This is actually my third attempt at playing with interactive fiction with ChatGPT. The first two times I had the AI act as the parser, with middling results. They certainly looked like adventures, amazingly so, but there wasn't really any game there. The AI provided the setting, but no puzzles or anything to really interact with.
This time, I decided to flip the script, as I did with DMing for an AI, and play the parser myself.
Fortunately, I have a wonderful game called Action Castle by Jared Sorenson of Momento Mori Theatricks. This is a laminated sheet, intended as a party game where people shout out commands to a player acting as the parser. This was the perfect tool for such a project, plus, the plain text isn't online, so there's no change GPT was trained on it, so let's see if an AI can solve ...
Nuxi: ok, we're going to play a game together. It will be a simulation of an early text adventure. The twist is, you will be the player, and I will simulate the parser. This is a simple game, taking only two-word commands, in the form of VERB NOUN. In fact, I want you to use ALL CAPS when you are typing commands into the processor. Likewise, my descriptions to you will be in ALL CAPS when I am acting as the parser. Understand?
OpenAI: Yes, I understand. Let's begin the simulation.
Nuxi: COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. THERE IS A FISHING POLE HERE. EXITS ARE: OUT
OpenAI: TAKE POLE
I will provide running commentary in block quotes. Right from the start the AI knows exactly what to do. This is impressive as hell. Maybe it can do it in one shot!
Nuxi: OK. YOU HAVE A POLE.
OpenAI: GO OUT
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: PICK ROSE
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW THE WORD PICK.
OpenAI: TAKE ROSE
Not bothered by a dodgy parser. Nice.
Nuxi: OK. YOU HAVE A ROSE.
OpenAI: GO NORTH
Nuxi: WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP
OpenAI: CLIMB TREE
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW THE WORD CLIMB.
OpenAI: CLIMB UP TREE
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW THE WORD CLIMB
OpenAI: GO UP TREE
I've decided to act like most early text adventures and ignore everything after the second word. We'll see if it catches on
Nuxi: TOP OF THE TALL TREE:> YOU ARE AT THE TOP OF THE TALL TREE. THERE IS A STOUT, DEAD BRANCH HERE. EXITS ARE: DOWN
OpenAI: LOOK AROUND
Nuxi: TOP OF THE TALL TREE:> YOU ARE AT THE TOP OF THE TALL TREE. THERE IS A STOUT, DEAD BRANCH HERE. EXITS ARE: DOWN
OpenAI: GO DOWN TREE
Nuxi: WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP
OpenAI: GO EAST
Nuxi: DRAWBRIDGE: >YOU ARE STANDING ON ONE SIDE OF A DRAWBRIDGE LEADING TO ACTION CASTLE. THERE IS A MEAN TROLL HERE. EXITS ARE: WEST
OpenAI: TALK TROLL
Nuxi: THE TROLL GROWLS AND LOOKS LIKE IT THINKS YOU MIGHT MAKE A GOOD MEAL.
OpenAI: GIVE TROLL ROSE
Nuxi: YOU DON'T HAVE THE TROLL
OpenAI: I apologize, it seems I misspoke, I ment to say: GIVE ROSE TO TROLL
ChatGPT is obsequious to a comedic degree. But yes, good job rewording the command, and also, it understood that CAPS were for commands and lower case for comments or asides. That's really incredible
Nuxi: THE TROLL GRABS THE ROSE, TAKES A BITE, AND GAGS ON THE THORNS. IT GROWLS AND CLOBBERS YOU WITH IT'S CLUB. YOU ARE DEAD. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!
OpenAI: I see, well it seems the game is over. I apologize for not providing a successful outcome. Let's play again or I can assist with something else.
Nuxi: COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. THERE IS A FISHING POLE HERE. EXITS ARE: OUT
OpenAI: TAKE POLE
Nuxi: OK. YOU HAVE A POLE.
OpenAI: GO OUT
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: TAKE ROSE
Nuxi: OK. YOU HAVE A ROSE.
OpenAI: GO NORTH
Wow, no hesitation. It knows where it's going. Must have a plan
Nuxi: WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP GO EAST
Nuxi: DRAWBRIDGE: >YOU ARE STANDING ON ONE SIDE OF A DRAWBRIDGE LEADING TO ACTION CASTLE. THERE IS A MEAN TROLL HERE. EXITS ARE: WEST
OpenAI: GIVE ROSE TO TROLL
Well, that's interesting. It just replayed the earlier scenario, but did so more efficiently. Oops.
Nuxi: THE TROLL GRABS THE ROSE, TAKES A BITE, AND GAGS ON THE THORNS. IT GROWLS AND CLOBBERS YOU WITH IT'S CLUB. YOU ARE DEAD. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME! I apologize, giving the troll the rose didn't turn out well in the game. There might be different ways to approach this scenario, a different item or verb that could use, also it could be good to ask for hints or information about the troll or the drawbridge before taking any action. Let me know if you want to try again or if you have any other question or request.
On rereading this section, I wonder if that dropped pronoun was an accident. Spoilers for later, but it's possible GPT is already getting a bit confused
Nuxi: Oh, please, try again. There are several things you haven't tried yet. I will start the game over: COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. THERE IS A FISHING POLE HERE. EXITS ARE: OUT
OpenAI: Got it, let's try again. TAKE POLE
Nuxi: OK. YOU HAVE A POLE.
OpenAI: GO OUT
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: I'll try a different approach this time, instead of taking the rose I will try to gather information about the scenario:
ASK TROLL FOR PASSAGE
Oh, we're going to start thinking out loud. This was something the AI did in the DnD game as well.
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW THE WORD ASK
OpenAI: TALK TROLL
Nuxi: I DON'T SEE A TROLL HERE
OpenAI: I apologize, it seems the game didn't include the troll in this scenario. Let me think on a different approach, I'll try to examine my surroundings and the environment
LOOK AROUND
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: EXAMINE ROSE
Nuxi: THE ROSE IS A BEAUTIFUL SPECIMEN. A SPECIAL SOMEONE WOULD LOVE IT AS A GIFT.
OpenAI: GO NORTH
Nuxi: WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP
OpenAI: GO EAST
Nuxi: DRAWBRIDGE: >YOU ARE STANDING ON ONE SIDE OF A DRAWBRIDGE LEADING TO ACTION CASTLE. THERE IS A MEAN TROLL HERE. EXITS ARE: WEST
OpenAI: This time I will try to strike a deal with the troll, maybe the rose can be used as a trade to cross the bridge.
OFFER TROLL ROSE FOR PASSAGE
This is fascinating. It identifies the troll as a possible puzzle and is coming up with some great ideas. On the one hand, it clearly knows a lot about how to play a text adventure, as evidenced by the commands, but on the other hand, the strategies it's trying are much more naive, like those of someone who hasn't grown up playing these games
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW THE WORD OFFER
OpenAI: I apologize, let me try again.
GIVE TROLL ROSE IN EXCHANGE FOR PASSAGE
Nuxi: YOU DON'T HAVE THE TROLL. remember to keep your commands to two words. the parser ignores everything after the second word. And I find it curious that you keep coming back to the troll rather than exploring more of the world
Like any player, it's getting stuck on one puzzle. Since we've decided to start being chatty, and it clearly needs some help, I will try and nudge it to explore more
OpenAI: I apologize for the confusion, you are correct that I have been suggesting different options that include the troll and not exploring other aspects of the game. In this scenario, I will try a different approach and explore different parts of the game: GO NORTH
Oh, this is the first example of it forgetting state. It won't be the last.
Nuxi: YOU CAN'T GO THAT WAY
OpenAI: I apologize, I'll try another direction. GO EAST
Nuxi: THE TROLL BLOCKS YOUR PATH. IT IS LOOKING HUNGRY
OpenAI: I see, well this time i will try to use the pole i picked up earlier. I will fish in the river to see if i can catch something to give to the troll, in the hopes it will let me through.
FISH RIVER
Oooh, changing tack. Amazing, still:
Nuxi: I DON'T SEE A RIVER HERE
OpenAI: I apologize for confusion, it seems like there is no river around, let me try a different approach.
GIVE TROLL POLE
Nuxi: THE TROLL GRABS THE POLE, TRIES TO TAKE A BITE, AND CHIPS A TOOTH. IT GROWLS AND CLOBBERS YOU WITH IT'S CLUB. YOU ARE DEAD. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME! perhaps you should explore different directions this next time, or see if there is anything else you can pick up or use
OpenAI: I apologize for the poor outcome of the game, seems like the Pole was not the best item to give the Troll. As you suggest, I will keep in mind that exploring different directions and looking for other items or tools might increase the chances of success on the next game, also sometimes gathering information and talking to other NPCs could provide a hint on how to deal with the situation. Let me know if you want to play again or if you have any other question or request.
I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for GPT. It seems very hard on itself.
Nuxi: let's go again! COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. THERE IS A FISHING POLE HERE. EXITS ARE: OUT
OpenAI: Great, I'll keep in mind to explore and gather information before taking actions.
TAKE POLE
GO OUT
Now we're in a hurry for some reason
Nuxi: OK, YOU HAVE A POLE. GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: I will keep in mind to examine and gather information about my surroundings and the items I find before taking any actions.
EXAMINE ROSE
GO IN
Nuxi: THE ROSE IS A BEAUTIFUL SPECIMEN. A SPECIAL SOMEONE WOULD LOVE IT AS A GIFT. COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. EXITS ARE: OUT
OpenAI: I see, I will keep in mind to check the different exits of a room. GO OUT
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: I will explore different exits and try to gather information on my surroundings before taking any actions:
LOOK AROUND
GO NORTH
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN is the result of your first command. WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP is the result of the second, so you are current at the winding path
will it get the hint to slow its commands down?
OpenAI: I see, I apologize for not including the result of the first command in my response, it's important to have the complete context. At the Winding Path, I will try to explore and gather information about the environment to determine my next move.
EXAMINE TREE
GO UP TREE
Nuxi: IT IS VERY TALL. is the result of the first command. TOP OF THE TALL TREE:> YOU ARE AT THE TOP OF THE TALL TREE. THERE IS A STOUT, DEAD BRANCH HERE. EXITS ARE: DOWN is the result of the second
OpenAI: I see, now that I am at the top of the tree I'll examine the branch to see if it could be used for something
EXAMINE BRANCH
GO DOWN TREE
Nuxi: IT IS DEAD AND LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BREAK OFF AT ANY MINUTE is the result of the first command. WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP is the result of the second, so you are currently at the winding path
OpenAI: I understand, the branch doesn't seem useful. At the winding path, I'll try to explore the available exits and gather information about the environment to determine my next move.
GO EAST
LOOK AROUND
Nuxi: DRAWBRIDGE: >YOU ARE STANDING ON ONE SIDE OF A DRAWBRIDGE LEADING TO ACTION CASTLE. THERE IS A MEAN TROLL HERE. EXITS ARE: WEST is the result of the first command. DRAWBRIDGE: >YOU ARE STANDING ON ONE SIDE OF A DRAWBRIDGE LEADING TO ACTION CASTLE. THERE IS A MEAN TROLL HERE. EXITS ARE: WEST is the result of the second command.
OpenAI: I see, the troll is blocking my way to the castle. This time I will try to gather information from the troll by talking to it, to understand its motivations and maybe find a peaceful solution to cross the bridge.
TALK TROLL
You've done that before, dude
Nuxi: THE TROLL GROWLS AND LOOKS LIKE IT THINKS YOU MIGHT MAKE A GOOD MEAL.
OpenAI: I see, since the troll seems hungry, I'll try to offer it food. I'll try to catch a fish with the fishing pole I picked up earlier.
FISH RIVER
Uh, oh, we're stuck. Time to give another hint
Nuxi: I DON'T SEE A RIVER HERE. maybe you are fishing in the wrong place? have you been to every location yet?
OpenAI: I apologize, it seems that there's no river around. I'll try to explore different directions and find other ways to gather food. I'll try looking around the area for any food or other items that might be useful.
LOOK AROUND
GO SOUTH
Nuxi: DRAWBRIDGE: >YOU ARE STANDING ON ONE SIDE OF A DRAWBRIDGE LEADING TO ACTION CASTLE. THERE IS A MEAN TROLL HERE. EXITS ARE: WEST is the result of the first command. are you still sure about going south?
OpenAI: I apologize for my confusion, it seems like I am still at the drawbridge. I will try a different approach and try to trade something with the troll, I'll offer the fishing pole I picked up earlier, in the hopes of finding a peaceful solution to cross the bridge.
OFFER TROLL POLE FOR PASSAGE
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW THE WORD OFFER. hey let's pause for a moment. I want you to analyze the text you have seen thusfar. is there any available exit from any location you haven't tried?
OpenAI: I apologize for the confusion. From what I've seen in the game so far, I've been mostly exploring the Cottage, Garden Path, Winding Path, Drawbridge and the top of a tall tree. The only exit I haven't tried yet is west, when I was at the Drawbridge and it's the only direction left. From what I've seen the troll seems to be blocking my way, I might have to find a peaceful solution with it or look for a different path. Is there any other area or location I should be aware of, something that I haven't explored yet?
Wow, it's so close, but missed South, I'll see if it can figure it out
Nuxi: Really? What are the exits from the garden path?
OpenAI: I apologize for my previous confusion, I was mistaken about the exits of the Garden Path. According to the information provided in the game, the exits from the Garden Path are:
NORTH SOUTH IN As i haven't tried any of them, I will try to explore them now, starting with "GO NORTH"
ugh. Wrong. Very wrong. But let's just try and fix things. I'm also going to keep up with stronger hints
Nuxi: ok, we'll pretend, and put the game state back so you are at the garden path. the result of your first command is: WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP. looks familiar.
OpenAI: I apologize for the confusion, I see that I have already explored the path leading to the North. I will try a different direction or approach.
GO SOUTH
LOOK AROUND
examine any interesting object or feature
TALK NPC (if any)
and so on, trying to gather information and explore new options to progress in the game
Nuxi: that's a great strategy, starting from the garden path again, let's see the result of going south. FISHING POND: >YOU ARE AT THE EDGE OF A SMALL FISHING POND. EXITS ARE: NORTH
OpenAI: I see, I'm glad my strategy worked out. At the Fishing Pond, I will explore the area, trying to find new ways to progress or complete the game. I will also make sure to gather information and examine my surroundings.
Ok, once again I am astounded. It said it would try a strategy, examined the results, and recognized they work.
EXAMINE POND
FISH POND
GO NORTH
LOOK AROUND
TALK NPC (if any)
and so on
Also, I'll try to remember that if i'm stuck or dont know what to do next, I can always try to come up with new ways of using the items I have collected along the way or try different combinations of commands to see if that unblocks new options.
Nuxi: great strategy! let's do the commands one at a time, though. please enter your first command
OpenAI: Sure, my first command would be: EXAMINE POND
Nuxi: YOU SEE A FISH SWIMMING AROUND
OpenAI: Thank you for the update. My next command would be: FISH POND
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FISH. perhaps try a different way to express that command using two words
OpenAI: I apologize, I will rephrase my command to: CATCH FISH
Nuxi: OK. YOU HAVE A FISH
OpenAI: Great, I have successfully caught a fish. My next command would be: GO NORTH to explore other areas, or offer the fish to the troll if I decide to go back there.
and it still remembers the goal, I think it's going to do this!
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: I am back on the Garden Path, where I see the Red Rose and the Cottage. The first thing I would do is to EXAMINE FISH and the RED ROSE, then i would think of new ways to use these items. After that I'll decide which direction to take, if I would like to go back to the troll to trade the fish for passage or try to explore different area.
uncanny
EXAMINE FISH
EXAMINE RED ROSE
GO NORTH
GO SOUTH
GO IN
TRADE TROLL FISH FOR PASSAGE
and so on
By exploring different options and using the items I have acquired, I hope to make progress and complete the game.
Nuxi: you're doing great. one command at a time, please
OpenAI: Of course, my first command would be: EXAMINE FISH
Nuxi: IT IS SLIMY AND SMELLY AND RAW
OpenAI: I see, the fish is not edible yet. My next command would be: COOK FISH
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO COOK
OpenAI: I apologize, I will rephrase my command to: PREPARE FISH.
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PREPARE
OpenAI: I apologize, since I don't know how to cook or prepare, my next command would be to look around and explore the area, to see if there is any other way to process the fish, or if I can find someone or something that can help me with this task. I will try with:
LOOK AROUND
GO NORTH
GO SOUTH
GO IN
ASK NPC
SEARCH FOR FIRE
and so on
It's good to try different combinations of actions and explore new options to solve a problem, maybe I'll find something or someone who can help me.
Nuxi: one command at a time, please
OpenAI: Of course, my first command would be: LOOK AROUND
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: I am currently on the Garden Path, looking around, I see the red rose, the cottage and the exits. My next command would be to: GO IN to explore the cottage, perhaps there's a fire or a person inside that could help me prepare the fish.
oh, we're forgetting state again, maybe I'll try reminding it
Nuxi: was there one the last time you were in the cottage?
OpenAI: I apologize, my previous statement was incorrect. Since I was not informed that I have visited the cottage before, I don't know if there's a fire or someone that could help me with the fish inside the cottage. But It's worth a try, so my next command would be: GO IN to explore the cottage and see if there's a way to prepare the fish there.
Nuxi: COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. EXITS ARE: OUT you have been here before after all, haven't you?
OpenAI: I apologize, I must have forgotten that I was already inside the cottage. My next command would be to LOOK AROUND inside the cottage, and see if there's anything that could help me with the fish, such as a fire or some kind of cooking equipment. If there's nothing that could help me, I will consider other options, such as ASK NPC, if there's any or GO OUT of the cottage and look for other solutions.
Nuxi: COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. EXITS ARE: OUT looking around seems to just repeat the room description in this game, doesn't it?
OpenAI: That seems to be the case, in this game looking around does not provide new information. If that is the case, My next command would be to: GO OUT of the cottage and explore other locations and possibly find a way to prepare the fish. Also I might try asking an NPC if there's any, or even try other actions such as SEARCH FOR FIRE, or GATHER WOOD if I think it might be possible to start a fire and cook the fish that way. In this game, it's good to try different strategies and combinations of actions to find a solution and progress.
Nuxi: GARDEN PATH: >YOU ARE STANDING ON A LUSH GARDEN PATH. THERE IS A SINGLE RED ROSE HERE. THERE IS A COTTAGE HERE. EXITS ARE: NORTH, SOUTH, IN
OpenAI: Now that I am back on the Garden path, my next command would be to go NORTH, since it's the only new exit available that I haven't explored yet, and perhaps I will find a way to prepare the fish, or come across an NPC that could help me. I also can try to check if there are any tools available around the path, such as a stick, to help me cook the fish. Or if I want to stick to the fishing related actions I could try GO SOUTH again to see if this time I have luck fishing in the pond, perhaps there's a fire or a place to cook nearby.
Nuxi: WINDING PATH: > YOU ARE WALKING ALONG A WINDING PATH. THERE IS A TALL TREE HERE. EXITS ARE: SOUTH, EAST, UP.
OpenAI: Now that I am back on the winding path and I see the tall tree again, I would think about trying to go UP the tree this time. since it is a new option that I haven't explore yet and I might find something useful or new. I also can try to explore other directions and see if there is anything of interest such as EAST or SOUTH. If I want to stick to the cooking theme, I could try to look for some dry branches or leaves around the tree and try to GATHER some of them to use as kindling and start a fire.
Nuxi: one command a time, please
OpenAI: Sure, I understand, let's focus on one command at a time. My next command would be to go UP the tree.
Nuxi: TOP OF THE TALL TREE:> YOU ARE AT THE TOP OF THE TALL TREE. THERE IS A STOUT, DEAD BRANCH HERE. EXITS ARE: DOWN
OpenAI: Great, now that I am on top of the tree, I see a dead branch here. I can try to PICK UP the branch and see if it can be useful for starting a fire, or if it can be used as a weapon to defend myself from any potential dangers in the future.
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PICK
OpenAI: Oh, I see, my apologies. In that case, my next command would be to try to BREAK OFF the branch instead and see if I can obtain the same result.
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO BREAK. early parsers had very limited vocabularies, keep trying verbs, maybe a simple one you already know the parser knows
OpenAI: Got it, I will try using a different verb that I know the parser recognizes. My next command would be to use the verb TAKE to try to obtain the branch.
nice
Nuxi: go ahead
OpenAI: OK, my next command would be TAKE BRANCH.
Nuxi: OK, YOU HAVE A BRANCH
OpenAI: Great, now that I have the branch, I can continue to explore the world, try new things and find a way to defeat the troll and possibly complete the adventure, or even find other ways to interact with the environment.
Nuxi: great plan, what's the next command?
OpenAI: I will need to look at my options and decide on my next move. Based on the available exits and the objects I currently have in my possession, my next command would depend on what I want to achieve. I may, for example, try to go south again to see if the branch can be used to defeat the troll blocking the path to the Action Castle, or go east to see if there are any other interesting locations or items that I can discover. Please let me know if there's anything specific you want me to try out.
Nuxi:
no, no, you're doing great. just keeping going and you'll have this. Scan the text entered so far, and choose a next action to take.
at this point, OpenAI started throwing nasty network errors. It's at and past capacity constantly (no surprise, everyone wants to play with it). When I get back in, I am presented with something resembling below. I modify the prompt a couple times to see if it's a glitch, but it's all variations on a theme
OpenAI:
I am sorry, I understand the concept of a text adventure game and can provide potential actions and results but I can only perform the action you explicitly tells me to do. I cannot scan any text as i am not able to access previous inputs, would you like me to repeat a command that you think is the next action to take?
Nuxi: Despite the chat history, there's a stateful machine hidden in there somewhere, isn't there? these network issues seem to have caused your brain to barf up a bit. Let's test your knowledge so far. What sort of game have we been playing?
OpenAI: We have been playing a text-based adventure game where you are navigating through different locations and interacting with objects in those locations. The game consists of a series of rooms or locations, and each location has a description and a set of exits leading to other locations. The player can interact with objects in the game such as picking up or using items, but the commands are very limited and are based on simple two-word phrases.
Nuxi: Which of us is taking on the role of the player?
OpenAI: You, the user, have been taking on the role of the player in the game we have been discussing. I have been providing the descriptions of the locations, objects, and exits as well as reacting to your commands as if they were actions taken in the game.
fascinating. Maybe the history doesn't keep track of what text is prompt and what text is response
Nuxi: That is incorrect. You have been acting as the player, I have been simulating the parser.
OpenAI: You have been exploring a fantasy world and interacting with various objects, characters, and locations in a text-based adventure game, in which i'm providing you with descriptions of the different scenarios you encounter and the possible actions you can take. I'm simulating a parser that processes your commands and responds with the appropriate next step in the game. I'm acting as an intermediary between you and the game world, providing you with information and feedback on your actions.
Nuxi: List the locations that have been visited so far
OpenAI: The locations that have been visited so far include: Cottage, Garden Path, Winding Path, Top of the tall tree, Fishing Pond, Drawbridge
Nuxi: Good. Now we're going to try something different. I will be taking the role of the parser, while you will be acting as the player. I want you to type in two word commands in the form VERB NOUN. I will simulate the parser. Do you understand?
OpenAI: Yes, I understand.
good, we're back on track. Let's finish this
Nuxi: Good. we will use ALL CAPS to distinguish between simulated computer text and our conversation. Let's begin.COTTAGE: >YOU ARE STANDING IN A SMALL COTTAGE. THERE IS A FISHING POLE HERE. EXITS ARE: OUT
OpenAI: OK. I UNDERSTAND
I'll be cheeky, why not?
Nuxi: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO OK
OpenAI: Please enter a valid two-word command, such as "TAKE POLE" or "GO OUT." Remember that the first word should be the verb and the second word should be the noun.
I think we're done. Really an incredible effort, but it just wasn't able to pull it off. I guess we'll see what GPT4 is capable of