Using ASCII characters to generate images is hardly new. We've also seen video games and some very interesting conversions, among which the very Doom stands out. But what about a game in three dimensions? That's what we found in the ASCIICKER project, by a Polish developer known as Gumix. There is no story or objectives, and for now it is little more than an excellent technical demo, but its potential for an RPG or a “sandbox” in the style of Minecraft is enormous.
The Heavyweight of ASCII
If I had to choose one ASCII-based project above the rest, it would probably be Dwarf Fortress. It has been in development for over thirteen years and is well known for its absolute lack of mercy, but having inspired other excellent games (Prison Architect, RimWorld, etc.) and surviving this long thanks to an unshakable legion of fans places it in a very different category. Now, Dwarf Fortress is not for everyone, and the limits of the ASCII interface are evident. The question is: how far can it be pushed?
What Makes ASCIICKER Special
The answer lies in ASCIICKER, a creation of the Polish developer Gumix. Besides combining ASCII characters with specific color backgrounds for each one, ASCIICKER features animations and is made completely in 3D. The character's movements respond to changes in the terrain, and it even leaves a trail when passing through the grass at full speed.
A Simple Walk Simulator (For Now)
The game offers nothing (yet) in the way of achievements or objectives. It is simply a walking simulator, and from time to time you will find other players running in all directions. If you are interested in seeing previous versions of the game, you just need to modify the URL. The latest edition is “y0”, but if you type for example, “x13”, you will access the latest work from that generation.
Plans and Potential
After a long pause and the start of other projects, Gumix returned to ASCIICKER, and you can observe his progress on his Twitter account. Among his plans we find an inventory, weapons, shields, armor, and giant wolves that may be used as mounts. It might sound a bit exaggerated, but I think it could become the next Minecraft, especially if it maintains this profile, with basic requirements and running through a browser.
Official site: Click here
