Diamond Age
Three games from the Primer's world · after Stephenson's The Diamond Age
Diamond Age
The Primer's Court
Pong with a book that plays back. The Primer adapts to you and teaches a line for every point you take.
How to play
- You're Nell, on the left: up and down move the paddle, or drag anywhere on the screen.
- Where the ball meets the paddle sets its angle; the edges send it steepest. Every return is a little faster.
- The Primer sharpens when you lead and eases off when you trail.
- Two players: left uses W and S, right the arrow keys; on a touch screen each drags their own half.
- Online: host a game and read the code to a friend, or quick match. The host is on the left. First to seven.
The Mouse Queens
Two queens, one courtyard, a fountain full of mice. Shoo them into your rival's mouse-holes to build your army.
How to play
- You're Nell, the queen on the left. Move anywhere in your half with the arrows, or point where to go.
- Mice scurry and shy away from queens. Walk into one to shoo it; it runs the way you were going.
- Decree (Space, or tap) scatters every mouse near you; it takes a moment to recharge. Dash (Shift) is a quick burst.
- A mouse you send into one of your rival's three holes joins your army. First to an army of seven.
- Two players: left uses W A S D, F to decree, G to dash; right uses the arrows, / and . ; on a touch screen each points in their own half.
A Tea Duel
Slide teacups down a very long table. Rest in the gilded bands to score; go over the edge and the tea is on the carpet.
How to play
- Up and down choose where your cup starts; left and right turn it. Or point: near the start line to place it, further out to aim.
- Press Slide (or tap) to start the power meter, and again to let go. The green stretch is about right.
- Every cup of yours resting in the bands at the far end scores 1, 2 or 3 when the course is over. Cups knock each other; the cake stand is in the way.
- Four cups each per course; whoever scored less goes first next. First to fifteen.
- Two players take turns at the same controls.
Arrow keys or WASD move. Space, J or Z: serve. Shift, K or X: fast paddle. P pauses.