You went in a great direction here and I hope you continue to experiment with the many horror subgenres out there instead of sticking to just one. A few years ago, everything on the market was about cheap jumpscares, which led to plenty of games losing all substance for those of us who want atmosphere. More recently, it's been a trend on '80s-style slasher games. While that subgenre is wonderfully nostalgic for those of us who grew up when slashers were the kings of horror, the market's been flooded with them and as they say, variety is the spice of life. But here, you've gone for the more difficult direction of atmosphere and suspense, with just the right amount of well-placed jumpscares and keeping the chases to a bare (bear?) minimum. The result is something far greater than the sum of its parts. Sure, it's not as scary because the player isn't being drowned in quick, cheap doses of adrenaline, but suspense will always make for the most memorable horror because you walk away afraid of every shadow. Just look at how Psycho is still among the greatest horror movies of all time, even though it was a suspense thriller with a few hints of what would evolve into slasher films. The original Alien also focused primarily on atmosphere and suspense, barely showing the xenomorph but making the viewer expect it to jump out at every turn. The dilapidated building and props really added to the atmosphere, as did the seemingly random flashlight flickers. I'd love to see your next game go even further in this direction, using primarily sounds, scenery, and story to create a sense of dread while giving just the right amount of chases, jumpscares, and other more basic horror themes as you did here. Getting just the right balance can result in a game where literally nothing happens but the player is still terrified throughout. Unfortunately, there are painfully few games that have managed to pull this off (Layers of Fear comes to mind). That said, it really feels as though you're headed into this more sophisticated direction based on how each of the three you've released thus far (I'm not counting Giggles Carnival or the upcoming Biocide, since both are meant to be tributes to classic horror games) has been relying less and less on tropes and more and more on atmosphere. I'd love to see how far you can push out of the comfort zone that so many horror game devs get stuck in.
@@ValosiTiamata Hey thank you so much for the kind words! It means a lot to know that all the work I put into trying to create an immersive atmospheric environment is paying off. I'm glad you notice that I am trying to develop games with more than just simple key hunts into cheap jump scares. I know this direction isn't everybody's cup of tea but I feel it's the right direction for me to keep growing as a programmer and game designer. So I will definitely keep trying to head down this path and develop more fun/entertaining/complex games!
@@taintedpactgames The reason a lot of kids these days (I'm old, so I can say that) are so into cheap jumpscares is because that's all they know. They're too young to have seen Alfred Hitchcock, Tales from the Darkside, or other classic horror icons. But by making games that expose them to the power of atmospheric horror, you're showing them that there's a huge difference between a cheap surprise and true, gnawing terror that stays with the player long after the game has ended. It might take a dozen or more games to master the genre, but the journey to get there is one full of its own rewards, as you no doubt have already discovered. One of my favourite examples of how basic suspense can completely change a person's perspective is the old Month Python sketch called The Adventures of Ralph Mellish. He's a boring man with a boring life, but his daily routine is narrated with suspenseful music and a monologue that has your complete attention as you're left waiting for something to actually happen. While the skit was obviously meant for comedy, it beautifully illustrates how simple changes in atmosphere can invoke emotions that otherwise wouldn't be present.
What I liked about the story is that orphanage staff actually were concerned about children's safety and tried to do their job properly, even if they went a bit overboard with putting the bars on windows and guiding kids to the bathroom (oh I remember how we took the school exams under such conditions, it was humiliating as hell). Also I like how Kyle didn't hold grudge about his friend being adopted and actually helped him. It was refreshing. The cutscene with corpse stubbing MC and himself with a knife was a little too goofy to be scary, but I appreciate it being funny.
How much alcohol did the main character drink before entering the orphanage, because that swaying back and forth while listening to the tapes sais a lot. Also, shout out to the orphanage for employing Scrooge McDuck as maintenance.
I'm going to admit it, I was utterly boggled when Eric got his hand stabbed and then casually hefted up his flashlight like nothing happened. Enjoyed the rest of the game, but that part made me blink.
Yeah, that part of the game seemed a bit rushed and anti-climactic to me. I felt they could have done more with the John Torrence character. But otherwise, I enjoyed the game.
>CJU doesn't try to leave at the very start >34:50 he found a toilet that can flush and doesn't immediately give the game a 10/10 Who are you and what did you do with the real Mr. Utley?
Okay, the thumping feet of the bear were creeping me out. Sometimes they were so loud I thought he was right outside the room. Cool little game. Not sure if I like this or Exsanguinate better, but this definitely had its moments. Thanks for playing, Chris!
One of these days you're gonna come across a locked bathroom and a message is gonna come up about no entry specifically naming you. 19:51 don't think much of Rammstein's new single
As John Wolfe says: It's your fault. Who makes an orphanage in a place called WEEPING FALLS? Edit: CJU: Was that happening during the massacre? Me: During the massacre of my ears, yes.
Liked this game a lot. Puzzles are not too difficult. But story and some scares are pretty good, that little kid under the desk being the best. She had the zoomies🤣
14:59 "How long have _you_ been there for?" Checking the playback, she actually arrived just after you entered the passcode for the drawers. Of course, she was the same doll who previously threw that block at you, so... 18:30 Basic dormitories. Which, admittedly, is just a fancy word for sleeping quarters. (checks) You were missing one more bit of lore. One last hidden tape is in the Director's office, but you need an eagle crest to get it. It explains the connection between Director Foster and John Torrance, apparently.
Trust me that "Old Sermon" tape isn't creepy to those of us that grew up listening to that kind of thing. But I wouldn't expect everyone to understand. :) I really enjoyed this game, it was one of the highlights to my evening.
MC goes to an abandoned crime scene building without even having tools to remove stuff like boards... well...uh...it was okay. the story didn't do much for me.
Eh, that doesn't make you a loser. Many in our generation can't find good enough paying jobs to feel secure in moving out unless it's to pay almost all of the paycheck for rent. It's the only way to have money now. The economy is garbage compared to when we were kids. The housing market is insane and jobs market sucks.
@@Honey_Daddy It's a problem caused by society just like homeless people on the street and orphans in a shelter. Normalizing that is like normalizing homelessness.
In lots of cultures it's totally normal and expected to live with your parents. Sometimes even after marriage. Unless you are actively not taking care of yourself.
@@comet392 I think you misunderstand me. It is a societal issue, so it doesn't make individuals who deal with the results entirely at fault. I'm not normalizing it, I'm simply stating the fact that this is the problem currently.
This game was pretty good! Some things were a little goofy (like the guy with the knife at the end). The voice acting was really strange but in an endearing way.
51:11 The fact that he’s still wearing his ID badge is so funny 🤣 Just grabbed it off the floor and pinned it straight to his pec muscle after whatever hideous transformation he went through.
I think from all three of them this one was most interesting and adventure friendly. I'm worried about you Chris, you say It's nothing when dirty water goes down after flushing the toilet? I think, from your perspective, it's a revolution! And I also think this actual sermon is one of the Jim Jones sermons but I'm not sure.
Another fantastically played game Chris I look forward to your next one by the way yes there is a bad ending you're the second one of the TH-camrs that I watched that I've seen play this one the other one got the bad ending so yes there is a bad ending I'm glad that you got the good one
"Characters lose important tools after the first use" ahahah, so funny. I'm finishing the demo of my horror game and I'm searching for an excuse just to justify this :_D By the way I would love to see Chris playing it. At the right time I will contact him to see if the game fits the quality standards of this channel 😊
There ARE a few good excuses out there, four of which come to mind. The first is actually used in adventure games and basically involved the tools always being rusty or badly damaged to the point they break after only one or two uses. The second excuse is the character doesn't have a lot of pockets or something is too bulky to carry, so they discard it and later complain about how they wished they hadn't dropped it. A third option is for something to happen (such as a sudden noise or the tool is being used in a situation that makes it greasy or slippery) and it makes the character drop the item in a way that causes it to break or be irretrievable. The fourth method, which can only be used once or twice in a single game, is to have the player captured and stripped of their inventory or fall into a trap that makes them lose their inventory as they fall (for example, the floor gives way and as the character falls, their backpack snags and is torn off, leaving them unable to retrieve the inventory unless they find a way to reach the backpack). A bit of clever writing to establish the character as accident-prone or skittish will let you use all four excuses in a single game setting organically. Incidentally, Chris often volunteers to do live playtests of games and gives very honest constructive criticism. As long as the demo isn't completely broken by bugs, he'll almost certainly agree to give it a try. A couple of the longtime channel subscribers are active game devs and he's had a lot of fun showing off their work.
@@ValosiTiamata I was going to say that making them breakable or damaged so they can only be used once or twice, but you beat me to it. :D Lack of inventory is a huge problem in Resident Evil. Good ideas for Science Tablet though. Also, agree with having Chris give it a run through.
@@ValosiTiamata Thanks for the long answer and yes, I'm coding this just right now, a rusty shears that break after slicing a padlock :D At the beginning I thought designing a linear adventure would not be thaaat difficult, however with time i've seen that it's very easy to fall in plot holes like this :D Not only for the tools thing, but there are so many things to consider 😫 Now that I'm stitchinng all together, my head is overwhelmed with all the possibilities if players do Y before X, instead of X before Y as I thought
@@sciencetablet2634 There are many ways around that. YOu could simply make sections of the game non-linear. A popular trick is to create a barrier that will only disappear after completing a sequence of tasks (ex: a series of puzzles lead to opening a secret door, a certain puzzle makes noise distracting a creature or spirit guarding the way forward, a specific puzzle drops a key to open the door to the next area, etc.). You can even use snarky commentary to prevent solving a puzzle too on ("There must be hundreds of combinations! Without a clue, I could be here all day trying to find the right combination."). If you don't mind the distraction, I'd strongly suggestg going over to GOG Games, Collection Chamber, or Old-Games and grabing some of the games we used to play during the adventure genre's height in the late 1980s through mid-'90s. It's good way to get some inspiration. Pretty much anything from LucasArts, Return to Zork, Zork: Nemesis, Amerzone, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Riddle of the Sphinx, The Crystal Key or the first three Dracula games. Also, if you look up a company called Spiderweb Software, they were a major distributor of adventure games and most of their library was amazing. Just do yourself a favour and avoid the Myst series. Myst is notorious among adventure gamers as the game that nearly killed the entire genre. Note that the Dracula games (there were actually five in total, but the last two weren't very good) is actually horror and you can die. RtZ and Crystal Key also have sections where you have to avoid death through a very simple mechanic. Best of all, these games prevent progress until the player hits certain checkpoints (in Dracula - The Resurrection, for example, you often have to ask the right questions of the inn's patrons to be able to progress, while The Crystal Key and Zork: Nemesis require you to teleport to different areas to get pieces of what you need to reach the final area). The games I listed sometimes have multiple use items or have innovative ways to prevent players from doing things out of order. I could make more suggestions, but I'm supposed to be writing an article for one of my clients, not writing a novel about game design. Although if you ever get stuck, my addled old brain is a good one to pick - I've been obsessed with adventure games since the days of the original Zork trilogy and it remains my favourite genre to this day (and accounts for a huge chunk of my games collection). I even tried my hand at creating text adventures a couple decades ago.
He says it every once in a while, usually when committing a crime in-game. But it's always funny when he says it because you can tell he's being snarky. He's also been known to comment if he does something illegal when the protagonist is a cop or detective.
First time I was looking forward to listening to the next tape: from over the top posh to digital demonic accent voices 🤣 Great playthrough CJU, loved it as always 🙌
Ohhhhh, _now_ I want you to do a whispering reading AND an over-the-top posh reading. 😂🤣 Nice game. Atmospheric more than scary, but my favorite from Tainted Pact Games so far. Decent story. Simple puzzles--perhaps a few too many locks. I adore that Eric can hold onto the tools he finds for future use! Smart protagonist there. And he knows when to leave. Although... **Spoiler** He could have left even before entering the orphanage.😅 In fairness, that's considered a bad ending.
Ahh, so my disappointment in Chris for not trying to leave was justified. Any other game where you CAN'T leave, he'll try to leave, so it kind of makes sense he'd fail to try on a game where it's actually an option.
Totally agree with keeping the tools on hand. It's downright silly to drop a perfectly good item that you will need later on. And, now that you mention it... I'd forgotten about him trying to leave! How could I?!
This was pretty good! The game has 2 flaws imo, which are linked to each other : I regret the lack of subtitles, especially because the voice acting wasn't great (to put it mildly), and the actors' delivery sometimes made it hard to understand what they were actually saying. I get not having the budget to hire professional voice actors, but in that case keep it simple, and avoid the funny accents. Just my opinion ^^
i really liked this one and i jumped for real a few times for sure. i think issues i have would be yea the flashlight being too bright and i wish the font was bigger when there's text onscreen
Just saw a game you'll like and the tittle hints at something you love to search for in games "Death Flush" don't know full details except it's a haunted bathroom and from the looks of the preview picture a toilet might be the killer lol. Thought I'd tell you.
"do not play." "OooOOoo maybe we should head back and have a listen." Lmao your commentary is always the highlight of my day. But I especially needed a laugh today. Thanks for being you. You're such an awesome content creator. And not screaming into your mic nonsensically at the slightest jump scare 😆
20:30 the only thing I can pull off the audio, past the screaming using audacity is what I think is "I'm going to kill you Stratten" garble "regret" garble "fairytales". time to watch the rest and see If I'm way off. been playing in audacity for so long that I forgot all the names of the people in the game.
You know, maybe you've already played it and I missed it but I think you might quite like Folklore Hunter. You can play it alone but I think it's best played with one other person as it gives you some degree of forgiving gameplay (the game only ends in game over when all players are downed, with 2 you have SOME leeway. If you achieve a game over you satart from the beginning minus the knowledge you gained." It's part puzzle, part exploration, and part action. I'd love to see you play and I'd be glad to play it with you if you need a second. I love the game even if the only real portion they've finished is the Wendigo chapter. There is one other being worked on and another they've only announced. They develop it slowly but they do an amazing job. No matter how you slice it I think the experience would be one you'd enjoy.
Did anyone else notice the Doctor Who references? Where there more? I saw Weeping Falls = Weeping Angels. Sparrow wall art = Sally Sparrow who meets the Weeping Angels and the TARDIS on a table?
Wait, I saw a TARDIS on a table in a previous game which might have been one they developed bc there was a TARDIS on the table of the cabin in this game lol that's cool😂
I must say I get a bit extra excited when I see the video is longer than 30Mins. I immediately grab my capri sun and popcorn to sit down and have a 👀. Danke CJU, keep on doing what you do.🤍🤍🤍🧡 also I must say I was surprised you went A LA DERECHA at the front door instead of izquierda!!
This was great. My only criticism is that they could have done more with the John Torrence character. His part seemed a bit anti-climactic. But otherwise, well done to the Developer.
Thanks for another awesome playthrough CJU! I'm really glad this was the favorite of my games you played. I put a lot of hard work into it X-D.
You went in a great direction here and I hope you continue to experiment with the many horror subgenres out there instead of sticking to just one.
A few years ago, everything on the market was about cheap jumpscares, which led to plenty of games losing all substance for those of us who want atmosphere. More recently, it's been a trend on '80s-style slasher games. While that subgenre is wonderfully nostalgic for those of us who grew up when slashers were the kings of horror, the market's been flooded with them and as they say, variety is the spice of life.
But here, you've gone for the more difficult direction of atmosphere and suspense, with just the right amount of well-placed jumpscares and keeping the chases to a bare (bear?) minimum. The result is something far greater than the sum of its parts. Sure, it's not as scary because the player isn't being drowned in quick, cheap doses of adrenaline, but suspense will always make for the most memorable horror because you walk away afraid of every shadow. Just look at how Psycho is still among the greatest horror movies of all time, even though it was a suspense thriller with a few hints of what would evolve into slasher films. The original Alien also focused primarily on atmosphere and suspense, barely showing the xenomorph but making the viewer expect it to jump out at every turn.
The dilapidated building and props really added to the atmosphere, as did the seemingly random flashlight flickers. I'd love to see your next game go even further in this direction, using primarily sounds, scenery, and story to create a sense of dread while giving just the right amount of chases, jumpscares, and other more basic horror themes as you did here.
Getting just the right balance can result in a game where literally nothing happens but the player is still terrified throughout. Unfortunately, there are painfully few games that have managed to pull this off (Layers of Fear comes to mind). That said, it really feels as though you're headed into this more sophisticated direction based on how each of the three you've released thus far (I'm not counting Giggles Carnival or the upcoming Biocide, since both are meant to be tributes to classic horror games) has been relying less and less on tropes and more and more on atmosphere. I'd love to see how far you can push out of the comfort zone that so many horror game devs get stuck in.
@@ValosiTiamata Hey thank you so much for the kind words! It means a lot to know that all the work I put into trying to create an immersive atmospheric environment is paying off. I'm glad you notice that I am trying to develop games with more than just simple key hunts into cheap jump scares. I know this direction isn't everybody's cup of tea but I feel it's the right direction for me to keep growing as a programmer and game designer. So I will definitely keep trying to head down this path and develop more fun/entertaining/complex games!
@@taintedpactgames The reason a lot of kids these days (I'm old, so I can say that) are so into cheap jumpscares is because that's all they know. They're too young to have seen Alfred Hitchcock, Tales from the Darkside, or other classic horror icons. But by making games that expose them to the power of atmospheric horror, you're showing them that there's a huge difference between a cheap surprise and true, gnawing terror that stays with the player long after the game has ended. It might take a dozen or more games to master the genre, but the journey to get there is one full of its own rewards, as you no doubt have already discovered.
One of my favourite examples of how basic suspense can completely change a person's perspective is the old Month Python sketch called The Adventures of Ralph Mellish. He's a boring man with a boring life, but his daily routine is narrated with suspenseful music and a monologue that has your complete attention as you're left waiting for something to actually happen. While the skit was obviously meant for comedy, it beautifully illustrates how simple changes in atmosphere can invoke emotions that otherwise wouldn't be present.
Love your games!
Keep up the killer work!
@@JeffReams Thank you!
What I liked about the story is that orphanage staff actually were concerned about children's safety and tried to do their job properly, even if they went a bit overboard with putting the bars on windows and guiding kids to the bathroom (oh I remember how we took the school exams under such conditions, it was humiliating as hell). Also I like how Kyle didn't hold grudge about his friend being adopted and actually helped him. It was refreshing.
The cutscene with corpse stubbing MC and himself with a knife was a little too goofy to be scary, but I appreciate it being funny.
How much alcohol did the main character drink before entering the orphanage, because that swaying back and forth while listening to the tapes sais a lot. Also, shout out to the orphanage for employing Scrooge McDuck as maintenance.
The one time CJU doesn't try leaving immediately and misses a secret ending.
there's one?
I feel like "Weeping Falls Orphanage" would stay in operation as long as "Asbestos Ceiling Daycare"
Lead Paint Nursery?
Running With Knives Kindergarten?
I died laughing when he said the teacher was too posh "bear custume" 🤣🤣🤣 great game as always Chris 👌🏾🖤
SAME!
I'm going to admit it, I was utterly boggled when Eric got his hand stabbed and then casually hefted up his flashlight like nothing happened. Enjoyed the rest of the game, but that part made me blink.
It did seem a bit out of place. Maybe it made more sense in the bad ending, but it seemed unnecessary in this.
@@Here_is_Waldo That's a good point, I didn't think about what the bad ending might entail. Might call back to the book, too.
Yeah, that part of the game seemed a bit rushed and anti-climactic to me. I felt they could have done more with the John Torrence character. But otherwise, I enjoyed the game.
>CJU doesn't try to leave at the very start
>34:50 he found a toilet that can flush and doesn't immediately give the game a 10/10
Who are you and what did you do with the real Mr. Utley?
Okay, the thumping feet of the bear were creeping me out. Sometimes they were so loud I thought he was right outside the room. Cool little game. Not sure if I like this or Exsanguinate better, but this definitely had its moments.
Thanks for playing, Chris!
I can't help but think South Park when I hear the names Eric and Kyle.
OMG CJU Your slipping YOU DIDN'T TRY TO LEAVE???!!!!! Now I wonder because you can click on the truck ..... We will never know!
You have been on a roll with these great game play throughs! You are THE BEST commentary gamer... period! ❤❤❤
That first shadow kid thing had me jump so much I almost dropped my phone. Good heavens!
Whoever made this appears to be quite the Evil Dead fan.
One of these days you're gonna come across a locked bathroom and a message is gonna come up about no entry specifically naming you. 19:51 don't think much of Rammstein's new single
As John Wolfe says: It's your fault.
Who makes an orphanage in a place called WEEPING FALLS?
Edit:
CJU: Was that happening during the massacre?
Me: During the massacre of my ears, yes.
Liked this game a lot. Puzzles are not too difficult. But story and some scares are pretty good, that little kid under the desk being the best. She had the zoomies🤣
The entire time the woman on the answering machine was talking I was thinking she sounds exactly like Stewie Griffin 😂😂
The first Secret Cassette Tape was just the THX cinema sounds. Haha
the doll down the desk was the creepiest thing on the game xDD
My man, when that bear started to chase you I laughed so hard. I needed that. 🤣
14:59 "How long have _you_ been there for?" Checking the playback, she actually arrived just after you entered the passcode for the drawers. Of course, she was the same doll who previously threw that block at you, so...
18:30 Basic dormitories. Which, admittedly, is just a fancy word for sleeping quarters.
(checks) You were missing one more bit of lore. One last hidden tape is in the Director's office, but you need an eagle crest to get it. It explains the connection between Director Foster and John Torrance, apparently.
Trust me that "Old Sermon" tape isn't creepy to those of us that grew up listening to that kind of thing. But I wouldn't expect everyone to understand. :) I really enjoyed this game, it was one of the highlights to my evening.
I see Rupert from Family Guy has had enough of Stewie's nonsense & has devolved into a murderous rampage.
🤣
The standing still animation is insane he moves back and forth about a foot
Very entertaining. Thank you for playing, CJU!
My personal highlight was the little TARDIS :D
Lovely game, another treat from Chris. Thank you for that!
the main character made the mistake of breaking and entering while shitfaced, the constant drunk swaying made me seasick 😂
Am I the only one that heard "weeping balls"? Or am I too " elevated", lol.
LOL the kids that made this have never seen a cassette player operating.
,,[...] hiring new staff member John Torrance, [...] punisment?" Feels almost like Jack Torrance from ,,The Shinning" ;)
MC goes to an abandoned crime scene building without even having tools to remove stuff like boards...
well...uh...it was okay. the story didn't do much for me.
I downloaded this after watching your playthrough, it's a great game. I too also got the good ending.
At least he has an apartment unlike losers such as me who are forced to live in their parent's house.
Eh, that doesn't make you a loser. Many in our generation can't find good enough paying jobs to feel secure in moving out unless it's to pay almost all of the paycheck for rent. It's the only way to have money now. The economy is garbage compared to when we were kids. The housing market is insane and jobs market sucks.
@@Honey_Daddy It's a problem caused by society just like homeless people on the street and orphans in a shelter. Normalizing that is like normalizing homelessness.
In lots of cultures it's totally normal and expected to live with your parents. Sometimes even after marriage. Unless you are actively not taking care of yourself.
@@comet392 I think you misunderstand me. It is a societal issue, so it doesn't make individuals who deal with the results entirely at fault. I'm not normalizing it, I'm simply stating the fact that this is the problem currently.
@@spicybeantofu Then they failed as well.
amazing voice actors they actually sound like real actors for once and the demonic Pinhead -voice was😘
This game was pretty good! Some things were a little goofy (like the guy with the knife at the end). The voice acting was really strange but in an endearing way.
51:11 The fact that he’s still wearing his ID badge is so funny 🤣 Just grabbed it off the floor and pinned it straight to his pec muscle after whatever hideous transformation he went through.
Did we get on the Event Horizon 🤔 19:50
I think from all three of them this one was most interesting and adventure friendly. I'm worried about you Chris, you say It's nothing when dirty water goes down after flushing the toilet? I think, from your perspective, it's a revolution!
And I also think this actual sermon is one of the Jim Jones sermons but I'm not sure.
I guess the book you found is also coming home with you? Creepy.
good game, plus you got to keep the crowbar which makes it a win 👍❤️
Maybe the ghost just really needed to pee and wanted the door opened
Weeping Falls.... Bright Falls..... Potato.... Potato😅😅😅😅😅
I don't know if you've played Observation, but I feel like it's one of those games you would really enjoy playing.
Another fantastically played game Chris I look forward to your next one by the way yes there is a bad ending you're the second one of the TH-camrs that I watched that I've seen play this one the other one got the bad ending so yes there is a bad ending I'm glad that you got the good one
"Characters lose important tools after the first use" ahahah, so funny. I'm finishing the demo of my horror game and I'm searching for an excuse just to justify this :_D
By the way I would love to see Chris playing it. At the right time I will contact him to see if the game fits the quality standards of this channel 😊
There ARE a few good excuses out there, four of which come to mind.
The first is actually used in adventure games and basically involved the tools always being rusty or badly damaged to the point they break after only one or two uses. The second excuse is the character doesn't have a lot of pockets or something is too bulky to carry, so they discard it and later complain about how they wished they hadn't dropped it. A third option is for something to happen (such as a sudden noise or the tool is being used in a situation that makes it greasy or slippery) and it makes the character drop the item in a way that causes it to break or be irretrievable.
The fourth method, which can only be used once or twice in a single game, is to have the player captured and stripped of their inventory or fall into a trap that makes them lose their inventory as they fall (for example, the floor gives way and as the character falls, their backpack snags and is torn off, leaving them unable to retrieve the inventory unless they find a way to reach the backpack). A bit of clever writing to establish the character as accident-prone or skittish will let you use all four excuses in a single game setting organically.
Incidentally, Chris often volunteers to do live playtests of games and gives very honest constructive criticism. As long as the demo isn't completely broken by bugs, he'll almost certainly agree to give it a try. A couple of the longtime channel subscribers are active game devs and he's had a lot of fun showing off their work.
@@ValosiTiamata I was going to say that making them breakable or damaged so they can only be used once or twice, but you beat me to it. :D Lack of inventory is a huge problem in Resident Evil. Good ideas for Science Tablet though. Also, agree with having Chris give it a run through.
@@ValosiTiamata Thanks for the long answer and yes, I'm coding this just right now, a rusty shears that break after slicing a padlock :D At the beginning I thought designing a linear adventure would not be thaaat difficult, however with time i've seen that it's very easy to fall in plot holes like this :D Not only for the tools thing, but there are so many things to consider 😫 Now that I'm stitchinng all together, my head is overwhelmed with all the possibilities if players do Y before X, instead of X before Y as I thought
@@sciencetablet2634 There are many ways around that. YOu could simply make sections of the game non-linear. A popular trick is to create a barrier that will only disappear after completing a sequence of tasks (ex: a series of puzzles lead to opening a secret door, a certain puzzle makes noise distracting a creature or spirit guarding the way forward, a specific puzzle drops a key to open the door to the next area, etc.). You can even use snarky commentary to prevent solving a puzzle too on ("There must be hundreds of combinations! Without a clue, I could be here all day trying to find the right combination.").
If you don't mind the distraction, I'd strongly suggestg going over to GOG Games, Collection Chamber, or Old-Games and grabing some of the games we used to play during the adventure genre's height in the late 1980s through mid-'90s. It's good way to get some inspiration. Pretty much anything from LucasArts, Return to Zork, Zork: Nemesis, Amerzone, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Riddle of the Sphinx, The Crystal Key or the first three Dracula games. Also, if you look up a company called Spiderweb Software, they were a major distributor of adventure games and most of their library was amazing. Just do yourself a favour and avoid the Myst series. Myst is notorious among adventure gamers as the game that nearly killed the entire genre.
Note that the Dracula games (there were actually five in total, but the last two weren't very good) is actually horror and you can die. RtZ and Crystal Key also have sections where you have to avoid death through a very simple mechanic. Best of all, these games prevent progress until the player hits certain checkpoints (in Dracula - The Resurrection, for example, you often have to ask the right questions of the inn's patrons to be able to progress, while The Crystal Key and Zork: Nemesis require you to teleport to different areas to get pieces of what you need to reach the final area). The games I listed sometimes have multiple use items or have innovative ways to prevent players from doing things out of order.
I could make more suggestions, but I'm supposed to be writing an article for one of my clients, not writing a novel about game design. Although if you ever get stuck, my addled old brain is a good one to pick - I've been obsessed with adventure games since the days of the original Zork trilogy and it remains my favourite genre to this day (and accounts for a huge chunk of my games collection). I even tried my hand at creating text adventures a couple decades ago.
This was good and good-looking. Thanks!
Never did I think I would hear Cju say " Fuck the police"❤❤👌
Sometimes this timeline is bearable
I was just about to say 😂❤️ based CJU
He says it every once in a while, usually when committing a crime in-game. But it's always funny when he says it because you can tell he's being snarky. He's also been known to comment if he does something illegal when the protagonist is a cop or detective.
Just rolled off his tongue so effortlessly lmao acab
@@tyramisu1724 All cops are badass? I agree.
@@fireblade295 a great guess 😌
Anyone else notice the numbers just above the stop button read 666?
First time I was looking forward to listening to the next tape: from over the top posh to digital demonic accent voices 🤣 Great playthrough CJU, loved it as always 🙌
Ohhhhh, _now_ I want you to do a whispering reading AND an over-the-top posh reading. 😂🤣
Nice game. Atmospheric more than scary, but my favorite from Tainted Pact Games so far. Decent story. Simple puzzles--perhaps a few too many locks. I adore that Eric can hold onto the tools he finds for future use! Smart protagonist there. And he knows when to leave. Although...
**Spoiler**
He could have left even before entering the orphanage.😅 In fairness, that's considered a bad ending.
Ahh, so my disappointment in Chris for not trying to leave was justified. Any other game where you CAN'T leave, he'll try to leave, so it kind of makes sense he'd fail to try on a game where it's actually an option.
Totally agree with keeping the tools on hand. It's downright silly to drop a perfectly good item that you will need later on. And, now that you mention it... I'd forgotten about him trying to leave! How could I?!
What? How?
You didn't try to go home?
This was pretty good! The game has 2 flaws imo, which are linked to each other : I regret the lack of subtitles, especially because the voice acting wasn't great (to put it mildly), and the actors' delivery sometimes made it hard to understand what they were actually saying. I get not having the budget to hire professional voice actors, but in that case keep it simple, and avoid the funny accents. Just my opinion ^^
Interesting game! I don't understand why the dislike number is so high (in proportions)... very weird
i really liked this one and i jumped for real a few times for sure. i think issues i have would be yea the flashlight being too bright and i wish the font was bigger when there's text onscreen
"Someones really feeling it" 😂😂😂 that was exactly my thoughts
There is also a Leave ending if you leave instead of entering the building.
DO NOT PLAY.... so Chris goes and plays it as the first course of action. OF COURSE. Also that rant about posh lady :D :D
Just saw a game you'll like and the tittle hints at something you love to search for in games "Death Flush" don't know full details except it's a haunted bathroom and from the looks of the preview picture a toilet might be the killer lol. Thought I'd tell you.
He already played that one.
Not a bad game! I think if it had some more work on the movements, and lighting it would've had a scarier impact
Another TARDIS in this game. (Before chaple section)
Well the red tapes sound like they were red by a Dalek...
That bear looks horrific. I want one ☝️
thats how i feel about that eff the police right lololol
Someone here got the Deja-Vu ,When CJU push the flush?
So I guess groundskeeper Willy was to blame?
"do not play."
"OooOOoo maybe we should head back and have a listen."
Lmao your commentary is always the highlight of my day. But I especially needed a laugh today. Thanks for being you. You're such an awesome content creator. And not screaming into your mic nonsensically at the slightest jump scare 😆
20:30 the only thing I can pull off the audio, past the screaming using audacity is what I think is "I'm going to kill you Stratten" garble "regret" garble "fairytales".
time to watch the rest and see If I'm way off. been playing in audacity for so long that I forgot all the names of the people in the game.
him holding the flashlight is the scary part
I enjoyed this one. Not very scary, but I liked it. Great job!😁👍
You know, maybe you've already played it and I missed it but I think you might quite like Folklore Hunter. You can play it alone but I think it's best played with one other person as it gives you some degree of forgiving gameplay (the game only ends in game over when all players are downed, with 2 you have SOME leeway. If you achieve a game over you satart from the beginning minus the knowledge you gained."
It's part puzzle, part exploration, and part action.
I'd love to see you play and I'd be glad to play it with you if you need a second. I love the game even if the only real portion they've finished is the Wendigo chapter. There is one other being worked on and another they've only announced. They develop it slowly but they do an amazing job. No matter how you slice it I think the experience would be one you'd enjoy.
47:42 that remember Moby music 😂😂 if you now Moby
Amazing play through as usual I wonder why so many games involve the horrible murder of innocent children ?
Why does John sound like if Yoda didn't speak in riddles? (36:41)
Wow, hidden tape #1 sounded like an occult dalek
Did anyone else notice the Doctor Who references? Where there more? I saw Weeping Falls = Weeping Angels. Sparrow wall art = Sally Sparrow who meets the Weeping Angels and the TARDIS on a table?
4 mins in I'm scared, it didn't help the first ghost encounter is a child!!!!
Let's Go !!
John torrence? As in the Shining? 🤔🤣
That would be why the name sounds suspicious
@@spicybeantofu Here’s Johnny
i think it might be time for a quick dip into an adventure game or something slightly different dont you?
The flashlight was waaayyyy to harsh. It hurt my eyes.
Yea! Another game!
How was this video uploaded 24 minutes ago? When I checked 15 minutes ago it wasn't here?
Wait, I saw a TARDIS on a table in a previous game which might have been one they developed bc there was a TARDIS on the table of the cabin in this game lol that's cool😂
Jack Torrance's real name is John, Jack is his nickname. ^_^
That teacher over the tapes sounds like she's clenching her teeth every time she talks
😬📏
brackets dont stand up to crow bars eh?
I knew there was something dodgy about that john lol
I like how the teacher sounds like shes from the 19th century
do you play any games off screen?
Yeah, ol gal was sounding pretty posh
Do orphanages exist in the US and UK anymore? I thought it was all relegated to social services.
I must say I get a bit extra excited when I see the video is longer than 30Mins. I immediately grab my capri sun and popcorn to sit down and have a 👀. Danke CJU, keep on doing what you do.🤍🤍🤍🧡 also I must say I was surprised you went A LA DERECHA at the front door instead of izquierda!!
kinda cool kinda creepy
This was great. My only criticism is that they could have done more with the John Torrence character. His part seemed a bit anti-climactic. But otherwise, well done to the Developer.
Awesome game mate really like the games you play there's a game called KEEP OUT it's like Toy Story meets Little Nightmare think you might like it
28:14 😂 sorry but this made me laugh
Good game!
This is perhaps the second time I could describe a voice - the posh teacher - as punchable. First time was Jacob Rees Mogg
Why can't anyone rip off or just break these weak looking planks in these games??