(Spoiler-Free) "Your Favorite Aspects of SW" Thread.

SeaRex · #1 01-31-2005, 02:56 PM

Use this thread as a great big melting pot of what OWI did right when making Stranger. Bitching and moaning is fun, but I think I would rather revel in how much better this game was then OWI's previous 3D venture.

Also, try to keep the spoilers to a minimum... as in none. It would be great if we could keep this discussion open for those who have yet to finish the game.

Here are my favorite aspects of SW...

Accurate, yet abstract, depiction of the American Old West. The environments really feel like a living, breathing universe, just like they did in the Abe games. Overall, just killer atmosphere and stunning level detail.
Normandy-esque siege (I'll omit the level name for those who haven't gotten this far). This entire level feels more "war-like" then most "war" games on the market today. Intense stuff.
Riotslugs and Bola Blasts. Two of my most favorite weapons ever.

And finally...

The issue of racism (don't worry, I won't spoil anything). Thank you, oh thank you, OWI, for having the balls to tackle something so big in such an original way. I can only hope that this conflict is expanded upon in Stranger's next game.

sligster · #2 01-31-2005, 03:22 PM

:

[*]The issue of racism (don't worry, I won't spoil anything). Thank you, oh thank you, OWI, for having the balls to tackle something so big in such an original way. I can only hope that this conflict is expanded upon in Stranger's next game.[/list]

I also applaude OWI for making that bold move and coming out alive. Good stuff.

For me, the ammo and enviroments were simply amazing. And the way the story progressed was really well done.

OANST · #3 01-31-2005, 03:42 PM

That might have been a slight spoiler. I apologize.

***Nate*** · #4 01-31-2005, 03:45 PM

I don't really think its possible to have a spoiler-free discussion of SW unless you restrict yourself to talking about the graphics and gameplay. I mean, I would prefer not to have read OANST's post.

SeaRex · #5 01-31-2005, 04:07 PM

:

(Quote removed at OANST's request.)

I know. I felt the exact same way... it was really surprising to see how OWI used emotions at key points in the game.

EDIT: If some people find the posts in this thread too revealing, then I wouldn't mind at all if one of the GD mods moved it to Spoilers and took out the "Spoiler-Free" in the title.

Hell, then I could go back and elaborate on a couple of my above examples.

tsioc · #6 01-31-2005, 04:23 PM

I didn't think of it as racism... I thought it was more of his own shame, of people hating themselves, feeling like they don't belong, and about others hating anyone who is different from them, not perfect, not what they consider attractive, etc... I can see race being included in this, but I thought it was about more than just plain old racism.

I really felt like I related to this character, maybe that's one of the reasons I found the story, and the ending, to be so powerful.

I hope I didn't spoil anything...

MojoMan220 · #7 01-31-2005, 04:40 PM

I love how the world is seamless, no loading whatsoever (maybe 2 seconds here or there). Unlike MO, the environments were completely different from one to the next, and feel like they go on past the game area itself. Stranger is now my favorite Oddworld character so far, his gallop on all fours makes it fun to just "drive" around the environment.

tsioc · #8 01-31-2005, 06:11 PM

:

I love how the world is seamless, no loading whatsoever (maybe 2 seconds here or there). Unlike MO, the environments were completely different from one to the next, and feel like they go on past the game area itself. Stranger is now my favorite Oddworld character so far, his gallop on all fours makes it fun to just "drive" around the environment.

I loved that as well... everything was connected, it made it feel more like a real world.

Leto · #9 01-31-2005, 10:18 PM

(If this is an aspect in the game, I am only assuming as of now) The emotion. I am hoping that characters (Particularly, the Clakkerz) will express their dislike of being hit. Particularly in a crying/screaming and running/ getting his g's to bash u sort of way.

The live ammo. It's just so- odd. I mean, who the hell would hurl skunks at their enemies? It adds alot more amusement to just the concept.

The Grubbs. All of us have been waiting for axelotal/ salamander-esque things for how long?

The first person part of it. Yeah.

SeaRex · #10 02-01-2005, 02:30 AM

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I didn't think of it as racism... I thought it was more of his own shame, of people hating themselves, feeling like they don't belong, and about others hating anyone who is different from them, not perfect, not what they consider attractive, etc... I can see race being included in this, but I thought it was about more than just plain old racism.

Ah damnit. I really shot myself in the foot on this one. I would like to retort, but I can't, because that would give too much away.

A couple more things I liked about the game...

Humor. Specifically, the Blisterz Booty sodomy gag and the Dave Chapelle as Rick James reference. I gotta say, I never saw those coming!
The return of the "HOLY CRAP I ONLY HAVE 3 MINUTES TO DO SOMETHING!!!" level. These have always been the highlight of OW games for me.

***Wil*** · #11 02-01-2005, 10:02 AM

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Humor. Specifically, the Blisterz Booty sodomy gag and the Dave Chapelle as Rick James reference. I gotta say, I never saw those coming!

I saw the first in a video, but the second one rings no bells with me. Without spoiling the Oddworldian mirror, what is this Dave Chapelle-Rick James thing?

I have to commend the topic, SeaRex. This will hopefully encourage people to get excited about the game.

sligster · #12 02-01-2005, 02:24 PM

Yes, I don't recall the Dave Chappel- Rick James reference..... could you clarify?

PM if it's a spoiler.

Dipstikk · #13 02-01-2005, 03:04 PM

Yes, please tell us this Rick James and Chappelle joke. I want to KNOW!

oddguy · #14 02-01-2005, 03:33 PM

I loved the entire game.

Bounty can was awesome.
The Live Ammo was perfect.
1st and 3rd person worked together extremely well, and some levels were even specifically made for each perspective.
The ability to talk and listen to characters...great.

I could go on for hours.

-oddguy

typhonblue · #15 02-01-2005, 06:10 PM

I loved it when Stranger got up to top speed, moving him through all those enviroments was something else. I also loved the head-butt move. And, strangely enough, the way Stranger punctuated his dialog with spitting. His whole appearance and skill set was fantastic, very well thought out.

And it was nice to see the female grub rebel leader too. I wish we'd been able to see more of her though. More then just a bit part.

*Possible Spoilers*
I also liked the change in the gameplay half way through. It really suited the story and the character.

I fould the prison-sex joke hilarious too, although I probably shouldn't have. And the subtle and not-so-subtle allusions to sexuality and *ahem* endowment throughout the game.

SeaRex · #16 02-01-2005, 06:22 PM

Dave Chappelle had Charlie Murphy (the brother of Eddy Murphy) come on his show one time and reenact his relationship with Rick James (a soul/funk singer) in the style of a "True Hollywood Story" documentary. Anyway, about halfway through the episode, Rick James (played by Chappelle) invites Charlie Murphy (played by himself) over to his bar and recites the following lines...

"Have you heard that new joke that's been goin' round?! What did the five fingers... say to the face?!"

(look of bewilderment on Murphy)

"SLAP!!!"

And of course, Rick James/Chappelle slaps Murphy right across the face. Not very funny in theory, but Dave Chappelle's impersonation of Rick James became a cultural fad over here in America. Everyone started to do it.

Now that you know the back story, I can get on with a...

*minor, very small SW spoiler in reference to "Dave Chappelle" joke*

...

...

...

In New Yolk City, Stranger must find a Skylift operator. When the operator refuses to cooperate, Stranger recites the "five finger" Rick James joke, and proceeds to punch the operator in the face.

Now, if you had never seen that episode of Chappelle's show, you probably you wouldn't find that funny in the least bit. But somehow, OWI managed to sneak in a bit of pop culture without interrupting the game. And really... that line fits Stranger perfectly.

OANST · #17 02-02-2005, 08:15 AM

That's a pretty old joke and I'm not sure that was the inspiration for it. It could be, though.

SeaRex · #18 02-02-2005, 01:16 PM

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That's a pretty old joke and I'm not sure that was the inspiration for it. It could be, though.

True.

However, it would be a pretty big coincidence that it was only reminiscent of a recent facet of American pop culture. I mean, they could have used any other joke resulting in the guy getting punched in the face, but Stanger's line was exactly the same as Chappelle's (Have ya' heard that new joke that's been goin' round...). It even had the same breaks of punctuation, even though that was probably due to Stranger's Clint Eastwood/John Wayne-esque dialect.

Still, pretty big coincidence.

Then again, I'm probably totally wrong. But for now I'm just assuming that I'm correct.

sligster · #19 02-02-2005, 02:10 PM

lol. now that you mention it, I remember that too.

tsioc · #20 02-02-2005, 09:04 PM

the story... OWI games have always told great stories.

I remember that joke. I didn't know they did it on Chappelle show as well...

I recognized it from my ex-girlfriends son, who used to love making that joke. Twas nice hearing it in the game, I laughed pretty hard, and thought of him.

another favorite line: "come get some, yer momma did"