Missing a best game: Cryptozookeeper, by Robb Sherwin

This is the one XYZZY winner I have not played through. The main reason is that it is a huge download (about half a gig) and uses Hugo, with many illustrations and techno background tracks adding to the size. Another reason is that Sherwin’s games are known for their mature content. I’m sure it’s not worse than I-0, Varicella and Vespers, but I never got around to it. The author has acknowledged that some readers may miss out on his game because of that.

However what I know of it is favorable. It is a story-and-NPC focused game that also happens to have a huge mechanic based on capturing creatures of myth and urban legend and mixing their dna, and having them fight in arenas.

The author says he spent 5 years and 2000-2500 hours working on the game and thousands of people have downloaded it.

If anyone who has played it would like to talk about it, please feel free to comment.