robotfindskitten

robotfindskitten [options]

-h, --help
    Displays a help message containing usage information and exits.

-v, --version
    Shows the program's version number and exits.

-s
    Enables 'silent' mode, which suppresses the display of philosophical messages when a kitten is found.

-k N
    Sets the number of kittens that will appear on each screen to N. The default is usually 1.

-c N
    Sets the number of objects (robots or junk items) generated on each screen to N.

robotfindskitten is a unique, terminal-based 'game' or 'toy' renowned for its simplicity, randomness, and absurdist humor. The primary objective, if it can be called one, is for a robot (typically represented by '#') to locate one or more kittens (represented by 'K' or other characters) hidden among a screen full of randomly generated ASCII characters that symbolize 'robots' or other arbitrary objects.

There are no conventional game mechanics like levels, scores, or complex rules. Movement is typically achieved using arrow keys or the 'hjkl' keys. Upon successfully finding a kitten, a humorous, enigmatic, or philosophical message is displayed, and a new, randomly generated 'game' screen appears. The program embraces a spirit of minimalist, non-goal-oriented exploration, offering a lighthearted diversion whose charm lies in its deliberate lack of traditional gaming structure and its focus on the arbitrary.

robotfindskitten is not a traditional game; it intentionally lacks scores, levels, or clear objectives beyond the basic act of finding the kitten. Its humor and philosophical messages are often abstract, nonsensical, or cryptic, contributing to its unique charm rather than providing conventional gameplay. It is purely text-based and designed for a terminal environment.

The robot can be moved around the screen using either the standard arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right) or the 'hjkl' keys (h: left, j: down, k: up, l: right), common in text editors like vi and other terminal applications.

When the robot lands on a square containing a kitten, a new screen is generated, and a random, often humorous or philosophical message appears at the bottom of the terminal. These messages range from profound to utterly bizarre, reinforcing the program's nonsensical charm. The 'game' has no ending, no high scores, and no real challenges, making it an endless, meditative, and amusing diversion.

robotfindskitten was created by Leonard Richardson and first released around the year 2000. It rapidly gained a cult following due to its distinct blend of simplicity, randomness, and absurdist humor. Frequently included in 'bsdgames' or similar packages on Unix-like systems, it exemplifies a minimalist approach to interactive terminal programs, prioritizing philosophical musings and arbitrary interactions over complex gameplay or structured progression.

sl(6), fortune(6), cowsay(1)