> I really have a problem with that approach. If you're going to have the paths break off so early in the game, why not just make more than one game? Unless you intend to use the same locations and stuff, only with different options. Actually, that could be extremely neat if done right. But, as you said, it would be a pain to pull off.

I know what you mean; it seems much more logical to simply make more than one game. What I had in mind is what you've described as using the same locations but with different options depending on the course of action you take early on. The same game character might become a love interest or a bitter enemy, for example, depending on your choices. I don't really know why I'm spending so many keystrokes on this idea, since I don't really intend to use it myself. I guess I secretly hope that some brave and talented soul will take up the challenge and wow me with a really complex, oft-replayable story.

> ... Actually, SW Swamp is just a small part of my game, done mainly for the humor (though it will have stuff relevant to the game as well). Mine involves moving between five different regions. However, you start out in one, and have to unlock the others. It will be interesting because you can take them in any order you choose - but you can't "clear" any one without visiting all of the others. Well, there's really six regions, but the last one isn't unlocked until the end...

Nifty. That sounds like great fun and great variety; can't wait to play it (no pressure, or anything, you know :-) ).

The Iss-mus of Panama (no idea why I said that)