Well finished with Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon.
Final thoughts; it feels shorter than I remember, finishing in just over 8 and a half hours and that's without remembering the solutions to all of the puzzles in advance like with the previous games in the series. I could go on about the over reliance of the art of box moving but that is pretty well documented already.
I did enjoy the game, mainly for the story and characters. Not a fan of the 'stealth' bits, and the whole getting into the bad guy's castle took way to long - stealth around this bit, then climb around this bit, then get Nico inside and after that there's a lot more climbing in and out of buildings before George gets near to being inside. Then there's the final 'puzzle' and I say 'puzzle' 'cos it ain't a real puzzle, just an annoying bit where correct timing is imperative. But it is a suitably bombastic end game even if it don't make a lick of real sense but hey, that's fantasy.
Now to tackle Broken Sword: The Angel of Death, which I have only played once before and so I can't really remember how it goes. Sort of remember the starting areas but after that, well that's a good thing really. Because that is the main downfall of adventure games, which can be made up for by a really good story.
I haven't touched a game in a week. I've been too busy playing Biological Warfare 3: Antibodies vs. Rhinovirus and haven't really had the energy to play anything else.
It's not a bad little game (actually, it reminds me more than a little of the recent Family Guy game, only done better), but it is rather repetitive. Then again, given it's a 'budget' title, I don't mind so much.
Levelling up the Anti-Gravity gun takes FOREVER though, especially with the AI partner stealing all my kills.
Just finished Broken Sword 4 and the first back to back play through of all the current games in the series. Regarding BS4 it does fix a few of the problems with BS3, mainly by adding mouse control though it ain't perfect - while it is just possible to play the whole game just using the mouse it's not really practical, especially when walking around at which point the keyboard is better suited.
The story is a bit lacking in some areas, the first part with getting the manuscript back and then following the clues in it to the source is great then it gets a bit weird after that and the ending is a bit short and lacks finality, it feels like there isn't a real conclusion.
On the series as a whole the games are all enjoyable in their own way but none of the sequels have reached the pinnacle of the original. The most jarring thing is the fact that Nico is voiced by someone different in each game. The only consistent casting is Rolf Saxton as George and thankfully that tradition is set to continue with BS5. Let's face it if it didn't then it wouldn't be Broken Sword. As for BS5 I'm eagerly anticipating it.
With that series done, for now anyway, I need something else to play and after going through my GOG game list I've decided to play through the graphical Zork games - Return to Zork, Zork Nemesis & Zork: Grand Inquisitor. So it's time to 'Return to Zork'.
Did anyone play The Cave yet? I'm curious if it's worth buying. I'm really low on cash, so it has to be a masterpiece for me to buy it right now.
I'm on my third play through of it now. I really love the atmosphere and humor and I've had a lot of fun with it so far, so I'd say it's worth it. I'd love to say it's a masterpiece, but sadly it isn't.
There are some areas that you have to go through regardless of your combination of characters, and these get repetitive fast. There isn't enough variation in how you solve these depending on characters and there's too much back tracking since you often have to move several characters separately through the same areas. Especially so since your inventory only can hold one item.
I'm a bit disappointed that Ron Gilbert's magnum opus didn't deliver a bit more in terms of gameplay and I might give it a 7/10. Still, the character specific sections are awesome puzzle and story wise and, as mentioned, the atmosphere and humor are top notch. I'm going to focus on that and give it a 10/10.
Did anyone play The Cave yet? I'm curious if it's worth buying. I'm really low on cash, so it has to be a masterpiece for me to buy it right now.
It's worth it. It's fun. It's charming. It's humorous... but it can wait. It is a good game and you should pick it up, but I wouldn't go broke over it. If you haven't noticed, the forum hasn't exactly exploded with threads and reviews about how great it is. I'm enjoying it, but I would agree that, overall, I'd give this game a 7. The charm and humour press me to make it an 8, however, I just don't see it as an 8/10 game. I'm sticking with 7.
Did anyone play The Cave yet? I'm curious if it's worth buying. I'm really low on cash, so it has to be a masterpiece for me to buy it right now.
If the humor/atmosphere doesn't click with you, you might not end up liking it a whole lot. There's some issues, particularly with the tediousness of moving the characters around in certain areas (the minecart section is easily the most tedious and repetitive section of the game, and you have to go through it every single playthrough). Others have complained about the controls, though I haven't had much of an issue with them myself (I've mostly been playing it with keyboard controls). Also, the main characters area all silent. The only characters that talk are the NPCs and the cave itself. It didn't bother me, but I can see how others could see a missed opportunity considering the game's development was lead by Ron Gilbert.
I think some of the reviews were too harsh, but I also don't think it was a masterpiece. It's a hit-and-miss game. Some will love it, some won't. I loved the game's sense of humor, but I also acknowledge the gameplay issues, so I'd probably give it a 7.5/10. More rally/catch-up points, particularly in the minecart section, probably would have bumped it up to an 8/10.
This is a very nice remake with all the spritework and music redone.
But even then it feels a bit generic.
(I think I can't help but see that though since I messed around with RPG maker and studied those kind of Art styles, so I can see the templates behind the sprites)
Still the story is pretty nice so far.
(Though FFVI had the best story in my opinion)
I may actually complete this one.
(FF I was getting pretty dry for me)
If the humor/atmosphere doesn't click with you, you might not end up liking it a whole lot. There's some issues, particularly with the tediousness of moving the characters around in certain areas (the minecart section is easily the most tedious and repetitive section of the game, and you have to go through it every single playthrough). Others have complained about the controls, though I haven't had much of an issue with them myself (I've mostly been playing it with keyboard controls). Also, the main characters area all silent. The only characters that talk are the NPCs and the cave itself. It didn't bother me, but I can see how others could see a missed opportunity considering the game's development was lead by Ron Gilbert.
I think some of the reviews were too harsh, but I also don't think it was a masterpiece. It's a hit-and-miss game. Some will love it, some won't. I loved the game's sense of humor, but I also acknowledge the gameplay issues, so I'd probably give it a 7.5/10. More rally/catch-up points, particularly in the minecart section, probably would have bumped it up to an 8/10.
Thanks for the in depth review.
Like I said, I'm a fan of Gilbert's work, so I'll probably end up buying it anyway. I didn't know Psychonauts and it ended up as one of my favorite games ever.
I'll just wait for my wages and buy it. Now to explain to my girlfriend why the Valentine's Day dinner will be less spectacular this year
Thanks for the in depth review.
Like I said, I'm a fan of Gilbert's work, so I'll probably end up buying it anyway. I didn't know Psychonauts and it ended up as one of my favorite games ever.
I'll just wait for my wages and buy it. Now to explain to my girlfriend why the Valentine's Day dinner will be less spectacular this year
To add a bit of new information, there's a patch coming soon that promises to tighten up the controls and improve responsiveness, so if it delivers what Double Fine is promising, then that fixes the control issues.
You'll probably like it since you're a fan of Ron. The Cave is absolutely oozing with his dark sense of humor (which I love, and though I tried to be objective in my little review, I personally found the game's humor to make up for its shortcomings. I've already beaten it 3 times myself, and I've started a 4th playthrough).
You'll probably like it since you're a fan of Ron. The Cave is absolutely oozing with his dark sense of humor (which I love, and though I tried to be objective in my little review, I personally found the game's humor to make up for its shortcomings. I've already beaten it 3 times myself, and I've started a 4th playthrough).
You've been pretty fast then. I've also beaten it 3 times, but I've spent more than 5 hours more than you on it. I've been idling a lot, but I don't think that accounts for more than a couple of hours.
Ghostbusters: The Video game on PC and WII (they are different)
I actually love those games, very good voice acting by the original actors of the movies, great gameplay, very good story and even better ghost hunting, good lord I wish there were more games like this!
Ghostbusters: The Video game on PC and WII (they are different)
I actually love those games, very good voice acting by the original actors of the movies, great gameplay, very good story and even better ghost hunting, good lord I wish there were more games like this!
I much prefer the PS3/360/PC version over the Wii version. Not JUST because of the graphics, but mostly because I don't like the controls, and that's sad because I'm usually a big fan of the controls on the Wii.
So I'm playing Final Fantasy IV some more.
I'm at the point where Cecil has decided to go all white knight on this Shizz.
Story-wise the game is gaining momentum, yet at the same time it's still kinda flakey.
Most likely it will continue to improve, but at the moment the game kinda of awkwardly and hastily shuffles the party around in an attempt to establish character foundations.
However, apart from maybe Cecil, Kain, Rosa and our Spoony Bard, the other characters haven't really been fleshed out that much at all.
And barring Cecil, the others I just mentioned have only just barely really been characterised.
The battle system is just meh.
Nothing special about it, and not really all that challenging. To some extent I found FFI more interesting because you could actually MAKE your team and customise it.
Hopefully later on it might improve, but it's certainly a weak point.
Just downloading the last 3 eps of The Walking Dead so I'll be back to playing that soon.
I don't have internet at mine so when I was at my g-mas I downloaded the first ep, loved it, bought the last 4 together for 25% off, had to uninstall it and re-install it to get it to recognise that I bought them and then after ep 2 downloaded, my iPad battery died >8( brought my charger with me this time.
Also playing GTA: Vice City on iOS. Completed the main missions which is something I could NEVER do on the PS2! Now stuck on a few minor missions. Love this game so much though.
I wish True Crime: Streets of LA was popular enough for an iOS port.
Lego Lord of the Rings, which is glitchy as all hell. It's always nice to have the cutscenes interrupted by an error message, even completely missing out on one (Boromir's 'funeral') because the game completely crashed.
Also playing GTA: Vice City on iOS. Completed the main missions which is something I could NEVER do on the PS2! Now stuck on a few minor missions. Love this game so much though.
Realised yesterday that I'm only at 50% completion, not as much as I'd have thought after killing Sonny.
Comments
Same
I'm going to start the new DLC this weekend and see if the wilds can be tamed
Final thoughts; it feels shorter than I remember, finishing in just over 8 and a half hours and that's without remembering the solutions to all of the puzzles in advance like with the previous games in the series. I could go on about the over reliance of the art of box moving but that is pretty well documented already.
I did enjoy the game, mainly for the story and characters. Not a fan of the 'stealth' bits, and the whole getting into the bad guy's castle took way to long - stealth around this bit, then climb around this bit, then get Nico inside and after that there's a lot more climbing in and out of buildings before George gets near to being inside. Then there's the final 'puzzle' and I say 'puzzle' 'cos it ain't a real puzzle, just an annoying bit where correct timing is imperative. But it is a suitably bombastic end game even if it don't make a lick of real sense but hey, that's fantasy.
Now to tackle Broken Sword: The Angel of Death, which I have only played once before and so I can't really remember how it goes. Sort of remember the starting areas but after that, well that's a good thing really. Because that is the main downfall of adventure games, which can be made up for by a really good story.
It's not a bad little game (actually, it reminds me more than a little of the recent Family Guy game, only done better), but it is rather repetitive. Then again, given it's a 'budget' title, I don't mind so much.
Levelling up the Anti-Gravity gun takes FOREVER though, especially with the AI partner stealing all my kills.
The story is a bit lacking in some areas, the first part with getting the manuscript back and then following the clues in it to the source is great then it gets a bit weird after that and the ending is a bit short and lacks finality, it feels like there isn't a real conclusion.
On the series as a whole the games are all enjoyable in their own way but none of the sequels have reached the pinnacle of the original. The most jarring thing is the fact that Nico is voiced by someone different in each game. The only consistent casting is Rolf Saxton as George and thankfully that tradition is set to continue with BS5. Let's face it if it didn't then it wouldn't be Broken Sword. As for BS5 I'm eagerly anticipating it.
With that series done, for now anyway, I need something else to play and after going through my GOG game list I've decided to play through the graphical Zork games - Return to Zork, Zork Nemesis & Zork: Grand Inquisitor. So it's time to 'Return to Zork'.
Glad to know BS5 won't be about Templars.
(It looks very pretty, is pretty funny, and is really just a well made experience all round!
So I'm back playing TR Anniversary for now... to lessen the pain, so to speak.
But chances still are that the new game will be an uninteresting Uncharted clone.
I'm on my third play through of it now. I really love the atmosphere and humor and I've had a lot of fun with it so far, so I'd say it's worth it. I'd love to say it's a masterpiece, but sadly it isn't.
There are some areas that you have to go through regardless of your combination of characters, and these get repetitive fast. There isn't enough variation in how you solve these depending on characters and there's too much back tracking since you often have to move several characters separately through the same areas. Especially so since your inventory only can hold one item.
I'm a bit disappointed that Ron Gilbert's magnum opus didn't deliver a bit more in terms of gameplay and I might give it a 7/10. Still, the character specific sections are awesome puzzle and story wise and, as mentioned, the atmosphere and humor are top notch. I'm going to focus on that and give it a 10/10.
It's worth it. It's fun. It's charming. It's humorous... but it can wait. It is a good game and you should pick it up, but I wouldn't go broke over it. If you haven't noticed, the forum hasn't exactly exploded with threads and reviews about how great it is. I'm enjoying it, but I would agree that, overall, I'd give this game a 7. The charm and humour press me to make it an 8, however, I just don't see it as an 8/10 game. I'm sticking with 7.
If the humor/atmosphere doesn't click with you, you might not end up liking it a whole lot. There's some issues, particularly with the tediousness of moving the characters around in certain areas (the minecart section is easily the most tedious and repetitive section of the game, and you have to go through it every single playthrough). Others have complained about the controls, though I haven't had much of an issue with them myself (I've mostly been playing it with keyboard controls). Also, the main characters area all silent. The only characters that talk are the NPCs and the cave itself. It didn't bother me, but I can see how others could see a missed opportunity considering the game's development was lead by Ron Gilbert.
I think some of the reviews were too harsh, but I also don't think it was a masterpiece. It's a hit-and-miss game. Some will love it, some won't. I loved the game's sense of humor, but I also acknowledge the gameplay issues, so I'd probably give it a 7.5/10. More rally/catch-up points, particularly in the minecart section, probably would have bumped it up to an 8/10.
This is a very nice remake with all the spritework and music redone.
But even then it feels a bit generic.
(I think I can't help but see that though since I messed around with RPG maker and studied those kind of Art styles, so I can see the templates behind the sprites)
Still the story is pretty nice so far.
(Though FFVI had the best story in my opinion)
I may actually complete this one.
(FF I was getting pretty dry for me)
Thanks for the in depth review.
Like I said, I'm a fan of Gilbert's work, so I'll probably end up buying it anyway. I didn't know Psychonauts and it ended up as one of my favorite games ever.
I'll just wait for my wages and buy it. Now to explain to my girlfriend why the Valentine's Day dinner will be less spectacular this year
To add a bit of new information, there's a patch coming soon that promises to tighten up the controls and improve responsiveness, so if it delivers what Double Fine is promising, then that fixes the control issues.
You'll probably like it since you're a fan of Ron. The Cave is absolutely oozing with his dark sense of humor (which I love, and though I tried to be objective in my little review, I personally found the game's humor to make up for its shortcomings. I've already beaten it 3 times myself, and I've started a 4th playthrough).
You've been pretty fast then. I've also beaten it 3 times, but I've spent more than 5 hours more than you on it. I've been idling a lot, but I don't think that accounts for more than a couple of hours.
I actually love those games, very good voice acting by the original actors of the movies, great gameplay, very good story and even better ghost hunting, good lord I wish there were more games like this!
I much prefer the PS3/360/PC version over the Wii version. Not JUST because of the graphics, but mostly because I don't like the controls, and that's sad because I'm usually a big fan of the controls on the Wii.
"Just one more turn!"
I know, I know, Sonic in a car, but it's fun.
Besides, I never even pick Sonic, or any of the other Sonic characters for that matter. I almost always race as Beat or Vyse.
I'm at the point where Cecil has decided to go all white knight on this Shizz.
Story-wise the game is gaining momentum, yet at the same time it's still kinda flakey.
Most likely it will continue to improve, but at the moment the game kinda of awkwardly and hastily shuffles the party around in an attempt to establish character foundations.
However, apart from maybe Cecil, Kain, Rosa and our Spoony Bard, the other characters haven't really been fleshed out that much at all.
And barring Cecil, the others I just mentioned have only just barely really been characterised.
The battle system is just meh.
Nothing special about it, and not really all that challenging. To some extent I found FFI more interesting because you could actually MAKE your team and customise it.
Hopefully later on it might improve, but it's certainly a weak point.
I don't have internet at mine so when I was at my g-mas I downloaded the first ep, loved it, bought the last 4 together for 25% off, had to uninstall it and re-install it to get it to recognise that I bought them and then after ep 2 downloaded, my iPad battery died >8( brought my charger with me this time.
Also playing GTA: Vice City on iOS. Completed the main missions which is something I could NEVER do on the PS2! Now stuck on a few minor missions. Love this game so much though.
I wish True Crime: Streets of LA was popular enough for an iOS port.
Lego Lord of the Rings, when it stops crashing on me, and Ratchet & Clank 3 in Challenge Mode. Want my RYNO.
This is a fun game. I was surprised that there are so many story cases, as well as other stuff to do.
Yes. Especially if you bought the deluxe version with all the DLC cases and console pre-order cases.
Sigh.
Vice desk now. That string of murders at the Homicide desk was really fantastic. I just wish it had turned out differently
True, but I think most of these types of games would be rubbish compared to GTA!
Realised yesterday that I'm only at 50% completion, not as much as I'd have thought after killing Sonny.