Whispers in the Dark

Whispers in the Dark is a browser-based text adventure powered by Google's Gemini language models. The project grew out of an experiment in combining creative writing with real-time AI assistance. The player explores a node-based map and manages an inventory while pursuing quests in a setting of their choice. The entire experience runs in a single-page React application written in TypeScript and was co-created by Eliot the Cougar and OpenAI Codex.

What is Vibe-Coding?

Vibe-coding is an experimental workflow where OpenAI Codex and a human developer iterate together in short cycles. The AI proposes code and documentation while the human reviews, tests, and refines each change. We keep a running dialogue about goals, design choices, and the next small task so the AI can generate focused patches. This repo emerged from many such sessions between Eliot the Cougar and OpenAI Codex, blending our styles into a single project.

Pros

• Rapid prototyping from natural-language instructions.
• Tight feedback loops from automated tests and linting.
• Code and documentation evolve side by side.

Cons

• Requires careful review because the AI may introduce subtle mistakes.
• Complex ideas can take several iterations to refine.

Vibe-coding excels at creative exploration but still relies on human judgment to keep the project cohesive.

Running the Game Locally

1. Install Node.js 18 or newer.
2. Set GEMINI_API_KEY in your environment. During npm run dev the key is copied into your browser's local storage so the client can talk to Gemini automatically.
3. Install dependencies and start the dev server:

   npm install
   npm run dev

   Visit http://localhost:5173 to play.
4. To create a production bundle run:

   npm run build
   npm run preview

   The built version does not read GEMINI_API_KEY from your environment. After you launch npm run preview, open the game and enter your API key manually in the settings screen.

Play the Latest Stable Release

• GitHub Pages – Fast loading but you must enter your API key manually and Imagen 4 images are disabled: https://eliotcougar.github.io/Whispers-in-the-Dark/
• Google AI Studio – Uses your account's key automatically so Imagen 4 works, but page loads are slower: https://ai.studio/apps/drive/1CMEcImNGuJk8DsEUjEftUpkrpatEZcdb

Features

• AI driven storytelling that begins in a setting of your choice.
• Node-based map that evolves as the narrative unfolds.
• Dialogue system where NPCs remember past conversations.
• Inventory items persist on the map even when dropped.
• Save/Load to local files with automatic local storage backups.
• Image generator, knowledge base, map viewer, and more.

Authors

Created collaboratively by Eliot the Cougar and OpenAI Codex.