Please start making special editions like the Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy again

Upon stumbling across a post from Scott Krol highlighting the physical components that accompanied the 1984 game, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I was inspired to delve into the realm of game archaeology. Scott pointed out that Infocom, renowned for their text adventures, was the first to include physical items with their games, coining the term “feelies” for these goodies.

The physical bits included in the game were truly remarkable. I found myself fascinated by packets containing nothing but a label hinting at invisible or imperceptible contents. The sheer creativity and ingenuity behind such simplicity is truly commendable.

As I began to write about this discovery, I stumbled upon a gem in the RPS archives – Victoria Regan’s piece on Infocom’s Hitchhiker’s Guide adventure game. Two aspects of her article resonated with me deeply.

Firstly, Regan’s portrayal of Arthur Dent, the protagonist clad in his human dressing gown, shed new light on his character for me. His resilience and courage in the face of absurdity were beautifully articulated, painting a picture of a man navigating a chaotic universe with unwavering resolve.

However, what truly struck a chord with me was Regan’s reflection on the motivation she and her brother felt while persevering through the challenging adventure game – the urge to uncover hidden secrets. In a gaming landscape dominated by instant gratification and pre-packaged experiences, the allure of unraveling mysteries is a rare and precious sentiment.

The nostalgia-inducing feelies from Infocom evoke a sense of humble authenticity, a stark contrast to the ostentatious collectibles saturating the modern gaming industry. Embracing the beauty of uselessness and individuality, these artifacts stand as a testament to a bygone era of gaming.

Let us cherish the proud uselessness of these relics and celebrate the inherent value of quirky tat that defies standardization. In a world consumed by mass production and commercialization, the charm of unique and whimsical collectibles is a refreshing reminder of the essence of gaming.