Wonderful news! Phoenix Online Studios is happy to announce that The Silver Lining, Episode 3: My Only Love Sprang from My Only Hate will be available for download on January 29th, 2011!
This will be the best episode yet with more puzzles, new characters and greater dangers for graham to overcome to save his children.
Check out our website at www.tsl-game.com to see recent screen shots, download the soundtrack and send e-cards to your friends and family. Mark your calendars and get ready to live the magic!
Adrienne Elliott
Production Coordinator
The Silver Lining
TSL's been pretty enjoyable so far (even if the first episode was way too short). It has its flaws, but overall, I'm just happy to be exploring the Land of the Green Isles again with a new story.
I for one love TSL. The music, graphics, story line are all beautifully done. This is a fan game that has risen to new heights and has exceeded all of my expectations. Sure it is a new take on things, and people are resistant to change, but who is to saw that it wouldn't lighten up if the story had a chance to continue.
If we looked at the other games and broke them into five episodes then the first chapters would be really boring. Take Kq2 for example, Imagine getting one key and that's it till next month. God, I would hate that because you aren't doing anything except walking around collecting stuff. Patience is what is needed when playing Episodic games.
Over all, TSL is a deep moving story that touches the player at the heart. It gives you hope and inspires the player to stand up against all odds and to do what is right. Graham could have easily give up but that is the one message that all the KQ games have, including 8. Never give up and TSL continues this tradition.
I like TSL's graphics and music - I like them a lot! I think it looks and plays great. I think the writing is a bit.... verbose and melodramatic. The story feels like a giant soap opera, and all that's missing is the "dramatic orchestra hits" and JR Ewing. Still, it's an impressive work - I just hope Telltale doesn't delve into a large, sweeping melodramatic story. Keeping it simple is the way to go.
I guess some people just dig the melodrama more, considering it the next logical step of progression from the demi-melodrama of King's Quest 6 and 7. Many parts of King's Quest have never been fixed, but experimental with each installment. I agree most of the time it should be toned down, but at least one dramatic cataclysm is great for bringing the whole story together, which I never think is a bad thing, even if it's never been done for the franchise to this degree.
The 4th installment of The Silver Lining, entitled “Tis in My Memory Locked, and You Yourself Shall Keep the Key of It” will be released next month!
Personally, I'm excited!
Not only will we get more of the action sequence goodness we had in episode 3 but they promise us new areas of Sacred Mountain and exploration of Isle of the Beast.
They really took their time with this episode, not promising any release date, instead of rushing it like they did with the previous episode and I'm sure that this will be well-designed and rich in content.
For those of you who haven't yet played TSL, I can highly recommend picking it up at tsl.
I don't understand the decision behind the incredibly lavish, and in this case lengthy, chapter titles of TSL. They just seem pretentious and they're not that memorable (because they're hard to remember).
You should've heard the original, we shortened it to this after rejecting the original "Tis in My Memory Locked, and You Yourself Shall Keep the Key of It Darkity Dark Dark Emo McSkinnyJeanPants Cries All the Time"
You should've heard the original, we shortened it to this after rejecting the original "Tis in My Memory Locked, and You Yourself Shall Keep the Key of It Darkity Dark Dark Emo McSkinnyJeanPants Cries All the Time"
I appreciate the reference, but you might want to go for *slightly* more prosaic titles. That one is so flowery it comes across as self-parody.
I've got to admit, I like the episode titles. I kinda wish TTG would go the same direction with their titles, it would make for some pretty awesome posters.
The Episode Title is ridiculous, but hey - it's their choice, and it fits the tone of the game so far. It would be weird if they called it "Jump Graham, Jump!"
You should've heard the original, we shortened it to this after rejecting the original "Tis in My Memory Locked, and You Yourself Shall Keep the Key of It Darkity Dark Dark Emo McSkinnyJeanPants Cries All the Time"
:P
I am not really one of TSLs detractors -- I appreciate all the effort you guys have put in and I've mostly enjoyed the games as long as I don't take them too seriously. Since you do tend to be open to feedback, I just feel the need to comment when high school poetry circle level writing choices get put out for public consumption.
We definitely welcome feedback--my comment was joking and meant in good fun.
Although, to be fair, as we said, the line is actually from Shakespeare, so not *quite* high school poetry
I'm pretty sure Kuroshiro wasn't suggesting that Shakespeare's writing was "high school level poetry", but rather that the extremely cliche nature of the title choices was high school level.
We definitely welcome feedback--my comment was joking and meant in good fun.
Although, to be fair, as we said, the line is actually from Shakespeare, so not *quite* high school poetry
I think that might have come out a bit harshly, and I know your response was in fun. I'm aware of the sources of your titles -- note that I said choices, not actual writing .
What I meant was more that it is the sort of thing I would have thought was a cool title back when I was 14 or 15. There's nothing inherently wrong with that if that's the audience you're aiming for, it just comes across as overly serious and kind of silly, as I said.
I think that might have come out a bit harshly, and I know your response was in fun. I'm aware of the sources of your titles -- note that I said choices, not actual writing .
What I meant was more that it is the sort of thing I would have thought was a cool title back when I was 14 or 15. There's nothing inherently wrong with that if that's the audience you're aiming for, it just comes across as overly serious and kind of silly, as I said.
Just because I like the titles doesn't mean that I'm 14 or 15, if that's what you're implying. I'm 28 actually, and my impression of the episode titles are not that they're silly at all. They're different, and I have a high appreciation when people are bold enough to explore new directions, directions that are not widely employed in today's market.
I resent the theory that TSL is aimed towards an adolescent audience, when clearly the entire KQ genre has always and always will be appreciated by mature audiences.
For being a fan-made project, one that does not derive any profits no less, I think TSL is very well done.
In regards to music and storytelling, it is extremely well made.
Just because I like the titles doesn't mean that I'm 14 or 15, if that's what you're implying. I'm 28 actually, and my impression of the episode titles are not that they're silly at all. They're different, and I have a high appreciation when people are bold enough to explore new directions, directions that are not widely employed in today's market.
I resent the theory that TSL is aimed towards an adolescent audience, when clearly the entire KQ genre has always and always will be appreciated by mature audiences.
For being a fan-made project, one that does not derive any profits no less, I think TSL is very well done.
In regards to music and storytelling, it is extremely well made.
I'm 28 actually, and my impression of the episode titles are not that they're silly at all. They're different, and I have a high appreciation when people are bold enough to explore new directions, directions that are not widely employed in today's market.
The thing is, they're NOT original. Not in the slightest. Overly flowery prose is one of the major cliches of the fantasy genre in general. It's one thing if it's tongue-in-cheek, where the authors aren't taking themselves too seriously and the silliness is part of the intention behind it, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. People make the comparison to high school level writing because high school writers take themselves seriously but in reality don't have a clue what they're doing. There is no subtlety to high school level creative writing choices, and there is no subtlety to TSL's writing choices. The cheesy, overly long episode titles are just the latest example of this.
The thing is, they're NOT original. Not in the slightest. Overly flowery prose is one of the major cliches of the fantasy genre in general. It's one thing if it's tongue-in-cheek, where the authors aren't taking themselves too seriously and the silliness is part of the intention behind it, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. People make the comparison to high school level writing because high school writers take themselves seriously but in reality don't have a clue what they're doing. There is no subtlety to high school level creative writing choices, and there is no subtlety to TSL's writing choices. The cheesy, overly long episode titles are just the latest example of this.
Indeed...The titles almost come off as parody due to of their pretentious (and in this case, overlong and overly flowery) nature. It almost becomes unintentional self parody. It's very pompous to use Shakespeare IMO---As if the work it's used in is on caliber with his works. Though Cez compared TSL's development to the development of the Lord of the Rings...So, arrogance should be no surprise here.
We realize our game isn't going to be beloved by all--to each his or her own, and that's perfectly fine. We don't make claims that it's 'as good as Shakespeare', and saying that Cez compared TSL's development with LotR is an extremely skewed interpretation of what he said in a thread on our boards, Anakin/Perceval.
That said, if you have constructive criticisms to offer, please feel free to do so on our forums. That's the place where we are most likely to be able to read it and, if possible, take it into account as we continue to develop Episode 5 as well as future projects.
For those who have been enjoying the game, we appreciate your support and are glad you are enjoying it. We obviously welcome positive feedback too! And we'll let you know when Episode 4 is available, regardless of how long the title is or what it's source.
Constructive criticism? Rein yourselves in a bit. Show some restraint in writing. What you leave out is often more important than what you leave in. Brevity is the soul of wit. That's honest, constructive criticism.
You've got a beautiful looking game, with wonderful sound and music - but the storytelling leaves something to be desired. The plot elements are interesting, but the execution is overly self-indulgent.
Just because I like the titles doesn't mean that I'm 14 or 15, if that's what you're implying. I'm 28 actually, and my impression of the episode titles are not that they're silly at all.,,
Yeah, again, note that I said that *I* would have found it cool when I was a teenager, not that everyone would have. People's tastes develop differently, and I was speaking only for myself. And I have already offered my constructive criticism concerning the writing on your forums after ep. 1 was released -- I'm pretty sure it was the thread that made you consider offering shortened narration (a blessing, btw).
And concerning Shakespeare... well, there was a reason he titled his plays things like "Hamlet" rather than "'Lo! My murd'rous Uncle doth stab at me and sparrows fall with special providence!". I suppose King's Quest in general bucks this trend by having somewhat longer subtitles, but still.
Yeah, again, note that I said that *I* would have found it cool when I was a teenager, not that everyone would have. People's tastes develop differently, and I was speaking only for myself. And I have already offered my constructive criticism concerning the writing on your forums after ep. 1 was released -- I'm pretty sure it was the thread that made you consider offering shortened narration (a blessing, btw).
And concerning Shakespeare... well, there was a reason he titled his plays things like "Hamlet" rather than "'Lo! My murd'rous Uncle doth stab at me and sparrows fall with special providence!". I suppose King's Quest in general bucks this trend by having somewhat longer subtitles, but still.
You also have to remember, though, that KQ titles are not serious, but are totally tongue in cheek puns, with the exceptions of 1 & 8.
King's Quest 1: Quest for the Crown
King's Quest 2: Romancing the Throne (a play on the film Romancing the Stone)
King's Quest 3: To Heir is Human (a play, ironically, on Shakepeare's "To err is human; to forgive, divine.")
King's Quest 4: The Perils of Rosella (a play on the film The Perils of Pauline)
King's Quest 5: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder (A play on the phrase "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder")
King's Quest 6: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow (A play on "Here today, gone tomorrow)
King's Quest 7: The Princeless Bride (a play on the film the Princess Bride)
King's Quest 8: Mask of Eternity
Really the only long title is KQ5's. The rest are pretty short.
Comments
This will be the best episode yet with more puzzles, new characters and greater dangers for graham to overcome to save his children.
Check out our website at www.tsl-game.com to see recent screen shots, download the soundtrack and send e-cards to your friends and family. Mark your calendars and get ready to live the magic!
Adrienne Elliott
Production Coordinator
The Silver Lining
If we looked at the other games and broke them into five episodes then the first chapters would be really boring. Take Kq2 for example, Imagine getting one key and that's it till next month. God, I would hate that because you aren't doing anything except walking around collecting stuff. Patience is what is needed when playing Episodic games.
Over all, TSL is a deep moving story that touches the player at the heart. It gives you hope and inspires the player to stand up against all odds and to do what is right. Graham could have easily give up but that is the one message that all the KQ games have, including 8. Never give up and TSL continues this tradition.
Bt
Personally, I'm excited!
Not only will we get more of the action sequence goodness we had in episode 3 but they promise us new areas of Sacred Mountain and exploration of Isle of the Beast.
They really took their time with this episode, not promising any release date, instead of rushing it like they did with the previous episode and I'm sure that this will be well-designed and rich in content.
For those of you who haven't yet played TSL, I can highly recommend picking it up at tsl.
Here are some screenshots though.
But apparently not KQ style Humorous pun titles...
This one is extremely lengthy, I'll admit. Eriq laughed for like 30 mins when I told him what was it so that he can make the actual logo for it.
It just fits very well.
:P
It's funny because it is so very true.
TSL? Pretentious?? PSHAWWW!
"Edgar, how did you feel about being a slave and not knowing your real family until you were an adult?"
"NINJAS"
"IAMBIC PENTAMETER"
"YES, NINJAS!"
"SOB SOB VALANICE SUICIDE ATTEMPT".
Awesome.
I've got to admit, I like the episode titles. I kinda wish TTG would go the same direction with their titles, it would make for some pretty awesome posters.
Bt
I am not really one of TSLs detractors -- I appreciate all the effort you guys have put in and I've mostly enjoyed the games as long as I don't take them too seriously. Since you do tend to be open to feedback, I just feel the need to comment when high school poetry circle level writing choices get put out for public consumption.
Although, to be fair, as we said, the line is actually from Shakespeare, so not *quite* high school poetry
I'm pretty sure Kuroshiro wasn't suggesting that Shakespeare's writing was "high school level poetry", but rather that the extremely cliche nature of the title choices was high school level.
I think that might have come out a bit harshly, and I know your response was in fun. I'm aware of the sources of your titles -- note that I said choices, not actual writing
What I meant was more that it is the sort of thing I would have thought was a cool title back when I was 14 or 15. There's nothing inherently wrong with that if that's the audience you're aiming for, it just comes across as overly serious and kind of silly, as I said.
Just because I like the titles doesn't mean that I'm 14 or 15, if that's what you're implying. I'm 28 actually, and my impression of the episode titles are not that they're silly at all. They're different, and I have a high appreciation when people are bold enough to explore new directions, directions that are not widely employed in today's market.
I resent the theory that TSL is aimed towards an adolescent audience, when clearly the entire KQ genre has always and always will be appreciated by mature audiences.
For being a fan-made project, one that does not derive any profits no less, I think TSL is very well done.
In regards to music and storytelling, it is extremely well made.
The thing is, they're NOT original. Not in the slightest. Overly flowery prose is one of the major cliches of the fantasy genre in general. It's one thing if it's tongue-in-cheek, where the authors aren't taking themselves too seriously and the silliness is part of the intention behind it, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. People make the comparison to high school level writing because high school writers take themselves seriously but in reality don't have a clue what they're doing. There is no subtlety to high school level creative writing choices, and there is no subtlety to TSL's writing choices. The cheesy, overly long episode titles are just the latest example of this.
Indeed...The titles almost come off as parody due to of their pretentious (and in this case, overlong and overly flowery) nature. It almost becomes unintentional self parody. It's very pompous to use Shakespeare IMO---As if the work it's used in is on caliber with his works. Though Cez compared TSL's development to the development of the Lord of the Rings...So, arrogance should be no surprise here.
That said, if you have constructive criticisms to offer, please feel free to do so on our forums. That's the place where we are most likely to be able to read it and, if possible, take it into account as we continue to develop Episode 5 as well as future projects.
For those who have been enjoying the game, we appreciate your support and are glad you are enjoying it.
You've got a beautiful looking game, with wonderful sound and music - but the storytelling leaves something to be desired. The plot elements are interesting, but the execution is overly self-indulgent.
Bt
Yeah, again, note that I said that *I* would have found it cool when I was a teenager, not that everyone would have. People's tastes develop differently, and I was speaking only for myself. And I have already offered my constructive criticism concerning the writing on your forums after ep. 1 was released -- I'm pretty sure it was the thread that made you consider offering shortened narration (a blessing, btw).
And concerning Shakespeare... well, there was a reason he titled his plays things like "Hamlet" rather than "'Lo! My murd'rous Uncle doth stab at me and sparrows fall with special providence!". I suppose King's Quest in general bucks this trend by having somewhat longer subtitles, but still.
You also have to remember, though, that KQ titles are not serious, but are totally tongue in cheek puns, with the exceptions of 1 & 8.
King's Quest 1: Quest for the Crown
King's Quest 2: Romancing the Throne (a play on the film Romancing the Stone)
King's Quest 3: To Heir is Human (a play, ironically, on Shakepeare's "To err is human; to forgive, divine.")
King's Quest 4: The Perils of Rosella (a play on the film The Perils of Pauline)
King's Quest 5: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder (A play on the phrase "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder")
King's Quest 6: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow (A play on "Here today, gone tomorrow)
King's Quest 7: The Princeless Bride (a play on the film the Princess Bride)
King's Quest 8: Mask of Eternity
Really the only long title is KQ5's. The rest are pretty short.
It was originally a book, btw.
Just to let ya know, that quote is from Alexander Pope, not Shakespeare.
I know how you dig history, and if you haven't read any Pope yet - do yourself a favor and pour over some. You'll dig it.
Bt