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The Royal Archives => Fan Feedback => Topic started by: BjornBerendsen on September 18, 2010, 05:26:44 PM

Title: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: BjornBerendsen on September 18, 2010, 05:26:44 PM
Ow, I finished episode 2 already  :(. I do not think there were many puzzels in it, but I truely liked the story line. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds. Don't keep us waiting too long!
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 05:42:34 PM
Did you just complete the main story? There's lots of fun things to do in it! Did you find Suffer? There's a contest running right now, where if you find suffer, you win something! There's a lot to do in the game, and I doubt you've exhausted every possible thing. If you have, kudos to you.
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: Fierce Deity on September 18, 2010, 06:51:46 PM
I finished as well. I wanted to find the Suffer. Looked high and low, revisited places that had no progression whatsoever, and still couldn't find it. I'm just hoping there isn't a "point-of-no-return". I can go to my last save before the final cutscene and make another clean sweep of the game. I liked the game overall, but I'm going to go in-depth with my own review. I'll probably go through the game all over before I start my review. I want to organize my thoughts.
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: atec123 on September 18, 2010, 06:55:02 PM
Quote from: Fierce Deity on September 18, 2010, 06:51:46 PM
I finished as well. I wanted to find the Suffer. Looked high and low, revisited places that had no progression whatsoever, and still couldn't find it. I'm just hoping there isn't a "point-of-no-return". I can go to my last save before the final cutscene and make another clean sweep of the game. I liked the game overall, but I'm going to go in-depth with my own review. I'll probably go through the game all over before I start my review. I want to organize my thoughts.
how long did it take you?
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 07:00:47 PM
Nope, there's no point of no return on the suffer :) Well, there is on the contest, but not finding the item!

I take that back. There is something you could do that results in not being able to ever get it. But the suffer is where it is until you find it (or don't, as the case may be).
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 07:00:47 PM
Nope, there's no point of no return on the suffer :) Well, there is on the contest, but not finding the item!

Drat, everyone keeps beating me to the punch with these posts!
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 07:02:53 PM
If it helps, I had to rescind that statement anyways :)
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:11:56 PM
Quote from: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 07:02:53 PM
If it helps, I had to rescind that statement anyways :)

I see. If you don't mind, can you PM me what that may be? Just so I know?
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 07:47:46 PM
Finished! (After a couple of hints from the walk through... ::), I am so impatient and more in it for the story than the puzzles) but anyways that was amazingly awesome! :D :D I loved how many stories and how much back story about Alexander there was (you know, being obsessed with the character and all) :D I freaked a bit when

[spoiler]Manannan showed up![/spoiler]

And then the ending after that! Can I has Episode 3 now? :P
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:53:44 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 07:47:46 PM
Finished! (After a couple of hints from the walk through... ::), I am so impatient and more in it for the story than the puzzles) but anyways that was amazingly awesome! :D :D I loved how many stories and how much back story about Alexander there was (you know, being obsessed with the character and all) :D I freaked a bit when

[spoiler]Manannan showed up![/spoiler]

And then the ending after that! Can I has Episode 3 now? :P

Yeah, that literally made me scream. Like, I'm not even kidding!

And sure, you can have episode 3. *hands over episode 3 of Batman: The Animated Series*

You never specified what product you wanted the third episode of... I know, I'm horrible.  :devil:
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:53:44 PM
Yeah, that literally made me scream. Like, I'm not even kidding!

[spoiler]I second that. Manannan SCARED me.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:53:44 PM
Yeah, that literally made me scream. Like, I'm not even kidding!

[spoiler]I second that. Manannan SCARED me.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]HE LOOKED SO MENACING TOO! IN 3 FREAKING D! KQ3 Manannan has NOTHING on TSL manannan![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: KQ5Fan on September 18, 2010, 08:05:13 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:53:44 PM
Yeah, that literally made me scream. Like, I'm not even kidding!

[spoiler]I second that. Manannan SCARED me.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]HE LOOKED SO MENACING TOO! IN 3 FREAKING D! KQ3 Manannan has NOTHING on TSL manannan![/spoiler]

[spoiler]Sure he does. He has the theme music whenever he teleports into the screen.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:06:27 PM
Quote from: KQ5Fan on September 18, 2010, 08:05:13 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:53:44 PM
Yeah, that literally made me scream. Like, I'm not even kidding!

[spoiler]I second that. Manannan SCARED me.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]HE LOOKED SO MENACING TOO! IN 3 FREAKING D! KQ3 Manannan has NOTHING on TSL manannan![/spoiler]

[spoiler]Sure he does. He has the theme music whenever he teleports into the screen.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]I forgot about that! MOD TIME! lol[/spoiler]

Alright, I think we should start getting on topic again... This is derailing pretty fast.
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: snabbott on September 18, 2010, 08:25:39 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:11:56 PM
Quote from: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 07:02:53 PM
If it helps, I had to rescind that statement anyways :)

I see. If you don't mind, can you PM me what that may be? Just so I know?
Yeah - me, too?
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:28:04 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 07:53:44 PM
And sure, you can have episode 3. *hands over episode 3 of Batman: The Animated Series*
XD Haven't seen that show since I was around 8... :P

Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 07:57:46 PM
[spoiler]I second that. Manannan SCARED me.[/spoiler]
Didn't really *scare* me so much, (was kinda expecting something like that, after seeing the look on Alexander's face on the download page) but did get a really sinking feeling in my stomach at [spoiler]"Gwydion"[/spoiler], and through the whole thing really.

Quote from: KQ5Fan on September 18, 2010, 08:05:13 PM
[spoiler]HE LOOKED SO MENACING TOO! IN 3 FREAKING D! KQ3 Manannan has NOTHING on TSL manannan![/spoiler]
Seriosuly! :yes: :-X

Quote from: KQ5Fan on September 18, 2010, 08:05:13 PM
[spoiler]Sure he does. He has the theme music whenever he teleports into the screen.[/spoiler]
Now that makes me jump every time!

Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:29:39 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:28:04 PM
Didn't really *scare* me so much, (was kinda expecting something like that, after seeing the look on Alexander's face on the download page) but did get a really sinking feeling in my stomach at [spoiler]"Gwydion"[/spoiler], and through the whole thing really.

Yes, definitely. That line, and the line that follows it, is very powerful.
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:37:43 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:29:39 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:28:04 PM
Didn't really *scare* me so much, (was kinda expecting something like that, after seeing the look on Alexander's face on the download page) but did get a really sinking feeling in my stomach at [spoiler]"Gwydion"[/spoiler], and through the whole thing really.

Yes, definitely. That line, and the line that follows it, is very powerful.

I concur. Now, as I had stated above, let's try to stay on topic, shall we?
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:39:36 PM
There isn't really an original topic. The original post is just "I finished".
Title: Re: Finished already!
Post by: wilco64256 on September 18, 2010, 08:42:42 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:39:36 PM
There isn't really an original topic. The original post is just "I finished".

*Points at the topic title*

There you go!
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:47:12 PM
Yay! Now everything's on topic.

Another thing I liked a lot:

It was a cool idea how the Druid scroll sort of acted as a HUD/guide throughout the game. I liked how it guided the player to Shamir and Valanice, as well guiding the player to relevant islands (a smart and convenient way of explaining why the player couldn't go to the IoB or IoM yet).
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:52:50 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:47:12 PM
Yay! Now everything's on topic.

Another thing I liked a lot:

It was a cool idea how the Druid scroll sort of acted as a HUD/guide throughout the game. I liked how it guided the player to Shamir and Valanice, as well guiding the player to relevant islands (a smart and convenient way of explaining why the player couldn't go to the IoB or IoM yet).
Yes! After it was done being introduced I remember thinking that that was cool and very smart. :yes:

Also, I loved some of the references: Roberta one in the Isle of Wonder garden, the Gabriel Knight one (forget how I got it). And yes, I concur, where is GK4? :D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:55:26 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:52:50 PM
Roberta one in the Isle of Wonder garden, the Gabriel Knight one (forget how I got it)

There are actually multiple Gabriel Knight references. One occurs if you

[spoiler]look at the door from inside the book shoppe[/spoiler]

and another occurs if you

[spoiler]ask the Black Widow about "Voodoo" (I think)[/spoiler]

What's this Roberta one? I totally missed it!
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:56:32 PM
Quote from: wilco64256 on September 18, 2010, 08:42:42 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:39:36 PM
There isn't really an original topic. The original post is just "I finished".

*Points at the topic title*

There you go!

Thank you, weldon! So please, ignore my previous warnings of going off-topic... Why didn't I think of just renaming the thread... *scratches head*

There's a lot I liked about episode 2... Particularly:

[spoiler]CHESSBOARD LAND!!!!!!!! IT'S ABOUT TIME I GET TO GO IN THERE![/spoiler]

Quote from: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:55:26 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:52:50 PM
Roberta one in the Isle of Wonder garden, the Gabriel Knight one (forget how I got it)

There are actually multiple Gabriel Knight references. One occurs if you

[spoiler]look at the door from inside the book shoppe[/spoiler]

and another occurs if you

[spoiler]ask the Black Widow about "Voodoo" (I think)[/spoiler]

What's this Roberta one? I totally missed it!

Yeah, I missed the roberta one too...
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:56:56 PM
Look at the chair by the dead vines.

Off to find the other GK reference :D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 08:59:33 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 08:56:32 PM
There's a lot I liked about episode 2... Particularly:

[spoiler]CHESSBOARD LAND!!!!!!!! IT'S ABOUT TIME I GET TO GO IN THERE![/spoiler]

So true, though a bit more explanation would have been nice.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 09:00:09 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 08:56:56 PM
Off to find the other GK reference :D
XD Like the other one better though
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Cez on September 18, 2010, 09:01:33 PM
by the way, some of the references may be hindered by the short narrations. The chair had been removed from the short narrations, and I brought it back, but you probably got the build without it, Doon. You'd have to turn on the extended narrations to hear that one.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 18, 2010, 09:02:53 PM
Cez, with short narrations, I got the Roberta easter egg. My build included it; thanks for the concern.




I like the Roberta one too; it's cute. Thanks for pointing that out. I hope Roberta finds it...

Also, who loved the sounds in the IoW garden as much as I did?
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 09:05:37 PM
I did! It's such a fun screen :)

Stephen, did Weldon or anyone else already PM you about how you can screw yourself on getting the suffer?
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: wilco64256 on September 18, 2010, 09:10:21 PM
Quote from: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 09:05:37 PM
I did! It's such a fun screen :)

Stephen, did Weldon or anyone else already PM you about how you can screw yourself on getting the suffer?

I did!  (And I think you meant Chris)
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 09:23:40 PM
I pmed Snabbot. If that's who you were referring to.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: KatieHal on September 18, 2010, 09:24:06 PM
snabbott also asked for how to do that, after DD, but it was a little while ago, so I thought someone else may have already told him.

Ah, yep, that's what I was referring to :)
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 09:31:01 PM
Well, then it's been taken care of!
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 09:59:30 PM
Meant to mention this earlier, but I also love the phoenix logo at the beginning with the bird cry :yes:
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 10:12:15 PM
Quote from: tessspoon on September 18, 2010, 09:59:30 PM
Meant to mention this earlier, but I also love the phoenix logo at the beginning with the bird cry :yes:

Yes. That was amazing!
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: writerlove on September 18, 2010, 10:25:56 PM
Dang, I knew I shouldn't have looked at spoiler tags! I'm sure it'll be just as amazing to see for myself though.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 18, 2010, 11:15:41 PM
Quote from: writerlove on September 18, 2010, 10:25:56 PM
Dang, I knew I shouldn't have looked at spoiler tags! I'm sure it'll be just as amazing to see for myself though.

Yeah, spoiler tags don't do this game justice. You have to experience it for yourself. That's all there is to it.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: writerlove on September 18, 2010, 11:44:33 PM
*thud*

Y'all have just outdid yourselves. The plot is getting thicker by the minute. When I saw the end, I was floored. How... how is it possible? DARN you cliffhangers! You all are doing this series justice and then some :)
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dutchdevil83 on September 19, 2010, 11:50:30 AM
Ok i just finished episode 2.

I really find the graphics a lot better then in episode 1 and i played a little bit longer as in
episode 1.

The only disappointment for me was that the puzles were really easy. maybe it`s because i`m a regular adventure gamer but there aren`t any puzzles were you have to think hard to come to a solution.

I hope that episode 3 continous in the improvement line and becomes more difficult and longer to play with all locations to visit.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Damar on September 19, 2010, 01:22:22 PM
I felt the same way.  I got stuck at one point, but it was because I hadn't picked up a particular item.  Once I got that, no problems.  The puzzles were very intuitive and I didn't find them difficult at all (some would consider that a compliment I'm sure).  While I don't want to have to put cheese in a mysterious machine that ends up being a wand charger, I wouldn't mind some obscurer puzzles.

Ultimately, though, I think it's more a symptom of these being an episodic release.  Things seem to go very linearly and there's not yet a huge area to explore (even in KQ6, which has the same areas as here, had more available screens.)  But I think there's a temptation to go much more linear when you know (as a writer, designer, producer) that things will eventually open up.  In KQ6, you could go to the Isle of the Beast.  You might only get a screen or two in before you realize you're not ready, but you could go there.  You can't even do this in Episode 2.  And being able to go somewhere, even if you're not getting far, ups the anticipation of what's to come and gets your brain thinking a few steps ahead of the game.  There's no reason not to have that available.  Or to not have the Pawn Shoppe open.  Or to not have the garment and carpet salesman out.  I mean, the lamp trader was out and I couldn't really do much with him, so why not have the other things available too?

In that same vein, I wasn't a fan of how the scroll was a Heads Up Display.  It told you to see Shamir or Valanice.  I didn't feel that was necessary.  It drives the story forward too hard for my tastes.  Part of adventure gaming for me is being able to explore and use logic.  Playing past games, I could make progress then say, "I've done a lot, I bet I've triggered something and there's new information back where I've been.)  I think that going back to the castle to check on your family after the storm and meeting Shamir there is fairly intuitive and having a map draw you a picture to do so was forcing it a bit.

And like I said, I think part of it is due to the episodic build of the game.  Each episode is kind of seen as a mini plot that gets driven forward and advancing a larger plot.  But the problem for that with me is that I finally get immersed in the game and it ends!  I like my adventure games as a daunting task in front of me that I know I'm going to be sinking some time into.  Knowing that I can download and complete an episode in a day leaves me feeling slightly unfulfilled.  I think the game would be strongly improved by just being a full game without episodes.  And that also might have lessened the above issues of it being too linear and places just not being open.  (And yeah, I know I could wait for the whole thing to be released and play it all at once, but I don't have that kind of self-control.  Plus the above issues would still be there.)

That said, these issues don't ruin the game for me.  And I'm also aware that my dislike for the episodic format may simply be a matter of taste.  Maybe someone out there loves splitting a game into episodes.  Still, over all, it was really enjoyable and leaves me wanting more.  The voice acting is very good, the graphics are nice, and Graham is awesome.  And the music is absolutely incredible.  The story is intriguing and I'm interested in seeing how it all ties together.  So while the issues above bug me, and in some cases keep me from being fully immersed in the game, over all I'd say the game is a win and enjoyable to play.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 01:34:25 PM
Quote from: Damar on September 19, 2010, 01:22:22 PM
In KQ6, you could go to the Isle of the Beast.  You might only get a screen or two in before you realize you're not ready, but you could go there.  You can't even do this in Episode 2.  And being able to go somewhere, even if you're not getting far, ups the anticipation of what's to come and gets your brain thinking a few steps ahead of the game. There's no reason not to have that available.

Good point, I agree. The only counterpoint to this is maybe the locations we cannot yet visit are not actually ready yet. Perhaps the team is still working out minor details there.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Damar on September 19, 2010, 01:41:34 PM
I have no doubt that's an issue as well, though that's still symptomatic of an episodic release and being very linear, since if the whole game was without episodes or those screens were open, those would be completed when the download was ready.

And I can also understand the argument that Silver Lining has been a long time coming.  Even if an episodic release wasn't always the plan (which I believe it was from what I've read) I could definitely see the desire to make it episodic just to get something out to keep people involved.  Though, honestly, if people are involved this long, they'll continue to stay involved and download down the line too.

Like I said, these issues don't kill the game for me and there's a lot positive to say.  But the fact that I can't get fully immersed in the game for an extended period without it ending is an undeniable issue for me.  It doesn't ruin the game by a long shot and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but the enjoyment could have been more.  Again, I guess I just don't like episodic releases.  They impact the story and gameplay too much.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 01:46:58 PM
I agree, but it can't really be changed at this point. And for me, it's a minor quibble that doesn't impact my overall feeling about the game.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: drunkenmonkey on September 19, 2010, 02:46:26 PM
I literally cheered at the end when Graham slumped against the wall, that was a great way to end the episode. A fine episode and a real step up from the last one. There were a few bugs and glitches here and there but nothing to distract me from enjoying the story. The Graham and Edgar conversation felt very emotional and I could see the commitment that Phoenix has to making this game a success.

I though that Graham himself could have offered more suggestions on what to do next, its really up to the players initiative to connect items with objects and characters. I did everything I could possibly do and was stumped for a while until i realized that you had to actually give someone an item and there was no dialogue option for it.

Hopefully the next game will continue to raise the bar, and offer more locations, more inter-area travel, more complex puzzles, many interesting characters and many different roads a player can take to collect different quest items. The plot thickens, more unanswered questions and the journey has only just begun. Bring on the next episode. You guys are awesome.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 02:47:45 PM
Quote from: drunkenmonkey on September 19, 2010, 02:46:26 PM
I did everything I could possibly do and was stumped for a while until i realized that you had to actually give someone an item and there was no dialogue option for it.

I was stuck there too for a while.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: KatieHal on September 19, 2010, 02:49:56 PM
You'll start to notice that we split the episodes to focus on a specific isle each--in this one, the Isle of Wonders. :) But the good news is, once an Isle is 'open', it stays that way for the remainder of the game!
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 02:52:12 PM
Interesting idea. Next is the IoB, I'm pretty sure.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Melook on September 19, 2010, 03:00:39 PM
Excellent fun and addictive episode.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Iamnutsy on September 19, 2010, 03:07:24 PM
First, THANK YOU!!!  Ep 2 was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed it!  I have no complaints, but as far as feedback, longer game-play, of course! :) you could make game play longer by adding more content, or, making puzzles more difficult to solve.  Either way works for me.  if it's too late to lengthen game-play, that's Ok!  it's simply great to don the adventurer's cap once again. i hope to see Cedrick someday. I'm heavy of heart, searching far and wide for my beloved family. Oh, and uh..."leave my harp alone!"

Thank you again. i can't imagine how much work this has been for the TSL team. I really do appreciate all of you!
See you on the chrono-stream, time jockey! ;D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 03:08:45 PM
Quote from: Iamnutsy on September 19, 2010, 03:07:24 PM
i hope to see Cedrick someday.

It's been stated that Cedric will not be making an appearance, sorry.

Quote
See you on the chrono-stream, time jockey! ;D

??? I get the "chrono-stream" thing, but what is a "time jockey"?
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: StormSpirit86 on September 19, 2010, 03:57:36 PM
Just finished Ep2, so here is my short review.

There is way much more substance than in Ep1 and the game is starting to get shaped. You guys are doing a great job, the game looks and plays beautifully, a shame that it ends!  :'( I've had a lot of fun playing it and I admit I have found myself stuck for some time with a couple of puzzles, but they are quite reasonable and easy (make them harder in Ep3!). The plot is starting to look quite interesting and I love the references to past games.

My main concern is that I feel like I'm playing a KQ6 remake with some new extra locations. Also, I think we are seeing too many cameos from old KQ characters (though I loved the cameo in Alexander's dream, I wasn't expecting that). I really hope that we are going to see new and original lands in the next chapters, The Green Isles are ok for two or three chapters, but I would prefer seeing new and original lands in the next episodes. Right now TSL feels too much dependent on KQ6 for me, it should have a personality of its own, as every KQ game has.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Jafar on September 19, 2010, 04:02:58 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 03:08:45 PM
??? I get the "chrono-stream" thing, but what is a "time jockey"?

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/RetroJafar/TimeJockey.png)

:P
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 04:04:34 PM
Ah. Still need to play that series.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: rowee on September 19, 2010, 06:36:25 PM
Just finished episode 2 - congratulations on a great job guys! Everything feels much more polished. The ability to run is a real timesaver too!

The story is coming along nicely and it feels well integrated into Kings Quest backstory. You can really appreciate the care and effort put into the details.

I agree with the above poster that says it feels a little like a KQ6 remake. I really want to see new locations and new characters as this is an adventure game after all! I can now understand why each Kings Quest was situated in a new and distant land!

My biggest gripe is that it's short. Whilst you can spend a long time chatting and looking at every single object, the actual "puzzle/gameplay" is pretty short.

It's a little bit of a concern that the next episode will pass the halfway mark when it only feels like the game has just started!

But overall I think it's a great game, but I want MORE!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 06:38:12 PM
Quote from: rowee on September 19, 2010, 06:36:25 PM
I really want to see new locations and new characters as this is an adventure game after all!

Episodes 3-5. Be patient.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: maatathena on September 19, 2010, 07:57:59 PM
I just finished playing the game through twice, though not thoroughly enough to find a  :suffer:

Loves:  
Alexander and his stuff!  3 and 6 were always my favorites and he is my favorite, so I love that we are touching on the fact that he is trying to live his life after such a rough childhood.  Makes him such a deeper character!  
Edgar: Nice to chat with him!  
The Chess Knights:  So funny, love that one is British :)  
Being in the LOTGI: This was my favorite KQ land so its so fun to be there and see changes that have happened, and new places!
The Black Cloak Plot: Very compelling, love how it [spoiler]  ties all the games villains together and links them to the Daventry Royal Family [/spoiler]  I am SO excited to see where it goes, my appetite is whetted.


Loving Criticisms:
[spoiler] The bag of coins is waaaay overused.  It was used to pay Hassan, buy a map, buy candy, get the key, and placate the nymphs.  One object should not be the answer to 5 puzzles.  I kept thinking, seriously, the bag of coins AGAIN?? [/spoiler]

[spoiler] The nymphs should be the ones to tell you the cloak is one use only.  Its silly of them to give you a cloak, then not tell you the major drawback to it.  I mean, it was obvious to me I was going to use it to sneak into Chessland, but then I tried to use it to sneak out again and THEN was told it was one use.  I thought I missed something in the cut scene til I played again.  Considering the result is the same, just have the nymphs tell you! [/spoiler]

[spoiler] The game is very streamlined, so its hard to get stuck.  In KQ6 (and really all KQ games) you could wander all over the whole dang land looking for the next thing, which could be anywhere!  Also, there were usually many different things you could be doing!  In this game, it seemed very linear and there were only a couple of places I could go if I wasn't sure what to do next.  And really, there is clearly no point in going to the Isle of the Sacred more than once!  I'll wait longer for a game with more multiple things going on and places to wander.  [/spoiler]

I say this because I love!  :-*  Keep up the good work!

Oh, and for technical issues, in the bookstore (and only the bookstore) the speech text was garbled so I just had to listen carefully and couldn't skip ahead.  Also, a couple times when leaving the docks and going back to the village on IOC,Graham stopped walking and just floated.  It was kinda funny.  I am playing on a rather old machine on all the lowest settings though, so maybe that has something to do with it.  



(Posted on: September 19, 2010, 08:38:40 PM)


Oh, 1 thing I forgot, small criticism:
[spoiler] A while after unlocking the the door I glanced at my inventory and was surprised to find the lock there!  Nothing was said about Graham keeping it, and obviously I didn't pick it up!  It would be nice if there had been something like a narration saying "Graham decides to keep the lock in case its useful later"  I know this game does not narrate our every move like some of the other games did (which I like!) but if going into Chessland is the last thing you do before heading back to the castle, its possible you wouldn't check your inventory before the end of the Chapter and thus have NO IDEA you still have that lock.  [/spoiler]

The closest correlary I can think of is in KQ5 when you use the honey to catch the elf, the game makes sure to note that you have kept the wax for use later, so you aren't like, WTF when you see a random lump in your inventory.

Again, love to you all!!!!!!
And since I added a criticism, let me add a love that I forgot, love the voice of the Black Widow.  Though when she says "Call me Blackie", I have to admit I was like, that sounds really racist!  :o
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kyranthia on September 19, 2010, 09:55:07 PM
I am very much enjoying the storyline.  I didn't find the puzzles too challenging but I still didn't breeze right through them either.  I did have to do some researching of areas to find things I needed.

But I really enjoy coming back to the world of King's Quest after so long without a game in the series.  I'm looking forward to upcoming chapters.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Big C from Cauney island on September 19, 2010, 10:23:01 PM
I finished it this morning but I've worked all today. But here you go.

    First impression: Seeing the Isle of Crown in daylight in 1080p widescreen: WOW. then, seeing grahams walking animation:WOW. It actually looked like a "professional" game. I was pretty blown away at the graphics, they are much better then episode 1 in my opinion. I guess its from the daylight colors.
Music as well.  Austin Hayes should be making tons of money, this game sounds better than most commercial games.  It actually might be my favorite.

Story: Great. I can tell that the story was very important for TSL team. And it is shaping up to be a good one. And when I saw "you know who" at the end, WOW.  All these advancements with the same interface as previous games.  I must say, true to kings quest and then some. Great dialogue.

Gameplay:  I didn't think the puzzles were too hard, I DID get stuck on the isle of wonder for a while, and a little on the map and seanymph.  I definetely did not just get it all in one stride, I had to explore. But, I'm also much older than when I played the first KQs.  Kings quest 3 was unbearably hard. But, If KQ6 had come out this year, I'd probably be tons better at that too.  I would say the coins get used a lot.  Through away the coins and you could throw in a variety of puzzles.  Multi-step puzzles are good, something big like Cliffs of logic, or the password at the lands of the dead gate. Those things had me stumped for a while.  But, its good to get that ULTRA hard one once in a while. 

Overall:  Excellent.  First and foremost TRUE TO KINGS QUEST and dedicated to story. Sure, I loved the KQ puzzles in previous games, but at my age I'm much more interested in the story. And episode 2 DID have puzzles (and I did get stumped at points), and I'm sure many more to go.   Its just hard to see the big picture in  episodic releases in terms of total environment, gameplay, and structure.  But it is a fault of my impatience. In time. You just want to keep playing.  But this way you get feedback, which I can tell much improved this episode.  I never had problems with the first, but this REALLY impressed. And I have to say it was very humorous.  Hassan was a riot. 

Again, this is only episode 2.  I was blown away. I just wish I could play it in full!

Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 10:24:48 PM
Quote from: Big C from Cauney island on September 19, 2010, 10:23:01 PM
Seeing the Isle of Crown in daylight in 1080p widescreen: WOW. then, seeing grahams walking animation:WOW. It actually looked like a "professional" game. I was pretty blown away at the graphics, they are much better then episode 1 in my opinion. I guess its from the daylight colors.
Music as well.  Austin Hayes should be making tons of money, this game sounds better than most commercial games.  It actually might be my favorite.

Couldn't agree more with everything you said here.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: StormSpirit86 on September 19, 2010, 11:30:46 PM
And I forgot about the music, Austin is a genius.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 19, 2010, 11:37:58 PM
In my opinion, the importance of his contribution to the project cannot be overstated. :whistle:
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Astor on September 20, 2010, 03:34:49 PM
I'd just like to thank the team so much for the amazing effort they've put into releasing this game. I had never played a point and click game before this one, and I had never even heard of King's Quest before. To be honest I wasn't expecting much when I downloaded Ep 1 but the atmosphere, the voice acting, and the whole setting hooked me right away and I really loved Ep 2. So keep up the incredible job!

However I still haven't been convinced into getting the original KQ, I can't stand the whole 2D era  ;D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: waltzdancing on September 20, 2010, 11:21:05 PM
Astor, you are missing out my friend. TSL is only a part of a larger puzzle. Kings Quest is not a game you play for the graphics, but for the story and the other games are filled with an amazing story.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Lambonius on September 20, 2010, 11:22:35 PM
Not to mention the fact that the old school 2D graphics are stunning in and of themselves.  A true lost art.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: drunkenmonkey on September 20, 2010, 11:38:59 PM
Quote from: Astor on September 20, 2010, 03:34:49 PM
I'd just like to thank the team so much for the amazing effort they've put into releasing this game. I had never played a point and click game before this one, and I had never even heard of King's Quest before. To be honest I wasn't expecting much when I downloaded Ep 1 but the atmosphere, the voice acting, and the whole setting hooked me right away and I really loved Ep 2. So keep up the incredible job!

However I'm still haven't been convinced into getting the original KQ, I can't stand the whole 2D era  ;D

New gamers are spoiled for choice. It not your fault, it's just your generation. ;D

For us old school gamers these are the games we grew up on, when there was no internet and 2d games were mostly platforms or beat'em ups and such, adventure games offered just that, adventure. Exploring distant lands, meeting interesting people and fantastic characters, solving riddles, using items. These games hold a special place. I thank all of the companies out there who believe in adventure games and are helping to revive the genre and introduce them to new fans.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Ravager on September 21, 2010, 07:04:11 PM
Finished it! It was good fun, loved every moments of it. It sure was strange for me to play an adventure game after being into RPGs for so long. No more grinding, stats, banters or party management. Just nostalgia fuel (if there's ever such a trope).

I really love the conversations between Graham/Edgar and Graham/Shamir. It's something we didn't had with the old KQ and it really add a new angle to the characters. Can't wait for the other episodes. Thank you Phoenix Studios! Keep up the good work!

-Ravager
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: atec123 on September 21, 2010, 07:10:22 PM
if nothing else, it is required that you play KQ6.  I will send the wolves after you if you dont. lol.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: wilco64256 on September 21, 2010, 07:15:38 PM
Grinding in King's Quest consists of using the arrow keys to walk up and down the stairs or the cliffside path until you get really good at it.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 21, 2010, 07:52:31 PM
Quote from: atec123 on September 21, 2010, 07:10:22 PM
if nothing else, it is required that you play KQ6.  I will send the wolves after you if you dont. lol.

I was just going to say that. We'll give you a pass on MoE though, as that game's place in the KQ continuity is debatable. It's not a highly regarded game by the fandom, but it does have it's fair share of fans (I'm on the fence with it). But if you do ever wish to try the early KQ games, you can try using Sarien.net (http://www.sarien.net). It allows you to play some of sierra's earliest games online, free of charge, straight from your browser. With the added bonus of online multiplayer. The developer has been busy with other things lately, but he's told me he intends to return to Sarien.net someday.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: kindofdoon on September 21, 2010, 07:53:25 PM
Is that legal?
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: dark-daventry on September 21, 2010, 08:00:07 PM
Quote from: kindofdoon on September 21, 2010, 07:53:25 PM
Is that legal?

Well, technically no, but he hasn't been shut down for it yet. It's been in operation for at least a year, if not more. And there's no real harm in it in my eyes. He's helping give more exposure to Sierra's back catalog anyway. It's not as if Activision is in any real hurry to promote the KQ series.
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: GwydionAE on September 22, 2010, 11:48:16 AM
Just finished part two this morning, and while I don't have time now to go into everything, just had to pop in and say how much I loved it! ^_^  I liked a lot of the improvements from Ep 1 more than I thought I would (the walking never bothered me, but boy was running convenient!), and the puzzles left me scratching my chin just long enough to be thought provoking but not so long that I got overly frustrated.  The music, as always, was beautiful, a lot of the voice acting was really nice, and I really enjoyed the new locations.  And as with just about everyone, the ending had me on the edge of my seat with excitement from that first word!

I can't wait to see where the story goes from here! ^_^  Great work on episode 2 - all your hard work really shined through!
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: liggy002 on September 25, 2010, 01:52:39 AM
Quote from: atec123 on September 21, 2010, 07:10:22 PM
if nothing else, it is required that you play KQ6.  I will send the wolves after you if you dont. lol.

Atec, you're not a monk are you?   ;D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: atec123 on September 25, 2010, 08:33:45 AM
Quote from: liggy002 on September 25, 2010, 01:52:39 AM
Quote from: atec123 on September 21, 2010, 07:10:22 PM
if nothing else, it is required that you play KQ6.  I will send the wolves after you if you dont. lol.

Atec, you're not a monk are you?   ;D
umm.... uuhh.... *gulp* hehe.  nothing  to see here. :P
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: waltzdancing on September 25, 2010, 11:32:20 PM
Have you forgotten to drink your potion I sent to you, Atec? It's suppose to prevent this type of thing from happening.  ;D
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: mwardie on October 02, 2010, 05:15:21 PM
was the suffer the mermaid, sea nymph things? ???
Title: Re: Thoughts after finishing Episode 2
Post by: Enchantermon on October 02, 2010, 05:22:46 PM
Quote from: dark-daventry on September 21, 2010, 08:00:07 PMAnd there's no real harm in it in my eyes. He's helping give more exposure to Sierra's back catalog anyway.
Be that as it may, if people choose to play the games online rather than buy them from Steam, GoG or anywhere else that sells them, then there is harm.