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Let's Play Heart of China

Sceptic

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
10,871
Divinity: Original Sin
DAY TWO: CHENGDU

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Welcome to Chengdu, exotic home of the even more exotic Li Deng. Who also happens to collect exotics.

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Remember trying to land when we came without Chi was such a chancy affair? Well, if Chi's in the party, this is what happens if you pick an unsafe landing spot:

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Don't ask me why James "Lucky" Masters, WWI flying ace, needs the help of a guy who a few hours ago didn't even believe planes could fly in order to land safely.

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Anyway we click through the landing spots until we get a good one (randomized of course), and it's off to do some sightseeing.

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Notice there's someone walking down the road towards us? Let's wait for him to get there and chat with him.

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OK, so maybe Chi should do the talking this time as well...

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Tpeasant.png
Morning.

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It is possible to screw up this conversation, but it's no big deal because you only lose out on one of the alternative ways into the Fortress. Since it's also the more interesting one, we definitely want to get it right. Being friendly is always a good start.

Tpeasant.png
Tobacco is always welcome.

Tchi.png
Beautiful day.

Tpeasant.png
Always, with such good tobacco!

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Now there's two paths through. This is a Chinese peasant in the 1920's we're talking about, so picking option 1 then letting Chi be direct on the next choice will get us what we want. The second option, however, is slightly more interesting and leads to the same outcome.

Tpeasant.png
Life is hard anyway. But he gives us heartache, too.

Tchi.png
How would you like to give him heartache?

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Would like to--would like to live more.

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Tpeasant.png
Then you know I cannot... I...

Tchi.png
I know you cannot feed your family when he steals your crops.

Tchi.png
I know you cannot live in peace when his soldiers can do anything they like to you, your wife...

Tpeasant.png
Yes, I know! But I am of modest strength, and there is but one of me, while Li Deng has an army equipped with guns that kill.

Tpeasant.png
There is nothing I can do.

Tchi.png
You are wrong.

Tpeasant.png
Is that so?

Tchi.png
Yes. Just give me your clothes...

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What?

Tchi.png
I know this sounds very strange, but I need to blend in here. For your protection, I can say no more.

Tpeasant.png
So you expect me to stand around exposed... or do I get to wear that strange outfit of yours?

Sorry Jaesun, but it's not that kind of game.

Tchi.png
No. Go to the arrow-plane. There are pants in the back you can put on. And you can have whatever food and tobacco you want.

Tpeasant.png
I can sit in the steel-bird and smoke tobacco and eat food?!

Tchi.png
Sure. Just go easy on the donuts--those are mine.

Tchi.png
And by the way, what you call a strange outfit is the dress of a Ninja.

Tpeasant.png
Ninja? So to be what you call a Ninja, one must wear a strange outfit?

Tchi.png
No. See, the... never mind. We will be back before dark.

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At least someone is having fun... but we did get a good disguise out of it.

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While we're there, let's combine the rope and hook to get:

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Now, what can we catch with this...

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Sure why not.

Tchi.png
You missed.

Oops. Well, I'm sure it'll work on the second try...

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Tbubblelucky.png
I bet that little Ninja is laughing behind my back. I'll show him!

Tlucky.png
Say, Chi, I was just thinking as I was warming up the ol' lasso. Why don't I let you take a shot?

Tlucky.png
I mean, I do this stuff all the time...

Tlucky.png
I could lasso Elsie there blindfolded with both hands tied behind my back.

Tchi.png
That sounds interesting. Okay. Here, I tie hands.

Trying to outwit a Ninja is obviously not the best idea.

Tlucky.png
No, ya numbskull! You try! I want to expand your horizons.

Tchi.png
Is that right?

Tlucky.png
No, the angle on your lasso is all wrong, but you're just a beginner, and it's pretty much a science.

Tchi.png
Ye-haw! Chi the Kid lassos cow!

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Oh, quit blowing your own horn! Without my guidance, your probably would have lassoed yourself.

Aaaaaaaaaanyway.

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It's missing that little rustic touch, I think...

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Perfect! We're ready for Li Deng!

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What is your business?

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Very well.

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OPEN THE GATE.

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FYI, this is what happens if you try and send Chi in there without both cow and peasant clothes.

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Things will be different with the full disguise. But first... remember the map Wu gave us? Let's explore the alternative approach.

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Now I admit it took me YEARS to figure out how this path works. It's pretty obvious that you have to wait for the guard to be out of sight, and it's obvious you need the crowbar to open the grate, but I always thought I needed to get close to the grate before using the crowbar. Turns out you just use it from this distance...

In any case, if you try and get to the grate when the guard's around, Chi warns you.

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If you fail again:

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So we reload and wait for the guard to walk into the guard tower.

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Plot branch ahoy!

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This is why I said you need Chi no matter what. He's either the one going in through the front door, or needed to open the grate. There's no way Lucky can get through either path by himself.

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Tchi.png
Yes we did. You have honor of going first, Lucky.

Tlucky.png
Thanks for nothing, Chi.

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It's definitely NOT gonna be good, I can tell you...

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I don't know..

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Gee, ya think?

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Welcome to total darkness! Thankfully Lucky has an item to handle this problem.

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Now we can see where we're going, so let's move deeper! (try to hold your breath...)

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This is an adventure, so if you see a hotspot, you ALWAYS try and use it.

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Hurrrrrr.

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The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel!

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That hole is too small and too high!

Fortunately we have something to, ah, bore with.

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Tchi.png
Please to lift me a bit higher Lucky.

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Be careful, Chi! We don't know what's up there.

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UGH! Maybe Lucky should go on diet!

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Just cut the wise-cracks and lift me up!

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And we're in!

However... notice that both Lucky and Chi made it together. The alternative path has Chi going in alone at first, and since he's a Ninja he gets free run of the place, including where Lucky can never go. So we're going to reload the game and try the more interesting approach.

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Tchi.png
I get in with cow, throw over rope for you to climb.

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Tguard.png
What is your business?

Tchi.png
I have a cow for the weekend feast!

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Another one?!

Tchi.png
Yes, it's a two cow feast this weekend.

Tguard.png
Very well.

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OPEN THE GATE.

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Say goodbye to the peasant, say hello to the NINJA!

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An excellent idea, so let's look around.

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Notice the unguarded wall, which will be an ideal spot to get Lucky in. There's also a guardhouse to the left, which we'll deal with later.

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The only item of note on the other side is the tank.

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It absolutely is, which is why we'll do it.

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Enough fooling around, let's enter the main compound.

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Here's the layout of the place: one door on the bottom left, one on the upper left (but currently locked), one on the upper right, and the big door in the center, which we will try first.

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It's Li Deng's throne room!

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What progress has been made on the repairs to the tank?

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It's running again but there's still an oil leak in the manifold.

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Damn it, Tong!

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You said it wuold be completely ready today!

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What happened?

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The parts are back-ordered.

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Well get it running as soon as possible.

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Lomax will soon send mercenaries to try to rescue his daughter.

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I have even heard rumors that Lomax has recruited a man named Jake Masters to undertake such a mission.

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I'll feed his liver to the jackals if he is foolish enough to even attempt to breach our defenses.

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Good, but we must prepare for all contingencies. See to it, Tong.

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As you command, my master.

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Back to the main hall, we take the lower left passage.

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Mmm, dining room. Wonder what that bottle is?

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Moving on west from the dining room, we get into the kitchen, which is where the backdoor also leads (you can see the hole next to the stove).

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The dog guards the stairs up, and he will NOT let you through.

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Insistence is not a virtue:

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Let's see what else is in the room.

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Hey look, don't feed it to your dog! Maybe doing so will get rid of him...

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Nope feeding him both does nothing. Wait... which OTHER item also had something about dogs in its description?

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It's not as if we have anything left to lose at this point...

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And the way is clear!

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The knife is only essential if you get in through the backdoor. You'd better remember to pick it up if you do though!

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Notice the guard stationed here. Since Chi's a Ninja he has no trouble passing through, but Lucky would if he were along. In any case going through here leads us immediately through the upper right door in the main hall, and into...

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... an Indiana Jones reference.

Tkate.png
P-p-p-please h-h-help me!

Tchi.png
Nurse Kate, please to stay calm! My name is Zhao Chi. I am here to help rescue you.

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I don't care who you are, JUST GET ME OUT OF HERE!

Tchi.png
Soon, but first I find my partner. Together we find way to free you from cobras.

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Wait! You can't just leave me here!!

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Not worry, nurse Kate. I back soon with help.

Let's head back out and do just that!

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Fun fact: Chi will sometimes miss and the hook will fall back on this side. I can never figure out what causes this, as this time it succeeded immediately.

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Tchi.png
I'd say "It nothing Lucky" except you heavy as an ox!! Almost throw Chi's back out to hold you!

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Quite complaining. The important thing is that we both made it into the fortress.

Tlucky.png
And now we have to rescue Lomax's daughter!

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I have scouted around the palace Lucky. It crawling with guards: we must be careful.

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I also find Kate Lomax. She is being held in great hall on east side of palace.

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All right then: let's get moving.

As soon as we get away from the wall...

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FYI, if you do let the guards catch you here:

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Reloading, we follow Chi's advice and hide in the abandoned guardhouse.

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Sounds good- wait, what's this?

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Definitely looks like a keeper.

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Time to lead the assault!
 

lightbane

Arcane
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
Messages
10,156
The game has excellent avatar material indeed :D

PS: By the way, considering it seems to have multiple paths, shouldn't this game be considered a rpg? Oh wait, it wasn't really profitable, so it cannot be a rpg according to today's standards... :M
 

anus_pounder

Arcane
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
5,972
Location
Yiffing in Hell
Conquests of the Longbow also has a few gameovers, hopefully someone on here LPs it.

:salute: I second that notion regarding the BRO's avatar.
 

LusciousPear

Savant
Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
722
Location
SF
MCA Project: Eternity Torment: Tides of Numenera Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Got this game when I was 9 or 10. Never could figure out how to get the ninja guy. Lots of fail.
 

Sceptic

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
10,871
Divinity: Original Sin
Crooked Bee said:
Should be BLOBERT's avatar.
The original from which I cropped the portrait will be posted soon :M

anus_pounder said:
Conquests of the Longbow also has a few gameovers, hopefully someone on here LPs it.
I had it on the list as my next LP, but if someone else wants to I wouldn't mind at all, as all the typing I'm having to do for HOC is really draining me and I'll need a long break after it (especially if Bee gets busy with Gateway and Timequest and can't do the Eric one...). Though Longbow's game overs are pretty tedious to transcribe, they just consist of the Merry Men giving an obituary that usually hints at what you did wrong (a much nicer way for sure than the stupid, stupid death messages in Codename Iceman), so they're certainly not the main attraction of the game IMO.

lightbane said:
The game has excellent avatar material indeed :D
That it does!

By the way, considering it seems to have multiple paths, shouldn't this game be considered a rpg?
TBH, the main reason I decided to LP this, Rise and Longbow is that they have tons of multiple paths and, in the case of HOC, some light C&C, but with Longbow the C&C is pretty significant and completely determines which ending you get. And I wanted to use them as examples of how these elements, while good to have, should in no way be associated with CRPG's and cropped up in adventure games way earlier than in CRPG's.
 

Sceptic

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
10,871
Divinity: Original Sin
DAY TWO: THE GREAT ESCAPE

hoc_213.png


Li Deng's fortress, operation Rescue Nurse Kate.

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Tchi.png
Chi get along fine, but Lucky would be in great danger.

Tchi.png
Must stay with Lucky.

This is an indication that we no longer have Chi's freedom of going where we want. Guards will see Lucky, and one room in particular, Li Deng's throne room, is now completely inaccessible. Being caught by one of the guards will lead to this:

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So we reload, and pay attention to the guards' rounds, same as when trying to get into the sewers.

Well, this is gonna be a problem. To get to Kate, we need to be on the upper level, and we can't do this as long as that guard is up there.

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As soon as the guard on the upper walkway heads into the left side of the balcony, we run like hell through the lower left door into the dining room.

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Mmm, I wonder if this can help us create a good distraction...

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Now let's RLH into the kitchen.

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Well, this seems to have worked. The guards are all rushing downstairs through the main stairway.

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The dog is still out, so we get past him and rush upstairs.

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Notice how the guard, which we could see standing there as Chi, is now gone. The road to Kate is open!

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... probably not for long though. Letting the guards catch you results in the same HALTHALTHALT gameover as above.

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Tlucky.png
Just relax. I've arrived. Everything's under control.

Tlucky.png
So . . . uh . . . any ideas, Chi?

Tchi.png
No ideas.

Tlucky.png
How about doing some Ninja stuff? Maybe a couple of chop chops?

Tchi.png
Ninja chop not work on snakes. Think you better handle this one.

Tlucky.png
Yeah. You're probably right. Hmm. What to do? Let's see.

Tkate.png
Dammit, would you just kill the snakes already?!!

I keep trying to think of witty comments to make with the dialogs, but really, there's no way I can beat the original flavor.

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Before we proceed, let's do something really stupid and try a couple of chop chops on the snakes.

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There. Between the last update and this one, no one can say I didn't take one for the team and amass all possible game overs.

Now, how do we deal with snakes? Well, sometimes you need to solve problems peacefully, and sometimes you just need to shoot the shit out of everything.

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This is one such time.

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... OK, so maybe shooting Kate is not such a good idea.

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:yeah:

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Unfortunately the second snake manages to bite Kate before exploding in another shower of gore.

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We don't really have a lot of time, so let's grab Leia Kate and run for it.

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Tlucky.png
"Lucky" Jake Masters is the name. Honored I'm sure. Now we're getting outta here.

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Uh-oh. Looks like a dead end. What do we have that can help here?

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The hook's gone, but we still have the rope!

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and not much time before they catch up.

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Tlucky.png
Here goes nothing!

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Wait! You'll never...

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I should mention that the music in this whole bit, as well as in the upcoming action sequence, is very, very good.

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Remember the tank we saw much earlier? It's gonna be our ticket out.

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Tchi.png
Chi not think this such a good idea!

Shut up and get in.

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First thing to do is start the thank. There are two ways to do it. Remember why I said the knife was essential if you come in through the sewers? That's because you skip the guardhouse and the tank key that's in it. Thankfully, you can use the knife to do some DIY and hotstart the tank.

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Thankfully we have they key, so we don't need to do any of this.

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:yeah:

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Welcome to the first HOC arcade, using Dynamix's 3SPACE technology (if you have an MT-32, the LCD will flash "Dynamix presents / 3SPACE") that you all know from BAK and that some may remember from Red Baron. And even from David Wolf! /selfplug

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The goal is simple: run away from the pursuing tank and get to the Yankee Eagle in one piece. Like in Rise, dying just forces you to restart, though here you get the option to skip the arcade as soon as it starts. It's not very hard, though there's a couple of tricks to it.

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Biggest problem is that controls are very awkward. They're all on the bottom left of the screen. The branches on the Y shape control speed, the arrows let you turn left or right, and the black button lets you shoot. You can see me turning in the above screenshot.

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And in this one you can see me frantically trying to shoot the tank while taking screenshots.

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:yeah:

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This is why you can't afford to miss: by the time you reload, the other tank has already shot you. Not to mention there's yet another tank in hot pursuit behind you.

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That's my cue to go full speed ahead.

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Destroy the intruder's airplane!!!

We interrupt our program to show you what happens if, instead of taking a turn at the T junction, we keep going straight ahead into the valley.

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Insert joke about sleeping with the fish.

Anyway restarting the arcade, we take the turn properly and speed along the valley.

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You have GOT to be kidding me.

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Excellent! DESTROY THEM!!

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I can already see Crooked Bee throwing her computer screen out the window at this pun.

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Ah well, no harm done, coast is clear, no hurry!

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:rage:

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Now here's a little trick. For a while when I replayed the game a month or so ago I kept dying at this spot and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Turns out that, after the pursuing tank catches up, you can no longer try to outrun it and you HAVE to get rid of it. The way to do this? Use that large nonforested space on the left to do a U-turn then shoot the tank. A risky maneuver, since you have to do it fast enough that the tank can't shoot you.

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:yeah:

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And that's it. Just rejoin the road and follow it to the end.

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And we're there!

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Tchi.png
You do good job, Lucky!

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Yeah, Chi, I guess maybe we make a good team.

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Tchi.png
Kate not well.

Tlucky.png
Yeah, well she'll be just fine once we get her to Hong Kong. Daddy Lomax probably owns his own hospital.

Tchi.png
You no understand. Western hospital no can cure snakebite of this kind.

Tchi.png
Antidote can only be found in Nepal... in Kathmandu.

Tlucky.png
KATHMANDU!!! That means another day, another 20 G's down the tube. Damn!

Tchi.png
I thought you do this for more than money! You disappoint Chi.

Tlucky.png
I didn't say I wasn't going to do it. We'll go to Kathmandu, okay?

Tchi.png
Yes. Chi knew Lucky have good heart.

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Kathmandu it is!

hoc_343.png
 

The Thin Man

Novice
Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
97
Could you shoot the plane , or run the tank around and around to run out the clock to get game overs?
 

anus_pounder

Arcane
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
5,972
Location
Yiffing in Hell
:salute: Great stuff. Could make a good movie, I think.

Actually, I would argue Conquests has good gameoevers due to the terrible puns and (in bad taste) terrible jokes the merry men come up with.
 

lightbane

Arcane
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
Messages
10,156
This lp continues to be enjoyable, well done :love:

hoc_263.png

Someone needs to edit that pic and replace the text with the codexian "FUUUCK!" or something.
 

RK47

collides like two planets pulled by gravity
Patron
Joined
Feb 23, 2006
Messages
28,396
Location
Not Here
Dead State Divinity: Original Sin
Sir, you need to shoot Kate. It's probably one of the stupidest game over, but it's there.

Anyways:
00.jpg
 

Sceptic

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
10,871
Divinity: Original Sin
Oh god those Li Deng variants... you guys have been having fun :lol: :lol: :lol:

The Thin Man said:
Could you shoot the plane , or run the tank around and around to run out the clock to get game overs?
You can't shoot the plane, and losing the arcade doesn't give a game over, just an option to either try again or skip the arcade entirely.

anus_pounder said:
Actually, I would argue Conquests has good gameoevers due to the terrible puns and (in bad taste) terrible jokes the merry men come up with.
Yeah, you've reminded me some of the puns were atrocious. Sierra/Dynamix were always good with the death messages. Reminds me of the absolutely hilarious ones in Space Quest and Quest for Glory.

Crooked Bee said:
If I threw my monitor out the window at every random horrible pun, I'd be broke and starving and go out of my mind already.
Well some of the upcoming ones may induce such a reaction anyway ;)

Fowyr said:
I wonder, can you use curtain rope on the left?
Just tried it, and the curtain rope's actually red; I had always wondered why the rope looked red in the cutscene panels. Nice find!

RK47 said:
Sir, you need to shoot Kate. It's probably one of the stupidest game over, but it's there.
Just tried it, and updated the LP with it.

hoc_426.png


hoc_427.png


hoc_theend2.png


I expected a much funnier "YOU IDIOT!" message by the game, but I guess the very act of shooting Kate speaks for itself.

LusciousPear said:
lightbane said:
This lp continues to be enjoyable, well done :love:
Thanks :love:
 

Fowyr

Arcane
Vatnik
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
7,671
Tank battle! :x I destroyed second tank once, but quickly drowned afterward.
 

RK47

collides like two planets pulled by gravity
Patron
Joined
Feb 23, 2006
Messages
28,396
Location
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Dead State Divinity: Original Sin
Fowyr said:
Tank battle! :x I destroyed second tank once, but quickly drowned afterward.

Managed to beat the tank battle with a lot of practice when I was a kid. The puzzles are bad enough, but arcade sequence felt totally unnecessary. Still, after I explored every solutions and finished the game, i decided to try and beat the tank...felt so satisfying...not so the other mini game, though.... Heh heh...good luck, Sceptic. :smug:
 

Sceptic

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Divinity: Original Sin
RK47 said:
not so the other mini game, though.... Heh heh...good luck, Sceptic. :smug:
While I think the second minigame sucks, it's also pretty easy if you button mash on low difficulty.

Also, sorry for the lack of update, but I was typing all the Kathmandu dialog yesterday, and by the time I was done my fingers hurt like HELL.
 

Sceptic

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Divinity: Original Sin
DAY THREE: SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL

You may have noticed a new UI element in the last update: the heart icon near the bottom left.

hoc_345.png


Let no one claim Heart of China isn't a real RPG: it has a romance! What's more, it has a romance meter! At this point, clicking on the heart will just show you a fixed series of thoughts from Kate and Lucky; later on it'll be a pretty important indication of whether you're gonna get the best ending or not (a kind of C&C indicator).

hoc_346.png


Tbubblelucky.png
I figured any daughter of E.A. Blowhard would be a soft, prissy daddy's girl.

Tbubblelucky.png
I sure was wrong....

Tbubblelucky.png
I mean, venturing off to war-torn regions of China and helping out like that.

Tbubblelucky.png
She's one tough, broad!

Tbubblelucky.png
And that figure is nothing to sneeze at... firm, shapely... a real woman!

Tbubblelucky.png
I wonder what... sheesh, Lucky, calm down, would ya! You have to save her first!

hoc_347.png


Tbubblekate.png
What happened to... uhh... the white horse... the knight?

Tbubblekate.png
Uhhhh... Thank you, sir knight... You are... uhh... very brave... and honorable... and cute!

Tbubblekate.png
So is there a... uhh... a Mrs. Shining Armor?

You gotta admit, this is better than anything Bioware ever came up with. Which says it all really.

hoc_348.png


This screen lies. You are in fact NOT arriving in Kathmandu...

hoc_349.png


... because Lucky is crashlanding instead.

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:rage:

hoc_351.png


:yeah:

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:rage:

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:yeah:

hoc_354.png


Now the next dialog sets up the worst gotcha this game has: splitting the party. Depending on how you handle things, either Chi or Lucky stays while the other goes to get help. As you will see, the dialog makes it rather clear it's Chi who should stay, so we'll let Lucky stay first and show you what happens.

hoc_355.png


Tchi.png
Yes, alright. How about you?

hoc_356.png


Tchi.png
Chi not know, but we must not think of just self now. Kate need antidote soon or die.

Tlucky.png
Thanks Florence Nightingale.

Tchi.png
What you mean?

Tlucky.png
I'm tired of the Mister. Know-It-All, I'm here to serve routine.

Tchi.png
No time to figure out meaning. You go for help, I stay and use Shaolin healing ways to keep alive.

hoc_357.png


Tchi.png
No can explain. Very complex.

Tlucky.png
Try me. I'm a quick learner.

Tchi.png
Time running out. Kate need antidote soon or she die. Must trust.

hoc_358.png


Tchi.png
Very sorry about father. I go.

hoc_359.png


Tchi.png
I do my best.

hoc_branch.png


Remember when I said some branches are not real branches? I showed one in Day Zero, where going to Chengdu without Chi doesn't really get you anywhere. Remember when I also said that one fork is a big trap because one of the branches leads to a dead end? This is it.

hoc_360.png


hoc_361.png


hoc_362.png


The trick here is a bit nonsensical: in order for the searcher to find help, the healer has to be able to keep Kate alive. It's the kind of logic that would only make sense in this type of adventure. First thing Lucky can do is get into the place and get a makeshift tent and a blanket for Kate.

hoc_360.png


hoc_363.png


hoc_364.png


You can see them in the inventory here. And hey, you can also see the medicinal herbs we got from Wu! I bet these will help.

hoc_367.png


Tlucky.png
Is she supposed to eat them or do I put them somewhere?

Tlucky.png
Maybe if I rub them on her chest.

... except that Lucky has no idea HOW they are used. Which isn't too surprising, because they said "For Ninja use only" in their description. So did the herbs that Chi has been lugging around since the beginning of the game, but those cannot even be given to Lucky (some items can't be transfered between characters). And you NEED that starting buch of herbs to save Kate. In other words, only Chi can do it, and the whole branching thing here is one big setup.

hoc_365.png


hoc_366.png


Tlucky.png
I'm getting... sleepy... can't let my eyes close...

Tlucky.png
This isn't... supposed to happen... to me...

hoc_theend2.png


At this point while doing the LP I had a big FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU moment. I usually make sure Chi has everything he needs right after the tank arcade and before taking off. On this occasion, I kept the herbs with Lucky so I could show you what they do, but then I saved AFTER take-off, on the flight screen. Thankfully, the game lets you exchange inventories during the flight... though that's the last chance you get, as you then get to choose who stays WITHOUT being able to make sure everyone's got what they need. Needlessly cruel of the game.

With that in mind, let's redo the initial dialog and take another path.

hoc_355.png


Tchi.png
Yes, alright. How about you?

hoc_368.png


Tchi.png
Yes. Must get antidote soon or she die.

Tlucky.png
Well, in these conditions, I don't think she would survive out there, even if we were somehow able to carry her.

Tchi.png
No, she not survive.

Tlucky.png
That means one us is going to have to go for help. The other stays with her.

Typo isn't mine btw.

Tchi.png
Better I stay. I know Shaolin healing ways.

hoc_369.png


Tchi.png
No game. Serious adventure. Shaolin healing ways no substitute for antidote. Just keep her alive until get antidote.

For obvious reasons, I think the first 2 sentences are hilarious.

Tlucky.png
Uh huh. And exactly how is that done?

Tchi.png
No time for chitchat. She die soon unless get antidote.

hoc_370.png


And as usual the only way to get Lucky to do what he should is by making him say something that once again exposes his monstrous ego.

Tchi.png
Then it is I who will trust you.

Tlucky.png
You do that. By the way, you're going to have to control that ravenous appetite of yours.

Tlucky.png
The food in the Eagle is too far forward. One donut, and you and the plane are pancakes at the bottom of the mountain. I'll se ya.

hoc_branch.png


hoc_360.png


hoc_371.png


And as usual said ego manages to get him a big bite in the ass :smug:

hoc_372.png


Alright, so now we control Chi. Let's go get the blanket and the tarp.

hoc_373.png


hoc_374.png


hoc_375.png


And THIS IS ALL YOU SHOULD TOUCH. Remember Lucky's warning? There's a reason for it.

hoc_388.png


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And as usual (and like in Rise of the Dragon) the game is nice enough to give you a warning. Should you insist, however...

hoc_390.png


hoc_theend2.png


Good thing I know all the ins and outs and always save before trying this stuff. Now let's get Kate comfortable.

hoc_376.png


hoc_360.png


hoc_377.png


Tbubblelucky.png
I always hated geometry!

hoc_378.png


Remember what I said earlier about the herbs Chi starts with? Here they, and as I said they're required.

hoc_379.png


hoc_380.png


hoc_360.png


hoc_383.png


hoc_384.png


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And since we also have Wu's herbs, we get to save Kate! Before showing you this, however, I will add yet another game over to the collection.

hoc_386.png


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Tbubblelucky.png
So much undone... so many without... benefit of my presence.... ohhhh, I'm soo sleeeepy.

Tbubblelucky.png
Can't feel... I'm sorry... whatever I did... didn't mean it.

Tbubblelucky.png
Please... one more chance.... I'll change... be nice.... I can.

Tbubblelucky.png
Mom? Is that... you?

Tbubblelucky.png
I love... ugh.

hoc_theend2.png


Alright, I hear you wonder... what if we don't have Wu's herbs? After all it IS an optional element. You can get Chi, ignore his comment to visit Wu, and immediately board the Eagle. The game lets you and never comments about it. Does this mean you'll get irrevocably stuck now?

Fear not! And behold the mysterious Shaolin healing ways! On this screen, AND ONLY ON THIS SCREEN, WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WHATSOEVER, holding right mouse button produce this hand cursor...

hoc_381.png


Clicking it on Kate has the EXACT SAME EFFECT as using Wu's herbs. Since the only other items you get from Wu are the passport, which will make you lose the game, and the map, which is completely useless (it doesn't help you find the secret entrance in any tangible way)... it means the whole Wu segment was completely unnecessary.

Anyway, doing all this is enough to save Kate, which means Lucky gets lucky and finds help.

hoc_382.png


hoc_392.png


hoc_393.png


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hoc_395.png


Tehcnically this should be a new Day, but this update is so short and the next one will be very long, so I'll keep going with this one for now.

hoc_396.png


hoc_397.png


Tchi.png
I never doubt.

Tlucky.png
Thanks Chi. I was pretty worried. I know you guys were counting on me.

Tchi.png
Yes. Was very cold. We almost lost Kate.

Tlucky.png
As I was slogging along, I kept thinking about you two back there, just sitting and freezing.

Tlucky.png
It kept me going, I mean, we wouldn't have made it this far without you.

Tlucky.png
So anyway, I kind of wanted to, uh...

Tlucky.png
What I mean to say is that... well, uh...

Tchi.png
Yes?

Tlucky.png
Thanks, partner... Chi, Mr. Ninja man!

Tchi.png
Chi very glad to help you, partner... Lucky the Kid!

:bro:

Tlucky.png
Yeah, you should have seen me out there, Chi...

Tchi.png
Faith has not eyes.

Tlucky.png
I mean, gad, I probably walked ten miles through snow drifts, some as high as, well, at least ten feet.

Tchi.png
Remind me of father's path to school.

Tlucky.png
Funny.

Tlucky.png
Look, I'm serious. And at one point, I was even attacked by some sort of creature.

Tlucky.png
I couldn't tell what it was because I was blinded by the snow, but it was furry and extremely large, with these big teeth, too... fangs.

Tlucky.png
Hell, could have been the Abominable Snowman for all I know.

hoc_398.png


The description should give you a pretty good idea of the type of character you're dealing with.

Ama's fun. She's probably the best character in the game, which is quite something. For reasons that will become obvious in the next update, it is a VERY good idea (though not essential) to stay friendly with her. Kinda hard, considering Lucky's character, but I'll maneuver the conversation in such a way as to get her to like him (or, well, pity him).

Also: there's a time limit in Kathmandu, though neither you nor Lucky know this at this time. Therefore, this is the one and only place where wasting extra days is a VERY BAD IDEA. There are multiple ways to waste a day with Ama, and we want to avoid them all.

hoc_399.png


Tlucky.png
Like you could bend over out there and pick up a twig without breaking your back.

Tama.png
Who you think drag hero's ass back here and find friends? Take look around.

Tlucky.png
Yeah, right, and I'm the Masked Avenger. Are my mask and cape dry yet?

Tama.png
Know nothing of mask or cape but undies should be dry.

Tlucky.png
What? Oh. Well, I hope you got your jollies, Miss Liar.

Tama.png
Call Ama liar?!!!

hoc_400.png


Tama.png
There there now, Ama sorry. She believe you.

Tlucky.png
Are you mocking me? Do you realize who I am? I'm THEE Jake Masters...

Tama.png
Jake who?

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Tama.png
No. Could dig ditches for all Ama know. Think you need something, help regain bearings.

Tlucky.png
Yeah, maybe you're right. A guy can handle only so much trauma.

Tlucky.png
First, the crash and nearly dying trying to find help, now this... I mean, you've actually never heard of me?

Tama.png
Shush now! I bring tumba. We drink.

hoc_402.png


Tlucky.png
I forgot my tumba, ya know, thingumajig. I'll have to take a rain check.

Tama.png
What you mean?

Tlucky.png
Uh, ya know, the do-hickey.

Tama.png
Ama no do hickey youee! Not that kind of girl. Ask girlfriend when she better. Now want drink with me or not?

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Tama.png
You very strange. Better go to outskirts, see Lama, maybe can help set straight.

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If not, Ama know good shrink in Kathmandu.

Tlucky.png
Maybe I should have my head examined for getting myself into this mess. Well, Chi, we probably should get moving.

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Ama worry about you. If get in more trouble, I help.

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Hurry along to Lama now. You listen to him. Girl better little later. Stop by and say hi.

Tlucky.png
Thanks, Ama.

Alright! We've made it through the conversation without wasting time AND without pissing Ama off. You will see both reasons why this is a good idea. Before we leave, I will end this update on the fun you can have if you let Chi talk to Ama.

hoc_404.png


hoc_405.png


Tama.png
You VERY nice, Chi. Remind me of first husband. NICE!

Tchi.png
Thank you. Ama, you, too, are most nice. And what you do with hair is most becoming!

Tama.png
Yuck! I hated husband! Nice, nice, nice! He nauseating he so nice!

Tama.png
I mean, no offense, but better I talk with friend. I might just forget you Chi and think you husband and THEN...

Tama.png
Oh me, oh my! I probably snap you like wishbone!

Tlucky.png
Yeah, Chi, no one likes a lap dog.

And finally, just because it's funny, this is what happens to Lucky should he piss Ama off (and boy does she have a temper...)

hoc_406.png
 

RK47

collides like two planets pulled by gravity
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Dead State Divinity: Original Sin
Chi didn't need Wu's Cure, he can simply substitute it with his Ninja Massage (tm) I must've tried dozens of times to get Chi to go instead...but there's simply no luck... :(

Childhood memories crushed.
 

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