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Phil Riley

@rileypb.com
172 followers 383 following 255 posts

Computer Science guy. I like coding, text adventures, cats, and coding. I wrote Galaxy Jones and Bureau of Strange Happenings.

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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 30/03/2026
I’ve added the ability to type mapping commands directly into the game prompt! fweep.xyz #interactivefiction #if
A screenshot of the interactive fiction mapping software fweep.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 22/03/2026
In a first for humankind, fweep now integrates Parchment, so you can play and map in the same browser tab! Wow!
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 14/03/2026
I made a text adventure/parser IF map creator at fweep.xyz. Please try it out and let me know what's good and what's bad! It works primarily through typing, just like a text adventure! #IF #textadventure #adventure #zork #interactivefiction
fweep.xyz
fweep
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 13/03/2026
Help test my new map creator, fweep! rileypb.github.io/fweep/
rileypb.github.io
fweep
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 01/09/2025
IFComp has started, and my game, Phobos: A Galaxy Jones Story is part of it! Check out all the games at IFComp.org!
Cover art for Phobos: A Galaxy Jones Story. Shows the planet Mars and its moon Phobos.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 28/08/2025
Spotted in Harrisonburg, VA: two unmarked black pickups pulling someone over. Couldn't get a good look at the driver of any of the three vehicles. A minute or so later, a black helicopter flew overhead. What's going on here?
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 08/08/2025
I found the most obscure bug in the world. The version of Leather Goddesses of Phobos packaged in the Infocom Sampler refers to Tiffany as "him". I'll be mailing them a bug report as soon as I find an envelope and a stamp.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 07/08/2025
If you see this, quote this post with a title screen that’s iconic to you.
The beginning of the game Zork I.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 05/08/2025
This is a few days late, but I've posted my entry for ifcomp.org: Phobos: A Galaxy Jones Story. Can't wait for September 1!
ifcomp.org
The Interactive Fiction Competition
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 05/08/2025
Finished The Lurking Horror with just one tiny tiny hint. Best Infocom maze ever. Just a good game all-around.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 04/08/2025
Sooo close I can feel it. Definitely an endgame feel now. I don't usually finish Infocom games without hints (read: never), so I'm excited I'm this close now.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 03/08/2025
And then I ran smack into those dreaded words (why, Infocom, why?):
"The flashlight is practically out."
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 02/08/2025
Postponing Bureaucracy in favor of The Lurking Horror for now. A good way into it, and it’s pretty fun, if somewhat easy. ifdb.org/viewgame?id=...
ifdb.org
The Lurking Horror
A winter night at the G.U.E. tech campus with most students away on vacation serves as the backdrop for this tale of Lovecraftian horror.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 30/07/2025
On to Bureaucracy. Just a little ways into it, and frankly it's kind of boring. There's only one joke, and it's kind of tired. But I *will get through it*. ifdb.org/viewgame?id=...
ifdb.org
Bureaucracy
IMPORTANT! Our records show that you do not have a license to operate this software. Normally, you would be required to complete a License Application Form and mail it (with proof of purchase) to our ...
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 28/07/2025
I got bored and went to the Invisiclues. Two of the puzzles were reasonable, one was IMHO not. The ending is kind of silly. All in all, it was *fine*, but there's something distinctly unsatisfying about a treasure hunt where the treasures aren't useful for anything.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 28/07/2025
In distressing news, I'm at 7/10 treasures in Hollywood Hijinx with no idea what to do next. Time is running out! Doesn't everyone love a good timer?
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 19/05/2025
Played through as much Moonmist as I could stand. The game is really poorly structured, and it's unclear even what the objective is. Which is too bad, because the setting and background are so promising. ifdb.org/viewgame?id=...
ifdb.org
Moonmist
More ghosts haunt the misty sea-coast and stone ramparts of Cornwall than anyplace else on earth. One such soul roams Tresyllian Castle: a pale phantom with flaxen hair and a luminous, flowing gown. I...
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 12/05/2025
Just completed Leather Goddesses of Phobos. I gotta say, I’m not as enamored of the absurdist games like LGOP and HHGG as some people are. Still a good game. ifdb.org/viewgame?id=...
ifdb.org
Leather Goddesses of Phobos
And now... the next exciting episode of humanoids in space! How did you, a regular at Joe's Bar in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, end up on a Martian moon? Can you prevent the hideous space creature from abd...
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 04/04/2025
Wishing I had a game in Spring Thing. #interactivefiction #springthing #textadventures
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 03/04/2025
Working with the Inform codebase can be frustrating, as it sometimes seems to purposely flout existing convention. Or maybe Graham Nelson doesn’t know/care? #inform7 #interactivefiction
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 01/04/2025
Yay! Also I made the source code for Bureau of Strange Happenings public on GitHub: github.com/rileypb/BOSH
github.com
GitHub - rileypb/BOSH
Contribute to rileypb/BOSH development by creating an account on GitHub.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 26/03/2025
I've put a pause on the Infocom for the moment, as I polish up my entry to the NarraScope Showcase (narrascope.org), and also work on my *secret project*.
narrascope.org
Narrascope 2025 | Celebrating Narrative Games
NarraScope 2025 at Drexel University is an event that supports interactive narrative, adventure games, and interactive fiction by bringing together writers, developers, and players.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 20/03/2025
It occurs to me that all three of my published games feature a screwdriver. I pledge to you: no more screwdrivers!
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 19/03/2025
Finished Trinity. So good in so many ways, but it suffers from what so many Infocom games suffer from -- the need to perform certain actions in a certain order that can't readily be inferred beforehand.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 17/03/2025
I am currently playing an IF in which I cannot find a screwdriver. Karma. #interactivefiction #IF
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Birds Are Dinosaurs @birdsaredinosaurs.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Yes, Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands of a second darkness. He is seeking it, seeking it—all his thought is bent on it We could fight Sauron, keep the Ring from him, destroy it Or—hear me out—we give the Ring to Sauron and watch his approval rating tank. Much easier. Less walking
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 14/03/2025
Amy Schumer would do a better job as Senator from NY.
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Jonathan Edward Durham @thisone0verhere.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Everybody has a plan until a cat falls asleep in their lap
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 12/03/2025
I have so many questions about atmospheric pressure and infinite bags of holding.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 11/03/2025
If Canada became the 51st state (more than likely multiple states), the Democrats would never lose another Presidential election.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 11/03/2025
Sort of playing both Ballyhoo and Trinity right now. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity... But both of those have taken a backseat to writing “Galaxy Jones Reborn”. It’s going to be so much better than the original.
en.m.wikipedia.org
Trinity (video game) - Wikipedia
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Reposted by Phil Riley
Andrea Junker @strandjunker.com · 07/03/2025
Did you know? By replacing your coffee with green tea, you can lose up to 92% of what little joy you still have left in your life.
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 26/02/2025
As a text adventure aficionado and author, I am excited to try this out, whenever I actually get some time!
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 26/02/2025
Finally getting a bit of work done on my WIP -- a reworking of Galaxy Jones (ifdb.org/viewgame?id=...). Once I hoped to have it done for Spring Thing, but that ship has long since sailed. Since it won't be eligible for ParserComp or IFComp, I guess I'll just launch it alone when it's done. 😭
ifdb.org
Galaxy Jones
The Solar System’s greatest hero, Galaxy Jones, against the evil Admiral Thallium!
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mathgrrl @mathgrrl.com · 26/02/2025
My son just asked who “Rundy MC” is 😩
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 26/02/2025
This guy’s in aerospace?
X poster Ryan Peterson posts a map showing a plane going from San Francisco to Houston. It is following a curved flight path. Ryan says “why is this plane not flying in a straight line?” Elon Musk answers, “It should be.”
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 25/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: 'Today was crazy': Federal workers confused by Musk's email

MSNBC: Opinion | The Democratic Party has a big problem with its own voters

New York Times: How Can Europe Talk to Trump? Macron Tries Flattery, and Gentle Resistance.

Fox News: Judge accused of ‘hurting Americans’ by blocking Trump’s promises may face a reckoning
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 25/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: What if federal employees don't reply to email about their work? Depends who you ask

MSNBC: Opinion | Jane Fonda just showed us how to respond to Donald Trump

New York Times: Judge Questions Constitutionality of Musk’s DOGE Operation

Fox News: French president tells FOX News how Trump has impacted efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: More confusion over Musk email demand as deadline looms

MSNBC: Opinion | The many reasons egg prices are skyrocketing under Trump.

New York Times: Trump, Meeting With Macron, Says He Might Visit Russia

Fox News: Dem senator in hot water after watchdog flags millions he helped wife rake in for nonprofit
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: More confusion over Musk email demand as deadline looms

MSNBC: Opinion | The enormous obstacles to Trump’s dream of a third term

New York Times: U.S. Votes Against U.N. Resolution Demanding Russian Withdrawal from Ukraine

Fox News: Zelenskyy names his terms for giving up power as US, Ukraine lock in on mineral deal
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: Trump to meet with Macron as Europe navigates his shift on Ukraine

MSNBC: Opinion | The law Republicans are using to repeal Biden-era regulations is fatally flawed

New York Times: 3 Years Into Russia-Ukraine War, Trump Ushers in New World for Putin

Fox News: Employees funded by taxpayers face consequences after skipping in-person work today
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: Trump's government cuts risk exposing CIA's secrets

MSNBC: Opinion | The law Republicans are using to repeal Biden-era regulations is fatally flawed

New York Times: 3 Years Into Russia-Ukraine War, Trump Ushers in New World for Putin

Fox News: Trump tunes out waste-cutting critics with meme mocking complaints
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: Federal worker email appears to open rift in Trump administration

MSNBC: Opinion | Trump’s USAID cuts should anger the white evangelicals who voted for him

New York Times: Some Agencies Urge Staff Not to Comply With Elon Musk’s Performance Email

Fox News: Trump names former Secret Service agent, conservative firebrand as next deputy FBI director
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: New poll shows where Trump stands with Americans 

MSNBC: Opinion | Trump’s USAID cuts should anger the white evangelicals who voted for him

New York Times: Friedrich Merz German elections

Fox News: Woman accused of looting from home in Palisades Fire area while wearing 'Palisades Strong' shirt
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
Let's see what our media friends are saying today.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: Political conference in DC interrupted by death threats against speakers critical of Trump 

MSNBC: Opinion | Trump’s USAID cuts should anger the white evangelicals who voted for him

New York Times: SAG Awards 2025 Red Carpet: See All the Looks

Fox News: Lindsay Lohan's father Michael Lohan arrested on felony assault charge in Texas
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 24/02/2025
A periodic comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: Russian opposition politician sends message to people who say Ukraine-Russia war doesn’t involve the US 

MSNBC: Opinion | Trump’s USAID cuts should anger the white evangelicals who voted for him

New York Times: SAG Awards 2025 Red Carpet: See All the Looks

Fox News: ‘White Lotus’ star Patrick Schwarzenegger wished he 'didn’t have my last name' while auditioning
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 23/02/2025
A periodic comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.
A comparison of headlines from CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Fox News.

CNN: Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result 

MSNBC: Opinion | Trump’s USAID cuts should anger the white evangelicals who voted for him

New York Times: Opinion | I Teach at Harvard. Store Managers See Me as a Threat.

Fox News: Hilaria Baldwin speaks out on accent controversy
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Phil Riley @rileypb.com · 23/02/2025
Working on an app that compares different news sources' headlines. Here's what I've got so far:
A comparison of 4 news sources' top stories:

CNN: "Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result"
MSNBC: "Opinion | Trump's USAID cuts should anger the white evangelicals who voted for him"
New York Times: "Trump's Frustration With Generals Resulted in an Unconventional Pick"
Fox News: "Hilaria Baldwin Opens Up on Accent Controversy"
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Encyclopaedia Britannica @britannica.com · 21/02/2025
1000000000000066600000000000001 is a prime number…it is also a palindrome. It’s called ‘Belphegor's prime.’ ‘Belphegor’ refers to one of the Seven Princes of Hell (due to the ‘666’ in the middle & the 13 zeroes on either side). So that’s cute.
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Reposted by Phil Riley
Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
RFK Jr. thinks that a clinical trial should be done for the entire childhood vaccine schedule. Here’s why that will never happen. 1. You can’t do a randomized trial of something that we already know is safe and effective. There would have to be a placebo group that didn’t get vaxxed. Unethical.
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