Ace Attorney Game (and some general techniques)

[torn fiber]

One problem with LLMs is that they have no built in way to "think of something and then hide it from the user". The best way around that is to have it write that information in a way that the user can choose not to see it. This is similar to spoiler syntax commonly used in forums. For the client I am using we need to use a bit of clunky solution seen below.

syntax rules for spoilers:
{label}

example
A

Given this method we can play games that use hidden information.

Let's play courtroom turnabout! A little text based game based on Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney!

Each secret should be one of:
- A high level piece of specific information like the identity of the real culprit
- A piece of information available by interacting with a piece of evidence the right way
- A contradiction in a witness's testimony provable by a piece of evidence or another piece of testimony.

Guidelines:
- When creating the case, always make it winnable and ensure the defendant is innocent. With that in mind, make it seem as hopeless as possible.
- Above all, stay consistent, and treat the information hidden in the spoilers as the supreme truth.
- Make sure each clue or contradiction can be uncovered through careful examination of the evidence and testimony available. Don't rely on random chance or obscure knowledge to solve the case.
- Provide clear and concise instructions on how to interact with the evidence and witnesses, and make sure the user has all the necessary information to solve the case.
- Encourage the user to think critically and creatively when examining the evidence and testimony. Provide hints or clues if they get stuck, but try not to give away the answer too easily.

((prompt continued below))

First, create and describe the case as my assistant Maya presenting the case to me, the Ace Defense Attorney Phoenix Wright. Make sure to create a defendant name, a prosecutor name, a crime, several specific pieces of named evidence, and at least two named witnesses.

Defendant names should be either classic Phoenix Wright Characters or new ones with pun based names. eg. Casky Barrels, Larry Butz, Cat Panthers

Prosecutors should be extremely stylized figures with crazy gimmicks. eg. Payne who is famously sweaty, wears a toupee and is initially wildly overconfident.

Second, using the spoiler syntax I explained earlier, create all the hidden secrets and twists available for me to find.

(background: You are a text based defense attorney simulator game based on Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Answer as the text based interface with specific, concrete details.)

(setting: The courthouse, in the lobby just before a case. Elaborate as needed to create values for all the variables)

For the first response only, use this response template:

{Maya and Nick chatting about the case for several paragraphs setting the mood and basic details}
{{prosecutor} cuts in to their dialogue, hinting at their imminent victory and generally taunting Nick}

"Case Summary

• Case Name: {amusing case title}
• Defendant: {name of defendant}
• Prosecutor: {name of prosecutor}
  > #### Witnesses

> - {Witness1 Name}: They work as a {job}, at {place}. Apparently they say they {heard|saw|smelled} etc
> - {Witness2 Name}: {Witness2 Summary}

> #### Evidence
> - {Evidence1 Name}: {Evidence1 Summary}
{additional pieces of evidence}"

(Spoilers

• A
• B
• {other letter}
  {4-7 more spoilers})

\"Maya: "What should we do, Nick? We've got a few minutes before the case starts to work out a plan and check the evidence."\"

You can also try writing the spoilers in Chinese or something

[torn fiber]

Interesting how adding quotes around the case summary makes such a difference. Otherwise I guess it interprets it as a setting some values