Let's Play: Geneforge or Avernum?

[wkwkwkwk1]

Here's the new thread! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?405145-Let-s-Play-Geneforge-1)

Hey there!

I'm wkwkwkwk1. I have been in these forums for over half a year, and I thought it would be fun if I did a Let's Play. Why? Well, let's say I've been looking for an excuse to finish the game(s), and what better way to get around to it than doing a Let's Play?

For those of you who don't know, both Geneforge and Avernum are roleplaying games by Jeff Voge (http://jeff-vogel.blogspot.pt/)l, leader of Spiderweb Software (spiderwebsoftware.com), with huge worlds, great dialogue and awesome roleplaying experiences that will keep you entertained for over 50 hours. Really.

Now, the big question remains... Geneforge or Avernum? As would be expectable, each has its own pros and cons. Geneforge focuses more on actual roleplaying, with several factions and loads of decision-making. It is divided into small maps, making it easier for me to show you where I'm going (by the way, I will be doing it through screenshots and narration thereof, so, no videos, unless there is an overwhelming demand for them. If so, they wouldn't have voice or anything, just so you know...), while Avernum is pretty much a big, large, huge, gargantuan map, with tons of nooks and crannies, which I don't look forward to make screenshots of. Also, less roleplaying and options to speak of.

What do you say? I will elaborate once a decision is made.

wkwkwkwk1


I'd go with Geneforge


Here's the new thread! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?405145-Let-s-Play-Geneforge-1)

[Pronounceable]

Both could be equally entertaining (or boring) depending on how you do it. Geneforge would be easier to LP and less likely to die out on length alone.

[Narkis]

Go with Geneforge, it seems like it'd be both easier for you and more interesting for the viewer.

[tonberrian]

Geneforge is fun. I like Geneforge.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Eh, Geneforge it is :smallwink:

What I plan on doing is: Take pictures (screenshots) of the most relevan events (which means I will screenshot pretty much everything :smalltongue:), and narrate it in text. Now, should I narrate it as myself or the protagonist?

Another option is by video, but... I and my computer don't like screen recording software, and I wouldn't narrate anything with voice, which means I would put some subtitles or something. Really, I prefer screenshots, unless, as I said before, there is an overwhelming demand for video.

Anyway... Geneforge 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5? You can find my opinion in the spoiler below :smallsmile:

wkwkwkwk1


Well, Geneforge 1 is nice, but it has been Let's Played to death, I think...

I never played Geneforge 2, but hey, I can do it now if you ask me to...

I actually like Geneforge 3, even though several people don't. I just hate the boat system...

Geneforge 4 is probably one of my favorites, even though I never made it past the rebel hideout in the second chapter

Geneforge 5 is the one I've played the most, and one that I've enjoyed quite a bit

From Geneforge 1 to 5 there is a significant increase in the number of creations and spells

Personally, I'd go with 4, then 1, then 3 or 5, then 2

[Narkis]

I don't see any reason not to go with your preference.:smallsmile:

[wkwkwkwk1]

I don't see any reason not to go with your preference.:smallsmile:

Eh, I don't have a special aversion towards any of them, so I'd like to hear a bit from my audience first :smallwink:

[Flickerdart]

I remember playing the first two Geneforges back in the day. I never really figured out what was going on, so an LP would be cool.

[The Glyphstone]

I think Avernum is just a more interesting world/story in general, but I have to agree that it's far more linear and less interesting for a Let's Play. No preference on which Geneforge; I played through 1, got bored through 2, so any of them will be spoilers for me regardless.

[Fortuna]

I'd strongly prefer either 1, 2, or 5. Of those three, I'd probably suggest 2 over 5, and 5 over 1? But I have no strong opinion between 2 and 5.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Hmmmm... I'll do 1, and maybe more later...

So:

I will be playing as a moderately Awakened-Siding Shaper, focused (of course) in Shaping, specifically, Fire Shaping, with a bit of Magic Shaping, and a Clawbug thrown in for good measure. He is still young, so he is not set in his views. He will try to make use of Leadership whenever possible, though his curiosity will sometimes drag him into combat. Here we go...

http://s5.postimg.org/o2l3653d3/Title_Screen.png
Title Screen, Starting New Game

http://s5.postimg.org/n6jjtknd3/Character_Creation.png
Going with a Shaper...

http://s5.postimg.org/ynzwl13d3/Intro_1.png
http://s5.postimg.org/4of79c5l3/Intro_2.png
http://s5.postimg.org/bsx0idcuf/Intro_3.png

And off we go...


EDIT: More to come tomorrow. Also, I'll probably move this to a more suitable-named thread.

[Flickerdart]

I will be playing as a moderately Awakened-Siding Shaper, focused (of course) in Shaping, specifically, Fire Shaping, with a bit of Magic Shaping, and a Clawbug thrown in for good measure.

Going forward, it would be helpful to explain what all of these things actually mean. What is a Shaper? What other possible choices are there? What are the reasons you selected the skills you did?

[Pronounceable]

I will be playing as a moderately Awakened-Siding Shaper, focused (of course) in Shaping, specifically, Fire Shaping, with a bit of Magic Shaping, and a Clawbug thrown in for good measure.
We* have no idea what any of that means. We need some explanations and general game info, not to mention a reason to follow this LP. LPs are generally read for 3 reasons: to relive our own experiences playing the game back in the day, to see what sort of chichanery is possible with a game we know, or to see a new game without having to play it ourselves. What's gonna be going on here, why will we follow this?



*As in general audience. I personally do but you're not LPing for me.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Yes. Yes, you are both correct, and I apologize. I was too eager to begin :smalltongue:

[Quick Note: The first panel of the Introduction helps a bit with the backstory :smalltongue:]

The Shapers: The oldest, most respected sect of magicians ever known to exist. They can create life from the tips of their fingers, with nothing but what they call "Essence". What every single being is made of. And outsider (everyone not a Shaper) who tries to learn their secrets is awaited by a quick death at the hands of a Guardian, during the day, or an Agent, during the night.

The Shaper sect is made up of three, smaller, interlinked sections: the Agents, the Guardians, and the Shapers. The Eye, the Hand, and the Mind. Agents are skilled in magic, and their training in physical combat is extensive, though their Shaping skill is lost as a result. Guardians are masters of combat. Their magic skill is almost laughable, but they can Shape a small army to serve them. Finally, Shapers. Trained extensively in the arts of Shaping and magic, their studies left their bodies weak.

There are four schools of Shaping: Fire Shaping, Battle Shaping, Magic Shaping and Healing Craft.

Fire Shaping is arguably the most powerful of the three "creation schools" (Fire, Battle and Magic). Its creations are relatively capable in close-quarters combat, but their strength lies on their breath. Searing hot or freezing cold (fire or ice/cold), their breath scorches or freezes their foes to death [it has evolved to acid and lightning in later games, but not in this one]. However, they are dangerously intelligent (and therefore most of them are Barred), and have a tendency to turn rogue. Among them are the Fyora and the Drayk

Battle shaping is known to make the least (generally) useful creatures for combat, so they are used mostly as servants or bodyguards, but they are good at one thing: serving as cannon fodder. Among them are the Thahd, Clawbug, and Battle Line (Battle Alpha & Beta)

Magic Shaping is the most... dangerous of the three. Its creations are immensely powerful. A Glaahk can paralyze their foes, an Artila can sear anything with its acidic breath, and Vlish are the masters of mental magic.

Healing Craft is quite different a school. It is the manipulation of Essence to repair wounds and improve endurance.

Magic: The tools of Agents. Divided in Battle Magic, Blessing Magic and Mental Magic.

Battle Magic involves dealing direct damage to your foes. Uniquely offensive. Firebolt is its staple.

Blessing Magic involves buffing your party, for instance, with War Blessing.

Mind Magic is offensive mind (and, strangely enough, lock) manipulation.

About the Awakened thing... you'll learn about it soon :smallamused:

I selected the skills I did because: Intelligence is needed for the Essence pool (similar to health, but it is used permanently when you make a creation until it dies or you reabsorb [read: horribly murder and tear into base components] it); the Shaping skills give bonuses to the creations you make, Leadership makes the game funnier to play (gives you more dialog options), and Mechanics allow you to save Living Tools, which are basically living lockpicks.

I'll post the first area play-through soon enough

wkwkwkwk1

[wkwkwkwk1]

Soory for not having posted anything yet, I've been pretty busy with the last week of classes, I hope to have a new thread with the first area up today

[wkwkwkwk1]

Aaaaaand here goes the first area!


http://s5.postimg.org/ka1kqenuv/Map1_1.png
Here we go... stranded, almost drowned, glowing red eyes of doom...

http://s5.postimg.org/rgy7p5sg7/Map1_2.png
Oooooh, text! This windows are the backbone of this game series, so really, take the time to read them. Also, I have 0 coins :smallsmile:

http://s5.postimg.org/uu6gbvm13/Map1_3.png
My first steps...

http://s5.postimg.org/hxoivp4xz/Map1_4.png
Walking down the docks...

http://s5.postimg.org/uvlg2eu6f/Map1_5.png
Hmmmmm... so this warehouse is still standing? It looks over a century old! *sigh* Looks like I do not have a choice...

http://s5.postimg.org/f4vbbo4lj/Map1_6.png
I hope there aren't... "things" inside...

http://s5.postimg.org/alj2q5mpz/Map1_7.png
Looks peaceful enough... oh, looks like I have something to warm myself with...

http://s5.postimg.org/9xfa4bubr/Map1_8.png
I still need a weapon... I guess these old javelins will have to do...
I absolutely love the bones' flavor text. Also, I found myself a weapon and a tunic :smalltongue:

http://s5.postimg.org/r4bvg3ghz/Map1_9.png
I... what *is* this? No... it cannot be a canister, can it? I... I think using this kind of artifacts is forbidden, but...

Unlike other games of this series, canisters are needed to finish the game without cheating. Also, you don't get anything by not using them.

http://s5.postimg.org/99b0z4kzr/Map1_11.png
I shouldn't be doing this...

http://s5.postimg.org/89g4pogg7/Map1_10.png
"Gnhhhh!"
Owww, my head... I think I am going to be sick... What did this... thing do to me?

http://s5.postimg.org/98135pj5z/Map1_12.png
Let me get whatever else I can...

http://s5.postimg.org/hl26mmszr/Screenshot_13.png
A key? What is a key doing here? Ah, I'll take it, you never know...

This is all I can find... I should keep going.

http://s5.postimg.org/fhrreyt6v/Screenshot_14.png

http://s5.postimg.org/y69t2ak3r/Map1_15.png

http://s5.postimg.org/id4ultx6v/Map1_17.png
What could be inside these jars?

http://s5.postimg.org/i6ffsp64n/Map1_20.png
Stones? Really? Let's check the next one...

http://s5.postimg.org/yvgvom2pz/Map1_19.png
"Huh? What is a healing pod doing over here?"

http://s5.postimg.org/tu9hn8v9j/Map1_18.png

http://s5.postimg.org/wtgead4qv/Map1_23.png
What *is* this? Another gate? Oh, wait, there's a guardpost over there...

http://s5.postimg.org/ckt0on5fr/Map1_22.png
Looking back, I didn't even notice the sword lying on the table... I feel stupid.

http://s5.postimg.org/3tlzudm4n/Map1_24.png
I'll just... gnnhhh... pull this lever...

http://s5.postimg.org/xo2xweclj/Map1_25.png
They must have been really in a hurry... why did they leave all of this behind? *Why?*

http://s5.postimg.org/59xicip1j/Map1_26.png
At least I have a decent weapon now...

http://s5.postimg.org/bdjoa64p3/Map1_30.png
*Another* building?

http://s5.postimg.org/jlllv5wlj/Map1_31.png
How did this happen? I'm... I am so confused...

http://s5.postimg.org/pb1ufh2rr/Map1_33.png
Nothing here...

http://s5.postimg.org/cxp08kd3b/Map1_35.png
What?? Two more healing pods?

http://s5.postimg.org/8ecrn1v7r/Map1_37.png
Nothing of note... I need a bed, and quickly...

http://s5.postimg.org/azne7oqx3/Map1_38.png
And now I find... ornks? I... I am feeling dizzy...

http://s5.postimg.org/4jefhlidj/Map1_40.png
Wait... I think I saw something shine over there...

http://s5.postimg.org/6rslyxphj/Map1_39.png
A... a gemstone? I may need it, I will take it...

http://s5.postimg.org/obglgvtxj/Map1_42.png
Ornks... stupid creations... wait, I see something over there... must keep going...

Oh, there's something on the other side of the field... what may it be?

http://s5.postimg.org/sjbdpmvd3/Map1_43.png
A... house?

http://s5.postimg.org/g0us91ydj/Map1_44.png

http://s5.postimg.org/uszi0e4av/Map1_46.png
Fortunately I paid attention when they talked about opening levers...

http://s5.postimg.org/i5jqnvpdz/Map1_47.png
Wow...

http://s5.postimg.org/ejdxb8j0n/Map1_48.png
Now I can go...

http://s5.postimg.org/vxy5jig5j/Map1_49.png
I'm finally out of these docks... and into the fire...


That's it for now! What do you think?

[wkwkwkwk1]

Here's the new thread! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?405145-Let-s-Play-Geneforge-1)