Completed Let's become daemon cops in Unavowed (Finished)

[Atrachasis]

Some choices and consequences? Well, this is picking up at last! I like the fact that there seems to be some strategic thinking involved in choosing your options and the possible consequences associated with them - such as weakening Eli prior to what may or may not be a boss fight. Though I am sure the game will still keep holding our hands firmly enough to prevent us from straying into a failure state, it's conceivable that we might branch into different ending states here (regarding, for example, survival of individual party members). This is looking more promising than what we've seen up to now.

However, this positive impression is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the "puzzles" appear to be presented in a strict sequence, and we know absolutely nothing about the further challenges down the line, so we have too little information to allow for a true strategic decision. As Eli is the "default" option that is always available regardless of how the earlier vignettes played out, we can guess that his outcome is going to be the least favorable one. But in the absence of ANY information regarding the upcoming puzzles, picking between Goodfellow and Jordon boils down to a random dice throw again, rather than strategy.

I wonder if this sequence might be improved if there was at least some foreshadowing of what to expect next.

But anyway, Goodfellow might be a bit more versatile than Jordon, whose only shtick is playing with fire, so I'd say let's keep the higher card in reserve and call in Jordon's favor.

 

[Alpan]

You want something melted? Sure, I can do that. Easy. But... are you sure that's what you want me to do? I only want to do this once.

While all the other "elemental aspects" have plausible reasons for helping just this once, the fire elemental doesn't. I think it would have been better to have Jordon help the player whenever help is asked of him. Symmetry is by now an expected quantity of game design, but asymmetry can have its own uses and appeal.

Also, I vote for Jordon.

 

[lightbane]

The camera conveniently pans to the side to skip the awkward animation

Quality programming!

Yeah. Someone created that maze, so I should be able to sense the purpose behind it.

... seriously?

that's some gigantic mental gymnastics.

For not to mention she supposedly lost her power as a muse. Perhaps her powers returned when you killed that hipster, which means that sequence only had two real choices?

Either way, I vote for fireman to open the way. It's like someone designed these traps to weaken your party members and exhaust your resources. I wonder why...

It looks pretty at least.

 

[CappenVarra]

At least the pocket plane looks Fun (TM).

Jordon is my vote, this is after all an epic song of ice and fire

 

[Major_Blackhart]

I'd rather the Iceman. But taht's me

 

[Darth Roxor]

While all the other "elemental aspects" have plausible reasons for helping just this once, the fire elemental doesn't.

Well, he does say it's unpleasant to teleport back into ze physical realm, so it's probably that.

 

[Reinhardt]

Use Jordon. We have TWO fire cards and only one ice.

 

[Reinhardt]

I think second fire card is to counter NATURE.

 

[lightbane]

So, why is a Chinese spirit that deals with luck a spirit of darkness? Because the death world thing? That seems to imply the dragon would have died and be stuck there if you agreed with that Chinese tool, although then I wonder why would the dragon feel the need to help you. Perhaps he's meant to be used later on in a convoluted way?

 

[Erebus]

Since when does a maze count as art ?

Anyway, let's just melt the wall.

 

[Darth Roxor]

That's what she said.

Spoiler

You have decided to ask Zordon for help.

A giant ice gate is blocking our way. Can you melt it for us?

Are you sure that's what you want me to do?

Yes, please melt the ice gate.

burn motherfucker burn

presto

Sure, Jordon. That's everything.

I'd better be going back. Good luck with, well, everything.

Onward, to glory!

Spooky brambles!

These thorns would make short work of any mundane device.

Yeah, and my dad would never let me hear the end of it. Probably better off.

Should be easy enough to burn down.

!!!

He fires off another feuerball.

I did not see that coming!

Is that similar to the woodland in the Village Eye basement?

Yeah. Exactly like that.

This is probably where a favour from Galene would have been handy.

But maybe Goodfellow can help, being the good hippie pixie fellow that he is.

Can you help us get past these thorns?

I am of the WINTER court. Thorns and bushes and forests fall under the Summer Court's jurisdiction, I'm afraid. I cannot interfere.

You useless shit!

Whatever. You know what to do, Bandana.

She takes a few swings.

The thorns are fierce, but not invincible. With effort, I can cut a path through.

You sure about that? Those thorns are pretty... big.

I can withstand the pain. For a while.

There's gotta be another way.

Know that I prefer NOT to do this, but if there is no other option... Well, I know my duty.

We know our duty and we will do it!

Especially since we don't have applicable favours. And we can't just, you know, go around the obstacle or something.

I'm sorry. I think you're our only option, Mandana.

I feared as much. Yet I see the truth of it. Stay close!

A few moments later.

Mandana? Are you... all right?

I... am... not. Leave me, I will be fine.

you fucking weakling

Are you... sure?

Yes. I... heal quickly. Go!

Okay, Mandana, we'll leave. But we'll pick you up on the way back, okay? Okay?

Right.

Chaaaaaaarge!

We still have plenty of cannon fodder to throw at these traps!

Spooky.

!!!

Who is it, Logan?

It's a... police officer? Kind of obese?

Oh ffs

Holy shit. Franco Morino?

Vicki Santina? Is that you?

OUR FOES MULTIPLY

This is crazy.

That would be kaptin Harrison.

Oh, fuck no, not you TOO.

Technically, Vicki wasn't there!

Guys, LISTEN! This is all... you just have to listen!

The ghosts start melding.

Zomg!! The cave starts shaking.

Geist! They're going geist! Stop them, Logan!

I'm TRYING! Come on, guys! Just... calm down! Calm DOWN!

So drama!

Much design!

You... want us to set up a circle? KayKay and I can keep the thing distracted while you slip by.

But what about you?

I'll stay here, don't worry. As long as I'm in the circle, the geist won't get us. So? What's it gonna be?

Such dilemmatic!

Okay.

Surely the answer is just going straight past.

Wow!

Careful! These guys are going to tear this place apart!

Let's look over our assets.

Like this dragon of dorkness.

We have a poltergeist problem. Can you help with that?

Ahhh. Corrupted spirits. Yes, I believe I can be of... some assistance.

And why/how? Because fuck you, stop asking questions

The wraith calms down

and vanishes

Wait, what? What happened? Was that... the dragon? From Chinatown? Whatever he did, it did the trick. The ghosts passed on. They're... at peace.

At first I thought it funny how Logan refers to the dragon as "he" when it clearly has female voiceover, but then I figured Logan never actually saw/heard it in person, so this might be what IMDB trivia sections often label as ~incorrectly regarded as goofs~

Once more into the fray

MORE fire hazards?

This PLACE. First it freezes you, then it tries to roast you.

Hmmm, wot do.

Surely he can summon an ice bridge?

Can you do anything about this lava?

Oh, I'm sorry, I am a fae of the WINTER COURT. That is the Summer Court's jurisdiction, I'm afraid.

You fucker

oh well

you should have chosen eric goodfellow instead of zordon before, me lads!

Lava is more EARTH than fire, but... there is one thing I can do. I can pull the heat FROM it. Solidify it. Make a bridge.

You don't sound so positive about that.

Oh, I can do it. But the lava is MOVING. That makes the job exponentially harder. It's going to take a lot of energy. Probably ALL my energy.

If I do this, I'm going to be tapped out. Completely.

It's your call. Should I do this, or not?

I kept cycling through all the favours all the time while going through these obstacles, and nope. Nothing applies. You can't even tell the general to flood it or something - in fact, funny thing, the general doesn't even have a "fuck you, I can't do this" option/response that Robin does.

I'm sorry, Eli. I don't think we have a choice.

I... thought as much. Here I go.

HNNNGGG!!!

Urrggh, come ON!

A semblance of a walkway appears.

I'm... Fine!

Bridge summoning successful.

MAN DOWN!

Jesus! Are you okay?

Who... me? I'm... fine.

Bullshit. You're as white as a ghost. Er, sorry, KayKay.

100% white.

Okay. I just... used up a bit more... than I should have. Need to... recharge. Go on. I'll just... wait here.

So long

In case you're wondering what happens if you tell Eli to melt the ice gate before and then tell him again to do this, the answer is...

nothing

It goes exactly the same as it does here. However, you can summon Jordon here instead to eat the lava away - because that's what he does as a fire elemental, and it's what he's learnt in the fire plane. That the "pain" he felt before in the real world was just hunger for fire. Yet another thing that the GRORIOUS UNAVOWED EXPERT SUPERNATURAL COPS (including the FIRE MAGE) had no idea about

Anyway, let us proceed.

Dum-de-dum.

Glass doors. We didn't expect them to be this prepared

LOCKED glass doors. Now we're done for!

Thank goodness it isn't a chest high wall, because Vicki wouldn't have been able to shoot that away.

"looks tough - but pretty shoddy material"

yeah i dont think those two qualities come in pairs...

Five or six shots oughta do it.

WHEN SUDDENLY!!!!

!!!!

We're just passing through.

Passing through, it says.

THE XENOS ARE UNCOUNTED

WHY DO YOU LIE

A beacon was formed, leading the way to this world. We followed it.

Damn it. It was the summoning spell, wasn't it?

The beacon was formed. That's all we know.

shieeeet

indeed, what ARE you waiting for?

How many of you are there?

You had to ask, didn't you?

Let's talk about this.

The time for talk is OVER.

well then.

Vicki? Over to you.

My fucking pleasure.

those aren't very good odds

o hey

There is no need for slaughter. Not this night.

Long time no see.

Yes, it has been... a while. This one showed me mercy I did not deserve. This kindness should be repaid. Just this once.

You vouch for it?

Yes.

Then that will have to be sufficient.

They start jumping away one-by-one.

blablabla

I... suggest you complete your business here as soon as possible.

byeeeeeeee

let's get a move on, shall we.

perfect shots!!!

the way inside lies open

and beyond it... a mystery!

Nevertheless, we still have two dudes and two favours to spare. Surely that should be much useful in the final confrontashun.

convenient for the door to lead straight to the fucking top

ohai

You had to leave some of your friends behind, but you made it.

Did you really think we wouldn't come after you?

I couldn't be sure. I HOPED you would. This is MY world. You're only here because I want you here.

You're stalling.

Think about it! I lit up my stronghold like a christmas tree. I literally TOLD you where to go! It would have taken you years to find me. If you ever found me at all.

please dont tell me it's going to be another one of those "just as planned" moments

Don't get too cocky. The top of the Empire State Building ain't exactly subtle.

We're all New Yorkers here. How often do you even NOTICE the Empire State Building, let alone go up there?

Shut up already. What do you want?

I was... wrong, Melkhiresa. Wrong to leave you in the dark the way I did. We should have worked together. We should have been partners.

Yeah, "partners". I know firsthand how you treat partners.

I thought I could do it all on my own. But I can't. I need your help. The knowledge you contain. Merge with me again, willingly this time. We'll be EQUALS. And we can build this world together.

If you only knew the power of the dark side!

I'm all for second chances, but this takes it a bit far.

No. No way. No fucking way.

After everything you've done, what makes you think I'd agree?

Who are you to judge me? I share your memories. I know everything you've done. You let that fire elemental go. He torched an entire homeless shelter.

The fiend!!!

And General Zarug of the mer-folk? He slaughtered dozens of people. You barely gave him a slap on the wrist.

Such savagery!!!

You wished Galene of the North Woods to DEATH. Out of petty revenge.

Diabolical!!!

And let's not forget Robin Goodfellow. He kidnapped KIDS. And you let him walk. In exchange for what? A "favor"? Give me a break.

Truly appalling!!!

You executed Stan Bates in cold blood. And all because that pretty muse batted her eyes.

Absolutely haram!!!

Sometimes you showed mercy, sometimes you gleefully executed anyone who crossed your path. Lives were saved or snuffed out based on YOUR whims. So don't get all self-righteous with me.

All we did was clean up your mess, Codexia.

That whole WORLD is a mess, Melkhiresa. That's why I want to create another one. But this time? It's going to be done RIGHT. So HELP me, Melkhiresa. PLEASE.

yes, it's going to be done right by this raving loony spirit

i think this is what we tend to call a spiteful demiurge

Yeah, fuck this. Good people are DEAD because of you. I spent a year thinking I was going crazy. You killed a cop. You killed kids. And you did that WITHOUT help from a magic book. Not to mention you were my partner. You were supposed to have my back.

But aren't you in a better place, Vicki? You're making a real difference now. More than you'd ever made as a cop.

This isn't about me. It's about justice.

Look, you can't run from this. You KILLED people. And that's not even the worst of it. You didn't just take people's lives. You twisted their SOULS. Made them into something nasty and dangerous.

You mean those idiots in the Bronx?

They were PEOPLE.

Why am I even talking to you? This is between me and Melkhiresa. The peanut gallery can SHUT UP now.

Codexia casts mass sleep!

Hey! Wake up!

Relax, they're just asleep. I may not have much power now, but I can do THAT at least. Besides, this is between you and me. So how about it? Will you merge with me willingly? Or not?

Ugh, so much blablabla.

What's your goal here? You want to become a god? Is that it?

I guess? If you have to put a label on it. I spent my life enforcing rules. Now I can create the rules. Rules that make sense. I just want a place where I fit. Where I don't have to pretend. And since it doesn't exist, I have to make it.

could also try the loony bin

KayKay! Can you... force Codexia to move on? Like any other ghost?

"Any other ghost"? I'm not DEAD. In case you aren't aware, my body is very much alive.

This world you created is awful! Why would you want to live here?

I admit. It's not... ideal. That's why I need your help. I absorbed a lot of knowledge from you, Melkhiresa. But there's so much more I need to learn. That information is locked up inside your head. Well, MY head.

You learnt how to create this world from me?

Yes, Melkhiresa. As long as you were in my head, I could learn... anything. All I had to do was THINK, and the knowledge appeared in my brain. As if it was there all along. It was like... knowing who committed a murder without having to do any detective work. You taught me about the dryad trapped in the North Woods. The dragon in Chinatown. The mer-folk's war. But I can't access new information anymore. Not while we're... separated. So here we are.

ACCESS DENIED

If I have so much knowledge, how come I can't remember any of it?

Because you are a TEXTBOOK, Melkhiresa. You can't read yourself.

That's encyclopaediophobic.

That summoning spell you've been chanting? You only know it because you remember ME casting it.

What if I say no?

Oh, sure, you could say that. I can't stop you. But... you can't exactly stop ME either. That's my body. And I mean to have it back.

If you can take back this body so easily, why don't you?

Because I don't want to FIGHT you anymore, Melkhiresa. It makes the work take so much longer. And it's exhausting. Working together will be so much easier, wouldn't you agree?

So if I agree, you'll let my friends go?

As a sign of good faith? Sure. If you merge willingly. If not? Well, I might not know how to create life yet, but I am VERY good at ending it.

obvious bluff!

If we merge... we'll stay in this world? We won't harm the mundane world ever again?

Well, sort of? I mean, the energy to create this place has to come from SOMEWHERE. I created several pools of energy in the mundane world. They worked beautifully too, until you cut them off. So before we do anything else, we'll need to make some more.

You want to go back and hurt MORE people?

Yes, but only temporarily. Just until we make this world self-sustaining. Five to ten years. Then I'll seal off the portal for good. We'll drift into the void and join the cosmos.

Thankfully, over these 5-10 years we definitely won't have anything to fear from the Unavowed

Can I have a moment to think about it?

Take all the time you want. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you.

Let's activate the bronze sphere.

Yeah, that's not going to work here. Sorry.



so, to sum up

all the choices we made up until this point were completely, utterly, absolutely, shamelessly pointless

it doesn't matter if we accrue favours or not cuz their "use" is fake and in line with what party members can do anyway

it doesn't matter if any party members are left behind because they get insta-KO'd

it doesn't matter if we spare favours because summoning is disabled

Bravo.

BRA-VO!

Fucking The Shivah had better-done choices than this piece of shit farce that some incorrectly call an adventure game. At this point, Dave Gilbert might as well jump out of my monitor and spit in my face.

but, moving on...

the only thing that can be interacted with here is this convenient gap in the railing

What... what are you DOING?

What does it look like?

Wait, just... WAIT. This is crazy. Why would you do this?

You need to be stopped, Codexia.

Just HOLD ON. Think! You're in a human body! You'll die a human death! Is that what you really want, Melkhiresa?

I am prepared to die. Are you, Codexia?

No! No, I'm not. You're HUMAN now. You could become a ghost. A helpless, mewling GHOST! And... so would I. I won't let that happen. I can't let that happen.

Do you really want to live, Codexia?

Yes. Yes, I do. I'll do anything.

Let me go. Free me, Codexia.

You mean... No. No, there has to be another way. All my knowledge. All the power that sustains this world. It comes from YOU. If you're gone...

Better make a decision. I'm losing my balance.

Fine, FINE. You WIN, Melkhiresa.

So much for that "I can do anything in this pocket realm of mine".

You're free! You're free! I release you! GO! Go back to the darkness where you came from!

This is it, my lads. For the last time in this LP, the chosen one must choose (the colour of the ending lazer, Mass Effect style). Do we:

- MERGE WITH THE PRACTICAL INCARNATION
- KILL OURSELVES WITH THE BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL
- GO BACK TO THE DEMON PLANE TO TAKE PART IN THE BLOOD WAR
- FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE TRANSCENDENT ONE

 

[Alpan]

I was going to do the shout out to the Transcendent One myself; glad you did it. Obviously, it doesn't quite have the same effect, and if the throwback was intended by Gilbert it fares rather poorly.

It does seem incomprehensible that The Shivah did C&C far better than Unavowed so many years ago (still my favourite Dave Gilbert game I think), but I guess its compactness helped.

I vote for merging. Some ridiculous dissonance to end the LP is in order.

 

[MRY]

I can't believe you lost two followers when you had a backpack full of unused consummables. :/

Also, I feel like you missed a lot of good references to throw in along the way, liek:

"Know that I prefer NOT to do this, but if there is no other option... Well, I know my duty."

How did you let that pass without an "Endure. In enduring grow strong."

Also, there was definitely a "Duke's in a coma!" moment.

 

[Darth Roxor]

I can't believe you lost two followers when you had a backpack full of unused consummables. :/

No other consumables could be used anywhere. In fact, we'd always have to lose Bandana because (I assume) Galene is the only one who could dispel the thorns, and the only one who could have been 'saved' was Eli if we had him or Goodfellow open the ice gate, so that Zordon could later eat up the lava stream.

not like it matters

 

[Alpan]

Also, did Gilbert really have to represent Codexia as ags_asset_npc_spirit, especially within her own pocket realm? That's just lazy.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Also, did Gilbert really have to represent Codexia as ags_asset_npc_spirit? That's just lazy.

Yeah, seriously. As if you couldn't just take the regular Codexia sprite and make it black + semi-transparent or something. FFS :/

 

[Jaedar]

Fighting back is an option? Because I think we should do that.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Fighting back is an option? Because I think we should do that.

quest compass engaged:

- go back to the darkness
- fall back
- fight me if you have to
- i'll merge willingly

 

[Erebus]

I didn't expect anything great, but this is downright terrible. It's not even a game anymore.

It's even more annoying because the concept of this part seems promising : you have to solve several puzzles in a row with the help of your companions and the supernatural beings you can summon. But in the end, everything is meaningless. The "player" is just given the false impression that he has to make tactical choices.

Let's just kill ourselves.

 

[lightbane]

Technically, Vicki wasn't there!

First actual consequences of a choice... And they they screw it!

Much design!

Yeah, that monster looks lame.

Ahhh. Corrupted spirits. Yes, I believe I can be of... some assistance.

And why/how? Because fuck you, stop asking questions

Good summary of the game.

At first I thought it funny how Logan refers to the dragon as "he" when it clearly has female voiceover, but then I figured Logan never actually saw/heard it in person, so this might be what IMDB trivia sections often label as ~incorrectly regarded as goofs~

A femdragon? "Born" from a banana tree? Funny.

In case you're wondering what happens if you tell Eli to melt the ice gate before and then tell him again to do this, the answer is...

nothing

It goes exactly the same as it does here. However, you can summon Jordon here instead to eat the lava away - because that's what he does as a fire elemental, and it's what he's learnt in the fire plane. That the "pain" he felt before in the real world was just hunger for fire. Yet another thing that the GRORIOUS UNAVOWED EXPERT SUPERNATURAL COPS (including the FIRE MAGE) had no idea about

Good thing some party-members are "recyclable".

convenient for the door to lead straight to the fucking top

Lazy design. There was a chance to make one or two more puzzles, but nope...

I thought I could do it all on my own. But I can't. I need your help. The knowledge you contain. Merge with me again, willingly this time. We'll be EQUALS. And we can build this world together.

WHAT. Is she going with that argument? What happened with "living my own life"?

And General Zarug of the mer-folk? He slaughtered dozens of people. You barely gave him a slap on the wrist.

He didn't kill humies though, so it's okay.

ou wished Galene of the North Woods to DEATH. Out of petty revenge.

Not really? She's probably alive and wishing she was dead.

That whole WORLD is a mess, Melkhiresa. That's why I want to create another one. But this time? It's going to be done RIGHT. So HELP me, Melkhiresa. PLEASE.

I guess? If you have to put a label on it. I spent my life enforcing rules. Now I can create the rules. Rules that make sense. I just want a place where I fit. Where I don't have to pretend. And since it doesn't exist, I have to make it.

Ah, here's the extreme solipsism I was looking for. And yeah, the whole thing is (poorly) aping Planescape: Torment.

Because you are a TEXTBOOK, Melkhiresa. You can't read yourself.

How did Mel survive for so long without being eaten by another demon?

Take all the time you want. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you.

I think this line was copied from Primordia.

so, to sum up

all the choices we made up until this point were completely, utterly, absolutely, shamelessly pointless

it doesn't matter if we accrue favours or not cuz their "use" is fake and in line with what party members can do anyway

it doesn't matter if any party members are left behind because they get insta-KO'd

it doesn't matter if we spare favours because summoning is disabled

Bioware approves.

the only thing that can be interacted with here is this convenient gap in the railing

... Oh God, they copy (one of) Primordia's ending too. FFS!!!

This is it, my lads. For the last time in this LP, the chosen one must choose (the colour of the ending lazer, Mass Effect style). Do we:

So, is the ending the same except for the typical vignettes with pics that have become a trend?

Yeah, seriously. As if you couldn't just take the regular Codexia sprite and make it black + semi-transparent or something. FFS :/

Work is hard, too busy lying to the press and the yes-men players. And doing several paths for multiple characters with minor differences, I guess.


Anyway, this game is lame, lame, lame and full of poorly tapped potential. Let's give the world a fate worse than death and choose Merging with the psycho.

 

[Darth Roxor]

... Oh God, they copy (one of) Primordia's ending too. FFS!!!

Well, you could argue the four choices could be rephrased as:

- Merge with MetroMind
- Retrieve your stuff and go back home
- Explode MetroMind's tower (more appropriate than drop off the tower since it also kills Codexia)
- Fight back against scraper

so

 

[orcinator]

Hey, remember all those people that got slaughtered at the very beginning.

What was up with that?

Also pick the first option on the list.

 

[Egosphere]

It's all so tiresome

 

[MRY]

Yikes, I missed that scene from earlier in the LP. Pretty gruesome.

On the ending, while the PS:T connection is obvious, that one that just struck me is ME:2 -- that's what was in the back of my head. The whole assigning followers to missions in the final dungeon.

I was trying to figure out why the stakes were (comparatively) low, with no followers dying, consummables exceeding places to use them, etc., but then I recalled from Primordia (which IMO handled this very poorly) that having early choices lock you into late-game sorrow is a recipe for negative player reactions. So perhaps this approach is a way of mitigating against players being disappointed that they've lost a follower because they chose to spare (or execute) a supernatural being earlier in the game.

Darth Roxor Is it explained why the pocket dimension is just a series of locked doors/barred paths? I didn't read close enough. Is the mental illness shaping the world to hold you back?

 

[Major_Blackhart]

Back to the darkness