Hydrogen & Stupidity: October 2005

Saturday, October 15

Fahrenheit aka Indigo Prophecy

168° 25' NET

Fahrenheit. What a dull name for a game. Indigo Prophecy sounds a lot better. I have no idea why they gave it a different name for Europe, but as they say "your name doesn't make you suck, you do it all by yourself" or something like that.

Fortunately, at least I feel so, Fahrenheit does not suck. I think it is a beautiful game and does have some nice ideas. It uses split screens to give a better view of things which are happening and which are important for you to notice. It is almost a cinematic experience, like following a movie.

Sometimes when you are following the cinematics the transition from a cinematics to the game when you have control over your character again is so smooth that at times it takes a couple of seconds before you realize it. That's what you get when the cinematics are done 'in game'. In my book that's a good thing.

The story of a man who happens to be in a wrong place in a wrong time and becomes a fugitive works well and the plot is revealed a bit by bit. You also have more characters to play since you have to play the parts of two detectives who are trying to catch you. This works pretty well and also lets you to see the story from both sides. The only thing I thought let down the story a bit was the explanation for the second force acting at the background, behind the scenes, but, well, maybe that's just me.

The game builds up suspension by involving time in your decision making. You have a number of options to choose, but only a few seconds to make your choice. At times that really puts pressure on you.

Anyway, the game was fun to play and had a good story and plot, but once again it was way too short. Of course you can play the game more than once and pick another options when you have to talk or act, but ultimately it all leads to the same point.
If you don't want to pay the price, then I'm sure in a few months this game can be picked up from a discount box with a lot less.

Fahrenheit is definitely a different kind of a game and probably appeals to different kind of people than 'normal' games do. And in my book that's a good thing too.

Sometimes you just feel all charged up.

Do you also find yourself sometimes surrounded by the law enforcement. What should you do?

Step 1. Run up the wall and execute a backward somersault.

Step 2. Beat up their blue asses.

Step 3. Dodge the speeding bullets while running to get to their colleagues.

Step 4. Kick their asses too.

Step 5. Escape the scene by jumping up on a 30ft high bridge.

After this you can go and please your ex-girl friend

and indulge yourself in a jacuzzi.

Well, maybe that's not exactly how it goes, but it could be.

Vector at Saturday, October 15, 2005

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Sunday, October 2

Fable: The Lost Chapters

267° 25' NET

Time for a little story about a little boy who grew up to be a hero - not a little hero but a big burly one.

What is this about? Well, like the title says this is about Fable: The Lost Chapters. It is a game which is, after being first released for Xbox, finally available for PC.

I have always problems with games which are ported from a console game to a PC. I mean I usually expect a disaster; bad graphics, bad controls, bad gameplay. Not nice if you pay for the game a full 50€. There are exceptions of course so it shows that ported games can be also great on a PC.

And how did Fable: The Lost Chapters do? Well, it is a success I think, but it was also developed for PC separately from the console version, so I guess I can't say it's just a ported game - it is much more. It has more content that console version, which gives it a bit longer playtime, but it is not a long game even then. With almost all the quests done I was finished with it in about 30-40 hours which is nothing compared to e.g. Neverwinter Night and playtime value of +200 hours.
To make it longer I am now playing for the second time with a character which is a little bit on the dark side...do not underestimate the powah of the dark side....MUAHAHAHAHAAAA....

Anyway, it is a fun game to play. There are things to do and see and you can even start up your own 'import/export' business by moving goods from one place to another. You can also buy buildings and rent them out. Making gold is not too difficult, only you have to go collect it regularly.

You can also let your inner playboy loose and go charm all the women around. You can marry and get a house where your spouse sets to live. You can then go to the next village and do it all over again. Monogamy is for sissies!
On the other hand, mo babes, mo problems - you do have to go and socialize with your spouse(s) and give gifts. If you don't they want to dump you.
If they are really happy with everything then you may also be asked to get involved with them in bed. Not everyone at the same time - one at a time of course. This part of the game is more sounds than anything visual. Somehow I don't think that Fable has anything hidden in the game the same way Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has - this whole thing with GTA:SA and Rockstar Games is just hilarious, but I don't get started with that now. This is about Fable after all.

The world is nicely done with moving grass and all. Sounds are OK too though NPC's seem to have a slightly british accent. Does not bother me and at least now everyone has the accent and not only the bad guys.
NPC's around you have their own routines which they follow e.g. guards doing their rounds and lighting up the lanterns when it gets dark or people going in the pub after the sunset. Inn is an important part of any society, that is no different in a virtual village. You can sleep there, get something to eat and have a hearty drink. Don't drink too much though, that will make you sick and you will puke it out. Not a good move if people see it.

You can also excel in a number of sports like fist fighting, fishing, Chicken Kickin' (my favorite) and more. If you have a taste for stealing that is also possible. Just make sure you don't get caught though nothing serious will happen, you just have to pay a fine.

So, to sum it up, Fable: The Lost Chapters is a fun, entertaining game with a twist of occasionally twisted humour. It's all about fame and glory, being a hero of the people, loved by all - or make them shite their pants by being a badass.
The game is short, but in my opinion still worth the money.