Mojo_JojoWe are only now beginning to understand the full power and ramifications of sexual intercourseRegistered Userregular
edited March 2007
I managed to play about half an hour of the demo this morning. It was very good indeed but I'm slightly concerned about the difficulty. Or perhaps I just suck. I keep setting up lovely fours only then to realise that the badguy gets a go and have him steal it and get a free turn.
I'm up to the bat so far, he's bested me twice.
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Both the PlayStation Portable and DS versions of Puzzle Quest have their quirks. On the PSP, loading issues can cause the game to hang for a second. These disruptive pauses can strike at almost any time, whether you're scrolling across the overworld map or casting a spell during combat. They don't really ruin anything, but they're annoying nonetheless. On the DS, the problems with the presentation are much more severe and end up impacting the gameplay. The graphics aren't as crisp and clear as they are on the PSP, and there are barely any flashy special effects. Most significantly, the puzzle playfield appears cramped on the lower screen of the DS, and it's difficult to discern certain pieces. Because of the size of the pieces, it's also easier to make mistakes with the game's mandatory stylus controls. The content is still good, but these problems make the DS version harder to recommend. While the presentation can be uneven between the two versions of Puzzle Quest, both feature some really great, sweeping music that fits the tone of the straightforward adventure quite beautifully.
The appeal of Puzzle Quest for fans of either RPGs or puzzle games is quite obvious, as it does a great job of scratching two distinctly different types of itches simultaneously. What's most remarkable about Puzzle Quest, though, is how a simple change of context turns some tired genre conventions that have been done to death into something that's suitable for just about anyone, regardless of your interest in the components.
Hmm...I'm torn. I was initially set to buy the DS version, but now I'm leaning more toward PSP -- and I may not have enough money for either. Time to hit up the Coinstar machine!
i was a little worried about some of the "flashy effects" being taken out and tried to ask the developer about it, but he dodged the question. the touchscreen problems are also worrisome.
nevertheless, i fully intend to pick up a copy of the ds game (i don't have a psp unfortunately), and will eventually chime on whether or not the issues are distracting.
Ok, this dang demo has stolen quite a few hours of my life. Such a simple concept, but it's done SO well. It has a very "One more turn" feel to it. Adding the spells you can cast, and the different items you can have, make for a very stratigic game. I am in LOVE!
Both the DS and PSP versions are listed at $29.99 at Gamestop, by the way. I might try to see if Best Buy gets it in stock (I know, a fool's errand) so I can use the GamePro $5 off coupon from CAG, but I'm feeling splurgey so I'll probably just snag it wherever I can.
i was a little worried about some of the "flashy effects" being taken out and tried to ask the developer about it, but he dodged the question. the touchscreen problems are also worrisome.
nevertheless, i fully intend to pick up a copy of the ds game (i don't have a psp unfortunately), and will eventually chime on whether or not the issues are distracting.
I don't know if the lack of effects would be a dealbreaker for me, but mentions of cramping and small in the touchscreen may stay my hand. It seems a lot more intuitive to tap that way, but I've butchered enough turns in Advance Wars DS that I typically just use the D-pad.
I'm in the rare spot of being able to choose, though. I think if they weren't the same price I might even keel toward the DS version.
I tried to reserve the game at Gamestop last week and they couldn't even find a listing for it in the computer (despite there being an entry for it on the website). This didn't give me high hopes about finding it locally so I decided to order it off Amazon earilier this week. The computer demo should hold me over until it ships. It's surprisingly well put together. I was sold on the concept alone, but I'm relieved that it looks like they actually put a lot of effort into the game.
I really don't think the stylus controls will be that bad... Even if they're a little off, this isn't a fast-paced game like meteos. I like that it actually helps to take time and think about the effects of your turn so you don't set up your opponent for a huge move.
Oh damn, this is awesome. Just by going through the inventory I can see that it's at least superficially deep. Building dungeons, capturing enemies and mounts, siege machines...this sounds more like a sim than an RPG.
It really is seeming like this game is one of those hidden gems. I mean, the artwork is nice enough, the soundtrack is good, they added things like having a cidadel, and mounts (although I don't know how those affect gameplay). I am definitely getting one, and SOON!
I haven't seen a whole lot of it lately, but the artwork strikes me as "pleasantly bland." The music in the trailer was a lot better than I was expecting.
I think the name and overall vibe gives a first impression of "lol shovelware," but I'm totally stoked about the game. Total cult hit, if it ends up as good as those Gamespot reviews are saying.
I'll pick it up next week, barring any additional poor control feedback.
I'd like to hear what Nintendo Power said about it; some guy at 4cr posted that NP panned the game.
according to what i've heard, the low score was partially due to the reviewer not taking to Bejeweled-type puzzlers. also, i believe it's one of the first reviews from a recently-hired writer (ex-PSM), so he might've felt pressured to knuckle down on the game.
yeah, i'm just making excuses for puzzle quest. but i still think it looks fun.
Likewise, I'm super pumped for this. I've played a fair amount of the PC demo, and I'll be picking up the DS version as soon as I can find a store that actually carries it (my Amazon order got delayed to April).
I am a little worried about the graphics on the DS though. I have a feeling effects like the lightning bolts that stream of matched skulls to the HP bar they are damaging won't be in.
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I only have the DS, so that settles the version choice for me. I played the demo the other night and loved it. So is there any one cart multiplayer, or does everyone have to have a copy? This would be really fun against others, but I doubt I'll ever find another player. My order can't get here soon enough! I want to kill undead with puzzles!
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Artwork reminds me of Fire Emblem, it really looks like they were going for that style. Some of the knight portraits in particular remind me of it a lot.
Also, this game will get maddening later on. Anybody try to capture a monster yet? I got a skeleton and the puzzle took me quite a few tries to beat. Then I tried to learn his spells which also took several tries. I can't imagine doing this for every enemy type in the game.
I only have the DS, so that settles the version choice for me. I played the demo the other night and loved it. So is there any one cart multiplayer, or does everyone have to have a copy? This would be really fun against others, but I doubt I'll ever find another player. My order can't get here soon enough! I want to kill undead with puzzles!
I've been wondering this, too -- I might get the DS version if I have more chances to play multiplayer.
HURRGGHGHHGGHHH
Sporky, is that all in the demo or are you playing the full game? The EBStops by me don't have it in yet.
I only have the DS, so that settles the version choice for me. I played the demo the other night and loved it. So is there any one cart multiplayer, or does everyone have to have a copy? This would be really fun against others, but I doubt I'll ever find another player. My order can't get here soon enough! I want to kill undead with puzzles!
I've been wondering this, too -- I might get the DS version if I have more chances to play multiplayer.
HURRGGHGHHGGHHH
Sporky, is that all in the demo or are you playing the full game? The EBStops by me don't have it in yet.
It's in the demo which I assume must be pretty close to the real thing...I can't imagine stuff like that missing from the other versions.
It was the next logical step. For ten years now, they've been putting these idiotic story modes into puzzle games. It was only a matter of time before someone made the story mode an actual game in itself.
...anyway, this looks interesting, but I cannot possibly think of a worse title than "Puzzle Quest".
i've always thot the same thing about fighting games and still nothing.
and someone mentioned bejeweled. am i the only person who hates bejeweled and can't understand its success. probably is just me
unfortunately, i only had about 10 minutes with the game due to some other obligations. my two thougths so far:
1. man, i wish there was more classes than just these 4. i never play non-rogue characters, and i have no idea which one i'll be the most comfortable playing. i went with the knight, because the idea of playing a warrior/fighter class sounded a little bland to me.
2. while some might feel the storylines are contrived, it just seems more "old school" to me. which is what i was hoping for with this game.
I've been playing the demo a lot. It's damned addictive. So there's about 150 quests, and just about everything you can do (Capture monsters, research monster skills, train mounts, craft items) is it's own semi-unique mini-game? I think I'm going to be busy with this for quite a while when I get a DS copy. Does anyone know if the multiplayer is across wifi internet or not?
unfortunately, i only had about 10 minutes with the game due to some other obligations. my two thougths so far:
1. man, i wish there was more classes than just these 4. i never play non-rogue characters, and i have no idea which one i'll be the most comfortable playing. i went with the knight, because the idea of playing a warrior/fighter class sounded a little bland to me.
2. while some might feel the storylines are contrived, it just seems more "old school" to me. which is what i was hoping for with this game.
Is there any credence to Gamespot's "cramped bottom screen" complaints? I keep waffling on which system to buy this for.
Puzzle Quest spotted in the wild! EBGames had both versions in. After some hemming and hawing, I decided to go with the DS version; Imran reminded me about how unweildy UMDs can get, and yeah, loading. Looking at more media I don't think I'll mind the "smaller" DS playing field.
Now I can just get crackin'! Poring through the instruction manual, there's a shitload of things to do in this game. Crafting, mounts, exploration ... I can't wait.
Puzzle Quest spotted in the wild! EBGames had both versions in. After some hemming and hawing, I decided to go with the DS version; Imran reminded me about how unweildy UMDs can get, and yeah, loading. Looking at more media I don't think I'll mind the "smaller" DS playing field.
Now I can just get crackin'! Poring through the instruction manual, there's a shitload of things to do in this game. Crafting, mounts, exploration ... I can't wait.
You can actually do all that in the demo, too. The only thing I haven't been able to do is capture a city, but that's because the demo caps your level at 7 and the city's level is 15. But I'm riding a giant rat and I've learned spells from all the enemy types I've encountered.
Puzzle Quest spotted in the wild! EBGames had both versions in. After some hemming and hawing, I decided to go with the DS version; Imran reminded me about how unweildy UMDs can get, and yeah, loading. Looking at more media I don't think I'll mind the "smaller" DS playing field.
Now I can just get crackin'! Poring through the instruction manual, there's a shitload of things to do in this game. Crafting, mounts, exploration ... I can't wait.
You can actually do all that in the demo, too. The only thing I haven't been able to do is capture a city, but that's because the demo caps your level at 7 and the city's level is 15. But I'm riding a giant rat and I've learned spells from all the enemy types I've encountered.
Riding a giant rat...dang I need to buy this game.
alright, so i put another half-hour into this game (level 4), and i'm digging it so far.
complaints on the ds version. REAL TALK:
now that i think about it, the bottom screen does seem a little cramped, but i didn't notice it much while playing. i haven't had a problem yet telling the different pieces apart.
i haven't made any mistakes yet with the stylus controls, but i did immediately recognize the complaints about the touchscreen not being as "smooth" as people would like. every now and then, i have to re-attempt sliding a piece because my first try didn't register. while it's deplorable that a game which heavily relies on touchscreen gameplay futzes it up like this, you don't suffer much from it besides being mildly annoyed. the gameplay isn't as frantic as zookeeper -- your moves should be strategized and deliberated over, not quickly scratched out.
it's also a shame that the game doesn't have the lightning and visual effects that the psp/pc version does.
i still really like the game so far, and i hope to be able to present a long list of awesome things about it soon.
alright, so i put another half-hour into this game (level 4), and i'm digging it so far.
complaints on the ds version. REAL TALK:
now that i think about it, the bottom screen does seem a little cramped, but i didn't notice it much while playing. i haven't had a problem yet telling the different pieces apart.
i haven't made any mistakes yet with the stylus controls, but i did immediately recognize the complaints about the touchscreen not being as "smooth" as people would like. every now and then, i have to re-attempt sliding a piece because my first try didn't register. while it's deplorable that a game which heavily relies on touchscreen gameplay futzes it up like this, you don't suffer much from it besides being mildly annoyed. the gameplay isn't as frantic as zookeeper -- your moves should be strategized and deliberated over, not quickly scratched out.
it's also a shame that the game doesn't have the lighting and visual effects that the psp/pc version does.
i still really like the game so far, and i hope to be able to present a long list of awesome things about it soon.
Have you acquired and tried to upgrade a mount yet? Those have a timer attached to each turn.
alright, so i put another half-hour into this game (level 4), and i'm digging it so far.
complaints on the ds version. REAL TALK:
now that i think about it, the bottom screen does seem a little cramped, but i didn't notice it much while playing. i haven't had a problem yet telling the different pieces apart.
i haven't made any mistakes yet with the stylus controls, but i did immediately recognize the complaints about the touchscreen not being as "smooth" as people would like. every now and then, i have to re-attempt sliding a piece because my first try didn't register. while it's deplorable that a game which heavily relies on touchscreen gameplay futzes it up like this, you don't suffer much from it besides being mildly annoyed. the gameplay isn't as frantic as zookeeper -- your moves should be strategized and deliberated over, not quickly scratched out.
it's also a shame that the game doesn't have the lightning and visual effects that the psp/pc version does.
i still really like the game so far, and i hope to be able to present a long list of awesome things about it soon.
inthegray is right on about the touchscreen. I went into the game trying to drag the pieces like on Zookeeper and the results weren't great. Now I tap each piece I want to move and it works much better. Even though the pieces don't drag how I would like, I would still rather tap with the stylus than navigate with a d-pad.
The graphics took a bit of getting used to after playing the PC demo, but once I got into the game they were fine. They aren't bad by any means, but they are about what you would expect in the step down from the PC to the DS.
I don't know what Gamespot was talking about when they said the pieces were difficult to distinguish. They are colored blocks. Unless you are colorblind you aren't going to have a problem.
One thing I love is the instant action button. It is perfect for when you have 5 minutes and want to throw down a quick puzzle without messing with the story. It sends you directly into battle with an opponent and your character keeps the experience and gold you earn during the match. I imagine this will make for much easier grinding when saving up for expensive items and whatnot.
So far I rather dig the game. I get a very heavy Magic the Gathering vibe from it, and there's a really cool blend of strategy and luck while playing. You have a lot of options available to you: You can make gem matches to store up mana for yourself; you can make star/gold matches to build up your experience and cash reserves for equipment; you can match skulls to directly attack; or you can also make gem matches to prevent your opponent from getting said mana, blocking him from casting spells.
The game's quite hard, but there's no penalty for losing battles, which is nice because I've been getting whipped a lot. You can even go into a battle and just match up gold/experience stars while your enemy beats on you.
One thing that's killing me: After about 5 seconds, a small hint icon pops up that points to a suggested piece to move. Is there any way to turn this off? It's immensely irritating, and I want to figure out the matches on my own. :x
Also, as far as DS or PSP: I find myself squinting a bit on the DS, but I also really, really like the touchscreen controls, so I'm happy with my decision.
Other than graphics/animatics is there anything missing GAMEPLAY-wise on the DS?
Like, does it play like the PC demo? Do you have a courtyard or whatever of your own in the central castle-town?
Yeah, I wanna know too. Lunker, can you play the PC demo and let us know if anything's missing? Are the quests and portraits and script the same? Can you learn enemy spells and use them as mounts?
Also I don't know if you can turn the hint thing off but it's basically something to ignore since I think it's totally random and rarely shows a good move. I'm often told to go for three when a four is right there.
There's something I don't understand. They made a demo for the PC. But there's no PC version of this game? Why not? If they already have it running, why not just churn out a pc version? I loved the demo, but I only own a DS, and the thought of the small screen and lack of special attacks kind of makes me doubt if it'll still play as nicely.
There's something I don't understand. They made a demo for the PC. But there's no PC version of this game? Why not? If they already have it running, why not just churn out a pc version? I loved the demo, but I only own a DS, and the thought of the small screen and lack of special attacks kind of makes me doubt if it'll still play as nicely.
Hold on there, soldier.
Small screen? Sure.
Lack of Special Attacks? No such thing (as far as we know).
Yes, when you skull an opponent the "lightning doesn't flash" (according to others), but that doesn't mean you don't get the same results.
Currently, the only noted differences are graphical and animatic. From the, maybe ONE report, there does not appear to be any gameplay differences. We just need to find out for 100% sure whether the gameplay is different between the DS / PSP and the PC Demo.
there are pc and 360 (live) versions planned -- steve faulkner has done everything but make the official announcement for it. just not sure how far off it will be.
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I'm up to the bat so far, he's bested me twice.
Hmm...I'm torn. I was initially set to buy the DS version, but now I'm leaning more toward PSP -- and I may not have enough money for either. Time to hit up the Coinstar machine!
i was a little worried about some of the "flashy effects" being taken out and tried to ask the developer about it, but he dodged the question. the touchscreen problems are also worrisome.
nevertheless, i fully intend to pick up a copy of the ds game (i don't have a psp unfortunately), and will eventually chime on whether or not the issues are distracting.
I don't know if the lack of effects would be a dealbreaker for me, but mentions of cramping and small in the touchscreen may stay my hand. It seems a lot more intuitive to tap that way, but I've butchered enough turns in Advance Wars DS that I typically just use the D-pad.
I'm in the rare spot of being able to choose, though. I think if they weren't the same price I might even keel toward the DS version.
I'd like to hear what Nintendo Power said about it; some guy at 4cr posted that NP panned the game.
I really don't think the stylus controls will be that bad... Even if they're a little off, this isn't a fast-paced game like meteos. I like that it actually helps to take time and think about the effects of your turn so you don't set up your opponent for a huge move.
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I think the name and overall vibe gives a first impression of "lol shovelware," but I'm totally stoked about the game. Total cult hit, if it ends up as good as those Gamespot reviews are saying.
according to what i've heard, the low score was partially due to the reviewer not taking to Bejeweled-type puzzlers. also, i believe it's one of the first reviews from a recently-hired writer (ex-PSM), so he might've felt pressured to knuckle down on the game.
yeah, i'm just making excuses for puzzle quest. but i still think it looks fun.
I am a little worried about the graphics on the DS though. I have a feeling effects like the lightning bolts that stream of matched skulls to the HP bar they are damaging won't be in.
Or, talk smack on Xbox Live: Gaffgarron
1934-4237-4812
Fruit: Peaches, perhaps coconuts soon too!
Also, this game will get maddening later on. Anybody try to capture a monster yet? I got a skeleton and the puzzle took me quite a few tries to beat. Then I tried to learn his spells which also took several tries. I can't imagine doing this for every enemy type in the game.
HURRGGHGHHGGHHH
Sporky, is that all in the demo or are you playing the full game? The EBStops by me don't have it in yet.
i'm in the same boat as you, lunker... gonna try to scour the shops for a copy after work today.
Yea load times are annoying, I wonder how bad they are.
Personally, I'd rather have less impressive special effects than load times.
i've always thot the same thing about fighting games and still nothing.
and someone mentioned bejeweled. am i the only person who hates bejeweled and can't understand its success. probably is just me
unfortunately, i only had about 10 minutes with the game due to some other obligations. my two thougths so far:
1. man, i wish there was more classes than just these 4. i never play non-rogue characters, and i have no idea which one i'll be the most comfortable playing. i went with the knight, because the idea of playing a warrior/fighter class sounded a little bland to me.
2. while some might feel the storylines are contrived, it just seems more "old school" to me. which is what i was hoping for with this game.
Now I can just get crackin'! Poring through the instruction manual, there's a shitload of things to do in this game. Crafting, mounts, exploration ... I can't wait.
You can actually do all that in the demo, too. The only thing I haven't been able to do is capture a city, but that's because the demo caps your level at 7 and the city's level is 15. But I'm riding a giant rat and I've learned spells from all the enemy types I've encountered.
Riding a giant rat...dang I need to buy this game.
complaints on the ds version. REAL TALK:
now that i think about it, the bottom screen does seem a little cramped, but i didn't notice it much while playing. i haven't had a problem yet telling the different pieces apart.
i haven't made any mistakes yet with the stylus controls, but i did immediately recognize the complaints about the touchscreen not being as "smooth" as people would like. every now and then, i have to re-attempt sliding a piece because my first try didn't register. while it's deplorable that a game which heavily relies on touchscreen gameplay futzes it up like this, you don't suffer much from it besides being mildly annoyed. the gameplay isn't as frantic as zookeeper -- your moves should be strategized and deliberated over, not quickly scratched out.
it's also a shame that the game doesn't have the lightning and visual effects that the psp/pc version does.
i still really like the game so far, and i hope to be able to present a long list of awesome things about it soon.
Have you acquired and tried to upgrade a mount yet? Those have a timer attached to each turn.
inthegray is right on about the touchscreen. I went into the game trying to drag the pieces like on Zookeeper and the results weren't great. Now I tap each piece I want to move and it works much better. Even though the pieces don't drag how I would like, I would still rather tap with the stylus than navigate with a d-pad.
The graphics took a bit of getting used to after playing the PC demo, but once I got into the game they were fine. They aren't bad by any means, but they are about what you would expect in the step down from the PC to the DS.
I don't know what Gamespot was talking about when they said the pieces were difficult to distinguish. They are colored blocks. Unless you are colorblind you aren't going to have a problem.
One thing I love is the instant action button. It is perfect for when you have 5 minutes and want to throw down a quick puzzle without messing with the story. It sends you directly into battle with an opponent and your character keeps the experience and gold you earn during the match. I imagine this will make for much easier grinding when saving up for expensive items and whatnot.
The game's quite hard, but there's no penalty for losing battles, which is nice because I've been getting whipped a lot. You can even go into a battle and just match up gold/experience stars while your enemy beats on you.
One thing that's killing me: After about 5 seconds, a small hint icon pops up that points to a suggested piece to move. Is there any way to turn this off? It's immensely irritating, and I want to figure out the matches on my own. :x
Also, as far as DS or PSP: I find myself squinting a bit on the DS, but I also really, really like the touchscreen controls, so I'm happy with my decision.
Like, does it play like the PC demo? Do you have a courtyard or whatever of your own in the central castle-town?
Also I don't know if you can turn the hint thing off but it's basically something to ignore since I think it's totally random and rarely shows a good move. I'm often told to go for three when a four is right there.
Hold on there, soldier.
Small screen? Sure.
Lack of Special Attacks? No such thing (as far as we know).
Yes, when you skull an opponent the "lightning doesn't flash" (according to others), but that doesn't mean you don't get the same results.
Currently, the only noted differences are graphical and animatic. From the, maybe ONE report, there does not appear to be any gameplay differences. We just need to find out for 100% sure whether the gameplay is different between the DS / PSP and the PC Demo.
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Steve Faulkner from Infinite Interactive says that it "might find its way" to the PC and XBox 360 eventually.
http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2007/02/22/4cr-interview-infinite-interactive-puzzle-quest-ds/