Vespers

"Vespers" is an interactive fiction game developed by Jason Devlin in 2005. It was created using the Inform programming language, which is the standard tool for modern text adventures. The game was highly acclaimed upon its release in the interactive fiction community.

"Vespers" is set in a fifteenth-century Italian monastery perched on a cliff. The player takes on the role of Father Giovanni, who must manage the abbey as the surrounding countryside is devastated by a deadly plague. The claustrophobic, religious setting is a core element of the game's dark atmosphere.

Yes, "Vespers" features a strong emphasis on moral choices and psychological consequences. As Father Giovanni attempts to deal with the plague and the dwindling sanity of his monks, players must make difficult decisions. These choices ultimately affect the trajectory of the narrative and lead to multiple different endings.

Yes, "Vespers" was a highly successful entry in the 2005 Interactive Fiction Competition, where it placed second overall. It later swept the XYZZY Awards, winning Best Game, Best Story, Best Setting, and Best NPCs. Its evocative writing and dark thematic depth were highly praised by critics.