Wadjet Eye Unavowed - Dave Gilbert's RPG-inspired urban fantasy game

[MRY]

I replayed this recently, and I have to say that my impression of it was significantly more negative than when I played it at release.

I think this game does an excellent job of making it seem like there's variety based on choices, but when you actually go back and replay it, it becomes pretty obvious that there aren't any significant changes beyond the origins and some of the puzzles.

This reads to me like, "After I rewatched the magic trick, I could see how the magician did it, and now it doesn't seem magical." Even if it was all a trick, the game did trick you into "lik[ing] it a lot" and thinking it was "very cool" on the first go around -- which is pretty magical!

The danger of an illusion is that it is seen through too soon, and the fun goes out of it. But if the illusion of choice, narrative, gameplay, etc. holds up until the player is done with his first playthrough, I'm pretty sure the game is successful.

 

[<3sRichardSimmons]

I replayed this recently, and I have to say that my impression of it was significantly more negative than when I played it at release.

This reads to me like, "After I rewatched the magic trick, I could see how the magician did it, and now it doesn't seem magical." Even if it was all a trick, the game did trick you into "lik[ing] it a lot" and thinking it was "very cool" on the first go around -- which is pretty magical!

The danger of an illusion is that it is seen through too soon, and the fun goes out of it. But if the illusion of choice, narrative, gameplay, etc. holds up until the player is done with his first playthrough, I'm pretty sure the game is successful.

I get your argument, but I want to be clear that my biggest problem on the repeat playthrough was not the lack of meaningful C&C (I actually more or less expected that), it was the writing and narrative structure. Why it is that it didn't bother me more on the first playthrough is baffling to me. My recollection of my opinion of the story when playing it through at launch was "Eh. It's fine.", but on the second dip it was "Oh my God this is embarrassing.". Again, why that perception changed I can't say. I don't think I've drastically changed as a person in that two-year gap, but it was sort of like the experience of reading some trash fantasy as an adult that I liked as a kid.

I also want to say that I know you and Dave are friends, and I want to be clear that I mean only to be critical of his work, not him as a person. I think the way Dave was treated when he came on this board to defend one of his friends was appalling, and I can't blame him in the slightest for having a negative opinion of the Codex and leaving it permanently. Friends should defend friends, and no one deserves the scorn and edge of a Codexian lynch mob. I also don't begrudge him Unavowed's success at all. I'm glad that the person who helped bring (among other games that I've enjoyed) Primordia to market has made a bundle of money; I just now think it's less likely he's going to make games that I enjoy (and I will admit to feeling some resentment towards people anointing Unavowed as the apotheosis of the Point and Click sub-genre).

 

[Darth Roxor]

fortunately it had already looked like shit to me on my first (and only) playthrough

 

[MRY]

I want to be clear that I mean only to be critical of his work, not him as a person.

That's certainly how I took it, I thought it was a fair criticism.

(and I will admit to feeling some resentment towards people anointing Unavowed as the apotheosis of the Point and Click sub-genre).

Brother, I could build a fortress from such resentments.

 

[RuySan]

I've started playing this through Gamepass and I don't get how can anyone complain about the graphics. They're absolutely gorgeous.

I usually don't like modern day fantasy or paranormal stuff because it's always silly. But this game has choices and multiple solution to puzzles from what I gather, and with the nice graphics and ultra smooth music, it's really pleasant.

 

[ValeVelKal]

I liked Unavowed. For me, it started REALLY strongly ("choice of background", then choice of character), I like the writings of the companions. The reveal was really strong in my opinion.
On the other hand, some of the "missions" were really badly written, Star Trek "monster of the week" level, the worst one being the one on the Island that follows your motorboat. The end of the plot makes no sense, in particular the "dryad" sort of monster who helps you even though you are her antagonist.

I would not replay it, but I had fun. IMO, the strongest Wadjet Eye Games are the ones done by external developers. My favorite is Primordia, with Gemini Rue and Technobabylon close behind. Oh my, yes.

 

[Zombra]

Just played this. Loved it, didn't want it to end, but very satisfied.

 

[Ivan]

is this the one with the fire baby mage? cool moment