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Author Topic: Blank Plays: The Void  (Read 2881 times)

Blankdoor

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Blank Plays: The Void
« on: May 06, 2013, 09:40:38 am »


That's right I'm going to play the Void, well in fact I've already started playing it, though this thread is here to introduce you to the fact! Also don't worry this will be updated alongside other projects so it won't take over my channel completely.

Now the reason I wanted to do this was because of what the game meant to me, as I say in the video this game was the first game I'd ever seen lp'd (well video lp'ed anyway) and I feel that I should go back an experience this myself and also maybe inspire other people like the game inspired me.

The game its self is also a bit of a gem, it most has a pretty strong cult following and people have often heard about this game, if only briefly. This is mostly due to it being a product of Ice Pick Studios the Russian developers, under the Title Tension. Hopefully I can also bring this game to the attention of some people on here as well.

So, as per usual, any feedback is welcome! Plus discussions on the odd portrayal of re-incarnation and different planes of reality it portrays is also welcome. As this game lacks action we must make up for it in pseudo-philosophical ramblings!

Now pop your feet up and enjoy:

Blank Plays: The Void Episode 1

~Blank
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ThtblovesDF

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2013, 11:11:25 am »

Would love to see how someone else went for this game. Watching~
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CognitiveDissonance

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2013, 11:28:29 am »

Would love to see how someone else went for this game. Watching~

I bought this game ages ago for my girlfriend, but she hasn't played it. I'd love to see how it goes!
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Aklyon

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2013, 06:44:57 pm »

I watched someone play this before. Perhaps more psuedo-philosophy would be interesting to have.
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Neonivek

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2013, 07:27:28 pm »

I watched someone play this before. Perhaps more psuedo-philosophy would be interesting to have.

Well the game hits a lot of themes and even the fact that the game is slow unless you channel color is all part of thematic component of the game.

Quote
The game its self is also a bit of a gem, it most has a pretty strong cult following and people have often heard about this game, if only briefly

This is to be expected personally. It is a game that puts its art above the gameplay, meaning that if we were to boil everything down to just raw gameplay it is a slow methodical game done in a first person perspective where grinding is not just expected but a large portion of the game.

Yet in this game that isn't a flaw it is its strength that its gameplay is there to compliment the game itself. It could never have anything but a cult following because in order to understand and enjoy the game you have to put aside the gameplay and enjoy it for what it is. Which is a skill very few people have, in fact I don't have it for this game either.

I won't spoil any of the themes of the game (though a color list is always helpful) but suffice it to say it can be pretty deep at times and what is actually going on is a mystery even when you start to understand it.
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CognitiveDissonance

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2013, 11:01:35 am »

Just watched this, and I enjoyed your storytelling over the game. I look forward to more!
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Blankdoor

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2013, 02:23:25 pm »

Welcome back to our somber ramble through The Void!

Blank Plays: The Voice Episode 2

I feel strange playing this, admittedly as the game presents itself a lot more seriously than anything else I've attempted to play and I feel I should act accordingly. Still I'd love to know how you guys see that, since its a far cry from a lot of other LP's out there.

Would love to see how someone else went for this game. Watching~

Yeah everyone seems to have their own little way of playing, which glyphs they use and what colors they like, even which sister they prefer. Its not a major difference, but enough to individualize each play through.

I watched someone play this before. Perhaps more psuedo-philosophy would be interesting to have.

I give a whole load of psuedo-philosophy in this episode, so lets see if it actually works or not!


This is to be expected personally. It is a game that puts its art above the gameplay, meaning that if we were to boil everything down to just raw gameplay it is a slow methodical game done in a first person perspective where grinding is not just expected but a large portion of the game.

Yet in this game that isn't a flaw it is its strength that its gameplay is there to compliment the game itself. It could never have anything but a cult following because in order to understand and enjoy the game you have to put aside the gameplay and enjoy it for what it is. Which is a skill very few people have, in fact I don't have it for this game either.

I won't call it a shame that you can't enjoy the game, as I do believe each person is entitled to there opinion. Though it is nice to see you can acknowledge the fact it's not necessarily for you. Normally people just write the game off at first glance, basic things like a being unable to utilize physical attacks and dependence on color puts people off. I've seen it happen as I've introduced people to this game.

Still its is nice to hear another persons angle on this game, since I do normally get caught up in how amazing I think this game is.

Just watched this, and I enjoyed your storytelling over the game. I look forward to more!

Well don't worry you'll get more! Still hopefully I can offer a perspective on the story and put my ideas across properly, all part of doing live commentary I suppose. Recording Ad Lib especially with a game like this is hard, especially when you only get your feed back after posting an episode. Still I just think you like the sound of my voice =P

~Blank
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CognitiveDissonance

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2013, 02:51:45 pm »

Well don't worry you'll get more! Still hopefully I can offer a perspective on the story and put my ideas across properly, all part of doing live commentary I suppose. Recording Ad Lib especially with a game like this is hard, especially when you only get your feed back after posting an episode. Still I just think you like the sound of my voice =P

~Blank

Why yes, I really do! Just don't let that go to your head :P I also enjoy your recording and playstyle, so you have a fan.

What a fascinating game. It really reminds me of Zenoclash, Lexx and strange and old sci fi I used to read as a kid with the sheer strangeness of the events unfolding. It's a unique setting indeed.

Watching this, I can't help but draw a comparison to Lovecraft's Dream-Quest for Unknown Kadath. The feel of the events and the character are just so similar. As you mention, what in life and death caused you to end up in the void? Why are you so motivated? I interprete this as intent - this is no coincidence, perhaps you came to know of the Void through earthly means and sought a way in. And then you found it.


Lastly, I am entertained in immature ways by the fact that the character is running around naked. Hurray for indie games!
« Last Edit: May 08, 2013, 03:02:52 pm by CognitiveDissonance »
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Come and be amazed by this wonderful menagerie! Draw your own! Bring your favorite! The [Forgotten Beast Art Contest] is open for business!
Now also available - [The Legendary Artifact Art Contest]! It menaces! It has rings! It has craftsdwarfship!
I have a [YouTube] channel! It has Let's Plays and other stuff.

Neonivek

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2013, 06:20:20 pm »

Quote
Still its is nice to hear another persons angle on this game, since I do normally get caught up in how amazing I think this game is

I think the game is amazing and frankly not enough people know about it.

I just find it so depressing, methodical, slow, and often unreactive to enjoy playing and these are the elements that are intentionally part of the gameplay, well, the Art. It is the best game I can never play.

Don't mistake what I am saying, this game is a masterpiece. It has thick layers of depth and inspiration without just outright telling you anything making just sitting and thinking about what you saw and experience an adventure in it of itself. It is just that I don't have the skills to appreciate it, I can't get around the gameplay, I understand why the gameplay is the way it is, but it is a wall I cannot climb.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2013, 06:22:10 pm by Neonivek »
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Blankdoor

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2013, 01:20:13 pm »

We finish out first cycle and show off this games take on combat!

Blank Plays: The Void Episode 3

So we end the first cycle and begin donating color to Sister Death so we can progress a little deeper into the game. Which is kinda required and the game can be a little slow to prompt you to do it. As they spend a few cycles make you focus on gardens and murdering enemies, which I think they did on purpose to help ruin her realm.

Why yes, I really do! Just don't let that go to your head :P I also enjoy your recording and playstyle, so you have a fan.

What a fascinating game. It really reminds me of Zenoclash, Lexx and strange and old sci fi I used to read as a kid with the sheer strangeness of the events unfolding. It's a unique setting indeed.

Watching this, I can't help but draw a comparison to Lovecraft's Dream-Quest for Unknown Kadath. The feel of the events and the character are just so similar. As you mention, what in life and death caused you to end up in the void? Why are you so motivated? I interprete this as intent - this is no coincidence, perhaps you came to know of the Void through earthly means and sought a way in. And then you found it.


Lastly, I am entertained in immature ways by the fact that the character is running around naked. Hurray for indie games!

I've actually read a lot of Lovecraft's short stories, though I'm going through his work in written order so I'm still back in the stuff he published in papers. Still I always encourage people to read Lovecraft! Lots of stuff is naked in this game, so enjoy!


I think the game is amazing and frankly not enough people know about it.

I just find it so depressing, methodical, slow, and often unreactive to enjoy playing and these are the elements that are intentionally part of the gameplay, well, the Art. It is the best game I can never play.

Don't mistake what I am saying, this game is a masterpiece. It has thick layers of depth and inspiration without just outright telling you anything making just sitting and thinking about what you saw and experience an adventure in it of itself. It is just that I don't have the skills to appreciate it, I can't get around the gameplay, I understand why the gameplay is the way it is, but it is a wall I cannot climb.

well I usually find watching this game, given the player has at least some idea what he's doing, can often be better than playing. Plus the commentary often helps alleviate the slow pace somewhat. Though you really need to find a personality you like, as people need to fill in a lot of the blank time between conversations with the sisters/brothers.

~Blank
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Neonivek

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Re: Blank Plays: The Void
« Reply #10 on: May 09, 2013, 01:36:10 pm »

Honestly if you just understand what each color represents in the game, something the game barely ever tells you but I THINK is in the manual, then filling in the gaps is a lot easier.

One common mistake people make is in the interpretation of the trees as "free color". Yet they forget that trees suck nutrients from the soil.
« Last Edit: May 09, 2013, 01:39:46 pm by Neonivek »
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