Original beginner adventure
The Missing Invitation
English · Beginner · Free
An original illustrated introduction to text adventures, with optional help.
Play the beginner adventureYour first text adventure
Read. Think.
Try something.
Read the scene
The game describes a place, an object or a conversation. Notice the details: they give you something to investigate and a reason to read carefully.
Write an action
Type a short command or choose a suggested action when the game offers one. You might examine an object, read a note or move to another place.
Follow the response
The story answers. Compare the new information with what you already know, then decide what to try next. Curiosity keeps the conversation going.
An example of the format · Not a playable scene
You are in a quiet room. A note lies on the desk.
> read note
The note gives you a new detail to investigate.
Commands depend on the game and your current scene. The beginner adventure offers optional suggestions.
English with a purpose
More than
finding the answer
ReadLook for meaning in a situation instead of treating every sentence as an isolated exercise.WriteUse short phrases to express an intention and see how the game responds.ReasonConnect details, test an idea and revisit a passage when you need another clue.ExploreLet a question lead you to the next place, person or discovery.Text adventures are an opportunity to practise, not a complete English course. Classic games can use unfamiliar vocabulary and more demanding puzzles.
Available in Lantern
Choose your
next adventure
New to this format? Start with The Missing Invitation. The other titles below are works by their credited creators, not beginner adaptations or illustrated books by Eliabi.
Classic adventure
Zork I: The Great Underground Empire
English · Classic · Free
Explore a classic text adventure. Not adapted for beginner English learners.
Play Zork I: The Great Underground EmpireClassic adventure
Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz
English · Classic · Free
More classic interactive fiction for readers ready for a greater challenge.
Play Zork II: The Wizard of FrobozzClassic adventure
Zork III: The Dungeon Master
English · Classic · Free
Continue exploring the Zork collection through reading and typed commands.
Play Zork III: The Dungeon MasterClassic adventure
Mini-Zork I
English · Short adventure · Free
A smaller classic adventure. Shorter does not necessarily mean easier.
Play Mini-Zork IInteractive fiction
Mini-Cluedo
English · Adventure · Free
Another text-based experience to discover in the library.
Play Mini-CluedoThe game platform
Your adventures
live in Lantern
This page introduces the format. Lantern is the separate platform where you open the library and play. You do not need to buy a book to try these games.
The beginner adventure includes illustrations and optional help. Features and commands vary in the classic games. Where progress is saved locally, use the same browser and device to return to it.
The full library also contains samplers and other titles. Check each game's language before starting.