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there is lots of combat in the story game im writing. i have the option to let the player collect and use weapons for combat in two ways: using the items feature or using variables.

so you can see the items you have at all times if i used items, but it might be annoying at the bottom of every page even when not applicable. and using variables, you might not remember what items you have until told but the pages will be much cleaner.

im curious what you would prefer as a reader?

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using items: all the items you collect would appear at the bottom of each page with an attached image and can be applied when prompted in attack scenarios. you'll be able to see non-attack items like medicine as well.

using variables: the items you collect will be tracked using variables and invisible to you. instead of a note at the bottom of the screen reminding you to use an item to proceed in attack scenarios, you will have choices for the next step depending on how many items you have and will be redirected to a "you lost" page if you don't have any appropriate items. (ex. choice a: use your knife choice b: use your gun OR (if you have no items to use) one choice leading to the "you lost" page)

ps: sry if i explained this poorly, idk how to explain what you'll see but iykyk

     I think I may prefer items. There are also two unnecessarily hard alternatives that are much better that I'll mention.

     One: I don't know how the person did this or what story it was on, but it might be some scripting magic or something. There's a way to make it so the items automatically enter the inventory when the user arrives on that page, without them clicking to collect all of them.

     Two: Also scripting magic. This was on Innocence Lost, but Avery says she forgot how she did it (it was done with help). So yeah, this is not probably won't happen, but you can add a stats button to the bar at the top were you can view variables/stats.

     So yeah, without any of these fancy things, I think I would prefer items.

interesting, thank you. i actually know how to make the first happen and think i know how to do the second so ill look into them both.

Actually? Cool! Good luck! :D

The item system exists, however it's no longer very popular and yes, many readers do find having to use items annoying. (The fact nobody was reading on a phone when it was first designed could be a factor.)

However since this seems to be an RPG you're trying to make, you've probably got a little more flexibility as far as adding more "game like" things that way.

I personally enjoy variables better, as with items you have to click through and try to use each and every one.