Comments on: Keeping Point-and-Click Adventures Alive http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Fri, 24 May 2013 01:31:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Ernunnos http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616713 Ernunnos Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616713 I just want to be able to play Grim Fandango on my phone. I just want to be able to play Grim Fandango on my phone.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-618783 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-618783 QUOTE from article above "There's likely several handfuls more great indies that I've left off above: leave any additions overlooked via the comments below!" They ask for our feedback for suggestions yet they keep taking down our posts. Do you want our input or not? QUOTE from article above “There’s likely several handfuls more great indies that I’ve left off above: leave any additions overlooked via the comments below!”

They ask for our feedback for suggestions yet they keep taking down our posts. Do you want our input or not?

]]> By: Xenu http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-617006 Xenu Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-617006 You can play any of the original Keen games -- 1-3, Dreams, 4-5, or 6 -- on DOSBox on any modern platform. You just need the original game and 10 minutes or so to tweak DOSBox settings. The GameBoy Color Keen game should be playable with an emulator (though I admit I haven't tried.) It's cool to see all the old games are still playable, whether by DOSBox, ScummVM, or whatever. In my opinion this means that modern games shouldn't duplicate the past, but should push the envelope. After all, if you want an existing game you can still play it. You can play any of the original Keen games — 1-3, Dreams, 4-5, or 6 — on DOSBox on any modern platform. You just need the original game and 10 minutes or so to tweak DOSBox settings. The GameBoy Color Keen game should be playable with an emulator (though I admit I haven’t tried.)

It’s cool to see all the old games are still playable, whether by DOSBox, ScummVM, or whatever. In my opinion this means that modern games shouldn’t duplicate the past, but should push the envelope. After all, if you want an existing game you can still play it.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616753 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616753 don't forget about peasent's quest adventure game on homestar runner! don’t forget about peasent’s quest adventure game on homestar runner!

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-618801 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-618801 Well, anonymous, when I get two different registered users and two anonymous comments, all from the same IP and all pushing the same game, within a few minutes of each other, I treat it as spam. When I continue to get the same comments from even more users on the same subject, all from the same ISP, geolocation and IP range, it makes me even more likely to treat it as spam. If you're not a spammer, feel free to e-mail me at my name at this domain. Well, anonymous, when I get two different registered users and two anonymous comments, all from the same IP and all pushing the same game, within a few minutes of each other, I treat it as spam. When I continue to get the same comments from even more users on the same subject, all from the same ISP, geolocation and IP range, it makes me even more likely to treat it as spam. If you’re not a spammer, feel free to e-mail me at my name at this domain.

]]> By: djflippy http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616502 djflippy Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616502 Time gentlemen, Please is literally the funniest game I've ever played. Glad to see it's getting some recognition. Time gentlemen, Please is literally the funniest game I’ve ever played. Glad to see it’s getting some recognition.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616256 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616256 That Full Throttle picture reminded me of one way to keep those games alive, simply rehash the imagery for other art. Check this music video out, it's a mashup of Full Throttle and the stoner rock of Wolfmother http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvzOGPIi8Ug That Full Throttle picture reminded me of one way to keep those games alive, simply rehash the imagery for other art. Check this music video out, it’s a mashup of Full Throttle and the stoner rock of Wolfmother

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvzOGPIi8Ug

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616259 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616259 Let's not forget Yahtzee's <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chzo_Mythos>CHZO Mythos</a> games. They scratche both the point-and-click and the horror gaming itches. Let’s not forget Yahtzee’s CHZO Mythos games. They scratche both the point-and-click and the horror gaming itches.

]]> By: dculberson http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616260 dculberson Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616260 Oh, man. I wish there were more hours in the day. So much good stuff to play!! Oh, man. I wish there were more hours in the day. So much good stuff to play!!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616266 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616266 I regret that the first paragraph doesn't list Microprose. (Remember Beneath a steal sky?) I regret that the first paragraph doesn’t list Microprose. (Remember Beneath a steal sky?)

]]> By: Day Vexx http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616270 Day Vexx Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616270 Anyone recall a HyperCard game involving a fairly pointless search for a cave monster? Anyone recall a HyperCard game involving a fairly pointless search for a cave monster?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-617299 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-617299 It makes me feel like a bad gamer, but I can't stand most point-and-click adventure games anymore. I have many fond memories of playing Sam & Max, Full Throttle, and other Lucasarts classics, but now I simply get irritated by the obscure, often unintuitive puzzles and the relentlessly linear gameplay. Even though I still have an abiding love for the clever writing and dialogue that thrives in the best of this genre (BT,DT was especially delightful), I can't shake the feeling that it'd be better as a piece of interactive fiction, without the arbitrary frustration of finding which object to attach to which other object and where. Perhaps I've been playing the wrong adventure games. The Longest Journey pretty much killed my interest in the genre, because despite its lovely story, the gameplay was simply unbearable. BT,DT was satisfying, but still suffered from everything coming down to a simple "click everywhere, use every item, progress the linear plotline" gameplay. I'm looking for an adventure game where the gameplay is as rich as the dialogue, and where I have actual choices in how to move the storyline forward, rather than sticking to a linear path. Any suggestions from the Offworld community? It makes me feel like a bad gamer, but I can’t stand most point-and-click adventure games anymore. I have many fond memories of playing Sam & Max, Full Throttle, and other Lucasarts classics, but now I simply get irritated by the obscure, often unintuitive puzzles and the relentlessly linear gameplay.

Even though I still have an abiding love for the clever writing and dialogue that thrives in the best of this genre (BT,DT was especially delightful), I can’t shake the feeling that it’d be better as a piece of interactive fiction, without the arbitrary frustration of finding which object to attach to which other object and where.

Perhaps I’ve been playing the wrong adventure games. The Longest Journey pretty much killed my interest in the genre, because despite its lovely story, the gameplay was simply unbearable. BT,DT was satisfying, but still suffered from everything coming down to a simple “click everywhere, use every item, progress the linear plotline” gameplay.

I’m looking for an adventure game where the gameplay is as rich as the dialogue, and where I have actual choices in how to move the storyline forward, rather than sticking to a linear path. Any suggestions from the Offworld community?

]]> By: Muse http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616551 Muse Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616551 I did artwork for two classic LucasArts style adventure games: The recently released <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vampyre-Story-Pc/dp/B001F0J70I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1256068917&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> A Vampyre Story </a> and the soon to be released <a href="http://www.ghost-pirates.com/" target="_blank">Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island</a>. The Ghost Pirates site is in German, since the publisher is a German company, but you can switch to the English site by clicking the flag in the upper right. I did artwork for two classic LucasArts style adventure games: The recently released A Vampyre Story and the soon to be released Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island. The Ghost Pirates site is in German, since the publisher is a German company, but you can switch to the English site by clicking the flag in the upper right.

]]> By: ice2cu http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616301 ice2cu Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616301 I saw Erin Robinson speak on an independent games panel at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. She gave a hilarious, honest, and compelling presentation about the difficulty of developing independent games and I urge you to support her work. I saw Erin Robinson speak on an independent games panel at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. She gave a hilarious, honest, and compelling presentation about the difficulty of developing independent games and I urge you to support her work.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616308 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616308 Your use of the term "grey market" with respect to ScummVM implies some sort of nefarious goings-on. I can assure you that my impression of the project from when we interviewed one of the project leaders (http://twit.tv/floss80) is that they are very (perhaps overly) careful to ensure that all property rights are completely respected. In fact, by helping to continue the execution engines, they've created a market for new games. I would hope that you would consider editing that portion of your story to paint them in a positive light, rather than a negative one. -- Randal Schwartz, host of FLOSS Weekly Your use of the term “grey market” with respect to ScummVM implies some sort of nefarious goings-on. I can assure you that my impression of the project from when we interviewed one of the project leaders (http://twit.tv/floss80) is that they are very (perhaps overly) careful to ensure that all property rights are completely respected. In fact, by helping to continue the execution engines, they’ve created a market for new games.

I would hope that you would consider editing that portion of your story to paint them in a positive light, rather than a negative one.

– Randal Schwartz, host of FLOSS Weekly

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616564 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616564 Slightly off-topic but related: I would probably kill for a port of the old Commander Keen platformer games to a modern system...don't want graphics upgrades, just want to keep playing the silly thing...most addictive and fun game of that sort I ever had...only platformer I could *finish* may have had something to do with it too. ;0 Slightly off-topic but related: I would probably kill for a port of the old Commander Keen platformer games to a modern system…don’t want graphics upgrades, just want to keep playing the silly thing…most addictive and fun game of that sort I ever had…only platformer I could *finish* may have had something to do with it too. ;0

]]> By: Trevel http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616309 Trevel Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616309 Full Throttle? Full Throttle?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616311 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616311 @AnimeOxide You're thinking of Full Throttle @AnimeOxide You’re thinking of Full Throttle

]]> By: Agies http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616313 Agies Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616313 That would be Full Throttle. While I'm at it I'd be sorely remiss if I didn't mention <a href="http://www.agdinteractive.com/">AGD Interactive's</a> remakes of old Sierra games. They've taken the old AGI developed games and given them a treatment similar to the VGA versions. That would be Full Throttle.

While I’m at it I’d be sorely remiss if I didn’t mention AGD Interactive’s remakes of old Sierra games. They’ve taken the old AGI developed games and given them a treatment similar to the VGA versions.

]]> By: Matthew_H http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616314 Matthew_H Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616314 It's called Full Throttle, one of LucasArts' classics. As for other adventure games of note, you could do worse than checking out the Blackwell series, also from Wadjet Eye. Also, Brandon, I know you occasionally write a post about it, but this would have been a good time to mention the improving state of IF games. It’s called Full Throttle, one of LucasArts’ classics. As for other adventure games of note, you could do worse than checking out the Blackwell series, also from Wadjet Eye.

Also, Brandon, I know you occasionally write a post about it, but this would have been a good time to mention the improving state of IF games.

]]> By: Brandon Boyer http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616321 Brandon Boyer Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616321 Matthew: I do plan to write a column on just that, if only because I keep meeting people that haven't yet played Photopia (or realize that they can quite easily on their iPhones through Frotz). Day Vexx: I can't be sure, but the first thought that sprang to mind was some of the old Hypercard stacks by Thoru Yamamoto. The closest I could come to finding them again (I know there's an archive still hanging around somewhere) was this web version of Mole Hole (which is crazy broken): http://web.archive.org/web/19991122223702/www.bekkoame.or.jp/~thoru/molehole/mole1_m.html Does that style look right? Matthew: I do plan to write a column on just that, if only because I keep meeting people that haven’t yet played Photopia (or realize that they can quite easily on their iPhones through Frotz).

Day Vexx: I can’t be sure, but the first thought that sprang to mind was some of the old Hypercard stacks by Thoru Yamamoto. The closest I could come to finding them again (I know there’s an archive still hanging around somewhere) was this web version of Mole Hole (which is crazy broken): http://web.archive.org/web/19991122223702/www.bekkoame.or.jp/~thoru/molehole/mole1_m.html

Does that style look right?

]]> By: Brendan http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-619911 Brendan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-619911 I can't believe the post doesn't even mention The Neverhood Chronicles. Best point-and-clicker ever. Claymation to boot. I can’t believe the post doesn’t even mention The Neverhood Chronicles. Best point-and-clicker ever. Claymation to boot.

]]> By: Riu http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616336 Riu Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616336 There is a fairly big indepedent adventure games making scene over at: http://www.bigbluecup.com/yabb/ A lot are made using Chris Jones' Adventure Game Studio, including the games 'Ben There, Dan That' and 'Time Gentlemen, Please' mentioned above. Here are some more nice independent adventures several of which are freeware: -Cirque de Zale http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque_de_Zale -The Blackwell series http://www.wadjeteyegames.com/ -Ben Jordan series http://www.grundislavgames.com/benjordan/case7.php -Dirty Split http://www.dreamagination.org/?page_id=4 -Nelly Cootalot http://nelly.johnsendesign.info/ -The Infinity String http://www.bigbluecup.com/games.php?action=detail&id=901 -The Apprentice http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/apprentice.html -A Second Face http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Second_Face -No Action Jackson http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,396 There is a fairly big indepedent adventure games making scene over at:
http://www.bigbluecup.com/yabb/

A lot are made using Chris Jones’ Adventure Game Studio, including the games ‘Ben There, Dan That’ and ‘Time Gentlemen, Please’ mentioned above.

Here are some more nice independent adventures several of which are freeware:

-Cirque de Zale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque_de_Zale

-The Blackwell series
http://www.wadjeteyegames.com/

-Ben Jordan series
http://www.grundislavgames.com/benjordan/case7.php

-Dirty Split
http://www.dreamagination.org/?page_id=4

-Nelly Cootalot
http://nelly.johnsendesign.info/

-The Infinity String
http://www.bigbluecup.com/games.php?action=detail&id=901

-The Apprentice
http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/apprentice.html

-A Second Face
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Second_Face

-No Action Jackson
http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,396

]]> By: risingstorm http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616342 risingstorm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616342 Great, great post! The P&C revival is really cookin these days. A similar genre that is fun for a quick fix would be "Escape" games, where you are usually locked in a room and have to figure your way out. I usually find these, as well other point & clicks, at <a href="http://jayisgames.com">jayisgames</a>. I'm also excited to see what comes of <a href="http://hansoloadventures.com">hansoloadventures</a>. Looks to be a great throwback, lucasarts-style adventure game. Great, great post! The P&C revival is really cookin these days.

A similar genre that is fun for a quick fix would be “Escape” games, where you are usually locked in a room and have to figure your way out. I usually find these, as well other point & clicks, at jayisgames.

I’m also excited to see what comes of hansoloadventures. Looks to be a great throwback, lucasarts-style adventure game.

]]> By: allgood http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616346 allgood Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616346 I recommend B. Sokal's 'Syberia.' The sequel is pretty good as well. Both games have rich landscapes and interesting, deep characters and plot. Check 'em out... I recommend B. Sokal’s ‘Syberia.’ The sequel is pretty good as well. Both games have rich landscapes and interesting, deep characters and plot. Check ‘em out…

]]> By: Spikeles http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616610 Spikeles Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616610 Don't forget <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Longest_Journey">The Longest Journey</a> Don’t forget The Longest Journey

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616355 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616355 ahem, longest journey? ahem, longest journey?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-617125 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-617125 How can you not mention the amazing ScummVM for all your nostalgic requirements when it comes to adventure games? http://www.scummvm.org Support for lots of old adventure games (mostly SCUMM based LucasArts games, but not exclusively) on many platforms, including Windows, Linux, mobile phones (Symbian based and the iPhone), PSP and the Wii. There are also some old adventure games that became freeware available from their download page such as Flight of the Amazon Queen and Beneath a Steel Sky, among a few others. How can you not mention the amazing ScummVM for all your nostalgic requirements when it comes to adventure games?

http://www.scummvm.org

Support for lots of old adventure games (mostly SCUMM based LucasArts games, but not exclusively) on many platforms, including Windows, Linux, mobile phones (Symbian based and the iPhone), PSP and the Wii.

There are also some old adventure games that became freeware available from their download page such as Flight of the Amazon Queen and Beneath a Steel Sky, among a few others.

]]> By: Phasma Felis http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-616890 Phasma Felis Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-616890 Just FYI, the Commander Keen games run just fine under DOSbox. Give it a try! Just FYI, the Commander Keen games run just fine under DOSbox. Give it a try!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/20/click-track-a-guide.html#comment-617922 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-617922 To this great round-up (including Riu's exhaustive selection), I would just like to add Ben Chandler's series of AGS games: Man Boy vs. Doctor Sock, Annie Android, Shifter's Box, Heed, and the recent Awakener. They are all short but exquisite, with gorgeous art and good writing. To this great round-up (including Riu’s exhaustive selection), I would just like to add Ben Chandler’s series of AGS games: Man Boy vs. Doctor Sock, Annie Android, Shifter’s Box, Heed, and the recent Awakener. They are all short but exquisite, with gorgeous art and good writing.

]]>