Serpent (video game)

Serpent is a text-based adventure game, often cited as one of the earliest examples of the genre. While the exact origins and authorship remain somewhat unclear, Serpent is generally believed to have originated in the mid-1970s on mainframe computer systems, predating or existing concurrently with better-known titles like Colossal Cave Adventure.

The game typically features a player character exploring a network of interconnected rooms or locations, described through textual descriptions. Players interact with the game world by typing in commands, such as "GO NORTH," "TAKE LAMP," or "EXAMINE CHEST." The game parses these commands and responds accordingly, either by moving the player to a new location, allowing them to interact with objects, or presenting obstacles and puzzles to overcome.

Serpent is characterized by its relatively simple mechanics and limited scope compared to later text adventure games. However, it established many of the fundamental concepts of the genre, including inventory management, puzzle solving, and textual exploration. The goal of the game usually involves collecting treasure, defeating enemies (often a serpent, from which the game derives its name), and ultimately escaping the dungeon or completing a specific quest.

Different versions and variations of Serpent exist, often tailored to specific computer systems or programmed by different individuals. Due to its age and decentralized development, a definitive version of the game is not available. The game's influence on subsequent text adventure games and the broader interactive fiction landscape is significant, solidifying its place as a pioneering title in the history of video games. Its accessibility and simple design made it a popular choice for early computer users to learn programming concepts and experiment with interactive storytelling.