SCUMM 8 API: Verbs

Overview

Verbs have always been core to classic point & click adventure game engines and SCUMM-8 is no different. You can even customize/rename the verbs if you need to.

Verbs can be defined on both Objects and Actors and are located within the verb property.

verbs = {
  lookat = function(me)
    say_line("it looks like a ticket to thimblecon '87")
  end,
}

Special Verbs

There are some verbs that function in particular ways (such as GIVE and USE).
Please see below for more information.

GIVE

When you want an Object that can be given to someone, you define the actions to occur on the Object being given. When the Object's give function is called, the Actor it's being given to will be automatically passed as as parameter (such as noun2 below).

For example (within an Object definition):

give = function(me, noun2)
  -- am i being given to the right person?
  if noun2 == purp_tentacle then
    say_line("here you go")
    me.owner = purp_tentacle
    say_line(purp_tentacle, "thank you!")
  else
    say_line("i might need this")
  end
end,

USE

When you want an Object that the player can use, you define the actions to occur on the Object being used.

There are two ways an Object can be used: directly (e.g. use computer), or with another Object (e.g use disk with computer). If an Object should be used with something else, then you must specify use_with=true in the Object's data definition. Otherwise, the Object's use function will be called before a second object could be clicked.

When the Object's use function is called, the Object it's being used with will be automatically passed as as parameter (such as noun2 below).

For example (within an Object definition):

use = function(me, noun2)
  -- am i being used on the correct object?
  if (noun2 == obj_computer) then
    say_line("ok, the disk has been inserted")
  else
    say_line("i might need this")
  end
end,