Endgame

For the game by Samuel T. Denton, see Endgame (by Denton).

For the game by Howard A. Sherman, see Endgame (by Sherman).

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In interactive fiction, the endgame is usually a series of puzzles that come near the end of the game, when the backstory has been completely uncovered, the significance of all the subquests becomes clear, and/or the special capabilities of inventory items are revealed.

If the player has invested time in getting to know the game world well enough to solve its central puzzle, a good endgame — with puzzles that are not too hard, but that either come at a fast and furious pace, e.g. Christminster; or that invite reflection upon the actions described in the main part of the game, e.g. Jigsaw — can be an extremely rewarding experience.

Note: In chess, the endgame is the final stage of play, when only a few pieces are left on the board.

See also: structure, prologue and middle game.

Links

• Ending in the IF Gems review quotes collection (also available from the IF Archive).