The Command Window

Like all roguelikes, NetHack's gameplay is centered around a vocabulary of verbs. These verbs define all actions which can be taken in the game, and in NetHack, this vocabulary is large. Very large. Of course, NetHack's traditionally keyboard-based control scheme makes such a game possible, as verbs can be mapped to various keys on the keyboard. However, on a portable device, things are not so easy, and so the command window provides an interface to the set of verbs available in the game.

In the default configuration, the command window is activated by pressing and holding the left trigger button. This brings up a display of verbs organized in columns, which may then be selected by using the joypad or the touchscreen. When the joypad is used, the direction keys can be used to highlight verbs, and selection is done by pressing the X or A buttons.

Additionally, actions may be repeated some number of times based on a count provided by the user. To indicate a repeated action is desired, tap-and-hold the action using the stylus until a keyboard appears. Then type in the repeat count desired, and press the Enter button on the keyboard.

Brett Kosinski 2008-01-08