Thoughts Various

[Jachra]

I've been pondering the demo since playing through it...

Well, first off, the art is spectacular, and the voice acting is much better than I thought it would be.  Sound and music seem pretty good so far.  Loving renditions of familiar scenes... truly, it takes the breath away.  Not to mention, I delight at being able to see the old crew again.  I found the ferry journey around the map absolutely hilarious.

The dialogue seems promising, though from the conversation with the ferryman and Oberon, I worry that it might be rather long-winded and repetitive.  I would sometimes find myself right-clicking through some of their lines in particular (albeit not Graham's, the Narrator's, or Titania's.)

A few things disappointed... I give a pass on the bugs because it's an early alpha demo, of course.  I hope we'll see something other than a waypointing system to movement, and that more things can be described in the viewer (though I don't expect quite the breadth of KQ6, where every object abouts had a different narration for sight, touch, and speech.)  I was saddened to see that we wouldn't be able to see inside the Pawn Shoppe or Ali's Bookstore (not sure how a first-floor shop is in a 'basement', either, but that was probably fixed.)  Ah well, the call of necessity in art and programming, eh?
I'm concerned about character; the boatman's actions seem out-of-place, though I submit he could have changed considerably since meeting Alexander.  Still, he's aware Graham is a king with significant wealth (unlimited if he wanted to go ahead and ruin the economy with inflation) so demanding coin upfront seems odd, but, hey... perhaps he was just seeking insurance in troubled times (Also, Isle of the Sacred (missing Mountain) was almost painful.  And where did Graham's own signet ring go?  After all, Alexander had one.)
The Oracle also seems odd, but then we, what, only saw her for a minute or two in KQ6?

I think Graham seems spot on, mind, despite comments I read in another thread, he strikes me as a natural progression from the one we knew in King's Quest V, older and more world weary, but determined and as tough as ever.  Also, I love his voice actor.  Really, nothing gives me half as much confidence in this entire production as King Graham's and the Narrator's VAs.

Coming straight off KQ6, other things seem a bit inconsistent, but that's mostly unimportant I think.

Ahem!
Well, gloomy as that may seem, I'm very excited and am positive that The Silver Lining will prove enjoyable and worthwhile.

[Yonkey]

Thanks for the feedback, Jachra!

The game has improved substantially since the public demo, so many of your concerns have already been addressed (i.e. improved walking system, more object narrations, etc).  The Bookshop and Pawnshop are accessible in Chapter 2, as well as many other places in The Green Isles.

As for Hassan, someone else once pointed out his actions to be a bit odd.  But, if you take it in the context of today's economy, it actually makes a lot of sense.  He's not trying to be disrespectful to his King's father.  He just can't go around giving people free tours when he has a bills to pay and crew to support.

That's funny that you mention about Graham's signet ring.  Alexander had one, but it seems like Graham never actually did in any of the previous games. 

Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the demo overall, and I'm fairly certain that you'll love the full game.

[Jachra]

The Bookshop and Pawnshop are accessible in Chapter 2, as well as many other places in The Green Isles.

That's the best news I've heard all day!

He just can't go around giving people free tours when he has a bills to pay and crew to support.

Yeah, I thought about it and figured that it probably fits his character better (though another criticism might be that Graham could have gotten Captain Saladin to let him commandeer the vessel in the name of the Crown, but that doesn't really strike me as Graham's style.  He really does prefer the personal, go-it-alone touch.)

That's funny that you mention about Graham's signet ring.  Alexander had one, but it seems like Graham never actually did in any of the previous games.

Yeah.  He must be lazy.

I've been on the edge of my seat since I heard it was getting released soon, after years of waiting.

Ah yes!  Another question... it's set completely in the Green Isles, right?  No checking out other areas, or as a limited basis?

Also, one thing I'm really curious about, how will walking around be handled?  Still with waypoint-mapping or with a more open field of movement?

[Haids1987]

I think Graham seems spot on, mind, despite comments I read in another thread, he strikes me as a natural progression from the one we knew in King's Quest V, older and more world weary, but determined and as tough as ever.  Also, I love his voice actor.  Really, nothing gives me half as much confidence in this entire production as King Graham's and the Narrator's VAs.

I agree with you completely!  Graham is great in TSL's demo.  I was so excited when I heard his voice--Graham is GRAHAM!  He's still the humble, good-natured king who keeps his head when his family is being threatened, and maintains an easygoing, likeable demeanor as well. 

Great comments, Jachra...and even greater answers, Yonkey!  You releasing these little tidbits is what keep us hungry for more!

[Yonkey]

Ah yes!  Another question... it's set completely in the Green Isles, right?  No checking out other areas, or as a limited basis?

Yes, the setting is The Land of the Green Isles, but there are a few new places which we've added in TSL which Alexander never explored in KQ6.  As for other areas... I don't want to spoil too much, so you'll just have to play the game for yourselves!

Also, one thing I'm really curious about, how will walking around be handled?  Still with waypoint-mapping or with a more open field of movement?

Yes.  It's still point-and-click, but Graham will actually walk to where you click.  In the demo, we used pre-defined walk paths and Graham would walk to the closest "node".  Now, they're more like surfaces so he will try to walk wherever you click.  Basically, it feels like you have much more control over Graham.

[dark-daventry]

Playing the demo again has certainly reminded me of how different the game was back then! One quick question though: You mentioned Alexander being able to visit some new places in chapter 2. Does that mean that we play Graham in Chapter 1, and Alexander in Chapter 2? I'm going to miss chapters 3-9 where we could play as the other members of the royal family (well, Rosella at least. From my understanding, Valanice wasn't going to be a playable character anyway, or was she later on? But I definitely remember hearing that in Part 2: The Two That Are One, that we would alternate between Alexander and Rosella. Sadly, parts 2 and 3 won't be coming out anytime soon... But one can still hope, right?) Anyway, Graham's voice actor is AMAZING! It definitely sounds like the Graham I envisioned. Spot on. Should they ever make an official ninth game, or should TSL ever continue, you had better get him back (What his voice actor's name again? Was it Jason Victor or something?). It's also cool to check out the part of his audition that was released during the journal special series. And listening the Oracle with and without sound effects was interesting... I'm very impressed with the voice acting. I really am. This is far more than a fan game. The years this game has been taking to develop have not been in vain. You have opted for quality and patience over a rushed release, which sadly is all too common in this modern world. Very few projects take their time and perfect their creations. This is one of those rare projects. Kudos to everyone involved!

[Elessar]

Ah yes!  Another question... it's set completely in the Green Isles, right?  No checking out other areas, or as a limited basis?

Yes, the setting is The Land of the Green Isles, but there are a few new places which we've added in TSL which Alexander never explored in KQ6.  As for other areas... I don't want to spoil too much, so you'll just have to play the game for yourselves!

You mentioned Alexander being able to visit some new places in chapter 2. Does that mean that we play Graham in Chapter 1, and Alexander in Chapter 2?

No, all he said was that you get to go places that you couldn't in KQIV. You're still playing Graham in Chapter 2.

[dark-daventry]

Ah, I get it now. Thank you, Elessar, for clarifying that for me. I misread what he said (I think it was my inner KQ fan wishing to be able to play as Alexander again... I just re-played KQVI the other day, so that could be a factor too...) At least I can finally go to chess board land! It's one of the things that really irked me about KQ6. There was a path, but we could never go in. I remember that I always thought there was a hidden way in, and I would try to find it for hours until I never could. I think we can visit beast's castle now too, right? And if memory serves me correctly, they've added some new locations to the Isle of The Crown itself. Overall, I'm pretty ecstatic about TSL and it's looming release! I've got a feeling it's almost here! I hope it'll be out before Windows 7...

[Haids1987]

At least I can finally go to chess board land! It's one of the things that really irked me about KQ6. There was a path, but we could never go in.

Did they actually SAY that we'll be able to go into Chessboard Land?  From the picture that shows Graham trying to mediate the queens' argument, it looks to me like you're still only allowed on the pathway leading to it.

On the topic of Chessboard Land, did anyone else think it was odd that the Red and White Queens would come all the way to the entrance to Chessboard Land just to argue?  When my sister and I have a fight, we generally don't run to the front door of the house to settle it...

[dark-daventry]

Yes, they confirmed that we go into chessboard land. I remember they confirmed it in Chamber during one of the birthday chats, and Yonkey re-cofirmed it when I had asked a question regarding a picture in one of the journal specials. The picture in question had something covering the inside of chessboard land, and I asked whether that was intentional. Apparently, it was. But yes, we do get physically enter Chessboard Land now, and Beast's Castle as well I think (though entirely positive on that last one...). Yeah, now that I think back, it is rather odd that the red and white queens went all the way to the entrance. But if I may attempt an explanation... Perhaps they were simply out on a morning stroll through the hills of Chessboard Land. Then again, that's a rather cheap answer lol. It was likely just convenience on the writer's parts. But who knows... Perhaps there was a real reason why they went to the entrance... IT'S A CONSPIRACY!!!! lol j/k

[Haids1987]

Yes, they confirmed that we go into chessboard land. I remember they confirmed it in Chamber during one of the birthday chats, and Yonkey re-cofirmed it when I had asked a question regarding a picture in one of the journal specials. \

Jeez, that's cool.  What happened to "CHECKMATE! Only chess pieces allowed in Chessboard Land!" "That's right! Humans are not allowed in and never will be!  Stay out!"  Maybe Graham dresses up like a chess piece or something. 


(Posted on: August 04, 2009, 02:10:09 PM)

Yeah, now that I think back, it is rather odd that the red and white queens went all the way to the entrance. But if I may attempt an explanation... Perhaps they were simply out on a morning stroll through the hills of Chessboard Land. Then again, that's a rather cheap answer lol.

  Sounds good to me.

[dark-daventry]

Well, Alexander is now the king of The Land of the Green Isles, so perhaps he made a royal proclamation saying that humans are allowed to enter... Though I doubt it. I have a feeling that either Graham dresses up as a chess piece, he uses the fact that he is the father of their king to his advantage to gain entrance, or that something terrible has happened to chessboard land, leaving no guards at the entrance, are the most likely explanations. We know that a great tragedy happens, but we don't know what that tragedy is, so perhaps it helps Graham get entrance to chessboard Land, or perhaps there is something in there that is essential to reversing what happened. Until the game is out, the best we can do is speculate...

[Elessar]

Until the game is out, the best we can do is speculate...

Actually, what Graham does is... Oops! I'm not supposed to give out any spoilers!

[dark-daventry]

You got my hopes up! lol . I do miss though. It's refreshing to see someone using it again!