So I read both epilogues, and I feel a need to ask, is either one the "right" one? A lot of the other choose-your-own-adventure style bits in this series still eventually lead to one specific outcome. It wouldn't bother me, except that the implications behind each changes what actually happened in Ending Number Four. One implies that Jack lied in his blog, so the actual sequence of events before the decision has to be different between the different endings.
Am I misunderstanding something? Am I just a nitpciking ass hole for being bothered by this?
You are absolutely entitled to be bothered. This story was a huge departure from my normal storytelling. It was an experiment of sorts.
Neither ending is necessarily "right" or "wrong."
I intended to leave it up to the reader. Whichever you prefer.
If you want, both can be correct. Or if you didn't care for them, neither.
Whatever you decide, thank you for playing.
It was a successful storytelling experience, at least for me, so don't get the wrong idea and think I didn't enjoy the hell out of this. I did, it was awesome, and I'm really glad that it was something fun to sink some time into.
It bugs me in video games when a decision I make apparently changes shit that happened in the past of that game world once I've seen both outcomes. That's kind of how this left me feeling. Whether Jack reached for the gun or for Jerry/Doppeljerry (never was quite clear on that one) apparently changes stuff from before that decision was made. It wouldn't be any sort of a problem if I'd only read it once and I didn't have that particular hang-up.
I loved it. I have a feeling that it's possible solving the final riddle(s) could give us the "true" ending to the story - but even if that's not the case it was still so much fun to see the different routes you wrote and get to play the game (I smirk as I write those last few words.) Thank you for putting so much time and effort into all of this, Jack. It was a hell of a ride, and I can't wait to see more.
I didn't solve 7 through 11, but I know the answer for 12. That's why I was posting; the two epilogues imply different stuff. Gonna write out some stuff using font the same as the background.
Password: dream
Next bit is a description of each epilogue and an explanation of my confusion, so big spoilers: The epilogue following 'went for a weapon' continues in the gas station. Jack doesn't murder Jerry and has a conversation with Benjamin about Nick Bostrum's simulation hypothesis, and the general implication seems to be that Jack accurately described his experiences, and is basically going to keep living in the simulation, generally accepting it as a new reality. The epilogue following 'went to get help' is an image of a note from 'C' and it's obvious that it's from Claire, and that the previous section was a lie; Claire and Loren actually survived, but the lie would hopefully help buy more time for them to go into hiding.
The disparity I was asking about was the gap between what the two endings imply about the actual events in 'Void'
@zero132132 ohh I’m just now seeing this after my post about the two endings, I understand what you were getting after now. I’ve been a bit out of sync all night 😅
@Jessiizar It's my fault. I should have waited a day or two. Didn't want to post an answer because I had fun trying to solve the puzzles and didn't want to deprive anyone of that experience. Combined with a desire to avoid spoilers, there was too much ambiguity for discussion to be at all specific.
.What it feels like, to me anyway, it that both endings are true. They both connect in a way. I’m glad to see Lucy might be taking a bigger part in book 4? (waiting for audiobook of 3 so idk what happens in there) But Benjamin is “working” at the gas station? I’m sure he’s just killing anything weird that come in... I guess I want both to be true, for Jack to feel like there’s someone else who can understand him. I want Claire and Loren to be ok. Maybe they can help with the bad thing that’s coming.
-Sweet Dreams Jack