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Apart from having the longest name in video gaming history, (Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One), there’s not much else which makes the game stand out. A standard adventure romp mixing supposedly humorous storytelling with RPG-lite combat doesn’t exactly shout blockbuster anymore. Despite the masses having such a viewpoint, we implore you not to be put off. Drawing on its popularity as a web comic and merging it with a witty story (yet completely random at the same time), it seemed the ideal venture for the creators. While you can argue that making a video game with all the trappings that were originally ridiculed by the comic as somewhat hypocritical, we’re ignoring that and focusing entirely on the game. It’s out for a budget price on both PC (Mac and Linux included) and Xbox 360 (Arcade); but is it a successful dark horse or should it be confined to the bin?
For anyone unfamiliar with Penny Arcade check out the web comic over at this link. It’s well scripted, got a unique artstyle and is genuinely funny. It’s had much flattery in the form of blatant copying, but that’s another story. The game takes place in the neo-Victorian city of New Arcadia (specifically 1920) where Gabe and Tycho (the comic’s main characters) are representing the Startling Developments Detective Agency on an investigation to find out why there’s a gigantic robot careering around town. It’s certainly a distinctive story line, but one that suits its art style, characters and concept. Dialogue is delivered via comic-style cuts and is void of any voice acting. It does the job and keeps the game flowing.  You’ll create a character from a set of typical options, so name, top, bottom, colours and sex. You’re then thrown into the game with a narrator helping you along the way. The game’s in 3D, but the cut scenes are in 2D. Movement is controlled via the mouse (this is the PC version we’re referring to) and clicking will make the character move where you wish. Interaction is another clicking affair, with objects varying in use. Some are purely aesthetic and will only provide a witty description. Others (like rubbish bins or mailboxes) can be broken to gain items for use in battle. There’s also unlockable concept art, soundtracks and titbits to be found. It’s your typical bog standard affair, but that’s not a down point. Its sheen is commendable and its art style helps bring the most mundane to life. It’s unquestionably gleaming with polish, with slick interfaces and overlay effects aplenty. The game attempts to mix things up in the form of combat. You’ll have a party of three, (your created character and the two protagonists from the comics) and take turns using items (which boost / reduce your stats / enemy stats. There’s a standard attack and a special attack (with the option to double team) for each character. The special attack usually requires a spacebar focused ‘quicktime event,’ which plays on your reflexes. Spacebar also acts as a block button, but only if you successfully time your press with your enemy’s attack. It’s hardly Final Fantasy standards of depth but it means that the game’s got some action. Experience is awarded and levelling up grants better stats and therefore more powerful attacks. It’s a healthy mix of storytelling, combat and humour. The game tries its best to make you laugh. From the enemy robots that are perpetually humping fruit to the guy running around nuts shouting “WHY IS EVERYONE SHOUTING!!” you’ll chuckle and smile your way through. Too many games try and be funny, but Penny Arcade Adventures actually pulls it off. It’s prolonged throughout the game and doesn’t wane. We genuinely laughed out loud when we clicked on a mailbox for us to only be told that there’s a bird concert occurring and muffled music was emitted. The crux is its length. This is Episode One, another foray into the idea of episodic gaming. This is the perfect way to resurrect the dead Adventure genre and we’ve already seen it proved successful with AGON. With modern day innovation and a decent length which is concentrated on providing one sharp storyline it succeeds. It’s blending of genres works and it’s definitely worth the $19.99 / 1600 MS Points. We can’t wait until part two. Score: 8/10
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