Day 17 of 100 Days Coding Challenge: Python
When I was a kid, I got hooked on those old-school text-based games—the ones where you’d type “go north” and end up in a cave with a troll and no map. Pure magic. Eventually, I leveled up to MUD games (multi-user dungeons, for those blessed with youth), which were basically fantasy novels with attitude. Today, I’m not diving headfirst into building a full-blown MUD, but I am reliving those glory days by coding up a little interactive adventure. Because sometimes, the best way to feel powerful is to fight imaginary dragons in your terminal.
Today’s Motivation / Challenge
Today’s project is a nod to nostalgia—and to logic. A text-based adventure game might seem like retro fun, but it’s also a perfect beginner’s playground. It lets you practice the fundamentals of coding in a way that doesn’t feel like homework. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to boss around a computer with “take sword” or “open door,” this is your moment.
Purpose of the Code (Object)
This program is a simple adventure game where the player makes choices and the story branches based on those decisions. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book, but the computer is the narrator and slightly sassier. It lets you explore, pick up items, and either escape gloriously or fail hilariously.
AI Prompt:
Write a Python text-based adventure game with an inventory system, random events, and health tracking. Keep the story short, funny, and beginner-friendly.
Functions & Features
- Player can choose paths (left or right) with different story outcomes
- Inventory system to collect key items like swords or gems
- Random events (find food, get injured, discover treasure)
- Basic health tracking for survival stakes
- A few different endings, some happy, some… less so
Requirements / Setup
You need at least Python 3 to run this program. You do not need any extra libraries for this!
Minimal Code Sample
python
CopyEdit
inventory = []
health = 100
def random_event():
import random
outcome = random.choice([“nothing”, “injury”, “found_food”])
if outcome == “injury”:
print(“You got hurt! Be careful out there.”)
This function shows how the game randomly triggers events that change what happens next.
Notes / Lessons Learned
I think this kind of game is secretly a coding bootcamp wearing a fun costume. You get to mess with if, elif, and else without feeling like you’re grinding through math problems. It’s also a nice reminder that logic can be creative. Now, someone like my husband would power through this game in ten minutes flat and ask, “Where’s the final boss?” So next time, I might go full nostalgia and build one of those endless-choice games I used to lose hours in: more dragons, more traps, more ridiculous death scenes.
Optional Ideas for Expansion
- Add a save/load system so players can return to their adventure
- Introduce simple combat mechanics with attack and defense options
- Create a branching map system that tracks where the player’s been