When last we spoke, dear reader, I had noted my desire to play "Penny Arcade Adventures: On The Rain Slick Precipice Of Darkness", as it was due to arrive on XBLA the very next day. Well here we find ourselves one week later where I have just finished Episode One approximately 5 hours ago and I'd judge the experience to be a complete success!
The game, being the first of several parts working together to create a whole, is not particularly lengthy. I made it last for a week due to my apparently unpredictable habits, but from what I understand, the first episode will clock in at around 5 or 6 hours. I didn't keep track of the time, but as was the case with Portal, I regardlessly was left fulfilled by the experience. I was at first surprised to discover that it was actually an old school turn based RPG, and was somewhat skeptical about the gameplay as a result, but it really grew on me as it progressed. The character creation was also a bit worrying for me in the beginning, since I'm a huge sucker for creation and it was far more shallow than I had hoped. But the considerably few options are made up for by how seemlessly your character is integrated into the game, especially the beautiful 2D cutscenes. The presentation, story and dialogue, on the other hand, had me from the very beginning. I think I'd be hard pressed to find another game that has made me laugh aloud so consistantly as this one did. I can certainly think of moments from my favorite games that tickled me furiously, but this one is absolutely filled to the brim with the exact same kind of humor you've grown accustomed to if you're a fan of the web comic. Incidentally, I'm not entirely sure how someone new to Penny Arcade would percieve much of this game, but if you enjoy the comic, you'll enjoy the game, if only for the merciless humour crafted by a tandem of absolutely brilliant artwork and writing. The game is 20 bucks, which is expensive for an XBLA title, so I think some people were sort of put off by that, but I think it's definitely worthwhile.
However, despite the pleasant romp I shared with this game, a dark, sinister presence lurks around the corner, baying and clawing at my resolve, casting a fiendish, penetrating gaze that I cannot help but meet with my own petrified stare. I banished this foul demon long ago, but it has apparently used this period of exile as an opportunity to hibernate and regain its powerful, manipulative charms, waiting patiently for my guard to be let down so it could seize control of me once more for its baleful means. In fact, it is safe to assume its influence never completely left me. I sought greener, more virtuous pastures, but always in the back of my mind, it called to me. This was all part of the plan. The years of parasitic existence. Hours, days, weeks, months, thrown away. All to the joy of this, the most horrid of entities ever known to man or any other kind. Then the eventual exorcism, the false sense of triumph as I expanded my horizons beyond the meaningless state of being I was forced to abide by while under its influence. And lastly, when the time is just right, when its wicked potency is perfectly ripe... the eventual return. The plan is almost complete, and I fear that I may not have the might to combat this devilry once again. The Alex you all have come to know may soon be gone for good if I am once again ensared by the vicious, unwavering grasp of...
...The World Of Warcraft.
The battle for my very soul itself will soon be waged. I will let you know how I fare in this epic struggle as soon as, and if, I am able.
May the gods (I'll take as many as I can get in this situation) have mercy on us all.
