Interactive Fiction
To understand what Adams was talking about, you'll have to look more closely at the genre of interactive fiction.
Read Game. There are about 7 or 8 pages to this article. An excellent introduction to the genre.
Read this introduction to interactive fiction.
Play this annotated version of "Colossal Cave Adventure".
Play along with the annotation, and try to get across the crystal bridge. (Gameplay tips: http://brasslantern.org/beginners/beginnersguide-b.html) You'll need to get past the snake, first! Playing IF absolutely requires you to create a map. (Here be hints and tips for Adventure.)
Once you've crossed the crystal bridge, keep playing for as long as the game holds your interest. (I've learned that some people get addicted to this kind of game, while others simply can't stand it.)
I can't get the game to upload. I waited for about 10 minutes for the page to load up, but it never did. Please help me with this.
Can you try a different computer? Is it possible to borrow a faster internet connection (maybe at a library or coffee shop)?
It's supposed to open in a window so that you don't have to install anything.
Try this site... you'll probably need to keep my other page open in another window so that you can read the game-play tips.
http://www.ifiction.org/games/play.phpz?cat=&game=1&mode=html