Thoughts after finishing Episode 2

[Damar]

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.

[kindofdoon]

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.

[Damar]

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.

[kindofdoon]

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.

[drunkenmonkey]

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.

[kindofdoon]

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.

[KatieHal]

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!

[kindofdoon]

Interesting idea. Next is the IoB, I'm pretty sure.

[Melook]

Excellent fun and addictive episode.

[Iamnutsy]

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!

[kindofdoon]

i hope to see Cedrick someday.

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

See you on the chrono-stream, time jockey!

I get the "chrono-stream" thing, but what is a "time jockey"?

[StormSpirit86]

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.

[Jafar]

I get the "chrono-stream" thing, but what is a "time jockey"?

[kindofdoon]

Ah. Still need to play that series.

[rowee]

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!!! 

[kindofdoon]

I really want to see new locations and new characters as this is an adventure game after all!

Episodes 3-5. Be patient.

[maatathena]

I just finished playing the game through twice, though not thoroughly enough to find a  

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 (mouse over to reveal):

 ties all the games villains together and links them to the Daventry Royal Family

 I am SO excited to see where it goes, my appetite is whetted.
 

Loving Criticisms:

Spoiler (mouse over to reveal):

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 (mouse over to reveal):

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 (mouse over to reveal):

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.  

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 (mouse over to reveal):

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. 

 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! 

[kyranthia]

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.

[Big C from Cauney island]

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!

[kindofdoon]

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.