Comic relief?

Skooter327 · Post by **Skooter327** » Mon Oct 28, 2002 8:33 pm

Having recently restarted the game in HoF, I noticed things in Targos that I had nearly forgotten about--namely the comedic descriptions listed on some objects. Some samples (flame me if this is spam):

"This cart reminds you of an umber hulk's head. Or an ankheg. You shiver involuntarily."
"This appears to be a gallows for untapped wine casks. Their crime must be the fact that they are untapped."
"This cauldron looks like its being tourtured for information."
"This group of barrels have been roped off to keep them from making a break for it. They look at you hauntingly."
"You did notice there weren't any cows in town. Horrifying."
"You know, you haven't seen may dogs in town..."

The subtle humorous touches in these games seems to be growing ever more blatent with each Black Isle title. I wonder if the devilopers penned these descriptions as a diversion while creating the diabolical Dragon's Eye puzzles. Any comments?

fable · Post by **fable** » Mon Oct 28, 2002 10:27 pm

BIS has a history of displaying mordant humor. Their best title (IMO), Planescape: Torment, is filled with it. Who can forget the satire on the early Ultima games, with the old woman screaming at your party that you're "adventurers, next thing I know, you'll be asking my name, and my job, then you'll want my help in finding the wand what shoots lightning bolts out of your bum."

Sojourner · Post by **Sojourner** » Mon Oct 28, 2002 11:42 pm

Ah yes, PS: T - I'm busy forgetting it again so I can play it all over.

Wish they would make another game in the same setting.

Coot · Post by **Coot** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:30 am

They probably won't. It didn't sell as well as Bg or even IWD. Don't ask me why!

Skooter327 · Post by **Skooter327** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 8:37 am

I have never played Planescape: Torment. I assume it is highly recommended? (I guess it is BIS, after all) How does it compare to BG or IwD?

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 8:45 am

Originally posted by Skooter327
I have never played Planescape: Torment. I assume it is highly recommended? (I guess it is BIS, after all) How does it compare to BG or IwD?

Very recommended. It's not quite like either, so more like BG2 than anything else. And it's really two games in one, depending on whether you start your character with high wisdom and intelligence, or focus on something else. The first gives you a strong combat game, while the latter focuses more on quests and personalities. Very non-linear, too.

Skooter327 · Post by **Skooter327** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 9:50 am

Sounds like PS:T'll be my next game, so long as an IwD II expansion doesn't come out before I obtain the wherewithall to get it. Are there any rumors yet on an expansion, or is it too early?

smass · Post by **smass** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 10:09 am

Best of all Planescape can be had for under 10 bucks - it is sold in "2 for" pack at Walmart and the like for $9.99 - maybe less now - the best gaming bargain out there.

Underdog77 · Post by **Underdog77** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 11:25 am

PS-T was incredible.....

I have loved all the BG and IWD games, but PS-T was just mesmorizing to me.
The story and the characters were the best I've ever seen in a CRPG and it has so many interesting ideas.

At first I wasn't even going to get it because it wasn't set in the more "classic" AD&D worlds and was set in this bizarre Planescape place. I've always liked my RPG playing more traditional.

But, I got desperate for an RPG way back when and bought it and was SO glad I did. I can't recommend it enough!

In fact, if they don't release any more games using the Bioware Infinity Engine (which I think will be a crime.....why do they assume that everyone wants 3D games? I love the way these games look!), I will probably reply PS-T, because it's been long enough that I may have forgotten a lot.

Tharan · Post by **Tharan** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:13 pm

About Planescape. I have a friend me and him pretty much got all the games together, like BG1, ToSC, BG2, ToB,IWD, IWD2, and he got Planescape. I havent played it yet cause I just got a normal PC, but his been bugging me to play, he says that storywise it is far the best game out of all the ones I listed. I think I'll go pick it up from him today hehehehe. well he hasnt played IWD2, but do you guys also think that PS is the best story based out there?

Coot · Post by **Coot** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 12:30 am

PS:T might indeed be the best game out of these.

baileyatbrats · Post by **baileyatbrats** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 2:26 pm

IWD II: I was amused by the barrel jokes too. (I hope there are more later in the game)
At one point in my character sheet one of my characters had "Smug looking barrel" as the most powerful foe he had vanquished so far. That was great.

[PS- T :I agree. (Maybe we should move to the PS - T forum.)
It uses quasi 3rd E rules, which made it unique at the time.
The tatoos were a great idea too. I think you can play most of the game without ever fighting too. Play it. It's great. Mort was hilarious]

Skooter327 · Post by **Skooter327** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 5:00 pm

Actually, I just slew the notorious "smug looking barrel" a few days ago. Its the one on the palisade that a soldier bets that you can't hit. I showed that barrel, heh heh heh...

Sorry to disappoint, but I believe the number of humorous descriptions rapidly diminishes once the party leaves Targos. Or perhaps I was too worried about things, like how many "rights" to take before going "up," or which day it is, to notice.

In other news...
In regard to PS:T, I shied away from it because I too prefer the classic setting RPGs to those that are a little more "bizzare." Thanks, @Underdog77, thats what I needed to hear!

Finally, while moving to PS:T's forum is a novel idea (as well as polite), I tend to avoid games' forums until I near the end of the game--the best way to avoid spoilers. Also, its nice to learn just enough about a game here so that I know I want to buy it, but will still be "immersed" in it's new (to me) setting.