Punchline Behind the Hotspot: Structures of Humor, Puzzle, and Sexuality in Adventure Games (with Leisure Suit Larry in Several Wrong Places)

I view interactive fiction in its present stage as an immature medium capable of artistic development. [We] are at the beginning what could be explosive development [and while] games like Adventure do not yet have a generally accepted name … “Adventure games” might win out long run, much “Kleenex” is used instead “facial tissue.” (Buckles 6–9) [Adventure games] resemble Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, or Pac-Man, which require good hand-eye co-ordination and quick physical reactions. There no flashing lights, beeps, grinding noises. The reader enters words into computer to communicate with narrator generates story; (s)he does press buttons aim electronic projectiles fire simulated weapons. (6) Instead asking players compete, react, strategize (as videogames usually do), adventure game access humor-filled stories that systematically blocked by “puzzles.” While signifying function “adventure game” has since widened markedly, herein focus on above, narrower conceptualization set forth Buckles.11 Many recent successful titles such Heavy Rain (Quantic Dream, 2010), L.A. Noire (Team Bondi, 2011), Dear Esther (The Chinese Room, 2012), Walking Dead (Telltale Games, Gone Home Fulbright Company, 2013) often get classified games, they lack explicit humor. this interpreted shift design (adventure designers learned address topics via non-comic means), also involve clear mechanical shift—these rely puzzles anymore, but rather action navigational wandering. fact coherence article’s argument: integration expression seems entail removing puzzles, excludes these works from specifications adopted here. Through wide-ranging catalog text-based 1980s, graphic boom 1990s, ultimately re-popularization genre independent developers, comic element always been central (Bonello Rutter Giappone). Nowadays, premise stands empirical evidence; for instance, Anne-Marie Grönroos’s study videogame humor analyzed 659 gaming magazine reviews written between 2010 2012 found quarter reviewed contained Of those, was clearly most humorous one, almost “all were primarily comedic, quality their jokes scrutinized review” (Grönroos 18). For further evidence, commenced systematic review “Top 100 Games” list assembled leading community, Gamers. Despite high-status critical rankings typically favor “serious” over those “comic” appeal (to employ problematic cultural binary), more than half explicitly humorous. context, many belong popular series Monkey Island (Lucasfilm 1990), Simon Sorcerer (Adventure Soft, 1993), Discworld (Perfect 10 Productions, 1995).22 complete available https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18643. Here, “systematic means authors having played eighty-nine one hundred examined eleven remaining second hand sources databases, reviews, walkthroughs. Naturally, “explicit humor” based subjective judgement. With above starting-point, goal solve persistent meta-puzzle troubled critics, scholars, culture experts within field Buckles: Why literary form history extending seven decades, make use remarkable extent? Answers sought comparative analysis two conceptual trajectories, synthesize degree nowadays reached status substantial convention. An argument follows: operate similar structural principles thus run enigmatic synergy functions (yet sole) explanation game’s inclination treat diverse themes through comic. Methodologically, relies analytical close reading well-known series, Leisure Suit Larry (1987–97), selected thematic frame sexuality, resonates puzzles. maps how Larry’s together serve thematics, exemplifying mechanisms govern general. Every riddle contains parts unequal length: encoded text revealed solution. These opposites seek unite, eliminating tension opposition them. riddle, however, exists sake very tension, reflects social contest riddler moment completed, it ceases exist. (83–84) solved accurate reckoning alone [but] (and all else) insight thinking phrase, emerge fortuitously haphazardly. It comes about only after observation contemplation recurring patterns. Insight can defined ability see mind’s eye inner nature some specific thing. (27–28) called our instinct No knows exactly why we impelled laugh anything perceived funny should cause us peculiar noise similarly, when given puzzle solve, mind sharpens, logica utens starts working, find solution, if instinct, until satisfied cathartically. (35) best theorized conceptual, immaterial demands overcoming happens outside empirical; contrast strategic never stable due open-endedness; is, exist along player’s recursive input. (30) Accordingly, conceptuality separates other ludic challenges particular: whereas physically strategically oriented dominate contemporary potentially never-ending loops cybernetic rediscovery (recall Buckles), binary static entails insightful process meaning-making own aesthetic rhetoric. In particular, tend occur (i.e., problems integrated actions events games’ exclusive storyworlds), mere logico-mathematical brainteasers abstract dilemmas (Karhulahti, “Puzzle”; “Fiction Puzzle”). As such, surface ludo-semiotic constructs, solving hermeneutic may does) thinking, eventually pleasurable epiphanic surprise. To large extent, (fiction) puzzle-solving pivotal strikingly comparable way joke “set-ups” “background patterns” turned around punch-lines. Analyses formula fall (or more) three theoretical threads, traditionally identified “superiority,” “incongruity,” “relief” (Morreall). none categories account instances effect, appear supplement each (Raskin Morreall 7). despite limitations, theories help comprehend relationship puzzle-riddle humor-joke domains, thereby affording valuable foundation synergy. Below, taken account, respectively, co-occurrence explored case Larry. recap, particular) share similarity particular). structurally sides complement sparks synergy, materializes challenge thematically story contexts. practice, considered certain coinciding likeness incongruity (of humor) provokes laughter. Most prominently, satisfying closure solution—be accidentally strenuous deduction—reopens onto vibratory release akin pattern occurs production Such resemblances suggest and/or sometimes read other; solution depends “getting it,” instance Puzzles both essential elements conceived software artist Al Lowe 1987 first episode Land Lounge Lizards, published Sierra On-line (later Entertainment). represents perhaps franchise expressly deals sexuality—next similarly themed Leather Goddesses Phobos (Infocom, 1986), 2064: Read Only Memories (MidBoss, 2015), well multipart Les Manley (Accolade, 1990–91) Spellcasting (Legend Entertainment, 1990–92). Story-wise, centers antihero Laffer: wannabe-Casanova whose life “to woman laid.” line conventions (which still being consolidated time), reaching requires player story, presenting (mostly heterosexual) sex sexualities mysteries deciphered literal sense. to) adult commercial success. sold 300,000 copies led write five direct sequels 1997, altogether selling millions becoming likely erotic Western history. quantitative (n = 281) users born 1960 1989, less 99 percent respondents familiar (Reunanen et al.). Though involved response bias method collection (via IRC, Facebook, forums), industry repeatedly recognized influence popularity—including occasional estimation significant proportion actually female (Rosen). context mind, delves mechanic (fiction puzzles) (sexual makes exceptionally suitable Laughing misfortunes others fun. This assumption underlying superiority theory humor, specifically upon perception discrepancy satisfyingly confirm laugher’s relation object deemed worthy contempt. Hence, would presuppose cruelty, already entertained Plato he suggested laughter “mix[es] pleasure malice” finding something “ridiculous” (58–59, 49b–50a). Thomas Hobbes’s better-known formulation locates laughers’ “apprehension deformed thing another, comparison whereof suddenly applaud themselves” (125). More recently, Game Humor, Charles Gruner gives negative spin, noting fundamental shared dynamic competition, striving victory overcoming. He suggests “punning riddles,” example, “defeat targets/publics brilliant verbal exhibitionism” (145). Along same lines, theorists Annikki Kaivola-Bregenhøj (“Riddles Humour”) describes riddles lesson “humiliation tolerance” (197). frames, effect gains time. 6: Shape Up Slip Out! (Sierra expected outcome encounter climactic scene. scenes tie quest women giving them item desire performing tasks please them—a established episode.33 another possible ending discovered: walking sunset male towel attendant. attained any point; though valid ending, presented surprise (“Easter egg”) short-circuiting progression. Yet, expectation sexual satisfaction overturned: (apart last) step obtaining piece overarching will yield results final, ideal woman. way, promised 6 deferred, replaced caters woman’s her understanding fail correspond Larry’s. consistently painful humiliating His desires frustrated, comically framed, consequences severe lasting, simply bounces downfall manner slapstick (Figure 1). Henri Bergson’s view, capacity “rebounding” (being ruled “habit” opposed learning past mistakes) contributes comedy impression “inelasticity” (5, 29, 35, 49).44 later episodes removed possibility death; earlier installments, bounce back reloading saved state implicit narrative itself. 2, protagonist gets opportunity ask where went wrong before dying horribly–information cannot benefit ill-fated play-through carry reloaded player, who therefore privileged awareness incarnation finally “wins” done so benefiting knowledge; there become known death, avoid venereal disease (Larry 1) throughout devising disguise 2). exceptional mixing purely tragic death farcically ones; indeed, ultimate end: virgin end eight hours play, puts gun his head possibilities rebound consequences, too, graver; time factor, last unlikely suffice forced restart scratch. 6, correspondence interpretations governing respective situations come expect. Thus, derives answer, (through kind dramatic irony) blindness, “wrong” understanding. hopes efforts ridiculous light, openly invited expense again. Lowe’s words, “I tried you laughed excited it” (qtd. Brown). without success precisely failure final woman, receives gratification. frequent habit constantly addressing simultaneously “you,” invitation self-deprecating reluctance allow full indulgence feeling superior. whole, tends tease delivering denying graphics. At moments 7: Love Sail! 1996), shares perspective, and, order reveal “Drew Baringmore’s” breasts, must literally (by command interface) “push” away “pesky branch.” guessed typed in; regular provide easy immediate 7 addresses enigma synergizes (diegetic Larry) moving titillating pesky branch broadly vein fun riddling lines up “frustration aesthetic” “art error message design” (Douglass). courting unlocking “correct” interpretation typical riddles, observes: “One common [is that] right answer sense one” (“Sexual Riddles”). game, turn, relied needing try every single option collecting useless objects (“pathological kleptomania”) constant failures errors, making fool protagonist. Akin lineage, exploring conversation options directly scorn heaped him overreaching aspirations. design, allows anticipates experimentation, errors reward drama 1988, Goes Looking (in Several Wrong Places), decides approach romantic interest, Barbie, entering cabin, face “hilarious” tortured Barbie’s BDSM-inclined mother “proceeds repeatedly” (emphasis added). aged violation sorts, terms assumed standards desire) terminate progress, serves playful experiment-fail-experiment-succeed formula, emerges part testing teasing: punishment alter-ego scapegoat, claim degree) rewards 3). But who, end, punished feels superior, protagonist? noted earlier, Sierra’s general) implicate second-person This, nevertheless, clear-cut; course, watch humiliations violent deaths safe distance, touch schadenfreude. Still, turn gradual epiphany control: solved, partners demystified exposed—a distinct ludic-comic, disarming “deaths” initial danger turning at. let expect overcome, solution’s equally circumvention substitution. ties relief (aka theory), best-represented Sigmund Freud’s influential approach. Namely, build-up laughter, Freud, geared toward socially acceptable outlet “satisfaction drive (be lustful hostile) obstacle way” (98). diversion energy loaded Freud calls “tendentious” jokes, navigate circumvent taboos inhibitions, fulfilling purpose implied (more indirect) target. again, echoes Kaivola-Bregenhøj’s note riddles: “When delicate matters dressed youngsters learn speak acceptable” Humour” 200). environment exploration provocative themes. (not common, allusions overt) itself conveyed full-blown pornography, limited audiovisual technology time, (sex) (solving sex) denotes joke. One recall here assertion sex—and per se rare—but difficult imagine thematics. inseparability applies contrasting teamwork liberation. fact, moderation caution necessary various lethal encounters; learns new (re-loaded) fresh off from. scene, unprotected 1 leads contraction followed death. (1987), widely tackled media, condom ads banned television proliferation HIV epidemic late 1980s. integrates serious issue encourages reflection: pseudo-death influences return. framing scene targets condoms caused anxiety, go increasingly amusement delight) pick “customized” pharmacy choices pharmacist then loudly announces everybody shop: “Hey, everybody!! weird-o just bought spearmint-flavored, striped, rough-cut, colored, smooth lubber!!!” announcement greeted shocked gasps “respectable” customers, while embarrassment funny, commentary harmful perceptions it. On note, hostility lust combine “bawdry” “smut”) replaces desired touching inaccessible person speech (95–98). presumes “the intransigence” lays siege soliciting approach; or, observes flirtatiously bringing tensions fore Playful diversion, Freudian joke, mask channel hostility. smut scenario, intended target (usually woman) supplanted third party role primary listener—the objectified inhibiting “obstacle” “attacked” (with joke), getting “unclothed” words. characters frequently mystery solved. progress occasionally involves clicking bodies, including character soon reveals herself transgender, provoking excessive disgust doubt, reaction problematically cis norms femininity work “frame trans women’s bodies fascinatingly disgustingly underclass” (Vähäpassi 5). narrator’s casually observational quip cross-dressing 2: “You slip your leisure suit toss bikini soap far cliff. Too bad, enjoy wearing clothing!” inaccurate equate enjoyment clothing identities, footnotes remind heteronormativity straightforward sexism, overturning expectations encounters normalization acceptance) different practices identities. sexualization becomes mechanically fused. Everything world sexualized, everything re-purposed. “Gigantic Erection” (cocktail) 7, ambiguity—paradoxical apply term explicit—also amusing misunderstandings flirt Drew Baringmore. And yet, ordering Gigantic Erection forces bartender leave post (“that’ll take while, sure?”) grants next explorable location. extends basics interaction: cursor—a 7—is fills “hotspot”; cosmetic amendment essentially alter conventional point-and-click interface overt link theme technics phallocentrically styled erection). clicks contribute climax (solution), progression preceded foreplay sorts delays completion, prolonging repetitions punctuated bursts. Female solvable once. interesting little effort required gain attention attendant (the actively willing immediately consenting partner world), himself ambivalent mocks “an ignominious end.” troublingly stereotyped association promiscuity homosexuality, contrast, obtained won items solutions sought-after goal. notable exceptions (see Patti below), include himself, entangles relationships network exchange builds surplus repressed awaiting (delayed) expenditure. choosing homosexual agency overriding heterosexual (at times open question nonetheless). By minorities, inclusion normalization; simultaneously, though, representation representations) enables controversial conservative interpretations. Narratologically, strongly external omniscient voice focalized internal consciousness duality inconsistencies generate plenty straightforwardly plot impossible—what thinks differ radically narrates (de-centering protagonist’s desires). Furthermore, (audio)visual entities (stereo)types complicates arriving “Larry trying say sexuality” politico-cultural product. not, attempts fix narrating shames trivializes desires, desiring adventurer butt. Nevertheless, achieve (if successful) “earning” it, want wishes. deflected multiplied accessing finale. gendered relations complex control “Passionate Patti” secondary these, 3: Passionate Pursuit Pulsating Pectorals 1989), falls love initiates Patti; misunderstanding, believe seeing man leaves begin celibate hermit (“I give up. I’ve had women! It’s worth it! I’m going