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Oh, my google feed isn't updating anymore. You wrote! Though I don't share the more in-game-play praises with this game (as you know) this is yet another very interesting writeup of open ends, and a review of a most interesting game. Enjoyed it.

I'm a player that plays games mostly because of the possibility of virtual limitless exploring. Discovering new digital worlds is where I get my kicks from. (Myst series, Discworld, FF) The first few minutes of every game are often the most enjoyable for me. Because everything is new and because you don't know the boundaries yet, everything is possible. Soon enough, I will bump into these limits (more literally the invisible barriers of the level, for instance -- "why can't I go THERE??") which is where my interest takes a first considerable drop.

Sworcery did rather good on that scale, but the repetitive gameplay díd bore me. Also, the game seemed to restrain itself by it's stylistic design. However magical, the dreamworld for instance was something I expected more from. Especially having crossed the water (which was great). Quite a lot of green bushes and brown trees.. You propose all the walking was meant to let you enjoy the scenery, this only worked for me the first time you traveled a path. Walking the trail a second time frustrated me already (same in real life), and instead of enjoying the scenery I was more occupied with double tapping the exits as fast as I could.

I've listened to the podcast you mentioned in the previous post and love the analogy of games to junkfood or drugs. (more on the latter later)
Although I'm unsure this is actually healthy food. It's pretty, the music is great and indeed the end moves you a little. The emotional result is however comparable with some of the better short films on vimeo. It's not a great movie.

Can you recall some games that are actually healthy food?

First up: if you want health food, the only games I can really suggest is Portal and Braid. If you haven't played them yet, and intend on doing so, I envy your position. You're in for some good times ahead. Two of the smartest games around. Braid deals with playing with time, while Portal deals with playing with space. Something that can't be done in any other medium. I have a post in the back of mind about games that use time and space as elements, but that's a long way off. Other than that, there's not much really. I don't play that many games, mostly because I can't be bothered and would rather while away a few hours on the web. Makes me feel old when I say that.

In terms of exploration: they've never really appealed to me, but I can see their allure. But, you're always going to end up with barriers. It's the nature of the medium. I read something, somewhere, about how game designers overcome this barrier. On the other hand, there's also something to be said about a self contained world, which I think Sworcery does extremely well.

But yes, the visual and audio aspects of the game are definitely the stronger part of the game. At this point, it's somewhat unfair to call it a game, more an experiment in a gaming medium. In that respect I find it a very interesting experience.

Thanks for this; I adore Sword & Sworcery & I'm always happy to read about people that grok it in the same ways I do.

You are so full of yourself, it's awe-inspiring.

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