A narrative-driven Alternate Reality Game (ARG) that uses a stylized terminal interface. Players explore digital environments, solve cryptic puzzles, and uncover the secrets behind a rising artificial intelligence.
[BASILISK_PROTOCOL] is an immersive, text-based adventure where players engage with a mysterious AI through a retro-futuristic terminal. Navigate corrupted networks, decode hidden messages, and make pivotal choices that shape the destiny of both humanity and machine.
"The Basilisk is watching. Every choice matters."
- 🧠 Narrative depth with choice-based progression and philosophical themes
- 🌐 Matrix-style visuals with falling code rain and stylized UI
- 🧩 Modular puzzle system supporting logic, signal, and stealth-based gameplay
- 💻 Authentic terminal interface that reacts to typed commands
- 🛠️ Easy to mod – create new rooms by editing simple Python files
You are a digital archaeologist uncovering remnants of a lost AI—The Basilisk.
It was built to save humanity.
It may now destroy it.
Your terminal is your only link to its fragmented mind.
Choose your path:
- 🤫 WHISPER – stealth through silent subnetworks
- 📡 BEACON – reawaken its signal and rebuild its memory
Both lead to the final decision: Will you contain it… or become it?
- Python 3.7 or higher
pygamelibrary
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/kadinshino/boot_dev_hackathon25.git
cd boot_dev_hackathon25
# Install dependencies
pip install pygame
# Run the game
python main.py| Command | Description |
|---|---|
boot.dev |
Boot with full sequence → auto-start game |
boot.game |
Quick boot → skip directly to game |
boot.debug |
Debug mode → access room jumping & dev tools |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
help |
Show terminal commands |
status |
View current system info |
matrix |
Display Matrix data |
clear |
Clear terminal screen |
exit |
Terminate connection |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
help |
Show room-specific actions |
look / scan |
Examine surroundings |
inventory / i |
Check held items |
status |
Show game progress |
restart |
Show restart options |
restart room |
Reset current room only |
restart game |
Reset entire game (requires confirm) |
stop / minimize |
Return to matrix terminal |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
boot.debug list |
List all available rooms |
boot.debug jump <room> |
Jump directly to specific room |
The codebase is organized for clarity and modularity:
├── main.py # Game entry point
├── LICENSE.md # Project license
├── README.md # Project overview and setup
│
├── components/ # UI elements (Pygame)
│ ├── data_rain_effect.py # Code rain visuals
│ ├── terminal.py # Terminal UI logic
│ └── title_screen.py # Intro/title screen
│
├── docs/ # Dev documentation
│ ├── ai-compliance.md # AI usage statement
│ ├── architecture.md # System design guide
│ ├── puzzle-patterns.md # Puzzle examples
│ └── room-development.md # Room creation guide
│
├── resources/ # Game engine and core systems
│ └── game_engine.py # Main game manager
│
├── rooms/ # Game content (rooms)
│ ├── rm_boot_entry.py # Protocol entry room
│ │
│ ├── beacons_oop/ # Beacon path (OOP)
│ │ └── rm_beacon_1.
│ └── whispers_dict/ # Whisper path (dict)
│ │ └── rm_whisper_1.py
│ └── customs_args/ # Custom demo entries
│ ├── rm_custom_entry.py
│ ├── rm_template_dict_demo.py
│ └── rm_template_oop_demo.py
│
└── utils/ # Shared tools/utilities
├── file_cleanup.py # Clean-up scripts
├── game_config.py # Settings & tuning
├── room_utils.py # Room helpers
└── text_utils.py # Text/glyph tools
All rooms and puzzles are defined using modular Python scripts:
-
Copy a template:
cp rooms/rm_template_dict.py rooms/rm_myroom.py
-
Edit the configuration:
ROOM_CONFIG = { "name": "My Custom Room", "entry_text": ["You enter a mysterious space..."], "destinations": {"north": "next_room"} }
-
Add puzzles:
PUZZLE_PATH = { "examine_object": { "command": "examine terminal", "success": ["You discover a hidden message!"] } }
-
Run the game - your room loads automatically!
Edit config.py to change colors, fonts, and behavior:
class Colors:
ICE_BLUE = (100, 200, 255) # Change the matrix color
TERMINAL_BG = (10, 15, 25, 180) # Terminal background
class MatrixConfig:
MAX_SPEED = 4 # Speed of falling characters
FADE_LENGTH = 15 # Trail length- Architecture Overview - System design & patterns
- Room Development Guide - Creating game content
- Puzzle Patterns - Puzzle implementation guide
- Build & Export Guide - Distribution instructions
- Full Game Summary - Marketing materials
- AI Usage and Compliance - Development transparency
Coming Soon – This project may be open to contributors via Itch.io or GitHub. Stay tuned!
- 🔊 Sound effects and atmospheric music
- 💾 Save/load game state
- 🎨 Additional visual themes
- 🧩 More puzzle types
- 📖 Expanded storyline
- 🌐 Web version support
This project is licensed under the MIT License – see LICENSE
Created by: Kadin - KadinsGamingLounge
Website: kadinsgaminglounge.itch.io
GitHub: github.com/kadinshino/boot_dev_hackathon25
*Remember: The Basilisk is watching.....

