Topic: On the Rain-Slicked Precipice of Darkness (Read 12100 times)

Ozymandias · « **on:** 21 May 2008, 14:07 »

It's out now for PC and XLBA (where I have already bought it).

It's very unique and interesting so far, graphics-wise, like I think most people expected them to produce. No idea about actual gameplay yet, though.

Dimmukane · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 May 2008, 14:59 »

I tried the trial out...it's pretty awesome. I'm gonna unlock it next paycheck. It's kind of a mix between turn-based stuff, the investigative nature of adventure games, a little bit of action, etc. I like it.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 May 2008, 15:13 »

I think presenting it as an adventure game was wrong, because it's not really. It's closer to a Mario RPG than anything as far as gameplay goes.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 May 2008, 16:22 »

There was a full hour of me playing the game between those posts.

Dimmukane · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 May 2008, 16:28 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 21 May 2008, 15:13

I think presenting it as an adventure game was wrong, because it's not really. It's closer to a Mario RPG than anything as far as gameplay goes.

I meant as far as inspecting a lot of the scenery and stuff.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 May 2008, 16:30 »

Yeah, there's more...environment interaction, I guess, than your standard RPG, but a lot of it is just silly jokes rather than gameplay relevant.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 May 2008, 13:53 »

I can't be the only one to have finished this by now.

I really, really thoroughly enjoyed it. It was funny, the gameplay was very solid, and it was extremely well polished, especially for an XBLA game. Worth $20? I cautiously suggest yes, yes it was. Tycho/Jerry is a born storyteller and it shines in this game. The whole thing feels very lovingly crafted and I'm eager to pay my $20 for the second episode.

Noct · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 May 2008, 15:06 »

Just finished the game as well, and it left me hungry for more. The combat system is solid, and it's the most fun I've had in a turn-based RPG system in a while. The writing is solid, and I'm particularly in love with all the "flavor text" that Tycho wrote for the various objects in the game world.

Only complaint is that for $20, it might be a little bit short of content, and while the framework of the combat system is excellent, it could stand to be fleshed out a bit more. I suppose that's for future episodes though. Still, I think it's more than worth it, and I'm glad to support these guys.

Dimmukane · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 May 2008, 16:01 »

I'm still waiting on the next paycheck.

est · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 May 2008, 02:09 »

I like the semi turn-based feel of it. Timed actions that you can activate whenever they are ready feel better than just waiting waiting waiting for your turn

David_Dovey · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 May 2008, 12:25 »

Just finished it, can't believe I have to wait another month for the next episode...

Are you supposed to finish the game with a bunch of unused items, are they for the next episode, or am I missing certain parts of the game (i.e; the slumlord's hair and the monkey punchcard, among other things)?

I'm more or less of the same opinion as a lot of people I've talked to about it, average gameplay (although I think the combat system is pretty neat and engaging, once you get the hang of it) but the writing makes up for it. 7/10

est · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 May 2008, 18:08 »

I haven't bought it yet, still debating it. I did like the combat system, but I don't know. The voice-over at the start seemed clunky and dumb. At 1600 it's a bit steep, a lot more than I expected an episodic thinger from these guys to cost. I am all for giving them some dosh, but I just don't want to be soured.

ackblom12 · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 May 2008, 21:49 »

I'm thoroughly enjoying it myself. I mean, really, $20 ain't that bad for this game. Wouldn't necessarily pay more mind you, but it's a fair price for it I'd say.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 May 2008, 00:16 »

Quote from: est on 25 May 2008, 18:08

The voice-over at the start seemed clunky and dumb.

Are you kidding? The ridiculously over-wrought Lovecraftian setting and backstory for a game about robots that rape produce is one of my favorite parts.

est · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 May 2008, 04:19 »

Yeah, I know what they were shooting for. I just don't think they hit it.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 May 2008, 04:40 »

If it's any consolation the narrator only pops up maybe twice more in the entire game, and then only briefly.

Surgoshan · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 May 2008, 08:40 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 27 May 2008, 00:16

Quote from: est on 25 May 2008, 18:08
The voice-over at the start seemed clunky and dumb.

Are you kidding? The ridiculously over-wrought Lovecraftian setting and backstory for a game about robots that rape produce is one of my favorite parts.

A friend described it as 8 hours of listening to Tycho, "... which is awesome."

My first thought was that that could also be a reason for people to hate the game.

Storm Rider · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 May 2008, 20:01 »

Now that I finally have my computer back, I can actually talk about this game!

I played the 360 version and enjoyed it quite a bit, but I had a few issues. First of all, the text is almost completely fucking unreadable on a SDTV. I'm going to save my second go-through to get the achievements I missed until after I get home and I can play on my nice TV. Secondly, although I liked the game and I will buy the next one even at the same price, 20 dollars is a little steep, both by standards of episodic content (Sam and Max episodes are significantly less than that), and on XBLA, where it is the only game to ever cost that much. Only a couple had even cost 15.

That being said, the comparison to Mario RPG is totally accurate, and most of all it just feels like a Penny Arcade game. The writing is 100% Tycho (which makes sense, since he did write it all), and the art team did a reasonably good job of bringing Gabe's style into 3D. There were a few moments in the game where I actually laughed out loud (the sidequest that gets you the health upgrade was my favorite moment, and I won't spoil it for anyone). The trial doesn't really do the humor of the game justice, in my opinion, because you don't get Gabe and Tycho in your party until the end of the demo, and like the comic, a lot of the humor comes from the clash of their personalities. However, I think they did a good job in not making the game too exclusionary for people who don't read the comic. Gabe and Tycho are consistent with their comic personalities, but aside from Anne, none of the other characters are even from the comic.

Basically, if you like Penny Arcade, get it. If you like old school RPGs and aren't familiar with Penny Arcade somehow, try the demo but be aware that it gets much funnier later on. If you don't like Penny Arcade, well, you probably weren't considering it in the first place.

jeph · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 May 2008, 01:45 »

Short, but completely worth the $20. Funny as hell and surprisingly challenging. I look forward to episode 2.

KvP · « **Reply #19 on:** 28 May 2008, 02:12 »

Given that your state doesn't have a 34% sales tax, you can get the required 1600 XBL points for $15 at Target until the 31st, which takes a bit of the sting out of that heretofore-unprecedented high price tag. Not having any interest in Penny Arcade, I'll probably be stocking up on XB Originals.

CarbonatedWeasel · « **Reply #20 on:** 29 May 2008, 23:47 »

My friend recently downloaded it onto his Xbox and I reluctantly tried it as I really have never liked RPGs besides Pokemon Red Version but that was because I was young and impressionable. Anyway, Its awesome, its not totally turn based and even if I didnt like the gameplay so much I would still like it just for the humor, which is awesome.

I heard something about them MAYBE, maybe, making this for Wiiware, but for some reason I doubt it. I am hoping for it, but doubting it.

pilsner · « **Reply #21 on:** 31 May 2008, 10:20 »

I'm annoyed that I still haven't found a use for either the monkey punchcard or the gramophone.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #22 on:** 31 May 2008, 11:19 »

There is none.

Save them for episode 2.

I suspect the gramophone combines with Div to create a new assist character.

dennis · « **Reply #23 on:** 15 Jun 2008, 13:45 »

Man, spoilers, but anyway...

Is it just me or does the combat jump difficulty from easy to ridiculous when you get to Hobo alley? Jesus!

jeph · « **Reply #24 on:** 15 Jun 2008, 14:51 »

You have to be really vigilant about blocking bad guys' attacks or they just chew right through you. It becomes MANDATORY later on.

Storm Rider · « **Reply #25 on:** 15 Jun 2008, 16:20 »

Yeah, you pretty much need to master the blocking pretty early on or the enemies will wreck your shit. Presumably this helps to balance out the abundance of items.

jeph · « **Reply #26 on:** 15 Jun 2008, 20:36 »

Yeah I never woulda made it through the last two battles if not for the hell-ton of healing and damage items I had stocked up.

pilsner · « **Reply #27 on:** 17 Jun 2008, 07:08 »

OK, another question but this time in super small SPOILER PROOF text,

Did anyone find a way to make the cat do more than a little damage? I was kind of hoping that he would turn out to inflict massive damage against the Silent Pope or last boss or something but ... not the case.

And then I realized that it translates to Mike Krahulik's home number! Oh wait am I still in the size tags oh no

AngelofShadows · « **Reply #28 on:** 17 Jun 2008, 08:44 »

I thought the cat was funny. 999 out of a thousand, it did shit, but that one time, it murdered. Completely. Like Bahamut on crack type shit.

imapiratearg · « **Reply #29 on:** 17 Jun 2008, 10:07 »

Well, I think my computer can play this, so I might get the demo later tonight.

Stryc9Fuego · « **Reply #30 on:** 02 Jul 2008, 05:53 »

I like Penny Arcade, but I'm not fond of this Final Fantasy style JRPG combat system they have set up here. I also think lately they've been pushing AWFULLY hard the whole Gabe = Stupid thing. I don't think I'm gonna get the full game.

I do like that part at the very beginning after your house gets stomped when your avatar gets that "Oh, it's fuckin' ON!" look.

Storm Rider · « **Reply #31 on:** 01 Oct 2008, 16:57 »

Hothead announced today that Episode 2 has just gone gold and has been sent off to Microsoft for certification. They anticipating it going up during 'the fall' which means 'before Christmas, but we don't really have any fucking idea'. The really surprising thing is that they actually cut the price for Episode 2, which will only be 1200 MS Points aka 15 dollars.

Jace · « **Reply #32 on:** 04 Oct 2008, 04:46 »

Quote from: Storm Rider on 01 Oct 2008, 16:57

Hothead announced today that Episode 2 has just gone gold and has been sent off to Microsoft for certification. They anticipating it going up during 'the fall' which means 'before Christmas, but we don't really have any fucking idea'. The really surprising thing is that they actually cut the price for Episode 2, which will only be 1200 MS Points aka 15 dollars.

Yes. That is most excellent. I loved the game, I actually beat it in 3 days (playing about 3 hours each day) and even though it was a short game, I really liked it. My favorite part is at the beginning.
"agape? what's that?"
"it means open"
"you know what else means open? OPEN."

That was the line that really sealed the deal on the game for me.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #33 on:** 04 Oct 2008, 10:29 »

YAY

I have basically been waiting since they released Part 1 for them to release Part 2. I finished Pt. 1 in a couple of days and the wait has been agonising

LittleKey · « **Reply #34 on:** 08 Oct 2008, 12:02 »

I haven't bought it yet, but I'm going out of respect for Gabe and Tycho. And of course I'm sure it's a completely awesome game, they wouldn't settle for anything less.

Christophe · « **Reply #35 on:** 08 Oct 2008, 15:10 »

I want to see an adventure game based on Achewood. That would be tits

Also, I would definitely like to play Precipice, but I has no monies.

öde · « **Reply #36 on:** 08 Oct 2008, 16:21 »

Quote from: TheLetterM on 08 Oct 2008, 15:10

I want to see an adventure game based on Achewood. That would be tits

>Bugger that child.

>That child is Philippe.

Storm Rider · « **Reply #37 on:** 22 Oct 2008, 17:27 »

Episode 2 was announced today for release on October 29th on 360 and PC, for 15 dollars/1200 MS points. PS3 owners will also get the first episode the following day, with Episode 2 'hopefully before the end of 2008'.

actreal · « **Reply #38 on:** 28 Oct 2008, 19:34 »

It's the 29th already here in Australia. Darn slow Yanks with their slow calendars!

I can't wait until tomorrow!

David_Dovey · « **Reply #39 on:** 29 Oct 2008, 04:44 »

Quote from: David_Dovey on 04 Oct 2008, 10:29

YAY

sandysmilinstrange · « **Reply #40 on:** 29 Oct 2008, 20:57 »

Just played/finished this game and loved it! I was a little dubious of it because I was sort of worried that it would be a boring game propped up by lots of inside jokes from the comic. I was impressed that they managed to make an interesting and engaging game that stood on its own.

Never quite got the hang of the specialty attacks partly because this is only the second game I've played on the Playstation so I'm still not familiar with the controller and partly because panic set in whenever I was surrounded by mimes or hobos or somesuch thing and I'd just be thinking, "Shit!... Uh, rake! Punch! Shoot! Attack, Kemper!" But I am the bad motherbitch of counterattacks and blocking.

I'm pretty excited for part two.

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Author Topic: On the Rain-Slicked Precipice of Darkness (Read 12100 times)

ackblom12

CarbonatedWeasel