A Mind Forever Voyaging

A Mind Forever Voyaging - the 1985 interactive fiction for Commodore 64
from Infocom.

Play as PRISM, an experimental AI tasked with simulating future decades
to test humanity’s social and political reforms.

Core loop
- explore simulated towns and cities freely as the AI observer
- record experiences and submit reports to your creators
- unlock later simulations with new dates and conditions

Systems and items
- recording mode - log key scenes to present as evidence
- simulation years - 2041 to 2081 show evolving societies
- real mode - return to the lab to receive new directives
- text parser - standard Infocom two-word commands like “GO NORTH”

Level design and feel
Expansive cityscapes described in vivid prose, shifting from utopian
beginnings to decline. No inventory puzzles - progress depends on
curiosity and observation rather than manipulation.

Why it is notable
- written by Steve Meretzky, known for Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- one of Infocom’s most narrative-driven and political works
- first Infocom game using 128K story file size on Commodore 64

Tips
- take notes on recurring locations across simulation years
- use the map to spot changes in economy and mood over time
- record contrasting scenes to strengthen your case in debriefings

At a glance
Year - 1985
Developer - Infocom
Design and programming - Steve Meretzky
Publisher - Infocom
Genre - Interactive fiction
Players - 1
Controls - Keyboard