Torment Torment: Tides of Numenera Pre-Release Thread [ALPHA RELEASED, GO TO NEW THREAD]

[Marquess Cornwallis]

Pat Rothfuss is a talented author (and apparently a really nice guy) whose book's success is most likely both a blessing and a curse, in the sense that it is something he's been working on for decades now and which, as a writer, he has long since completely outgrown and is obviously struggling rather hard to revise and complete (a task which is in my experience a good deal more difficult than writing something new from scratch -- and, unfortunately, the results are generally worse, too).

If this is true it would actually explain some of the issues I have with his books.

It is rather obvious if you have any experience with writing and/or editing. It's basically a Frankenstein monster, where the original corpse which he is not willing to give up (understandably, from a human standpoint, although I think this was not a wise decision even in terms of time needed to complete the work) is the book which started out (back in 2000 or even earlier) largely as a juvenile everything-but-the-kitchen-sink wish-fulfilment fantasy, albeit written by a well-read and arguably talented writer. It was "finished" around 2006. He's been spending the next 6+ years (and counting) trying to turn it into something more than that (by chopping off some pieces and sewing others on, putting on the proverbial lipstick, etc.); hence the often jarring alternation between his weaker (even after editing) earlier writing and the much improved newer style. The thing is, the whole plot and narrative structure comes from the book's original version and there's only so much he can do about that.

 

[tuluse]

How many different area designers/writers were put in the original PS:T team? I am a bit worried that the endproduct might look weird if so many different people work on it. As the german saying goes "Viele Koeche verderben den Brei" :/

http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/planescape-torment/credits

7 designers in addition to MCA, 3 technical designers (whatever those are), and 2 people who did "additional design".

 

[Infinitron]

PS:T was a different beast, seeing as MCA wrote the majority of the game on his own. I'm sure Colin will put his soul into this game but I doubt we will see a repetition of that feat.

 

[Rake]

hoverdog
thats a brofist in Rake`s name

True.

 

[Hobz]

Thanks for the feedback hiver. Definitely gonna read it in the next few days, might share my opinion afterward if that's of any interest.

 

[Jaesun]

Colin McComb ‏@ColinMcComb2m
#Kickstarter is having issues with updates today, it looks like. Please share the next tweet (via @BrianFargo)

 

[Cowboy Moment]

If any of you bros really believe it would be a good idea to let Erikson write for this game, then you are filthy, delusional fanboys.

 

[Diablo169]

He'll write a side area and then get slapped down by the experienced game writers when he goes too far. Personally I could care less about the guy, but if he brings in more money for the project I don't mind.

I hope Colin and Kevin are strong enough to weave all these different writers styles together into something that fits though.

 

[Kirtai]

Didn't they say they'd brought in a professional editor? Hopefully they'll be able to maintain an even tone and slap down the writers when they get too uppity

 

[evdk]

If any of you bros really believe it would be a good idea to let Erikson write for this game, then you are filthy, delusional fanboys.

Better than Pat.

 

[hiver]

What do you guys think this is? American wrestling? Slapping down, strong enough...

 

[Diablo169]

What do you guys think this is? American wrestling? Slapping down, strong enough...

I think Rothfuss's beard just increased the testosterone content of my post.

 

[hiver]

i would allow that. proceed.

 

[Cowboy Moment]

If any of you bros really believe it would be a good idea to let Erikson write for this game, then you are filthy, delusional fanboys.

Better than Pat.

I... honestly don't know how I feel about that. I think Rothfuss could be great if he got to work with characters and plotlines written by someone competent. On the other hand, Erikson could be great if he got an editor willing to cut out most of his superfluous navel-gazing. I guess we'll find the answer to one of these questions once Torment gets released.

 

[evdk]

I just believe that superfluos navel gazing would actually fit the themes of Torment, but that may be just me. It all comes to the fact that I enjoyed Erikson's books more than Pat's.

 

[Captain Shrek]

Games do not need very/ultra high quality of writing reserved for Literature.

 

[aris]

How many different area designers/writers were put in the original PS:T team? I am a bit worried that the endproduct might look weird if so many different people work on it. As the german saying goes "Viele Koeche verderben den Brei" :/

Well, it kind of goes to show in how the looks of wasteland 2 is, where they buy random assets from random non-professional artists. Compared to shadowrun returns, the art direction (if there indeed is any) of its alpha version was lackluster to say the least.

 

[Kirtai]

What do you guys think this is? American wrestling? Slapping down, strong enough...

I think Rothfuss's beard just increased the testosterone content of my post.

Yep, I blame the beard too.

 

[Rake]

Games do not need very/ultra high quality of writing reserved for Literature.

It can't hurt though. And in the case of Torment, the writting is as importand as the gameplay itself.

 

[Roguey]

Man Rothfuss sure is an ugly Prosper-looking neckbeard. What a horrible goal. Never read him of course, taking mah girl's word for it.

 

[Raapys]

Man Rothfuss sure is an ugly Prosper-looking neckbeard.

Did you just objectify?

 

[Cowboy Moment]

Man Rothfuss sure is an ugly Prosper-looking neckbeard. What a horrible goal. Never read him of course, taking mah girl's word for it.

She probably never read him either. Why read when you can tweet about drowning people in their own vomit instead?

 

[Brzęczyszczykiewicz]

Man Rothfuss sure is an ugly Prosper-looking neckbeard. What a horrible goal. Never read him of course, taking mah girl's word for it.

You are wonderful parody of feminists Roguey

 

[LeStryfe79]

Rothfuss isn't ugly at all. Roguey has lost it. Did you just get diagnosed with a serious illness, dear? What gives?

 

[Mangoose]

How many different area designers/writers were put in the original PS:T team? I am a bit worried that the endproduct might look weird like Planescape