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| 27 FEB 2009 at 3:55pm |
Taurnil MithrandirJourneyman
Posts : 1093
Joined: 13 AUG 2006
Status : Online | Nice. This woman is a genuine story-teller.
....set the controls for the heart of the sun....
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| 27 FEB 2009 at 10:21pm |
Steve VSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 265
Joined: 16 MAR 2008
Status : Online | I don't want to rain on anyone's parade here, but really the theme of any game is secondary to how it plays. In an even more niche market than adventure gaming I remember in 1999 that the few websites dedicated to motor racing management games were thrilled when Microprose (of sainted memory) announced that they were bringing out The Ultimate Formula One Management Game. For a full eighteen months before ts release there were numerous discussions of how great this forthcoming title would, could and should be. The game was called Grand Prix World and dissappointed absolutely everybody (who cared) when it came out because it fell between two stools - not realistic enough for hardcore motor racing fans, not 'pretty' enough for casual gamers who like motor racing..
What this has to do with Gray Matter is that we still have little or no idea about the actual gameplay, Jane Jensen can expound her theories on the potential of the human mind for all she wants, its nice background material, what matters is whether the game is any good or not..
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| 28 FEB 2009 at 5:53pm |
Simo Sakari AaltonenSpace Cadet
Posts : 130
Joined: 23 APR 2004
Status : Offline | Many of us looking forward to Gray Matter believe the game will be outstanding not because anyone tells us so but because that is what a considered evaluation of the evidence tells us...
The reason I feel yours is a non-criticism as far as this blog post is concerned, Steve, is that nothing Jane could have posted short of a playable demo could have satisfied you. If the subject is not interesting to you, why not move on to something that is? No offense intended.
Originally Posted By Steve_V (27 FEB 2009 10:21pm)
... really the theme of any game is secondary to how it plays.
How many of Jane's previous full-length adventure games have disappointed everybody despite a promising theme?
Originally Posted By Steve_V (27 FEB 2009 10:21pm)
... we still have little or no idea about the actual gameplay ...
Actually there has been at least one preview article based on a playable build. But more than that, Jane's previous titles give a fairly solid indication of what the gameplay is likely to be like, especially when considered together with what she has said in interviews on this very topic.
(For example about not wanting to bring back the worst aspects of old-school adventure games.)
[url=http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/album.php?u=57439][i]King's Quest[/i] & [i]Space Quest[/i] galleries (Telltale Forums)[/url]&&&&[url=http://www.adventurecompanion.com]The Adventure Companion[/url]
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| 28 FEB 2009 at 7:16pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
Beats me why anyone would question Jane's ability as a writer or as an adventure-game designer. That's kind of like questioning whether or not the next work of a major artist with a solid track record in a particular genre is going to be a good example of that genre.
Now, if she suddenly switched to designing fast-paced, 3D multiplayer shooters I might question her motives and reasoning. But assuming she surrounded herself with top-notch veterans of that genre, I would still expect the story elements to be first-rate. Even moreso if she ever decided to delve into RPGs since (like AGs) they rely heavily on story, dialog and a certain amount of integrated puzzle design.
In other words, her core skills, experience and talent are very well established at this point and she would have to go off the deep end to produce a truly bad AG.
Cheers, Terry
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| 1 MAR 2009 at 5:31pm |
Steve VSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 265
Joined: 16 MAR 2008
Status : Online | Of course Terry the same thing could have been said about Benoit Sokal, remember the pre-hype regarding Paradise and what a dog that turned out to be?
There have been so many instances of 'great' artists in different fields producing shoddy, mediocre uninspiring paintings, films, novels, poems and music that I don't hold my breath anymore waiting for new stuff to come out..To say that Gray Matter is already a great game just because the name of Jane Jensen is attached to it makes no sense to me, it MAY be, who knows until we get to play it?
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| 1 MAR 2009 at 6:57pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
Originally Posted By Steve_V (1 MAR 2009 5:31pm)
Of course Terry the same thing could have been said about Benoit Sokal, remember the pre-hype regarding Paradise and what a dog that turned out to be?
There have been so many instances of 'great' artists in different fields producing shoddy, mediocre uninspiring paintings, films, novels, poems and music that I don't hold my breath anymore waiting for new stuff to come out..To say that Gray Matter is already a great game just because the name of Jane Jensen is attached to it makes no sense to me, it MAY be, who knows until we get to play it?
Nobody has declared it a great game Steve. We just have confidence in Jane's exceptional ability to write and her consistency in terms of producing high-quality AG projects.
If Gray Matter turns out to be a dog, it will be a first for her.
Regarding Benoit, I've never considered him to be in Jane's league as a writer or as an interactive game / puzzle designer. He is much more of a visual artist / art director. In that area, Paradise was actually quite good compared to most AGs these days. The main problems involved lack of interactivity, too much pixel hunting and some rather annoying technical issues.
Since Jane is not a master programmer or visual artist and Wizardbox has limited experience, I added the caveat, "assuming she has surrounded herself with top-notch veterans...". Only time will tell if the game is good or not, but it's a pretty safe bet that Jane's part will not suck.
Cheers, Terry
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| 1 MAR 2009 at 8:32pm |
avatar_58Private Detective
Posts : 403
Joined: 27 MAY 2008
Status : Online | Originally Posted By Steve_V (27 FEB 2009 10:21pm)
I don't want to rain on anyone's parade here, but really the theme of any game is secondary to how it plays. In an even more niche market than adventure gaming I remember in 1999 that the few websites dedicated to motor racing management games were thrilled when Microprose (of sainted memory) announced that they were bringing out The Ultimate Formula One Management Game. For a full eighteen months before ts release there were numerous discussions of how great this forthcoming title would, could and should be. The game was called Grand Prix World and dissappointed absolutely everybody (who cared) when it came out because it fell between two stools - not realistic enough for hardcore motor racing fans, not 'pretty' enough for casual gamers who like motor racing..
What this has to do with Gray Matter is that we still have little or no idea about the actual gameplay, Jane Jensen can expound her theories on the potential of the human mind for all she wants, its nice background material, what matters is whether the game is any good or not..
Actually I argue with adventure games the theme, story and style is what counts - the gameplay is usually just a set of puzzles and exploration to get to the next plotline.
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| 3 MAR 2009 at 5:15am |
TCPrivate Detective
Posts : 688
Joined: 14 NOV 2005
Status : Online | I'm for a healthy balance of puzzles and story - both are equally important IMHO, but it's not the end of the world if a certain game chooses to emphasise one aspect over the other, as long as it's not too extreme.
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| 5 MAR 2009 at 11:27am |
KsandraSchattenjger
Posts : 2459
Joined: 2 APR 2003
Status : Online | To be honest, while I wouldn't put it as strongly as Steve V, I kind of agree with him. It's great that Jane Jensen is putting so much thought into the background and story, and I don't doubt that the writing will be excellent, but I'd rather see a little more of the game itself - especially if it's supposed to be coming out this year. If everyone already agrees that JJ's main strength is her writing, all the more reason to show us that other aspects of the game will be just as good.
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| 5 MAR 2009 at 1:57pm |
Simo Sakari AaltonenSpace Cadet
Posts : 130
Joined: 23 APR 2004
Status : Offline | Naturally we are all looking forward to more of the game itself, but providing this material was never actually the stated intention of this blog. It was to give more regular updates, to shed light on the current status of the project and the thinking and design processes that have gone into it.
So while I am sure the blog will either point to or feature finished material when it becomes available, I think the main content was always supposed to be in the form of text the way it has been. For me, the concept art and short story have been pleasant bonuses: I recall little or no pictures being featured back when Jane did the Gabriel Knight 3 developer diary.
Surely the developers are as eager as anyone for the day when finished material can be made available, but the process really cannot be rushed. Meanwhile I am happy to have these blog entries. They will also make for fine reading years hence when our wish to see the game itself has been fulfilled.
[url=http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/album.php?u=57439][i]King's Quest[/i] & [i]Space Quest[/i] galleries (Telltale Forums)[/url]&&&&[url=http://www.adventurecompanion.com]The Adventure Companion[/url]
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| 5 MAR 2009 at 6:05pm |
avatar_58Private Detective
Posts : 403
Joined: 27 MAY 2008
Status : Online | Being a fan of Duke Nukem I personally praise companies that keep a tight lip on this stuff. Do we really *want* several out of date screenshots? They can show us the game when it gets closer, we don't need to shots of areas that are already cut out of the final product due to time constraints or change in plans.
After all it's an adventure game. We already know how it's going to play out. The bigger questions are what it's about, whether the story is interesting and how good the puzzles are. Interface and graphics are secondary.
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| 6 MAR 2009 at 2:16pm |
KsandraSchattenjger
Posts : 2459
Joined: 2 APR 2003
Status : Online | Originally Posted By avatar_58 (5 MAR 2009 6:04pm)
Being a fan of Duke Nukem I personally praise companies that keep a tight lip on this stuff. Do we really *want* several out of date screenshots?
Well, I certainly don't. I'd rather see some recent screenshots, along with more information about the gameplay, excerpts from the soundtrack, etc. Given how long the game has been in development, and how close it supposedly is to release, I don't think it's that much to ask for.
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| 6 MAR 2009 at 3:36pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
I agree with Kasandra.
This game has been in development for a long time, there is a lot of fan interest, and there's no good reason that at least a few new screenshots and some basic gameplay details couldn't be released.
They don't need to reveal any secrets or make any promises. Just a little more info to whet the appetite and (partially) satisfy curiosity.
Cheers, Terry
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| 7 MAR 2009 at 9:40am |
Simo Sakari AaltonenSpace Cadet
Posts : 130
Joined: 23 APR 2004
Status : Offline | What have you thought of the blog entries themselves though? I find this kind of material interesting and meaningful in and of itself, not only as background to the game.
Every entry has gone straight into the heart of the matter and it has all been good stuff. Concise, short but sweet, no hype. The entries would in fact have made for fine features in, say, Sierra's InterAction magazine.
[url=http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/album.php?u=57439][i]King's Quest[/i] & [i]Space Quest[/i] galleries (Telltale Forums)[/url]&&&&[url=http://www.adventurecompanion.com]The Adventure Companion[/url]
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| 7 MAR 2009 at 6:13pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
Originally Posted By Simo_Sakari (7 MAR 2009 9:40am)
What have you thought of the blog entries themselves though? I find this kind of material interesting and meaningful in and of itself, not only as background to the game.
Every entry has gone straight into the heart of the matter and it has all been good stuff. Concise, short but sweet, no hype. The entries would in fact have made for fine features in, say, Sierra's InterAction magazine.
I think we all appreciate Jane's blog postings, Simo. She is after all one of the elite creative forces in this genre and IMO, a hell of a writer.
That however does not preclude also wanting to see a little bit more substance from the actual game. Most of us here are already avid Jensen fans and we've followed Gray Matter since it was first announced. Now we would like to know a few more details.
Cheers, Terry
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| 7 MAR 2009 at 8:59pm |
Simo Sakari AaltonenSpace Cadet
Posts : 130
Joined: 23 APR 2004
Status : Offline | Oh, I understand that!
But I would be intrigued to hear other people's thoughts on things that have been discussed in the blog entries. After all it is only a matter of time when more becomes available, but until it does, we have what is already there...
For example I thought Dinga Bakaba's Letter from the Developer (Nov 21, 200 showed a remarkable approach to turning the script into a game. Clearly these people are not just shooting in the dark hoping for the best!
Another thing that has made an impression on me is that Jane's writing seems to have taken on a new dimension of compassion lately. Also an elegance or economy of language. Both without compromising on believability.
(These are the things I look for above anything else in texts these days. Conciseness because there is simply more text available every day and no one is getting any younger. Compassion because without a sense of genuine, hard-won understanding, the impact of the words will be less than it could have been.)
[url=http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/album.php?u=57439][i]King's Quest[/i] & [i]Space Quest[/i] galleries (Telltale Forums)[/url]&&&&[url=http://www.adventurecompanion.com]The Adventure Companion[/url]
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| 7 MAR 2009 at 9:16pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
Actually Simo, that blog article by Dinga is one of the main reasons I have little concern for Gray Matter being a highly polished finished product worthy of Jane's name.
The developer expressed a genuine commitment to both respecting her creative vision and enhancing the player experience in meaningful ways. I was also happy to hear about Jane's heightened interest in exploring character emotion more deeply.
These factors, when taken together, have increased my confidence that the game will be nothing less than a AAA title and I hope it exceeds even our (we devoted Jensen fans') rather lofty expectations.
Cheers, Terry
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| 8 MAR 2009 at 4:21pm |
Jenny100Guild Master
Posts : 3510
Joined: 12 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | I'm getting
"Error establishing a database connection"
when I try to access the blog. Are they updating it or something?
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| 8 MAR 2009 at 5:52pm |
Simo Sakari AaltonenSpace Cadet
Posts : 130
Joined: 23 APR 2004
Status : Offline | I have also been unable to access both the blog and dtp's website today. There was a similar glitch with these sites a couple of weeks ago.
[url=http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/album.php?u=57439][i]King's Quest[/i] & [i]Space Quest[/i] galleries (Telltale Forums)[/url]&&&&[url=http://www.adventurecompanion.com]The Adventure Companion[/url]
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| 8 MAR 2009 at 7:14pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
Ditto on the blog link.
I can't access the web page at the moment either. It was still working fine yesterday though.
Cheers, Tery
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