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In Progress Of trenchcoats, vampire and auto-aim: Let's play Nocturne
- Thread starter Twinkle
- Start date
dextermorgan
Arcane
Morkar Left
Guest
Great read so far. Very enjoying!
Brother None
inXile Entertainment
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2004
- Messages
- 5,673
Yay, Stranger is back too!
And Baron Samedi is still awesome.
And Baron Samedi is still awesome.
Twinkle
Liturgist
ACT 3 - WINDY CITY MASSACRE
PART 1 - MEAN STREETS
Chicago, 1933
This act begins directly in the briefing room.
Big deal. The Mob hits somebody every night these days.
The thing is, we got a report from Elliot Ness's office two months ago that Campelli was killed in a shoot out.
A clerical error. Between the Feds and the Chicago cops, I'm sure names and faces get mixed up all the time.
We don't think so. We have a new informant in Chicago: Vincenzo Gasparro. He goes by the name Icepick. He's been telling us the same thing. Icepick saw a man who died two weeks ago gunning down members of a rival family last night.
You're saying the Mafia is employing the undead now? That's ridiculous.
According to our intelligence, he's spent the last twenty years developing technology to raise the dead.
Like Frankenstein? You're joking.
I'm quite serious. If the Mafia has found a way to recycle their dead, even those who have been ripped to shreds, then it's out job to deal with it.
Frankenstein?
Frankenstein was fiction, Stranger. This is reality. Our own scientists are on the brink of similar technology. If we relied solely on "modern" medicine, half our operatives would be dead. Yourself included. We can revive a person who-by all known science-is dead, but even we can't do what Loathring is doing. If Capone's scientist has found a way to revive a man from virtually any degree of death, we're all in serious trouble.
Stranger is still sceptical about the whole thing.
His undead army of evil will walk over the face of the earth.
This is serious business, Stranger. What happens when the cops' bullets are useless against criminals? What happens when this savage abuse of nature spreads beyond Chicago.
If you say so.
Icepick has infiltrated Capone's gang. He'll meet you at Pier 59 in Chicago. Icepick claimed to be on the verge of discovering exactly what Capone is up to, but we've lost contact with him.
Someone knocks at the door. Colonel's speech is briefly interrupted.
General Biggs! Do come in.
No, no, you're right on time, as usual. Stranger, this is General Biggs. He will be acting as our liaison to the United States Army, so he will be popping in from time to time. Our relationship is mainly information sharing; however, if the need arises, he's the man who can get us an armed regiment to aid us.
I thought the whole point of Spookhouse was to keep our information closely guarded.
The General's men are fiercely loyal to him, and if they ever assist us, they will deny it to their deaths. Our secrets will not be compromised. We're all fighting for the same cause. General Biggs, I would like you to meet our top operative. General Biggs, this is the Stranger.
"The Stranger" huh? You aren't hiding something that we should know, are you soldier?
Nothing that need concern you.
Hrm... Well, the Colonel and I go way back, so if he says something, I take his word for it. And he tells me you're the best there is. It's a pleasure meeting a man that works so hard to protect our country.
Nice to meet you as well.
Not to cut this short, but the General is pressed for time, and he and I need to discuss some issues. So we'll bring this meeting to a close. Watch your back, Stranger.
Good luck, soldier.
Stranger is left alone in the dark office.
Let's examine the message board. Sometimes it offers hints at Stranger's future assignments.
Yikes!
Maybe other operatives will offer some help?
No go. Stranger leaves the Spookhouse.
He arrives to the pier.
Tall, bruised brute with numerous stitch marks calls him.
"The world is a dark place."
You must be Icepick.
Uh, yeah, but that ain't the password.
Don't start with me. Spookhouse sent me. Leave it at that.
Okay, now that we got that squared away, what should I call you?
Stranger.
Eh, I've heard weirder names.
As Icepick steps closer Stranger readies his twin pistols.
You're one of them.
"Them" who?
One of those re-animated monsters.
Yeah, I was dead. That crazy German brought me back to life. You gotta problem with that?
Yes. I make it a habit to kill monsters, not help them.
Hey, first off, I might look hideous, but I'm trying to stop this from happening to anyone else. I didn't ask for this. 
And second, you got it the wrong way around. I'm not asking for help. You need my help.
And you didn't think you should maybe mention your condition to the Colonel?
You guys are monster hunters. I figured no one would get sent if you knew a monster made the report. There's some freaky shit going down here, and I have information that can help you stop it. Take it or leave it.
What have you got for me?
There's a speakeasy down the block called the Vendome. It's behind a pet shop. Use this pass to get in.
Icepick gives the pass.
I was supposed to meet a newspaper reporter there, but I don't exactly fit in, do I? I told him I'd send someone else in my place. He's expecting you right now. Go to the bar and order a Manhattan. My reporter friend will find you. Capone's ordered patrols throughout the area, so stay low as you walk around here. Stick to the alleys wherever you can.
Stranger a garage further down the pier. Empty.
Mean streets of windy city greet Stranger with rain of fire from rooftops. Gotta keep moving.
Cars filled with mobsters are cruising around, shooting all strangers on sight. This is one of the most annoying parts of the game, because even if you kill all mobsters that jump from a car a new will arrive soon in less than a minute - they respawn infinitely.
Better follow Icepick's advice and stick to alleyways.
The first alleyway I try is a dead end. Better luck next time.
Next alleyway to the left is not much better - it leads to an empty, abandoned building.
Patrolling frankenmobsters can pursue Stranger inside buildings, but their numerical advantage is nullified.
Stranger scavenges medical supplies in several abandoned shops.
This neighborhood feels like a warzone. It's obvious that "normal" populace left it long time ago.
That's the right alleyway, just behind the pet shop where Stranger killed the last mobster.
Stairs leading to the club are guarded by a goon. As soon as Stranger approaches he steps forward.
Let's see your pass.
Stranger demonstrates the pass.
Welcome to the Vendome.
PART 1 - MEAN STREETS
Chicago, 1933
This act begins directly in the briefing room.
Stranger is still sceptical about the whole thing.
Someone knocks at the door. Colonel's speech is briefly interrupted.
Stranger is left alone in the dark office.
Let's examine the message board. Sometimes it offers hints at Stranger's future assignments.
Yikes!
Maybe other operatives will offer some help?
No go. Stranger leaves the Spookhouse.
He arrives to the pier.
Tall, bruised brute with numerous stitch marks calls him.
As Icepick steps closer Stranger readies his twin pistols.
Icepick gives the pass.
Stranger a garage further down the pier. Empty.
Mean streets of windy city greet Stranger with rain of fire from rooftops. Gotta keep moving.
Cars filled with mobsters are cruising around, shooting all strangers on sight. This is one of the most annoying parts of the game, because even if you kill all mobsters that jump from a car a new will arrive soon in less than a minute - they respawn infinitely.
Better follow Icepick's advice and stick to alleyways.
The first alleyway I try is a dead end. Better luck next time.
Next alleyway to the left is not much better - it leads to an empty, abandoned building.
Patrolling frankenmobsters can pursue Stranger inside buildings, but their numerical advantage is nullified.
Stranger scavenges medical supplies in several abandoned shops.
This neighborhood feels like a warzone. It's obvious that "normal" populace left it long time ago.
That's the right alleyway, just behind the pet shop where Stranger killed the last mobster.
Stairs leading to the club are guarded by a goon. As soon as Stranger approaches he steps forward.
Stranger demonstrates the pass.
can't see shit cap'n 
Brother None
inXile Entertainment
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2004
- Messages
- 5,673
Hmmm. It is true that this game being so extremely dark makes it hard to make out stuff in screencaps sometimes. Any chance you could brighten it up?
Enjoyable, regardless. Gunning down zombie gangsters with your tommy gun, yeh!
Enjoyable, regardless. Gunning down zombie gangsters with your tommy gun, yeh!
Morkar Left
Guest
I think it loses a bit of atmosphere when you consider it takes part in a big city. The other locations worked better so far.
The whole game would made up for a good movie or better as a TV series.
The whole game would made up for a good movie or better as a TV series.
Twinkle
Liturgist
Darth Roxor said:can't see shit cap'n
The world is a dark place bro, but i'll fiddle with in-game gamma settings a bit.
ACT 3, PART 2 - MAN-SIZED HOLES
Stranger is inside the lounge.
The atmosphere inside is top notch: few visitors are sitting behind the tables, band is playing, and singer is, well, singing.
Close-ups of low-poly model with no facial animations was a bad idea though.
Fun fact: voice actress performed it via telephone, which explains weird sound quality.
The full song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr6B2gYD_f0
No time for leisure. Let's get back to business.
These words draw attention of a quiet, inconspicuous man on the left. He gets closer.
He invites stranger to the nearest table.
Suddenly doors burst open and a group of goon start shooting at everything that moves. Several bullets cuts the journalist down.
Stranger draws out his newly found tommy gun and retaliates.
No other survivors left - mobsters were thorough.
With no other lead Stranger begins him search for a movie theatre that unlucky journalist mentioned.
It's pretty easy to find, but the front doors are sealed and endless stream of mobsters guard it ferociously. Maybe Icepick's brute force can help where bullets are useless.
His mighty arms bend two bars seemingly without effort. Even Stranger is positively impressed.
He squeezes in and tries to lift the manhole cover.
So Icepick is now Stranger's temporary companion and sort of bodyguard.
He lacks any form of ranged attack, but he can brutally tear mobsters apart in close combat.
Waterworks in not all that far from the destroyed night club.
Door is locked.
Again Icepick removes the obstacle.
It's guarded by undead mobsters. Icepick just rip through them, Stranger's involvement isn't necessary.
However, one guy is shooting through the window. Auto-aiming doesn't work on him, so Stranger is forced to stand in the open, soaking bullets until aiming reticuea sloooowly catches the baddy. Great design here.
Icepick once again demonstrates his extreme smashing skills on the door that leads to the basement.
Three short and accurate bursts cut down goons that took their refuge there.
Here's the quest item.
On a way back mobsters try to put up an ambush
Via alleyways they return to the manhole.
With key in hands opening the hatch poses no problem.
Wait, dude, how did you manage to get past the grate? I can only assume it's a bug.
Stranger descends into dark depths of the sewer complex.
He can kick it further apart with his ENERGY LEGS
World's creepiest soap ad?
Twinkle
Liturgist
ACT 3, PART 3 - BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Stranger emerges from the sewer in an abandoned, decrepit basement.
There is nowhere to go but up.
Narrow corridors are being patrolled by undead mobsters.
Some of them have no shame and shamble around naked.
Getting higher and higher.
Finally we reach the theater proper. Reel shows random clips from the game's intro.
Let's explore further.
The marquee room is locked. Need to find a key.
OK, maybe Icepick's connection, the attendant, knows more.
Unfortunately for him, mobsters overheard the conversation.
Hey, you! What the hell!?
RIP another informant.
Thinking about it there was no point in running a concession stand altogether, it's not like normal people can get in.
With south balcony and first floor explored Stranger rises through the stairs to check the south balcony.
Stranger find the projection room. But the reel he needs isn't there.
Here's the key from the marquee room. Developers surely enjoyed fedexing players around.
Hitting switch there said room reveals a secret passage in the room where Stranger found a key. Full circle, FFS!
Useless reels of film are stored in this room.
OK, that's what Stranger came for.
Let's watch this puppy.
The image is murky and grainy but still good enough to depict the process of creating frankenmobsters at some underground facility.
The Colonel was right about the Frankenstein crap.
Surprise!
Who the hell are you?
They call me Smiley. I'm Capone's clean up man, and you're the garbage.
So this starts the second "pure" bossfight in the game. Smiley is immune to gunfire and if Stranger gets in his melee range Smiley just collargrabs him and gives a lethalanus pounding with his mighty fists. The only tactic consists of running around in circles and shooting regular frankenmobsters with tommyguns. There is also a sniper with an elephant gun (!) on the balcony but his aim is terrible and as long as Stranger is on the move he poses no threat whatsoever.
It's only a matter of time before Stranger runs out of ammo.
BRO!
He kills the sniper and throws elephant gun down.
FUCK YES!
Four consecutive shots gib Smiley to pieces. Phew.
They discuss current situation as they move towards a back entrance.
I think you've blown your cover.
Yeah, they were starting to get curious anyway.
Did you see that film of Capone's factory?
It's a bad situation. When they brought me back, it took them weeks to stitch me together. Now it looks like they can crank out ten guys like me in a day.
We have to stop him. Do you know where that factory is?
North of here, I think. There's been a lot of activity up there lately.
You think? I thought you had inside information. I thought that's where they made you.
Hey, I was just a prototype. They built me by hand in a lab across town. I've never even been inside that factory. I think there's an underground access to the warehouse that's beside the factory. I've seen people going in and out of the manhole behind this theatre. It's right out here.
Icepick kicks open the back door and notices a group of mobsters.
Damn! They've got the place surrounded. Quick, climb up to the roof. See if you can find another way out. I'll hold these guys off.
You're sure?
Go!
As Stranger climbs up floor gets covered with blood and torn limbs. Whatever ugly cadaver you may be, Icepick, you still remain a true BRO.
Stranger gets higher and higher.
And here's the rooftop exit
Stranger emerges from the sewer in an abandoned, decrepit basement.
There is nowhere to go but up.
Narrow corridors are being patrolled by undead mobsters.
Some of them have no shame and shamble around naked.
Getting higher and higher.
Finally we reach the theater proper. Reel shows random clips from the game's intro.
Let's explore further.
The marquee room is locked. Need to find a key.
OK, maybe Icepick's connection, the attendant, knows more.
Unfortunately for him, mobsters overheard the conversation.
RIP another informant.
Thinking about it there was no point in running a concession stand altogether, it's not like normal people can get in.
With south balcony and first floor explored Stranger rises through the stairs to check the south balcony.
Stranger find the projection room. But the reel he needs isn't there.
Here's the key from the marquee room. Developers surely enjoyed fedexing players around.
Hitting switch there said room reveals a secret passage in the room where Stranger found a key. Full circle, FFS!
Useless reels of film are stored in this room.
OK, that's what Stranger came for.
Let's watch this puppy.
The image is murky and grainy but still good enough to depict the process of creating frankenmobsters at some underground facility.
Surprise!
So this starts the second "pure" bossfight in the game. Smiley is immune to gunfire and if Stranger gets in his melee range Smiley just collargrabs him and gives a lethal
It's only a matter of time before Stranger runs out of ammo.
BRO!
He kills the sniper and throws elephant gun down.
FUCK YES!
Four consecutive shots gib Smiley to pieces. Phew.
They discuss current situation as they move towards a back entrance.
Icepick kicks open the back door and notices a group of mobsters.
As Stranger climbs up floor gets covered with blood and torn limbs. Whatever ugly cadaver you may be, Icepick, you still remain a true BRO.
Stranger gets higher and higher.
And here's the rooftop exit
Heh, this looks almost exactly like one scene in Bloodrayne. Specifically, the one with the nazi priest on a moving panzerpodium with a heavy MG. It also had lots of horribly dismembered corpses along a carpet, between rows of seats. These people knew how to make bloody scenes, alright.
Twinkle
Liturgist
Except it isn't a scripted scene. These are mobsters I killed while dodging Smiley dude.
Really, gore in this game puts next-gen strawberry jam and weightless gibs to shame.
Guido Fawkes
Defensor Fidei
- Joined
- May 15, 2012
- Messages
- 4,825
I could swear I saw some of the character models in an old Blair Witch game I played aeons ago(specially the bald guy with the eyepatch). The company that did this game must have recycled resources or something.
Yes it would. Gory X-files set in the 30's
Yes it would. Gory X-files set in the 30's
Twinkle
Liturgist
Blair Witch games run on the same engine, and they sort of take place in the same "universe". In fact Vol 1 was developed by Terminal Reality too and has one of the supplementary chars from Nocturne as protagonist. That's why you see Spookhouse agents having cameos in it.
Guido Fawkes
Defensor Fidei
- Joined
- May 15, 2012
- Messages
- 4,825
Oh, so that is it. Should have googled.
How is the gameplay on this, btw? I remember the Blair Witch game I played(the one were the player character was a lady with a hat) had terrible controls. Also, maybe it is bad memory being that this was many years ago, but the game oozed atmosphere and the story was cool up to the point where I stopped playing.
How is the gameplay on this, btw? I remember the Blair Witch game I played(the one were the player character was a lady with a hat) had terrible controls. Also, maybe it is bad memory being that this was many years ago, but the game oozed atmosphere and the story was cool up to the point where I stopped playing.
Twinkle
Liturgist
ACT 3, PART 4 - WAREHOUSE
We start at the rooftop.
There is no way climb down, tho. Maybe the water tower will offer some alternative passage.
Pushing a plank over the edge creates an improvised bridge.
Stranger crosses perilous gap.
And finally reaches the street level.
Icepick, dearest of all my friends!
Hey, look what I found. It's a flame-thrower. You'll have to find some fuel for it, though. The rejuvenation chemicals they use are extremely flammable. Those freaks will go up like Roman candles with this thing. If you really want to screw Capone's game, hit a few of the chemical canisters at his warehouse with this and watch it blow. You can level the whole goddamn place.
You coming alone?
Are you kidding? I'm just as flammable as the rest of those monsters. I'm not going to be anywhere near that place when you blow it up.
Your assistance has been quite useful.
You know, you are the friendliest guy I've ever met, but you're all right, Stranger. Before I died, I worked with some guys I thought I trusted. I won't make that mistake again. Even though you don't like me, I've got the feeling that I can trust you. I'm glad we can put a stop to Capone's deranged plan to make more monsters like me. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
Stranger opens a manhole and descends.
So, warehouse. One of the worst and least detailed levels in the game. Boring maze with confusing camera angles. Serves no purpose in the story and is seemingly put in only to showcase physics and particle effects.
Hmm, fuel. Now I can "playtest" the flamethrower.
Well, quite frankly, it's somewhat underwhelming. It doesn't kill enemies instantly, instead it deals burning damage over time. What's worse is that Stranger can be set on fire if monster grabs him which spells instant death no matter how many HP Stranger has. For regular mobs I'll stick to tommyguns.
Mobsters cut off way back by blowing up barrels.
Well, it will backfire on them, oh yes.
Nothing to do but watch barrels explode.
Doorway blocked. Oh well.
Despite appearances to the contrary this level consists of a single narrow corridor with several forks that lead nowhere. Pretty shameful after fairly non-linear design of previous maps.
End of line.
SURPRISE! Somehow Smiley managed to rebuild himself, got taller and fatter and grew another pair of arms. One of the biggest plotholes in the game that never got answered.
It's not that easy to kill a man who's already dead.
Very well.
However in this fight flamer truly shines, both literally and metaphorically. It may be the only place in the game where it proves its usefulness but boy I'm glad I have it.
Burn baby burn!
And this stupid level is concluded.
We start at the rooftop.
There is no way climb down, tho. Maybe the water tower will offer some alternative passage.
Pushing a plank over the edge creates an improvised bridge.
Stranger crosses perilous gap.
And finally reaches the street level.
Icepick, dearest of all my friends!
Stranger opens a manhole and descends.
So, warehouse. One of the worst and least detailed levels in the game. Boring maze with confusing camera angles. Serves no purpose in the story and is seemingly put in only to showcase physics and particle effects.
Hmm, fuel. Now I can "playtest" the flamethrower.
Well, quite frankly, it's somewhat underwhelming. It doesn't kill enemies instantly, instead it deals burning damage over time. What's worse is that Stranger can be set on fire if monster grabs him which spells instant death no matter how many HP Stranger has. For regular mobs I'll stick to tommyguns.
Mobsters cut off way back by blowing up barrels.
Well, it will backfire on them, oh yes.
Nothing to do but watch barrels explode.
Doorway blocked. Oh well.
Despite appearances to the contrary this level consists of a single narrow corridor with several forks that lead nowhere. Pretty shameful after fairly non-linear design of previous maps.
End of line.
SURPRISE! Somehow Smiley managed to rebuild himself, got taller and fatter and grew another pair of arms. One of the biggest plotholes in the game that never got answered.
However in this fight flamer truly shines, both literally and metaphorically. It may be the only place in the game where it proves its usefulness but boy I'm glad I have it.
Burn baby burn!
And this stupid level is concluded.
Twinkle
Liturgist
ACT 3, PART 5 - VATS
So after lots of toing and froing Stranger discovers the source of all evil.
It is heavily guarded. Undead mobsters here are in a pretty raw state, not looking like humans at all.
The overall layout reminds of a certain post nuclear role-playing game, except without art-deco vibe.
Yeah, Tesla coils are present too. Mindless reborn zombies often don't have any weapons and they charge in straight line. It's a death trap for them.
Stitched corpses arrive via conveyor then they are dipped in one of the huge green vats when they gain a second life.
Anyway there is no way to stop the conveyor here. Only a truly democratic solution aka blowing shit up can fix this.
Hmm, OK. Let's dance.
Local button awesome.
Notice that in reality it's a lever rather than valve. The level must have been assembled in a terrible rush and it shows.
Another "valve" is visible in the background.
Let stuff go boom.
Turning both "valves" off triggers a chain explosive reaction and spawns assload of mobsters out of thin air. Need to get out of here ASAP.
It's a merciless race against the clock. One second of delay spells instant doom so no fighting.
Almost reached the exit.
WHAT... THE...
I see you're not smiling anymore.
This time, you die!
No, it's your turn muthafucka. Attacking him directly is pointless due to harsh time constraints. Just shoot catwalk support and...
Stranger dives back to avoid lethal fall while Smiley is dropped in the huge vat below.
Good. Fucking. Riddance.
The final stretch. Stranger demonstrates his awesome hovering skills and reaches the door in safety.
And this is how it ends. Yep, "rushed" and "half-passed" doesn't even describe it. At first I thought I accidentally missed some cutscene but no. No chance to get the mad kraut scientist or Capone himself. Absolutely nothing.
IMO they should've scrapped the entire act altogether.
END OF ACT 3.
So after lots of toing and froing Stranger discovers the source of all evil.
It is heavily guarded. Undead mobsters here are in a pretty raw state, not looking like humans at all.
The overall layout reminds of a certain post nuclear role-playing game, except without art-deco vibe.
Yeah, Tesla coils are present too. Mindless reborn zombies often don't have any weapons and they charge in straight line. It's a death trap for them.
Stitched corpses arrive via conveyor then they are dipped in one of the huge green vats when they gain a second life.
Anyway there is no way to stop the conveyor here. Only a truly democratic solution aka blowing shit up can fix this.
Hmm, OK. Let's dance.
Local button awesome.
Notice that in reality it's a lever rather than valve. The level must have been assembled in a terrible rush and it shows.
Another "valve" is visible in the background.
Let stuff go boom.
Turning both "valves" off triggers a chain explosive reaction and spawns assload of mobsters out of thin air. Need to get out of here ASAP.
It's a merciless race against the clock. One second of delay spells instant doom so no fighting.
Almost reached the exit.
WHAT... THE...
No, it's your turn muthafucka. Attacking him directly is pointless due to harsh time constraints. Just shoot catwalk support and...
Stranger dives back to avoid lethal fall while Smiley is dropped in the huge vat below.
Good. Fucking. Riddance.
The final stretch. Stranger demonstrates his awesome hovering skills and reaches the door in safety.
And this is how it ends. Yep, "rushed" and "half-passed" doesn't even describe it. At first I thought I accidentally missed some cutscene but no. No chance to get the mad kraut scientist or Capone himself. Absolutely nothing.
IMO they should've scrapped the entire act altogether.
END OF ACT 3.
Yeah, from what I remember of playing Nocturne (which was veeery long ago), the third act was easily the worst. Starting with a meh premise of ZOMBIES!!!, then going through respawning mobsters, 'I'll get you yet Shepard!' constantly returning boss monster and generic levels it was really boring as hell.
Morkar Left
Guest
:D
Twinkle
Liturgist
ACT 4: THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF HELL
PART 1 - FOUL PLAY
France, 1935
We begin at the Spookhouse where Stranger argues with secretary over bureaucratic Spookhouse practices.
This is ridiculous.
Everyone has to say the password, Stranger. Even you.
An intruder would be dead by now.
Rules, Stranger. You think I enjoy sitting in this little box all day?
Your enjoyment does not concern me.
The password, Stranger.
By this point, I could have killed you and flipped the switch to open the door myself.
You wouldn't do that... Would you?
Stranger sighs.
"The world is a dark place."
"Who will protect the world from darkness?"
"We will." ... after we play our stupid games.
Finally she flips the switch.
Have a nice day.
What's left of it...
The Colonel left his office to greet Stranger personally. The mission in hand must extremely important. Also it bears to mention that our good old undead friend Icepick joined the ranks of Spookhouse operatives and teamed withRayne Svetlana. Strange couple, to say at least.
Stranger follows.
General Biggs is already standing in the briefing room.
Greetings, soldier.
General Biggs.
I see you two have a mission to discuss, so I will take my leave, now. It was good to see you again Hapscomb.
Stranger.
Do you have time after this briefing, perhaps?
No. Unfortunately, I have a meeting at thirteen-hundred hours in Pennsylvania.
Just as well, I have an immense amount of paperwork to attend to.
I know what you mean.
Thanks for stopping by, General; it's always a pleasure to speak with you.
Good bye, Colonel. Good luck on your mission, soldier.
Never liked the general. There was something fishy about his manners (or maybe just bad voice acting), but he's one of myriad of characters who pop in and then disappear never to be heard again during the act.
They are left alone.
Do you remember Hamilton Killian?
He was an operative just before I came to Spookhouse.
That's right. He served Spookhouse from 1909 to 1922. He's retired now, living in France. He contacted me recently requesting help. He says that a graveyard near his estate outside of Paris has been disturbed by supernatural activity.
Killian was supposedly the best in his day. What could possibly be a problem for him?
He didn't offer much detail in his letter, but apparently the phenomena occurring there is even more than even he can handle. He has requested that I send Spookhouse's best monster-hunter.
Me.
Who else?
Stranger walks away.
Some time later, at Killian's mansion.
Welcome to my home. I'm glad I can still rely on my old friends at Spookhouse. My name is Hamilton Killian. I hear I'm to call you "Stranger".
Yes. Colonel Hapscomb speaks highly of you.
It's nice to know that I am remembered. The Colonel is a good man.
So what's the situation?
A couple of months ago, one of my groundskeepers disappeared without a trace. While searching the grounds, I found that some of the corpses in the nearby graveyard had risen. And smaller Imp-like demons were running rampant. I took those creatures down, but a couple of nights later, they returned. And their numbers had increased. I returned periodically to keep them in check. To my dismay, they began regenerating faster and faster.
To be honest, going out night after night to deal with them was more of a nuisance than anything else. But now there are so many monsters that I fear for my property and my safety. As I said, I can take them down, but they just keep coming back...you might say I'm at my wit's end. I hate to have this incident sully my image, but I gave up my grandiose monster-hunting days long ago. The Colonel assures me that you are just the man to take care of my little... problem.
It won't be a problem for long.
Splendid, old chap. I trust you will not be needing my assistance. I will remain here. Just follow this path, and it will take you to the graveyard. Happy hunting.
And hunting he did. Note the shadows that moving clouds cast. Bioware told us that you need DX11 to achieve that effect.
Stranger reaches the graveyard.
Act 4 is by far my favorite area in the game. It consists of only 2 maps, but the latter one is one of the most detailed and puzzle-heavy levels in the game. What I like about it is that it mixes action with puzzle solving way better than previous acts, where it's all shooting with some switch hunting near the end.
But I digress. Act 4 introduces demonic enemies. Here you see imps which are the weakest lot. However, they are fairly annoying pests, because they tend to jump and "hug" Stranger preventing him from moving and shooting. The only way to get rid of them is mashing spacebar furiously. Also, they are fairly bulletspongy and due to their small frame auto-aim often gets wonky if they are close.
One major flaw with this level is that you to find three keys that fuckers snatched. It's highly possible that dropped key will clip into ground and some object. In that case reloading is the only option. But I'm lucky this time.
Stranger discovers badly mangled corpse of the groundskeeper.
This must be Killian's groundkeeper.
He checks his pockets.
Damn. No keys. Those damn imps must have done something with them. I've gotta find them.
Another type of enemy you can encounter at the graveyard is skeletons. They have a specific quirk about them. Not only they are tough to take down - after a few seconds bones will reassemble. Reborn skeletons are faster and stronger. The more you "kill" them the harder to kill they become. Nicely subverts the whole "kills things first - ask questions later" motto of the game. Better just avoid them altogether - in their default state they are too slow to catch the Stranger.
Stranger continues scouring through the graveyard killing every imp that stands in his way.
Found all keys. Let's get back to the entrance. There are three crypts there: one big and two small ones opposite of each other. I open the eastern crypt first.
Nothing you can do there yet but take notice of the symbol on the floor. Pretty obvious that the solution is to place ankh-shaped cross on the tombstone.
Good thing I know where it is. I think I wasted at least half an hour searching for it first time I played the game, shifting camera angles certainly didn't help.
Stranger installs it.
Perfect. Now the western crypt.
Same deal as with the eastern crypt, except any generic cross will do.
However, nothing happens after placing onto a tombstone. Something is blocking moonlight.
To solve this problem Stranger has to climb up on crypt's roof using strategically places vines.
Yeah it was vines that blocked the window. Stranger rips them off.
Three altars rise from the ground.
One crypt remains unexplored. I can't even deal with gargoyles that guard the entrance - no ammo
Stranger discover the source of evil - the voodoo staff. It can't be destroyed by conventional means.
A witch's staff? This is the source of the problem.
Stranger opens sarcophagus lid. A passage leading to the underground level is revealed.
Walls are covered with blood and weird inscriptions.
With the light, cut the night
Forsee they need, do not exceed.
Well, this is pretty much identical to cross and tombstones puzzle: you need to make sure that shadow falls into specific shape described by a symbol on the wall.
Done.
Let's pull the lever nearby.
Three wall panels slide down revealing several magical vessels.
Stranger can't do anything with them yet.
Fire and Water and Air of Dark Worth
In a room far beneath the earth
Find the marble tomb of birth
To an altar surrounded by graves
The destination of the three is paved
Forsee air consumed by hellish fire
And the liquid will douse the funeral pyre
Behold, leaving water with air is the only desire
If one destroyed, of those that remain
Replace to origin and resurrect again
Obviously this refers to vessels stored behind wall panels and three risen altars outside. Solving it is not as daunting as it seems as Stranger will complain "you're doing it wrong!" if you grab the wrong vessel.
I have to run past gargoyles which is not a problem. The worst part is that some curious skeleton decides to investigate the crypt.
Now air vessel.
So this is the trickiest part that took me some time to figure it out. Instead of running for water vessel you need to grab fire again and put it back at its original place.
Water.
And finally fire can be place on the altar as well.
After completing the ritual voodoo staff immediately explodes.
And skellies fall part.
Black magic. Killian knows black magic. His little "monster problem" reeks of foul play. I think it's time to have a little chat with the old man.
Yeah let's collar grab old mofo.
Skip it, Killian. What's your game?
I'm afraid I don't follow.
That was black magic raising those monsters. The same kind of magic you studied at Spookhouse.
Very clever, Stranger. You will be a most worthy subject.
What is that supposed to mean?
A bolt of lightning strikes at Stranger rendering him unconscious.
Very worthy, indeed.
PART 1 - FOUL PLAY
France, 1935
We begin at the Spookhouse where Stranger argues with secretary over bureaucratic Spookhouse practices.
Stranger sighs.
Finally she flips the switch.
The Colonel left his office to greet Stranger personally. The mission in hand must extremely important. Also it bears to mention that our good old undead friend Icepick joined the ranks of Spookhouse operatives and teamed with
Stranger follows.
General Biggs is already standing in the briefing room.
Never liked the general. There was something fishy about his manners (or maybe just bad voice acting), but he's one of myriad of characters who pop in and then disappear never to be heard again during the act.
They are left alone.
Stranger walks away.
Some time later, at Killian's mansion.
And hunting he did. Note the shadows that moving clouds cast. Bioware told us that you need DX11 to achieve that effect.
Stranger reaches the graveyard.
Act 4 is by far my favorite area in the game. It consists of only 2 maps, but the latter one is one of the most detailed and puzzle-heavy levels in the game. What I like about it is that it mixes action with puzzle solving way better than previous acts, where it's all shooting with some switch hunting near the end.
But I digress. Act 4 introduces demonic enemies. Here you see imps which are the weakest lot. However, they are fairly annoying pests, because they tend to jump and "hug" Stranger preventing him from moving and shooting. The only way to get rid of them is mashing spacebar furiously.
Also, they are fairly bulletspongy and due to their small frame auto-aim often gets wonky if they are close.
One major flaw with this level is that you to find three keys that fuckers snatched. It's highly possible that dropped key will clip into ground and some object. In that case reloading is the only option. But I'm lucky this time.
Stranger discovers badly mangled corpse of the groundskeeper.
He checks his pockets.
Another type of enemy you can encounter at the graveyard is skeletons. They have a specific quirk about them. Not only they are tough to take down - after a few seconds bones will reassemble. Reborn skeletons are faster and stronger. The more you "kill" them the harder to kill they become. Nicely subverts the whole "kills things first - ask questions later" motto of the game. Better just avoid them altogether - in their default state they are too slow to catch the Stranger.
Stranger continues scouring through the graveyard killing every imp that stands in his way.
Found all keys. Let's get back to the entrance. There are three crypts there: one big and two small ones opposite of each other. I open the eastern crypt first.
Nothing you can do there yet but take notice of the symbol on the floor. Pretty obvious that the solution is to place ankh-shaped cross on the tombstone.
Good thing I know where it is. I think I wasted at least half an hour searching for it first time I played the game, shifting camera angles certainly didn't help.
Stranger installs it.
Perfect. Now the western crypt.
Same deal as with the eastern crypt, except any generic cross will do.
However, nothing happens after placing onto a tombstone. Something is blocking moonlight.
To solve this problem Stranger has to climb up on crypt's roof using strategically places vines.
Yeah it was vines that blocked the window. Stranger rips them off.
Three altars rise from the ground.
One crypt remains unexplored. I can't even deal with gargoyles that guard the entrance - no ammo
Stranger discover the source of evil - the voodoo staff. It can't be destroyed by conventional means.
Stranger opens sarcophagus lid. A passage leading to the underground level is revealed.
Walls are covered with blood and weird inscriptions.
Well, this is pretty much identical to cross and tombstones puzzle: you need to make sure that shadow falls into specific shape described by a symbol on the wall.
Done.
Let's pull the lever nearby.
Three wall panels slide down revealing several magical vessels.
Stranger can't do anything with them yet.
Fire and Water and Air of Dark Worth
In a room far beneath the earth
Find the marble tomb of birth
To an altar surrounded by graves
The destination of the three is paved
Forsee air consumed by hellish fire
And the liquid will douse the funeral pyre
Behold, leaving water with air is the only desire
If one destroyed, of those that remain
Replace to origin and resurrect again
Obviously this refers to vessels stored behind wall panels and three risen altars outside. Solving it is not as daunting as it seems as Stranger will complain "you're doing it wrong!" if you grab the wrong vessel.
I have to run past gargoyles which is not a problem. The worst part is that some curious skeleton decides to investigate the crypt.
Now air vessel.
So this is the trickiest part that took me some time to figure it out. Instead of running for water vessel you need to grab fire again and put it back at its original place.
Water.
And finally fire can be place on the altar as well.
After completing the ritual voodoo staff immediately explodes.
And skellies fall part.
Yeah let's collar grab old mofo.
A bolt of lightning strikes at Stranger rendering him unconscious.
Brother None
inXile Entertainment
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2004
- Messages
- 5,673
omg plot twist.
Stranger kind of jumped to conclusions there re:black magic. Good thing he was right. Too bad he's a zombie now.
Stranger kind of jumped to conclusions there re:black magic. Good thing he was right. Too bad he's a zombie now.
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