how does this compare to west of loathing?

[IronHat]

I liked the humor in west of loathing, but was a bit disappointed in the ending and the lack of an overall story arc. How does this compare ?

[titanatora]

Honestly they did a COMPLETE 180 in terms of ending and story. The humours just as good (though less "gross out" style, no spitoon diving here), and there's an actual solid *plotline*, finally, rather than just like- Two main objectives and a final boss fight. You've actually got a proper main storyline, with a good few ways to end it- although you should definitely be prepared for the ending, since if you're not there's a genuine chance of a pretty downer one.

[panurgy]

I loved WoL, and feel like this is just half a notch down. It's good. I liked the classes a lot more in WoL, and I think they went a little too hard on the puzzles in this one, but I'm already on my second playthrough.

Like titanatora said, there's an actual storyline and objectives now, too, so you might enjoy it more.

[UndeadAbuse]

The new class and progression system is an uncomfortable downgrade, but I feel like it did improve in a lot of other avenues. An actual main storyline, more challenging puzzles, more companions (you can have permanent pet, a companion, and a bunch of summons, as well a bunch of unlockable assists I'll let you discover yourself).

There's a HEFTY amount of content here which I honestly think justifies the larger price tag. And there's a much more meaningful evil path now which awards you with a significantly different ending.

If there's one thing Shadows has over Wealth is the sheer amount of replayability. You can have three whole playthroughs and still miss out on interesting quests and paths.

[Chilkoot]

Originally posted by UndeadAbuse:

The new class and progression system is an uncomfortable downgrade, but I feel like it did improve in a lot of other avenues. An actual main storyline, more challenging puzzles, more companions

Perfect summary IMO. Min/maxers and CRPG fans will feel cheated compared to WoL, but SoL's story arc is more sophisticated and woven into the game from the start, and the puzzles are more expertly crafted.

[Illudium]

Originally posted by Chilkoot:

Originally posted by UndeadAbuse:

The new class and progression system is an uncomfortable downgrade, but I feel like it did improve in a lot of other avenues. An actual main storyline, more challenging puzzles, more companions

Perfect summary IMO. Min/maxers and CRPG fans will feel cheated compared to WoL, but SoL's story arc is more sophisticated and woven into the game from the start, and the puzzles are more expertly crafted.

"Cheated" is definitely a strong word, but yeah, that about sums it up. Builds were, for lack of a better word, flattened, which makes it trivially easy to pass any stat challenge with any character by changing your pants, and it means all the classes feel kind of samey. I still absolutely loved the game, and the stronger plot integration and puzzles were great, but there was a bit more that could have been done RPG-wise.

[Wou]

Feels a bit like they wanted to make a classic adventure/puzzle game and the whole combat thing is an afterthough.
But it is a great adventure/puzzle game with a really mood and atmposhpere which may be hard to believe looking at the stick screenshots

[Pimpin Pippin]

Honestly the humor is completely non-existent and the walls of text just make it a chore to read through.
I loved West of Loathing but Shadows is really dry and boring.

[otakon17]

Better storyline and more to do but there are some *super* tedious parts like the majority of Day 3. Also, character classes feel SO much weaker this time. Stat cap is hard coded to 15 and it's near impossible to achieve till the end of the game if you don't know what to do.
Humor isn't as laugh out loud as the first game, still had a few good laughs though.

[(Farkon) 2m_anylootboxes]

Originally posted by Illudium:

Originally posted by Chilkoot:

Perfect summary IMO. Min/maxers and CRPG fans will feel cheated compared to WoL, but SoL's story arc is more sophisticated and woven into the game from the start, and the puzzles are more expertly crafted.

"Cheated" is definitely a strong word, but yeah, that about sums it up. Builds were, for lack of a better word, flattened, which makes it trivially easy to pass any stat challenge with any character by changing your pants, and it means all the classes feel kind of samey. I still absolutely loved the game, and the stronger plot integration and puzzles were great, but there was a bit more that could have been done RPG-wise.

Ah I see, that'll be a pass from me, I liked West because it was a challenge and you had your own way of overcoming this challenge.

[UndeadAbuse]

Originally posted by 2m_anyloo̐̔͞tboxes (Farkon):

Originally posted by Illudium:

"Cheated" is definitely a strong word, but yeah, that about sums it up. Builds were, for lack of a better word, flattened, which makes it trivially easy to pass any stat challenge with any character by changing your pants, and it means all the classes feel kind of samey. I still absolutely loved the game, and the stronger plot integration and puzzles were great, but there was a bit more that could have been done RPG-wise.

Ah I see, that'll be a pass from me, I liked West because it was a challenge and you had your own way of overcoming this challenge.

In terms of combat, Shadows had enemies that posed as much greater threats than the ones in West. You can still stomp all of them with the right build, but they're not gonna be as easily cheesed since you can only use one combat item this time.

There will sometimes be random encounter with elite shadow cultists on the map that will absolutely destroy you if you are not prepared and did not have a teensy bit of spooky resistance on you.

Also, the arachnophilia option makes your game easier. Just a heads up if you think that opens up a new challenge in the game.

[titanatora]

Originally posted by UndeadAbuse:

Originally posted by 2m_anyloo̐̔͞tboxes (Farkon):

Ah I see, that'll be a pass from me, I liked West because it was a challenge and you had your own way of overcoming this challenge.

In terms of combat, Shadows had enemies that posed as much greater threats than the ones in West. You can still stomp all of them with the right build, but they're not gonna be as easily cheesed since you can only use one combat item this time.

There will sometimes be random encounter with elite shadow cultists on the map that will absolutely destroy you if you are not prepared and did not have a teensy bit of spooky resistance on you.

Also, the arachnophilia option makes your game easier. Just a heads up if you think that opens up a new challenge in the game.

You can in fact get more items per turn- You just need to beat chapter 4 first. MAJOR upgrade there.

[Victor66]

Originally posted by UndeadAbuse:

Originally posted by 2m_anyloo̐̔͞tboxes (Farkon):

Ah I see, that'll be a pass from me, I liked West because it was a challenge and you had your own way of overcoming this challenge.

In terms of combat, Shadows had enemies that posed as much greater threats than the ones in West. You can still stomp all of them with the right build, but they're not gonna be as easily cheesed since you can only use one combat item this time.

You can use even three items per round, even more.