Bureaucracy

The Good
Bureaucracy is a very funny game, as one would expect from Douglas Adams. Apparently he drew on several real life events to frame the story. You have just moved to a new house and are awaiting a check so you can travel to Paris. Unfortunately your bank hasn't caught up with you yet, the postal system runs from faulty to diabolical, and suspicious men seem to be stalking you.

This game takes potshots at poor service, banks, airlines, cannibals, etc. Nothing is safe from Adams' razor wit. The parser was very good and the story kept my interest. In addition to overcoming the usual puzzles (like bypassing a llama and scaring a baby) you also have to monitor your blood pressure. This was fun and an added challenge. Several sections require you to fill-out forms with snide comments about your parentage, scruples, and name. Also, based on the initial form, you can receive phone calls from formerly loved ones and play within your neighborhood.

The Bad
There seemed to be at least one point where if you failed to solve a puzzle, the game became unwinnable. Instead of letting you know that you just made a huge mistake, the game allows you to continue playing. I think when you make a error like that, the game should let you know it's time to restart.

The Bottom Line
This game is a comic gem and a highlight of Interactive Fiction. Very challenging though; some sections will have you reaching for the Invisiclues.