Pentiment - Josh Sawyer's historical mystery narrative-driven game set in 16th century Bavaria

[Infinitron]

My problem with saying Disco Elysium isn't an RPG is that it seems that Planescape: Torment's Sigil minus trash mobs would play in a very similar way. I think there are other aspects of Disco Elysium's design besides character progression and skill checks that make it RPG-like. The way characters and quests are laid out isn't the same as in a typical adventure game, where characters basically only exist in the world to participate in one-off puzzles and story events. The game's characters work like typical roleplaying game town NPCs, persistent in the world with extensive dialogue trees that you can revisit at any time.

 

[Viata]

Planescape: Torment's Sigil minus trash mobs would play in a very similar way

Now you know why some people also call Planescape: Torment a VN.

 

[Roguey]

My problem with saying Disco Elysium isn't an RPG is that it seems that Planescape: Torment's Sigil minus trash mobs would play in a very similar way.

Combat is still an option in many of those quests. As my absent friend and Planescape Torment super-fan put it https://rpgcodex.net/forums/threads/rpg-codex-review-disco-elysium.130591/page-5#post-6395904 https://rpgcodex.net/forums/threads/rpg-codex-review-disco-elysium.130591/page-6#post-6395958

 

[RNGsus]

aweigh says there's combat haters in this thread.

I guess Jeff Grubb let some info leak on Obsidian's Disco Sawyerium. Nothing really explosive or anything.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeak..._sawyer_obsidian_game_details_from_grubbsnax/

• Focusing on experimental mechanics and interactions.
  
• It's still being developed by a small team.
  
• 16th century Europe setting.
  
• Still planned to have no combat.
  
• Murder mystery RPG. You will be investigating a murder by talking to people and building a case. You can accuse people of murder. You will possibly continue to play even if you get it wrong and see the consequences.
  
• Planned to be coming out in 2022.

Strange that is would have the same EXACT plot as DE.

I thought Soyer said DE isn't a rpg?

 

[Wirdschowerdn]

A combat-free Sawyer game.

Think about that innovation.

 

[vazha]

If I remember correctly, Josh only played a couple of hours of Elysium.

Thank you. He even said in some podcast that he didn't like skill checks in Disco. I believe this game shall be like Pillars but more revolutionary in every aspect. This experimental gameplay I think they already made it in the game since Pentiment would be already released but they double down with new experimental stuff.

Can't wait for Sediment, the RPG game with no combat, no skills, and no dice. Loosely based on a drunk reading of the Amber ruleset and with a UI and narrative resembling checking out wikipedia for 30 hours.

Followed by Impediment as he files for bankruptcy.

 

[CrunchyHemorrhoids]

If I remember correctly, Josh only played a couple of hours of Elysium.

Thank you. He even said in some podcast that he didn't like skill checks in Disco. I believe this game shall be like Pillars but more revolutionary in every aspect. This experimental gameplay I think they already made it in the game since Pentiment would be already released but they double down with new experimental stuff.

Can't wait for Sediment, the RPG game with no combat, no skills, and no dice. Loosely based on a drunk reading of the Amber ruleset and with a UI and narrative resembling checking out wikipedia for 30 hours.

Followed by Impediment as he files for bankruptcy.

Penitent Josh
- A Fallen Legend -

 

[HeroMarine]

Some concept arts from Josh Sawyer's project

It's Pallavagina all over again.

 

[Stokowski]

Meh, although pretty, that looks a less complex interaction track than the last time I tried to order a coffee.

 

[Roguey]

I thought Soyer said DE isn't a rpg?

The Sawyer definition of an RPG is any game that allows your character to make decisions to define their personality and shape the narrative. Disco Elysium yes, Wizardry no.

It's Pallavagina all over again.

That image is from Midnight, not Sediment. The only image from Sediment is Prester John.

 

[HeroMarine]

It's Pallavagina all over again.

That image is from Midnight, not Sediment. The only image from Sediment is Prester John.

What's Midnight?

 

[Roguey]

What's Midnight?

Compulsion joined Microsoft near the start of their content acquisition spree. The firm is known primarily for We Happy Few, which despite some gameplay problems, delivered big in the art direction department. We Happy Few's twisted vision of a fallen Britain proved a truly intriguing concept, and solidified Compulsion as a studio with a lot of potential.

Recently, we received some details on Compulsion's first outing as part of Xbox Game Studios. Currently codenamed "Midnight," this upcoming title is supposedly a third-person action game set in a dark and fantastical world. Some of the game's early concept artwork can be seen above. They represent the game's protagonist, alongside warped harpy-like humanoids that appear to descend through various iterations of mutation. On the left, we can see what appears to be harpy nest-style dwellings built atop a tree.

Midnight is described as a "coming of age" tale drawing upon inspirations from America's Deep South. The game features magic and large fantastical beasts with a strong "southern gothic" vibe. The game is a wholly single-player experience, with what has been described to me as a "strong" story.

Cringe Canadians doing a game about the American south.

 

[Sannom]

I thought Soyer said DE isn't a rpg?

You people really need to back up those things about Sawyer and Disco Elysium with some quotes and links because I can't remember him saying any of that stuff. He made a "talk" comparing Deadfire and DE's approach to player choice for crying out loud!

 

[Haba]

Now you know why some people also call Planescape: Torment a VN.

Yes, because they are idiots.

DE is more of an RPG than a lot of classic RPGs are. Which are basically wargames in a fantasy setting.

 

[Viata]

than a lot of classic RPGs are

Like what?

 

[rusty_shackleford]

My problem with saying Disco Elysium isn't an RPG is that it seems that Planescape: Torment's Sigil minus trash mobs would play in a very similar way. I think there are other aspects of Disco Elysium's design besides character progression and skill checks that make it RPG-like. The way characters and quests are laid out isn't the same as in a typical adventure game, where characters basically only exist in the world to participate in one-off puzzles and story events. The game's characters work like typical roleplaying game town NPCs, persistent in the world with extensive dialogue trees that you can revisit at any time.

do you guys even play non-rpgs made in the past 20 years?

dialogue trees have become the standard for all video games
C&C-style branching is considered a major feature of fucking coach simulator sports games

the leeway given to these games because you happen to like them can be applied to nearly every game on the market as every genre has been RPGized. Every single one.
You just happen to like adventure games, therefore, IT MUST BE AN RPG!

 

[Fedora Master]

Mr. "The Devs told me its an rpg so it must be true" talking about genre definitions. Cute.

 

[rusty_shackleford]

Your average sports game now features character growth, talents, skills, stats, and dialogue.

OH MY GOD NHL 22 IS AN RPG!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Delterius]

adventure games have been RPGs since Planescape Torment so its tradition

 

[Viata]

Your average sports game now features character growth, talents, skills, stats, and dialogue.

OH MY GOD NHL 22 IS AN RPG!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd pay for a sport RPG. But only if it was turn-based. I don't give a shit if it's not like "real sport".

 

[Quillon]

btw. weren't they hiring 2D artists for this game? will the game be 2D somehow like josh's other fav game battle bros?

 

[RNGsus]

Your average sports game now features character growth, talents, skills, stats, and dialogue.

OH MY GOD NHL 22 IS AN RPG!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd pay for a sport RPG. But only if it was turn-based. I don't give a shit if it's not like "real sport".

Sports are pause with real time.

btw. weren't they hiring 2D artists for this game? will the game be 2D somehow like josh's other fav game battle bros?

Its like I said, Josh has good taste in games.

 

[Infinitron]

My problem with saying Disco Elysium isn't an RPG is that it seems that Planescape: Torment's Sigil minus trash mobs would play in a very similar way. I think there are other aspects of Disco Elysium's design besides character progression and skill checks that make it RPG-like. The way characters and quests are laid out isn't the same as in a typical adventure game, where characters basically only exist in the world to participate in one-off puzzles and story events. The game's characters work like typical roleplaying game town NPCs, persistent in the world with extensive dialogue trees that you can revisit at any time.

do you guys even play non-rpgs made in the past 20 years?

dialogue trees have become the standard for all video games
C&C-style branching is considered a major feature of fucking coach simulator sports games

the leeway given to these games because you happen to like them can be applied to nearly every game on the market as every genre has been RPGized. Every single one.
You just happen to like adventure games, therefore, IT MUST BE AN RPG!

This isn't really related to what I said though. For example, both games have dialogue choices and C&C, but to me Disco Elysium feels more like an RPG than The Council, for the reasons I mentioned.

 

[BING XI LAO]

Josh would write more interesting stuff if he read some high-concept sci-fi and took that kind of approach to things. Instead of these damn historical remixes like the Pillars games.

 

[HeroMarine]

I'd pay for a sport RPG. But only if it was turn-based. I don't give a shit if it's not like "real sport".

Same, and I don't even care if it wasn't turn-based. A sports cRPG with RTwP is fine too.