonance.

Comment Scarlett Phantom

01 Apr 2015

@Porcupine- All you should get from the syringe is the pump, as it's broken, and you can't grab the knife at that point, as you don't need it. To get the tube, go to the wall with the mural on it and use the tower. The room will open and the tube will be in the center of the room.

Review Scarlett Phantom

01 Apr 2015

This game was challenging at times, but amazing. I liked the different endings, and how some things stayed the same in all of them. There were definitely times that creeped me out, like when the character was in the booth and the woman came out. The sound effects there were especially nice.

At times, the game would freeze and I'd have to refresh the page and start from my last save point. Also, it would've been nice to know where we were, just to get a better idea of who we are and what we're doing.

And people, if you play this on the internet (IDK about the app), you can save. Take advantage of that!

Comment Scarlett Phantom

29 Mar 2015

Oh my god, this is hard! It's really good, though.

Comment Smileyshoes

14 Mar 2015

"OPEN YOUR EYES" ten million times is what i say so far

Comment Porcupine

13 Mar 2015

I've gotten up to the adult room, but can't seem to take the syringes or knife. Can't find the tube either.

Review DaNiX88

11 Mar 2015

A very good game, and quite difficult. The sounds are very eerie and the storyline is written in a way that's chilling to the bone. I quite like how there are 4 different endings and together, add some extra detail to the background story.

My only problem is that we were not able to fully understand the backstory and figure out just what we are or where we are, though the theme is horror, so doesn't take away from the whole game since it was thrilling for its entirety.

Comment Olego1

10 Mar 2015

This was a one nice game. It was hard sometimes, you didn't know where to go, but still - it's a good game with nicely done horror theme. Liked the story. Thanks for creating it, Robb.

Comment carcinoDreamer

25 Jan 2015

Holy shiz this was so unnerving! Perfect horror game, certainly exceeded my expectations!

Comment ThXman300

09 Nov 2014

Spoilers ahead. If you want my quick opinion, this game is lots of fun. Go play it. Now, for the full review, read on.

I thought this was great. Atmospheric, extensive, and well-written. There was the occasional misspelling, and I did have trouble with the riddle, but all the other puzzles were solvable with a bit of thought and experimentation. The prose was vivid and quite descriptive. It elicited genuine feelings of horror.

The sound effects were well-integrated, no unnecessary jumpscares or anything of that sort. The clanging in the opening got annoying, but I just muted until I was free.

I have yet to see all the endings, but I liked the ones I did get. They were a bit over-subtle, perhaps. I had some trouble tying the symbolic events of the main game to the snippets of situations shown in the end. Maybe on subsequent playthroughs it will be clearer exactly what transpired.

All in all, a satisfying piece of horror IF. One of the better games I've played on Quest, perhaps the best so far. I look forward to more.

Review readmore

22 Sep 2014

Certainly not a bad attempt for a first foray into IF. I didn't encounter any bugs, but to be honest, I only played about halfway through the game (judging by a walkthrough someone posted) and was not intrigued enough to continue any further. Maybe it just wasn't my thing--although I do like horror when done right (Lurking Horror, as an example). The "clanging" was a nice touch, but I didn't feel like the sound-effects were very evenly distributed in the game.

Review Elixabit

09 Sep 2014

I literally tried to play this game 8 different times, with each time ending in the game freezing, crashing, not loading, etc.
This game is really intriguing - however - I cannot STAND the amount of progress I've lost, having to restart so many times, rushing to get a bit further before the game decides to wonk out on me again.
Hero Robb, you have something really good here, don't let it be tarnished by these silly issues. You don't want your name to be synonymous with cheap annoyance.
If those issues weren't occurring, this game would have gotten a perfect score from me.

Comment subreality77

21 Aug 2014

How many endings are there??

Comment jucarave

23 Jul 2014

Awesome game, I haven't complete it yet but I'm having fun so far, the first room was the most difficult so far. great job!

Review Wordsmith

21 Jul 2014

This was a great game! Of course, like nearly any game, there were a few glitches and bugs, along with a couple grammatical and punctuation errors...

BUT-- The fact of the matter when playing ANY game is the plot - And I feel as if it was welded in such a way that it kept me on my seat. I can honestly say that I admire Hero Robb's skill when it comes to making text-based games; Heck, trust me, I've tried, and it's just a lot to look at all at once.

All-in-all, to wrap up, this game not only has a great plot, but the adventure of itself while going through the game stayed pleasant, without any frivolous puzzles and tasks. I just don't know how to describe it without giving everything away, it's THAT amazing!

Review wolfhunter

15 Jul 2014

it was pretty good but there was one bug for me so i could't complete game it would not let me make the make shift syringe other wise it was great

Review Eisegete

06 Jul 2014

Loved the style and the symbolism. But the browser version (the only one I can use) doesn't have music, and when I got to the first cutscene, it didn't load and the game got stuck. Also, there are a lot of typos. Not really important, but they do detract from the sense of professionalism.

Comment TheHatMan

17 Jun 2014

Amazing horror game. I advise you to play in the morning if you are scared of perfect noises to go with the perfect moments.

Review Anonnona20

06 May 2014

Very immersive story that not only has elements of up front and in your face horror (gore, creepy music, spiders, waking up in a morgue, etc.) but as you uncover more of the story the implications pile up and a more horrific story unfolds (and a different story, depending on choices you make in game during cut scenes). The themes and symbolism in this game really shine best when you get all four endings and can flesh out the character that you will discover you are playing.

If after playing this game you can sleep well in a house wiTh creaky doors you are a better person tHan I. I'm antIcipating nightmareS and cursIng my family'S small bladders for at least a few days. (The music in the ritual room is definitely the Best, and most chilling when listEned to with the context of the game in miNd).

I'm looking forward to playing whatever Hero Robb makes next!

Hopefully it there will be some more options on what to to in each room and variation in the response to incorrect actions to take with the inventory items like 'eat the egg' - 'you try but you can't forget it's recent bedfellows enough to stuff it down your gullet.' or some such. Great job over all though!

Review norwalis

25 Apr 2014

Hate it could not even get past the first area

Review TheInvisibleKat

24 Apr 2014

This game is ridiculously addicting, but very difficult. You definitely have to use your mind on a lot of it, but it keeps you interested!

Comment Nicks

06 Apr 2014

confusing
you should have made it a bit easier for beginners

Comment Weaselur

05 Apr 2014

I got to the scary as shit ritual room, took the syringes and knife but I only have the plunger and needles now, I don't have a clue where to get the tube...Help!

Review Dazzle Phoenix Vengeance

02 Apr 2014

I'm stuck at the staircase behind the castle painting...:-( it says I can go sown but when I type down it says I'm not ready to go deeper...wt is going on...is this the ending?...the writing n plot is gd though

Comment Dazzle Phoenix Vengeance

02 Apr 2014

I'm stuck at the staircase behind the castle painting...:-( it says I can go sown but when I type down it says I'm not ready to go deeper...wt is going on...is this the ending?

Comment Dazzle Phoenix Vengeance

01 Apr 2014

I'm in the adult room now but when I type "take knife"and"take syringes",I still can't get them...anyone know wt to do ...also I can't exit the room.im playing on my phone though

Comment WhitevanCandyman

21 Mar 2014

Dear Hero Robb,

Does this have any jumpscares? I really hate them, but I love horror games. I would love to play your game if it doesn't have any jumpscares.

Kind regards,
Hans Dulpers

Comment randomguy311

21 Mar 2014

it keeps saying the game is finished when it isn't

Comment XpiKch3rXfRameX

26 Feb 2014

This post has a walkthrough. Don't read it if you don't want spoilers/hints.

Oh gosh, I feel so silly. I really wish I could edit or delete the walkthrough I put in the review section, because I finally figured out what I did wrong. Here's the updated, correct version of the walkthrough. Sorry if anyone saw the other one and thought that you couldn't (SPOILER) help the boy.

First Room
> open eyes
> take sheet
> look at doll
> look at gurneys
> take blade
> use scalpel on doll
> look at webs
> take cluster
> look at drawers
> look at drawer 67
> put egg in hole
> go north

Small Objects Room
> look at objects
> look at files
> read laminated file
> go west

Graffiti Room
> look at graffiti
> go west

Stone Room
> look at south door
> look at stones
> take paper
> read paper
> go north

Child's Room
> look at doll
> look at toys
> take bear
> use scalpel on bear
> open chest
> take money
> go south
> go east
> go east
> go east
> go east

Small Southern Door Room
> look at south door
> take note
> read note
> go east

Castle Mural Room
> look at mural
> go east
> go north
> go north
> go north
> go east

Neon Room
> open curtains
> go east
> look at seat
> go west
> look at stage
> take flowers
> go west
> go west

Wall With Holes Room
> look in holes
> take object
> read journal
> go west
> go west
> go west

Vending Machine Room
> look at machine
> use money on machine
> go south

Statue Room
> look at statue
> look at seat
> take medallion
> go north
> go east
> go east
> go east
> go east
> go south
> go south
> go south
> go west
> go west

Small Southern Door Room
> read note
> read journal
(These two things should help you answer the riddle. Say the answer out l

Comment XpiKch3rXfRameX

26 Feb 2014

I couldn't find a way to edit my last post. It looks like I made a mistake in the walkthrough. I thought that there was a part at the very end where you could make a choice. I restarted the game and tried to make that choice, but it wouldn't let me. It looks like there is only one option at that point in the game.

I've seen that there are four possible endings due to two choices being made, but now I'm not sure where one of those choices is. Apologies to anyone who saw the walkthrough and thought I knew what I was talking about. :P Most of it is right!

Review XpiKch3rXfRameX

26 Feb 2014

Okay, I finally got this game finished. I made a walkthrough, so I'm just gonna drop it off here in case anyone wants it. If you don't want hints/spoilers, don't read the rest of this post.

I played the game on my Kindle. I had an issue where I got to a certain point, then tried to go through a door, and the game just refreshed itself and I ended up in the same spot I already was. I deleted the game, redownloaded, and started over. This actually happened twice, but it was worth retrying each time. I don't know if this issue is exclusive to the Kindle or to all mobile devices or if it would also be a problem on PCs/Macs/etc.

Anyway! On to the WALKTHROUGH!

First Room
> open eyes
> take sheet
> look at doll
> look at gurneys
> take blade
> use scalpel on doll
> look at webs
> take cluster
> look at drawers
> look at drawer 67
> put egg in hole
> go north

Small Objects Room
> look at objects
> look at files
> read laminated file
> go west

Graffiti Room
> look at graffiti
> go west

Stone Room
> look at south door
> look at stones
> take paper
> read paper
> go north

Child's Room
> look at doll
> look at toys
> take bear
> use scalpel on bear
> open chest
> take money
> go south
> go east
> go east
> go east
> go east

Small Southern Door Room
> look at south door
> take note
> read note
> go east

Castle Mural Room
> look at mural
> go east
> go north
> go north
> go north
> go east

Neon Room
> open curtains
> go east
> look at seat
> go west
> look at stage
> take flowers
> go west
> go west

Wall With Holes Room
> look in holes
> take object
> read journal
> go west
> go west
> go west

Vending Machine Room
> look at machine
> use money on machine
> go south

Statue Room
> look at statue
> look at seat
> take me

Comment WhitevanCandyman

24 Feb 2014

Dear Hero Robb,

Does this have any jumpscares? I really hate them, but I love horror games. I would love to play your game if it doesn't have any jumpscares.

Kind regards,
Hans Dulpers

Comment kevin13

06 Feb 2014

it keeps glitching on me

Comment wardmeister16

05 Feb 2014

Sorry as a novice I'm confused. Seems a canny game. But I've picked up and egg, used scalpel, tried to open drawers, moved stretcher things. Just can't figure out when to do now, got bored.....clang clang clang was annoying

Comment DrBanner

30 Jan 2014

I was playing through this game, and I get to the part where I have the eyes, and as I'm on my way back to the doll, it says the game is finished. This a bug or what?

Comment Alezal Zhiné

30 Jan 2014

I need help, I'm stuck :(

Placed 2 items in the Altar, Teddy and Flowers.

I have Scalpel, Sheet, Needles, Religious Paper, Janitor Note, Can opener, Journal, Kiss key.

As far as I know I have to get play money to use in the vending machine but no luck finding the money.

Help me :(

Comment lesbianoodles

24 Jan 2014

Hi! I need some help. I've been in the electric room, but I have no idea how to get the syringe(s)/stone knife.
I've already gotten the tube with needles and the plunger, found the southeast room and seen the event in the booth. I'm not sure what to do. Love the game!

Comment Entropic Pen

22 Jan 2014

I just downloaded it on Google Play and I have to say... the music is awesome. I want the opening theme stuck in my head, *Opens app on tablet and lets the music play* it begins.

Comment Bestranged

11 Jan 2014

This is awesome! From the music and sound effects to the story, you've nailed it! I have not been able to finish this game yet, but I know it is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Great job!

Comment Bestranged

11 Jan 2014

I just downloaded this game and started playing it. Unfortunately, I will not be able to finish it tonight. So far, this seems like an awesome game. The sound effects are right on cue and the music is perfect! The story seems pretty solid too. I imagine the rest of this game will be amazing and I cannot wait to come back to it. Great work!

Comment sniperamol

05 Dec 2013

it ia a good game but i can't get the commands to work on my pc

Comment DRana325

04 Dec 2013

tried playing the game.. but my inventory won't show that picked up the chemical bottles even though it reads as though i have picked them up

Comment JohnDoe

28 Nov 2013

the clang never ends wat am i suposse to do?

Review Reidolol

06 Nov 2013

creative game,but i dont know what i need do

Comment morderwarg

29 Oct 2013

i couldnt even get out of the first room, i didnt find it to be detailed at all, open door> door locked>unlock door>cant unlock door.
"you can go north"
go north/north etc
"the door is locked"

Comment Annahvi

13 Oct 2013

I think there may be a problem. When I save, leave, and resume the game, the screen is white instead of black and I cannot see anything in the inventory tab. I have to constantly highlight the descriptions and type in 'inventory'. I suppose its worth noting that I'm using a Mac instead of a PC.

Comment alphasoup

30 Sep 2013

I've just run into a glitch:

I've just taken the heart from the broken doll, and I ran south to the room with the vending machine. I got the message:

"FOREVER!" the doll's voice screams and the gray of the hallway seems almost luminous as the fluorescent lights are burning brightly once again. You are alone.
The hallway stretches to the east. A door spray painted black, stands to the south and another stands to the north. Double doors end the west end of the hallway, but your passage to them is blocked by a large vending machine.

Okay, so I try going in any of those directions, assuming that I haven't just gotten a game over. But I can't go anywhere, and I can't look at any of the things in this room. WTF? Then I type 'look' and get:

The room is lit in neon colors, but you can't see where the lights are....

Not entirely sure how I got to the neon room, on the opposite end of the hallway.

Comment sophiehallam

29 Sep 2013

i am really stuck, i'm in the first room and i've got the scalpel, sheet and egg but i don't know what to do with them

Comment sophiehallam

28 Sep 2013

it keeps freezing :(

Review Linlinster

28 Sep 2013

Holy crap. I'm still completely creeped out. I'm lucky I live with roommates, lest I'd be absolutely terrified if I were alone--hell, I'm still terrified, just a -teensy- bit less than I would be if I were in a house alone.

This is true horror genre in text form. I can't believe how much detail there was in this game. It was incredibly chilling, but like a good read you just have to keep going. Sir Robb, if you ever made a book for this, I wouldn't read it because I'd be way too scared. *laugh* Sorry, buddy, but I like to sleep. :>

There were a few bugs, one bug in particular I managed to get out of. This one was the last part of the game when you take the knife. Exiting the room I found there were no directions available on the compass. I have to 'look' and then 'go [direction]' in order to get out of the room. There was another time when the compass directions told me I could go south and north, but when I clicked on them, they said "You can't go that way" or something along those lines. I did the same 'look', 'go [direction]' trick and that solved it. I agree with some reviewers who say that the cutscenes went very quickly (such as the three people one) and I couldn't react in time because I was trying to read what was going on. People who are having trouble with finding the plunger, look in the room with all the syringes. Try taking all the things in the room. I noticed I had the plunger in my inventory after I thoroughly searched the room, so make sure you do that as well...even if it is chilling to do so, especially with all the messages...

Just to add, I had gotten the Renaissance ending, but according to other reviewers there are more ends available. Also, according to lord_yo, you can read the source code to see the others as well...not sure how to do that, but I'd love to see them.

Anyway, good job Robb. Keep it up. I support your work, even if it scares the living daylights out of me. :>

Comment kayski

10 Sep 2013

well I've been playing on this and I've asked it to unlock a door and it said "YOU CAN'T DO THAT S**T" erm ok seems a little harsh but i'm guessing it was a no go area.

Now I have the tube, I've been into the room behind the castle picture and now I'm stuck on where to go....any hints

Comment Roveith

29 Aug 2013

I CANT EVEN DO ANYTHING-_- :( ;(

Review ThXman300

24 Aug 2013

I have played through once and wow, just wow. What an amazing game. The story the game tells is twisted, dark, and very interesting. Everything is done in a mysterious, subtle, and creepy way, I was terrified the whole time, but intrigued. I got the Renascence ending, but I'll play through again and try to get the other endings. I'll be sure to shoot you an e-mail, Robb, so I can be sure I'm getting the story right.

Review lord_yo

18 Aug 2013

Excellent job - some genuinely scare scenes and an overall tone of unease. The endings were obscure or mysterious enough to get the player thinking about the meaning. Very good use of uncanny valley imagery.

Some of the gory descriptions were over the top - not because they were disgusting, but because they felt almost clichéd. Less is more.

The puzzles were ok, but the one with the janitor closet was confusing (not enough feedback about if saying anything was useful there). The cut scenes drove by too quickly, and I wasn't able to react.

I got the Oblivion ending - and then cheated by reading the source code to see the other ones...

Review bunnyteacakes

13 Aug 2013

It was a beautiful and fun experience. There are still a few bugs but I don't mind. The music scared me and the details shook me to the bone. I hope you don't mind that I give your game a little publicity.

Comment bunnyteacakes

13 Aug 2013

Im stuck after being chased when I stole the heart. Now what...?

Comment bunnyteacakes

13 Aug 2013

Very fun although I keep getting stuck and I can't seem to do anything in the "doll" room with the heart.

Comment finding404

11 Aug 2013

having a bit of a glitch ;^; the alabaster egg appears in my inventory, but when I try to use it on the hole and the menu option comes up, It says It can't see the egg.

Review Silver

05 Aug 2013

Very good game. I only cheated the once with the riddle but the rest I found very enjoyable.

My only criticisms would be that when you had the cut scenes It took me a bit by surprise and I didn't really know what - if anything - I should do to interact in them and before I knew it they had ended. Do they have any bearing on the differing conclusions? The other thing is that it could have done with some further polish. When objects were created by the cut scenes they could still be seen in the rooms after they'd been picked up. Also when trying to solve the riddle by "Say *answer*" any word put in there other than the correct word gave a reply of 'I don't understand'. This may actually put a player off the scent in that they don't have to say something to solve the puzzle even though that is what is required. A simple 'else' on the script saying 'nice try, but not getting warmer' or somesuch would have revealed the player was on the right track but had the wrong solution.

Despite the above, I really enjoyed the game and feel it deserves five stars, especially as a first effort. I look forward to the author's future endeavours.

Review Erwtj3

04 Aug 2013

The story line is good, but the grammar isn't. You use a lot of "it's" when it's supposed to be "its", if you check your inventory, it says "a needles" and "a play money". Commands like "unlock door" don't work (you have to "use key on door") ...

I really like horror (games), but for me it's a shame that the game play and grammar aren't better ...

Comment tarichar

01 Aug 2013

just got Apocatastasis ending, whatever that means lol. great, a little short but very functional and fun to play, Im not really scared by any media but the sound still made it more immersive to say the least

Review gdquirm

28 Jul 2013

A whisper in the grass, a softly simmering pot of stew, a hiss of boil in the waters of a hot spring, much ado about the ever so slightly wavering signs. Subtle, yes, but enormously significant, significant, one might say, beyond measure. For that was the true catch; the measure of the things; not so easily lumped in with the weights of pounds or the lengths of meters, no something you can’t simply see.

Something that’s felt. Something deep, thick, past the shallow skins of meaning, beyond the safety of reason, down into the very marrow of being. Something heard in the whispers of the river currents under a bridge and the song of the ravens on a cold, dead night. The voice that speaks out to you in your dreams, ever so softly, ever so delicately, yet ever unyieding. The only word, the one word.

Fear.

10/10, Would never read it again.

Good sir, may you keep on swagging. But please, PLEASE don't be lame and make a sequal because people liked the first one; do me a favour, keep on writing, but make it new, make it original. Give me some new memories to collect along with the old ones in my nightmares.

Comment Doomkat

19 Jul 2013

I don't know how to get the egg.
I've cut the tumor open with the scalpel and I have the sheet and the scalpel.
PLEASE HELP

Comment explorington

17 Jul 2013

@ Fearg

just do what it says...click on the prompt, then write

open eyes

followed by the enter key.
Is this your first IF? :) in case, you chose a quite good one, really immersive and scary, although I'm not sure it's easy enough for a beginner (no offence intented)

Comment Fearg

16 Jul 2013

i cant do any thing it just says open your eyes again and again

Review Lehti

13 Jul 2013

A really amazing game. Everything, from the sound effects, the narration and the overall setting screams "fear".
I wonder if the author is planning on making localized versions of this game.

Comment leos100

23 Jun 2013

Im stuck in first room can someone help please?

Comment Nik333

17 Jun 2013

I couldn't pass first room :(

Comment bexx

14 Jun 2013

i feel extremely extremely stupid but i can't seem to get out of the first room
i've got all the objects in that room and i've done almost everything i can think of but i'm stuck
i have the egg the scalpel and the sheet and i've examined the drawers and can't do anything, help?

Review Muin

09 Jun 2013

Impressive, inmersive, legitimally scary.
Also, quite difficult, wich only adds to the experience.
Thank you.

Review deadpenguin

06 Jun 2013

now this is a very great game has a very good story you would be my first choice if I ever needed help with my games you have impressed me creepy game but very advanced for a text game

Comment William11

03 Jun 2013

Nevermind I found it out. I got all 4 endings! :D

Comment William11

03 Jun 2013

I've given the hands and the heart to the teenage doll, where do I find the eyes?

Comment Exit

02 Jun 2013

Nevermind. It seems I was thinking a little too far ahead for the riddle.

Comment Exit

02 Jun 2013

Great game but unfortunately I've gotten myself stuck. I seem to be having a problem locating a can opener. Also I believe I solved the riddle the former janitor quite his job over but I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to deliver the answer to "the man behind the door"? Maybe I'm just missing the obvious clues as it seems everyone else gets stuck further along in the game. Either way any help would be greatly appreciated and apologies to anyone if my comment spoils anything for you. This would be my first comment on this site and technically my first text adventure game. I was a bit desperate looking for hints to "unstuck" myself with.

Unrelated to my inability to solve puzzles, I took a break from the game, saved it, and returned later to find the music had stopped. I know some may find the eerie tunes to be distracting or annoying but it really helps to draw me in and transport me to this creepy world you've set up. Is there some way to resume the music? At the moment I'm hoping something I do in game will trigger some sound file and start it back up.

Comment Gleve

02 Jun 2013

Im glitched in the electric room. Ive given the doll hands, and when I attempt to go through the north door, it displays some text, then puts me back in the previous room.

Please let me know if theres any way I can overcome this without having to start again, because I really dont want to do that!

Comment lwright801

23 May 2013

How do you open the Janitor's Closet? I have the note and journal.

Review bbalthaser

20 May 2013

Horrifyingly hair raising. I literally about had a mini heart attack in some parts of this game. The descriptions are so vivid. This could be a very good beginning to a grotesque horror novel.
Things I liked:
Descriptions of things like the dolls
Themes
Unexpectedness of occurrences

Thing I didn't like:
Improving movement descriptions: such as Looking at the ground (it would say cant do that)

I guess I was expecting more than what I got from the ending I got..Resenance
I'm not sure I want to play it again because it was pretty scary. I love horror films, but reading descriptions for me sticks in my mind a lot more than watching it. I am a reader. Loved this game. First experience with a horror text adventure. Very impressed. My hat is off to you sir Robb for this game. Hope to see some more, maybe something leading up to this?!

Comment bbalthaser

20 May 2013

Just letting you know just had a small heart attack with the lights going out episode.

Comment seannsvampyr

19 May 2013

Can't find the blighted knife and it won't let me go back through the purple door/ adult doll.

Review seannsvampyr

19 May 2013

Good game but a couple of glitches are driving me insane on my droid. Great atmosphere, pacing and descriptions.

Comment daynab123

19 May 2013

I think i have run into some sort of bug. I got into the room with the electrified door and found the ticket for the booth in the neon room and the adolescent doll. I used the ticket to get the hands. Went back and placed the hands on the doll. Nothing happened. Left to see if anything elsewhere had changed. Found nothing new. Came back to the room with the adolescent doll and found dead animals everywhere, no doll, and now every time i try to enter the electrified room it looks like the game refreshes and nothing happens. Not sure what to do now.

Comment Alien

18 May 2013

Get plunger by the North door where the boy doll was in the electrified door

Comment Alien

18 May 2013

If anyone needs help up until the electrified door and tube with needles thing e-mail me
[email protected]

Review daynab123

18 May 2013

Stumbled upon this on amazon apps. Had no clue what it was at first. Never heard of a text adventure before. Once i figured out how to play, i was hooked. Don't have much by way of comparison but, if all of them are like this, i will be a happy girl playing these games for a while. Hope you will be making more of these, Robb. Looking forward to it.

Comment daynab123

18 May 2013

Hello all. Wouldn't mind a little help finding the plunger. I have looked everywhere i can think of. Just a little teeny weeny hint to put me in the right direction would be very helpful. Thanks so much and great job on the game Robb. Scared the bejebus out of me.

Comment Alien

15 May 2013

@DarKn1ght use scalpel on bear

Comment Alien

15 May 2013

What do I use the syringe for???? I help please!
Btw this game rocks!

Comment jackeloperson

14 May 2013

Nevermind.

Comment jackeloperson

13 May 2013

I know you guys will probably judge me for this, but how do you do anything in the first room? I have the sheet, but I can't use it on anything, I can't move the gurneys, I can't open the morgue drawer, I can't make sense of the picture on the drawer, I can't open the tumor, I can't open the door... It's just really frustrating me.

Comment Tierra

12 May 2013

Alrighty, just felt as if I should comment here since I'm not sure where best to do so:

First of all, I just want to say I'm loving this game to bits, and am seriously impressed to know this is your first foray into the Text Adventure genre, so Kudos! However, I have a problem-- I'm rather in, and seem to have found a rather serious bug; I was in the trippy room with the mature doll for the second or third time, just after filling the syringe, since I was trying to see whether or not I had to give it to the doll before trying it on myself.
Now, after seeing that I would, indeed, have to use it on myself, I attempted to leave the room through the only exit-- after all, who wants to have their judgement most likely impaired in a room like that? It was then I discvered that I could not interact with the exit at all, and therefore could not leave. So I used the syringe, and thankfully got out that way. So I headed back that way to give the doll its last parts, and now I /still/ can't interact with the door in any way, shape, or form. Only now, I'm stuck on the other side and can't get to the doll.

I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me, as I would hate to have to start over from the beginning. (I'm playing the downloaded app on a Kindle Fire, if that helps.)

Review cryptfly

10 May 2013

Amazing game, writing was superb. I understood all the visuals, so much so that they featured in nightmares.

Review theeverydaygoth

10 May 2013

Great game! What are the other endings besides Renaissance? I might have to play again.

Review educatemedotnet

10 May 2013

Great time! I got the Renaissance ending but I'm super curious about the others!

Comment DarKn1ght

10 May 2013

Ok, im also stuck. I have: Scalpel, sheet, needles, stuffed bear, can, religious paper, janitors note, flowers, journal, kiss key.
What do i do next?? Been stuck for a while.

Comment DarKn1ght

10 May 2013

Ok, im also stuck. I have the following items. Scalpel, sheet, needles, stuffed bear, can, religious paper, janitors note, flowers, journal, kiss key.
What do i do next?

Comment nosdog2

09 May 2013

Thanks! I'm out of the first room...and stuck again. I've put two of the things on the alter, and I think I need to get the last one in the closest. But how do I open it? I'm guessing the riddle is "stone" or "metal" so I need a knife? I tried using the scalpel on the door but that doesn't work. I'm pretty lost here.

Comment explorington

09 May 2013

@nosdog2:
read my previous comments. I have posted, more than once, some hints about how to pass the first room :)
this is a great IF, you'll "have fun"! ;)

Comment nosdog2

08 May 2013

Right, firstly this is a really great game! Amazing work.
But I'm really stuck. I think I need the stone knife, but I don't know where it is. Can anyone help?
Thanks

Comment smellypaul

30 Apr 2013

yes a horror text adventure!!! it's the same amount of horror without the picture!!!!

Comment WARGOD

30 Apr 2013

how do i search the tumor in the first dol soeone help/ps this is the firt text based adventure ive done.

Comment WARGOD

30 Apr 2013

ima retard.... cantget out o the first room

Comment explorington

28 Apr 2013

@ Chelle1171

Here are some hints
* You could draw a map to help navigation. Keep in mind that, although some door will unlock after you perform some specific action, many doors will never open.
* Be sure to examine *everything*. Especially the dolls. You'll interact with them a lot during the game.
* IIRC the kiss key opens a door in the northern part of the map.

Hope this helps :)

Comment explorington

28 Apr 2013

@Septirah:

you need a couple of objects. One of them (let's call it S) is somewhere on the floor. The other one (let's call it E) is inside the doll on the table. You'll need to use S on the doll to reveal something that contains E.

Examine the cabinets. Notice the different one? put E in it. The door will open and the gong will cease.

Comment Septirath

28 Apr 2013

I'll say this right now: I can't figure out how to get out of the first room. Any help?

Comment Chelle1171

21 Apr 2013

This is the first time I have seen this type of game and I love it but I really wish there was a visual map of the area to show were you have been or some hints of some kind. I made it out of the first room and feel like I'm going in circles. All I have gotten so far is a sheet, a scalpel, journal and kiss key. I am just lost.

Review explorington

15 Apr 2013

forgot to rate it

Comment explorington

15 Apr 2013

at nihilm: the ticket is inside a book (not the ones where you found the younger doll), IIRC. Then, you need to use it in the booth. That will unlock a cutscene there, and another one in the room beyond the electrified door. You'll need to take an object there, that will become the plunger.
you're almost done :)

Review Nihilm

13 Apr 2013

The game is fantastic, but i just got stuck, so far i have placed the hear inside the doll, i have scalpel, sheet, needles, tube with needle, religious paper, janitors note, can opener, journal and kiss key. I found the south-eastern door event, got the tower, now i understand i am missing a plunger for the syringe and a ticket to use in the booth, but so far ive tried usign everything on everything and every door, would be nice if someone could tell me what to do next.

Comment explorington

12 Apr 2013

Got all the four endings :)
Outstanding. Simply brilliant!
If your first game has this quality, I'm looking forward for the the following ones ;)

Review Kunabee

05 Apr 2013

Oh my God.
This is horrifying. As I entered the altar room and read the description I wanted to throw up.
Is it bad that I felt sympathy for the dolls?
I was fully immersed and completely terrified. Normally when I read horror I'm fine. This gave me a worse reaction than a horror movie.
Thanks for the nightmares dude -.-

I'm so desperate to figure out all the secrets, however. Completely terrifying and wonderful. Seriously immersive. Honestly it'd be hard to make this any better.

Though okay there are a few issues. If I think I can do something (i.e. touch), then I'm going to try it. It's obnoxious when I say "touch doll" or something and it's like "You can't do that", or if I say "look at floor" and it says "I can't see that". Somebody else said the same thing I believe so this is an issue that should be fixed.

ALSO. I started it and quit in the middle once. Now I've picked it back up again and I've already discovered three things I didn't pay attention to the first time. Love how it's hidden like that!!!

I don't see how anyone could NOT like this game. I'm impressed!

Comment Dane Cook

04 Apr 2013

My friend is having some trouble. he is on a mac, so he is playing in the browser. i have noticed a few bugs, such as when the doll (in the altar room) does the thing, and the three [REDACTED] come towards you in the narrow hallway.

He has injected himself with the syringe, and then gone one way, then it would play the message, and stop. there would be nothing else after that (it doesnt say he achived an ending) and he also tried going the other way and the same thing happened (but with the other message). If he actually did achive an ending, he would really like to know. Thanks for an amazing game, Robb.

Review jack30

04 Apr 2013

a movie would be awesomely horrific. BEST text adventure ever!

Review Dane Cook

31 Mar 2013

GREAT game! I finished the game! I mean, WOW! i was scared so badly, and i was just...damn! Loved it man! I got the renisance ending, and i would SO read this if it was a book! Seriously Robb, pat yourself on the back. You made a game that is harder to make than any shooter or platformer, because these require not technical knowelage (which it does), but a great amount of writing skills and imagination. it is HARD to WRITE something scary, anyone can make a jump scare, but this, this was beyond creepy, and it transported me to a dark, rusty place, that scared me shitless. Again, thank you Robb, and good luck in the future.

Comment Hero Robb

30 Mar 2013

If you have the ticket, the next thing to do would be to go to the bar area, open the curtains, go into the booth, close the door, and use the ticket on the slot from the inside.

Comment Dane Cook

28 Mar 2013

Robb, so far, i LOVE this game! Its so great! But, alas, I'm stuck! I have the sheet, scalpel, janitors note, kiss key, journal, religious paper, can opener, needles, notebook, ticket, the tube with the needle, and i have finished the altar and tower. I keep exploring and looking around, but i just have no idea what to do!

Comment Kylie Dawson1

28 Mar 2013

I'm trying to read previous text but everytime 'clang' is written, it jumps me straight back to the bottom. Highly annoying!!!!! Is thete anyway to turn this off??

Comment Hero Robb

27 Mar 2013

Argh! Sorry. That seems to be a common glitch in the android/iphone versions.

Comment Jamie Stenson

24 Mar 2013

Absolutely loved this game but hopefully you could help me out playing on android app and I can't get back into room with life size victim doll I have the eyes type north and it just goes white screen on me suppose I'll just have to d/l of version and replay

Comment Jon Best

22 Mar 2013

I found that my issue was there is a bug in the iphone & android versions that can cause you to get stuck in that room :(

I also found that playing in a browser was buggy (corrupted game) so i'd definitely recommend downloading Quest and the game to play on pc. Finally finished it :)

Review Jon Best

20 Mar 2013

Enjoying the game but I appear to be stuck in the room where you get the stone knife. Not sure if it is a bug but I can't leave the room and nothing I try seems to work?? Can anyone help?

Comment Hero Robb

15 Mar 2013

You have a heart and there is something somewhere that has a heart shaped hole. Perhaps in the child's room? After this a few doors that were previously locked are now open.

Comment Amanda Qu

15 Mar 2013

Okay so I just finished with the altar (and, by the way, that doll freaked me out) and I'm not sure what to do from here? I have the scalpel, religious paper, janitor's note, kiss key, needles, sheet, journal, can opener, and heart of hate.

Comment Tray

14 Mar 2013

How do you find the plunger and the stone knife?

Comment Hero Robb

14 Mar 2013

Marc: There are 2 different choices made through the game with 2 options each, making 4 different endings. I'm reluctant to let spoilers loose here, but if you email me ([email protected]) I'd be happy to let you know.

Comment Anna8

14 Mar 2013

WOO beat it with the oblivion ending!

Comment Marc Winger

13 Mar 2013

How do you get diff endings? By finding things in a differant order? Or timed thing?

Review Anna8

13 Mar 2013

can someone please give me a hint as to where the plunger is.

Comment Hero Robb

13 Mar 2013

Marc: Try using the knife on something in the room where you found the plastic tube (where the mural of the castle was).

Comment Marc Winger

13 Mar 2013

Stuck again, maybe just a waiting game but I got the stone knife, I'm not sure where to use it or go from here?

Comment Hero Robb

13 Mar 2013

Marc: Yes, you are correct in all of your assumptions. You simply need to use the scalpel on the bear to remove the needles.

Comment Marc Winger

13 Mar 2013

If I'm correct you get the needles from the bear? But how? I can't figure that part out, and I have 2 of 3 things on the altar, f&e I don't know what the third one is unless its the bear after needles are out. Lil bit of help would be great, thanks and hell of a game so far

Comment Hero Robb

01 Mar 2013

Will D - There are 2 more items you need to place on the altar to continue. One of them you already have. You need to figure out the riddle on the janitor's closet using the journal for a hint to get that item you need.

Comment Will Dziuk

27 Feb 2013

Hey, great game! Fully addicted to it right away. I am stuck at one point however. I have the needles, the bear, the scalpel, the sheet, the can, the kiss key, and the journal, and I've been in the room with the stage, the altar, and the snake statue - now what? No doors are opening for me. I don't know where to go, or what on earth to do with the snake statue.

Side note: I've already put the flowers on the altar

Review Tim Sibiski

26 Feb 2013

Hi Hero Robb,

What I Liked:
- Excellent descriptions
- Excellent grammar. I saw one error throughout the entire game, where "door" was spelled "doo" (this is huge as I have simply stopped playing most of the other highly-rated text adventures because the author doesn't know even basic grammar.)
- Great puzzles; they were complex, but the only time I got stuck in the game was when I tried to figure out how to read the journal. I tried everything except for "read" and was stumped as to why I couldn't "open" it. lol

What I Did Not Like:
- The music and most sound files; all they did was annoy me. Most others seemingly liked them, but I had to take my headphones off, otherwise the sounds would have made me quit the game.
- The ending; although there wasn't much story before the ending sequence, the result was disappointingly convoluted, although I am pretty sure I know what happened. I think I would have liked more story before this story dump.
- Why would I inject foreign liquid into my veins? Injecting water into your veins can kill you (since it's not the right Ph), much less something else.

-----
Despite all of this, you deserve a five. Well done.

Comment Hero Robb

29 Jan 2013

Dr. Derperable, the thing I was trying to get across is that you need to grab the web cluster. Typing "take cluster" will work.

Review DrDerperable

29 Jan 2013

Nice. I'm still stuck in the first room. After cutting the tumor open and seeing the webs I use the scalpel on the webs and it said "You will need to use your hands" I tried doing "use hands on webs" but nothing happened. Whats up with that?

~DRD

Comment Shelby Ducote

09 Jan 2013

I just started playing this game about 20 minutes ago and I cannot get out of this room. How do you get out or how do you unlock the door? I'm going crazy!!!!!

Review Mokraton

09 Jan 2013

Very good game. Fantastic. It was very puzzling, entertaining, scary, and fun!

Review Anna Kiho

30 Dec 2012

bloody brilliant!

Review Miss Squid

26 Dec 2012

I love the vibe of this game! It's really fantastic, although I'm trying to figure out the different ways to get the other endings. I got the Oblivion ending.
Anyways, fantastic game. Can't wait for another one!

Comment Hero Robb

14 Dec 2012

Tara - Try using the scalpel on the bear.

Comment Tara1

13 Dec 2012

Is it possible to remove the needles from the bear?

Review Damir

19 Nov 2012

amazing... it got me glued to pc and crave for more.

being a huge sh fan i appreciated the references :)

"What am i?" puzzle was clearly explained and well presented but the result was kinda hard -for me- to guess.

ill try few more times to see if i can achieve different endings.

got the Renascence ending by the way.

i hope you wont mind if e-mail you for tips on how to achieve specific ending.

thanks for the great game!

Review Sam657

17 Nov 2012

If there exists a walkthrough it could be useful.
Speaking bout that it woud be cool if there was a section in your site with walkthrough for each game.
Anyway this kind of gaming and mainly the Textadventures games suit me.
I like practicing my english this way.

Comment Hero Robb

15 Nov 2012

Etho, the idea is not to break the webs, but to get the cluster. Try "take cluster".

Comment Etho

13 Nov 2012

How do you... break the webs with your hands? I'm stuck.

Review doom kitt3

12 Nov 2012

i need a basic walkthrough i love the clanging

Comment Hero Robb

08 Nov 2012

The ending really should have cleared up a lot of things that were confusing and did not make sense throughout the game. If you want a more clear picture of what happened, you can email me ([email protected]) because I really don't want to post spoilers here. I really really hate spoilers.

Comment Faith

08 Nov 2012

Got the Oblivion ending. Whatever that means. Kinda confused now.

Comment Faith

08 Nov 2012

Nevermind. I might have it!

Review Faith

08 Nov 2012

Alright. Great game... However, I'm stuck. I've gotten the south wall opened, and I believe I've gotten everything for the doll (the main one) except for the last thing. I have the syringe, but I'm not sure where to find the liquid...

Review Megan Brandewie

06 Nov 2012

Great Game, Hero Roob!

Comment Hero Robb

04 Nov 2012

Mike - There's a few things that you can do in any order, so I'm not sure where exactly you are. Feel free to email me ([email protected]) if you need help.
Payton - Wow, being compared to something like Infocom is pretty weird to me. I honestly expected very few people to play this and no one to like it. And to remedy your stuck situation, I'd hint that there is one more item you need to place on the altar. Feel free to email me, too, if you get stuck again. I really hate getting frustrated with a game. Nothing pulls me out and destroys immersion worse than that.

Comment Payton Wheeler

04 Nov 2012

So far so good. This game is amazing. The amount of detail and use of visual descriptions is really incredible. I just put both of the items on the altar by the doll so far, might be a little bit stuck, but still only have 2 complaints, well 1 complaint and an inconvenience: #1 One of the commands in the first room one used on the doll spells "pregnant" wrong (believe it was spelt "pregant" or something like that). And the inconvenience is there isn't enough verbs or responses like there are in Zork. though if you were getting paid to make this game like Infocom was, I bet you would've gone the extra mile to make this just like that. It's a bummer that TAGs ony have like a cult following now, otherwise you might actually have a shot at being the next Infocom.

Comment Hero Robb

01 Nov 2012

I'd say post in the forums, Alex will have a better idea of how to fix this than me. Hope you can fix it.

Comment Sergio Cordero

01 Nov 2012

ok, got the renascence ending... "clap clap" bro, "clap clap"....

sounds still an issue though, i have installed ver. 5.20, if theres a new one then you probably oughta check the link. (yes, options are set to "audio on", no i still have no idea whats going on) is there a driver or something? a better place to ask perhaps?

Review Mike24

31 Oct 2012

Amazing game so far. My only issue is I'm stuck after finding something passed the southern wall of the hallway... What next?

Comment Hero Robb

30 Oct 2012

Sergio, I've only seen the sound not work for two reasons. The first is playing the game in the browser, for some reason, doesn't seem to be conducive to sound and music. The other is because of using an older version of Quest, so if you download the game and update your Quest player, it should fix it.

Comment Sergio Cordero

30 Oct 2012

so... im not getting any sounds, any tips?

Comment Hero Robb

30 Oct 2012

Aaron - I'd love to, but I have no idea how to even begin something like that.

Comment Aaron13

29 Oct 2012

Sounds like a fun game! Any chance you'll be porting it to iOS?

Comment Vincent3

21 Oct 2012

Hahaha yeah.. particularly the door in front of the operating theatre. That one was really out of place, but it was a good laugh. I don't really play text adventure games but I liked First Times enough to play any other you dish out. Looking forward to it.

Comment Hero Robb

20 Oct 2012

The messages when opening those doors are actually placeholders I forgot to change. I'll have them fixed in the next update (whenever I get to that...). Thanks for the review. I'll try to work on immersion more. I'm considering adding a hint system because I feel that nothing brings you out of a game like getting stuck. My next game is actually an epic (and somewhat silly) fantasy adventure. I have a few ideas for more horror games, though. They will be made in due time.

Review Vincent3

20 Oct 2012

Very impressive. The only gripe I have is that since I tend to explore/examine every single thing I can in horror games, it'd be a bit more immersive if most interactions had a unique description rather than "You can't use them that way" or "You can't see that" or "Nothing happens". Even maybe a little very subtle humour when you try to use an item on another item that wouldn't clearly have any useful effect or do something silly (like speaking to a door which I tried to do a couple of times). And even for the places where there is nothing particularly unique about the ceiling/floor or walls, and something generic HAS to be written, something like "You look down to the floor but see nothing unusual" is better than "I can't see that" which doesn't really make sense. And sometimes items will reappear as if I never took them if I revisit the scene. Just a bug.

I like how some of the messages when you try to open particular doors is kind of weird. Like the one in front of the maternity ward or the one in front of the operating theatre.
That part after the operating theatre was great. (AND THE CHILD DOLL OH GOD, THE CHILD DOLL). Executing something like that in text form doesn't seem easy but you make it scary as hell. The foreshadowing in the red book was awesome as well. Holy shit. And the game is really Silent Hill-esque, especially with the rust, disturbing imagery and the particular type of puzzle solving. Obviously a plus.

But anyway I loved what descriptions you did have and the little parts of them that would send a chill down your spine (examining the mirror or the janitor's closet door). But like I said at the start of this comment, some (few) parts of the game just a feel a bit empty and there's a couple of bugs. That's all. Looking forward to your next horror game.

Review Krissy

19 Oct 2012

Okay, I was missing the tower. For those who miss it, there is a door that is locked at the beginning, that opens up somewhere in the middle of the game in the southeastern section.

And with that, a review!

So, this game is absolutely fantastic. Definitely deserves full on 5 out of 5 stars. It is not perfect, but for what it is, it's amazing.

It really builds a powerful atmosphere of fear, and gives a strong sense that the world is out to get you. You do horrible things, because if you don't, you can't progress, which makes the inevitable terribleness feel more like your fault. The use of sound is perfect, and specifically the 'ritual room' is one of the most harrowing places I've ever managed to be. Further, the green eyed doll, despite being rendered purely in text (or possibly even because of it, and having to use my imagination) is the single most disturbing and unnerving thing I've ever had to deal with in a game. The game is very much powerful at building atmosphere, and the story itself is heavily symbolic in a way that's very interesting to parse out.

My few nitpicks would be the southwestern segment not being obvious about opening up, and then not having any buildup when a creepy moment happens, so it feels somewhat out of place and forced. Having to leave the ritual room and come back also helps to desensitize you to it, which I think is a bit of a lost opportunity. And lastly, after the green eyed doll moment, the doll remains where it is, giving the exact same message. I feel like, maybe, that room should have just been locked afterwards, the character unwilling to go back in there for fear. But again, these are little nitpicks. The game itself was fantastic, and is worth everyone's time.

Comment Krissy

18 Oct 2012

I read about the tube here, but I can't seem to find it. Any hints on where I should look?

Comment Hero Robb

17 Oct 2012

Ioanna-Maria, there are a few steps you need to go through to get the earrings. You need to get an item from the chest in the child's room, use it somewhere in the northern hallway, then you need to get into the janitor's closet.

Review Cody Robinson

17 Oct 2012

First Times is a fantastic deviation from the classic Text Adventure genre. It utilizes both sound and game timers to give the player the most horrific experience possible. The game play and in-game descriptions are both shocking and intense. It's amazing what Hero Robb accomplishes in his Text Adventure debut.

Fans of classic gaming, horror, or anyone looking to experience something strange and different should definitely play First Times. I truly can't wait to see what Hero Robb comes out with next. I don't care what it is, I'm playing it.

Review Ioanna-Maria Paraschaki

16 Oct 2012

Excellent game!One question though,where are those earings?

Comment Hero Robb

08 Oct 2012

Helen, there areare four endings. I'm leery to discuss the details of how to get them here, where spoilers could ensue. I'd be glad to tell you how if you email me ([email protected]) And, as always, thanks for playing.

Comment Helen1

08 Oct 2012

Great Game! How many endings are there - I've achieved Inferno and Apocatastasis so far.

Comment Hero Robb

08 Oct 2012

Brendan, there is more than one thing you need to put on the altar. There are hints at what these things are in a book somewhere... Or there's always trial and error.

Comment Brendan Jones

07 Oct 2012

stuck... just put flowers on the altar. where do i go now?

Comment Hero Robb

01 Oct 2012

To do anything with the inventory, just type "use [object] on [object]" so "use egg on hole" would be the command.

Comment Amy Cox

30 Sep 2012

I am stuck. I have the egg, scalpel and sheet.... what now?
I assume you put egg in that hole but I dont know the command?

Comment Hero Robb

26 Sep 2012

Thanks for playing. There are four different endings (which really determine the main character's personality), but I'd really rather not let loose the details on how to get the endings on the site, but if you want to email me ([email protected]), I'd be happy to spill the beans in private.

Review erika1

26 Sep 2012

This is awesome, well done.
I got the Oblivion Ending, how were the endings determined?

Review Andy Reed

24 Sep 2012

great job man

Comment Hero Robb

23 Sep 2012

Ok, so in order to get out of that room, try "take blade" and "use blade on tumor". You should be able to get the final item in that room. Remember you don't need to verb hunt, just type "use" for anything.

Comment HWExtreme

23 Sep 2012

To be more specific, I found the message scrawled on drawer 67, I found the doll, and I have the sheet. I don't know what to do from there.

Comment Hero Robb

23 Sep 2012

What do you mean by the first part, exactly? The first room? Like I told the guy a few posts back, take the blade and the sheet.

Comment HWExtreme

22 Sep 2012

Stuck on the first part. ._.

Comment Hero Robb

22 Sep 2012

Bananana, the journal is in a hole in the wall in the east end of the northern hallway. The next thing you need to do is try "use [object from inventory]" on the altar in the room where the doll is on the operating table. You have everything you need for that part and you should be able to keep going from there.

Review PurpleBananana

22 Sep 2012

Best horror game on the site. Love the SH2 reference at the strip club, atmosphere, and bizarre puzzles. I'm stuck, though. I have the scalpel, sheet, needles, stuffed bear, earrings, religious paper, janitor's note, can opener, flowers, and kiss key. And where is this journal everyone's talking about?

Comment Hero Robb

18 Aug 2012

Josh, make sure to take the blade and the sheet. That should get you started.

Comment Josh Gray

18 Aug 2012

Stuck in first room where you wake up with the gurneys, drawers and dead guy. What do I do?

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

Yeah, the plot isn't just spelled out for you, but, as always, if it bothers you then don't hesitate to shoot me an email. I'm hesitant to just spoil the ending and what it all means here. Also, I got the endings mixed up. Renascence is not the one I was thinking. It surprises me that that's the most common ending for people. Not that it's a bad thing.

Comment Sykes

09 Aug 2012

finished, got the renascence ending. don't quite understand what happened though?

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

Sykes, you need to put thee needle into the tube with plunger to make a syringe.

Comment Sykes

09 Aug 2012

and same here sarah i get all nervous when i type something in haha

Comment Sykes

09 Aug 2012

stuck again! i have absolutely no idea what to do in the ritual room. i've got the tube with plunger

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

If the answer was "dead", then try typing in "say dead" in front of the janitor's door. If you need more help, feel free to email me. [email protected]

Comment sarah4

09 Aug 2012

I think I've figured out the answer to the riddle but, having done so, I can't quite figure out how to make the janitor's door open. I am sure I am missing an obvious verb, but having tried several different commands, I can't figure out how to say the answer outside the door. I've already tried speaking to the door and note and speaking the answer aloud while stood outside, but to no avail. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. While I am a little to squeamish for most of the gore in this game, it is very well written with good spelling and grammar and compelling and evocative descriptions and an intriguing storyline and I would like to finish it now I've started. Though I'm a bit worried about what's going to happen next, which is just the feeling a horror game should evoke!

Review Sykes

09 Aug 2012

ok will do, thanks for the help. really good game enjoying this

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

Renascence? That's my favorite ending. There are four endings. And yes, sir, I do plan on making more horror games. I'm working on a different game right now, but you can be sure I will return to the horrific scary stuff immediately afterwords.

Comment John Hernandez

09 Aug 2012

are you planning more horror games? ( i ask this question many times)

Comment John Hernandez

09 Aug 2012

i got recance(i think thats how spell it) ending and how many ending are there?

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

Ok, my phone autocorrected picnic into that sentence, sorry.

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

The journal tells clues about the picnic riddle (on the janitor'sa note) for getting in the janitor's closet. If you can't figure out the riddle, just shoot me an email ([email protected]) and I'll help you out.

Comment Sykes

09 Aug 2012

could you tell me how to open the can? i have the can, scalpel, sheet, needles, bear, religious paper, janitors note, journal and kiss key.

Comment Hero Robb

09 Aug 2012

Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed it and I'm glad it was actually scary. I'd like to know which ending you got.

Comment John Hernandez

08 Aug 2012

YES!!! ! beat the game!!! This game truly scared the hell outta me (including with the sound effects) its the best horror text adventure that i played so far... hope you make horror games in the future

Comment Sykes

06 Aug 2012

wow this is great! the clanging really creeps you out (although it does getting annoying after a while)

really good so far

Review John Hernandez

05 Aug 2012

Its a very good game,I like the music, it make a creepy feeling, and hope you make more horror in the future and so far i made out of the room still trying to figure out everything