The Bridge - Timing VS turn-counting to add pressure

[Jubal]

So, the final section of the game, "The Bridge", is a mission that involves the player doing a bunch of stuff under pressure.

So, here's the question - do I attempt to use a real-time timer to put that pressure on, or do I use a turn counter? A real-time timer could get annoying for players who type less quickly, but it does give a genuine feeling of pressure. A turn counter preserves the mostly turn-based feel of the game better, but it's hard to know how to put pressure on in a way that's not annoying in itself - eg by giving the player more actions and more red herrings, but then you get more of a "typo can kill you" effect which could also be vexing.

What do people think?

[Phoenixguard09]

I reckon go with a real time timer. Wasting a turn on a typo would be pretty annoying.

[Jubal]

Maybe, I guess I'm just concerned that people will panic if they're under time pressure and having to type things of any complexity... hm.

And helpfully the poll is stuck at 1-1

[Phoenixguard09]

I get that concern, but maybe just have a long timer. Lessen the panic by providing more time.

[Jubal]

I've changed this around a bit - the bridge guard will be on a set route taking X turns in each room not a set timer, and then after you *do the thing* it'll be turn-timered to get back to your spaceship but not that strictly (it'll be a close-run thing if you didn't bother getting any of the kit or otherwise using any shortcuts, but there'll be plenty of ways to "beat" it and do it in far fewer turns).