| Violet | |
|---|---|
 Violet being played in a modern interpreter. | |
| Developer(s) | Jeremy Freese |
| Publisher(s) | Jeremy Freese |
| Designer(s) | Jeremy Freese |
| Engine | Z-machine |
| Release | 2008 |
| Genre(s) | Interactive Fiction, Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Violet is a work of interactive fiction by American author Jeremy Freese.[1] It is a one-room puzzle game.[1]
The protagonist of Violet is a graduate student trying to write 1,000 words for his dissertation.[2] The protagonist's girlfriend, Violet, threatens to leave otherwise.[2][3] The protagonist faces a stream of distractions,[2] including a window with a view of the campus, and a computer with access to blogs and webcomics.[3] In the course of the game, the protagonist must "reconsider—and risk wrecking—" his career and relationship.[2]
A reviewer for The A.V. Club described the puzzles as "smart but logical" and "fit[ting] thematically into the story."[2] The reviewer also called out the ability to disable "'heteronormativity,' so you can play as Violet’s girlfriend" as something that makes the game "Worth playing for".[2] A second review also observes this option, noting that at least one puzzle changes based on the choice.[3]
A writer for Jay Is Games called out Violet for "succeed[ing] in the difficult task of capturing the intricacies of a dynamic relationship."[1] The writer also praised the game for succeeding at engaging the player at "the core emotional level", again noting how difficult this is.[1] Emily Short, in a review on Jay Is Games, noted the strength of the implementation, pointing to the breadth of "interesting responses even to silly or unexpected actions."[3] Short felt that the characters were "seemingly-real" and "their problem is plausible and serious."[3]
It took first place in the 2008 Interactive Fiction Competition with an average score of 8.53.[4] That score is the highest of any Interactive Fiction Competition entry from 1999 through 2012.[5]
Violet was selected as the best interactive fiction game for 2008 by both the Jay Is Games staff and audience.[1]
Violet took 35.1% of the vote in the Jay Is Games audience award, compared to 18.7% for the second-place winner, Lost Pig.[1]
Violet won four awards in the 2008 XYZZY Awards: Best game, writing, individual puzzle ("Disconnecting the Internet in Violet/Getting rid of the key in Violet"), and individual NPC (Violet, the eponymous character).[6]