Should I get this?

[Recon]

Is this game pretentious? As in it is trying to be more than it actually is. Or is there actually something interesting going on in this game? Also is the platforming overly simplistic?

[Warrender]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF32W_gSHnQ&feature=share&list=UUy1Ms_5qBTawC-k7PVjHXKQ

Also, demo is at http://www.thomaswasalone.com/

[Recon]

Well according to his video it seemed pretentious and overly simplistic. Does it eventually get interesting? His WTF is why I'm here asking.

[aniforprez]

actually he blatantly says it is NOT pretentious and having played the game (though not on steam) i can say the puzzles do increase in difficulty but not very difficult or mind-bending. the puzzles stay pretty doable and never punishing. the game is a great puzzle game but it's really not about the puzzles. the story is very good and if you actually watched the video and listens to what he says, he explains how even the simple cubes get a personality of their own with excellent narration.
this is definitely not a dear esther. if you want puzzles, this has them and pretty good ones but there are better and more challenging ones. but it's the story that really sticks. if you don't like those games, i'd still recommend checking it out. it's only $5.

[Recon]

Yeah, I don't listen to what TB says much when it comes to his WTFs. And he says not to take his word as the final word. I mainly just watch what the gameplay is like for someone just starting out on the game to get a first impression. And according to what I've seen I'm better off spending my 5$ somewhere else.

[Crowne Anteus]

simply put, yes. buy this game. Nerd Cubed brought me to it.

[dazkgal]

Depends on what you mean by 'pretentious'. This word seems to get thrown around a lot these days, more often than not whenever there's even the slightest bit of artistic value involved.

What I can say is that the game has a really sweet story with a surprising amount of characterisation, considering its simplistic nature, which is also directly related to gameplay, as partly shown by TB. It's not like Braid, where the story telling and the gameplay are clearly separated and are even hardly related. The characters' personalities and their relation to each other are always accentuated by their in-game abilities and level design.

As far as the actual gameplay goes the complexity gradually increases as more and more characters with different abilities and shortcomings are introduced. It never gets really difficult, though, the solution to the puzzles is more often than not rather obvious. But it nevertheless never gets boring, because of puzzle variety and the context provided by the narration.

Another thing worth noting is the wonderful soundtrack which attributes greatly to setting the mood.


I think it's fair to say that it's one of the games you play 'for the story' but unlike in many other cases the gameplay actually aids the story telling instead of being a hindrance.

[Recon]

Nguyên văn bởi Smertnik:

Depends on what you mean by 'pretentious'. This word seems to get thrown around a lot these days, more often than not whenever there's even the slightest bit of artistic value involved.

What I can say is that the game has a really sweet story with a surprising amount of characterisation, considering its simplistic nature, which is also directly related to gameplay, as partly shown by TB. It's not like Braid, where the story telling and the gameplay are clearly separated and are even hardly related. The characters' personalities and their relation to each other are always accentuated by their in-game abilities and level design.

As far as the actual gameplay goes the complexity gradually increases as more and more characters with different abilities and shortcomings are introduced. It never gets really difficult, though, the solution to the puzzles is more often than not rather obvious. But it nevertheless never gets boring, because of puzzle variety and the context provided by the narration.

Another thing worth noting is the wonderful soundtrack which attributes greatly to setting the mood.


I think it's fair to say that it's one of the games you play 'for the story' but unlike in many other cases the gameplay actually aids the story telling instead of being a hindrance.

I pretty much defined pretentious in my post. Thanks for the response. It actually pushes me in favor of getting this title. But if the story is the main reason I will probably look into the overall premise to see if its even interesting or if its just a simple dot and line story (if anyone remembers that cartoon).

[RMJ]

The game is about these blocks, about teamwork, friendship, and how you work together and their story and what is going on in their world. Then you get amazing narrorator, music, atmosphere and fun gameplay.

Game definitely isnt for everyone, chances are if you enjoy call of duty, you are not the target audience here. This game is as much art as a game. its a hand crafted experience, about adventure and about experiencing something unique.

[Recon]

Handcrafted? what is this a sweater? Don't like call of duty at all btw. So from what your saying, RMJ, is that its a simple story about teamwork and friendship with blocks. And the narrator, music, atmosphere and gameplay is all well and good. I was just really focusing on the story itself. Just seems like a childrens story with ok puzzles and platforming. Nothing too great tbh.
Maybe if I feel like peddling around with a new game when I'm bored I'll get it.

[RMJ]

Well that is up to you to decide. Some people grow up and get boring, others never get to old for a good story, and yes this is a crafted experience.

Often its kids who try to be mature and act grow up to dont get that, but we have all been there.

Think what you will, its a great experience.

[laggymclag]

i got gifted it earlier today and felt bad cause platformers and puzzle platformers probably my 2 least favorite genres and wasn't sure what i would say when asked what i thought of it. been playing it for an hour so far and have to say i'm loving it. cant comment on length of game(apart from its longer than an hour), but i've had its moneys worth already. knowing what i do now, even if you not too keen on platformers(i imagine you likely more interested than me as considering buying it) i would say go for it, especially at 50% off its a great game. now what am i gonna gift back...hmm think i got a spare dont starve and frozen synapse i could gift whichever they prefer

[Zetsubou]

reconsoldier, people are here giving you their opinion on the game and you just dismiss it right away. Why even ask the question, already sounds like you got your mind made up

[Recon]

Nguyên văn bởi zetsubou (i'm back):

reconsoldier, people are here giving you their opinion on the game and you just dismiss it right away. Why even ask the question, already sounds like you got your mind made up

Actually said I was going to pick it up when I want a game to peddle around with when I get bored. I may not be all excited about the game greatly, but I did give into consideration others opintions and it changed my willingness in probably getting this game sometime in the future.

[Feeble]

This game is a lot more than meets the eye. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. It's surprising visually with an amazing soundtrack and spot - on narration. The story is not - at - all "childish" or "just about blocks". Each character is unique in ability, character, and appearance. Thomas Was Alone has a lot of feeling, which is something you don't find in a lot of today's games.

[King171717]

get it!! its so good!