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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Jun 18, 2013 9:26:13 GMT
Who else here has had a stab at the latest TMG adaptation? I'm still cursed by my poor dice rolls and have yet to survive a trip through the forest!
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Post by paltogue on Jun 18, 2013 14:22:45 GMT
To my shame, I haven't bought any of these (or the new Sorcery! Inkle game) yet. I really should, but it's just a case of finding the time to play them (oh, and it would mean I have to play by the rules...).
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Jun 18, 2013 18:58:17 GMT
Can anybody help me with the 'pool of blood' achievement? Where the heck is it in the house?
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Galactrix
Squire
Posts: 6
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy
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Post by Galactrix on Jun 20, 2013 18:24:10 GMT
I've managed to win on Adventurer difficulty, but am still trying to succeed on Hardcore Hero. Having 2 less skill actually makes the fights slightly challenging!
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Jun 26, 2013 19:24:57 GMT
I've managed to win on Adventurer difficulty, but am still trying to succeed on Hardcore Hero. Having 2 less skill actually makes the fights slightly challenging! Hardcore feels insanely difficult! It is amazing the difference just two SKILL points makes. |
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Post by paltogue on Oct 27, 2013 16:37:20 GMT
Just played this for the first time; very nice! Love the recolouring and over-all feel and design of it. Nice to visit this old favourite in a new way. Well done TMG.
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Post by ohthehorror on Apr 19, 2014 15:12:39 GMT
Hi,
When I was young I played the Deathtrap Dungeon Fighting Fantasy gamebook over and over and over, and loved it to death. I heard a while ago, from their site I think, that Deathtrap Dungeon is one of the ones earmarked for release at some point but haven't heard anything more about it in quite a long time now. I think it's getting on for a year since I've heard anything official. I know that they had plans to do a 'sorcery' job on it, at least I think I remember reading that, but either I'm missing the latest news about what's planned/happening with it etc., or it's been shelved or something. Does anyone know what's happening with this particular gamebook? Anyone heard any news since last summer-ish(pretty sure that's the last Tin Man Games mentioned it?).
Anyway, thanks in advance for any news.
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Apr 19, 2014 20:19:56 GMT
It isn't the one of the next two scheduled. "Starship Traveller" was just released and the next two FF titles from TMG will be "Appointment with F.E.A.R." and "Caverns of the Snow Witch". (You can always either follow the TMG blog or read the news section in our magazine.)
I think you may be in for a wait as they are obviously doing those Livingstone/Jackson titles that haven't been done as an app before. In other words "Freeway Fighter", "Temple of Terror", "Trial of Champions"*, "Crypt of the Sorcerer", "Return to Firetop Mountain"*, "Legend of Zagor"* and "Eye of the Dragon" are all more likely before "The Warlock of Firetop Mountain", "The Citadel of Chaos", "City of Thieves", "Deathtrap Dungeon" and "Creature of Havoc".
*DD and TWoFM need releasing before these 3 due to those 3 being sequels.
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Apr 19, 2014 21:55:30 GMT
Talk about Tin Man Games latests FF release here!
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Post by ohthehorror on Apr 19, 2014 22:34:34 GMT
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Yes, I subscribe to their blog feed, which is partly what made me ask the question here. I was just surprised that one of Fighting Fantasy's most popular gamebooks seemed to be, well almost shoved to the side, kind of like an also ran. I think it deserves a little more attention than it's getting.
Or it could just be that because I love Deathtrap Dungeon so much, I'm simply giving it more attention than is acceptable.
Part of me dreads it coming out. I wasn't a fan of the new combat method that sorcery used at all. I know I'm probably in the minority there, but I really thought the original method of the dice rolling which mimicked the books was so much better. There's simply no feeling of suspense with the new combat system.
If I'm honest, I want Tin Man Games to stick to the the old gamebook system with the dice rolls etc... I liked the dice rolls. The new system of dragging to the left or right for combat felt too much like a video game and not enough like a fighting fantasy gamebook.
I think what I'm trying to say really is that, what I've seen so far is worrying me. I don't want to see Deathtrap Dungeon become another 'sorcery', with it's video game combat etc.
I'm worried.
Deathtrap Dungeon is my baby. I want it to come out as soon as possible, but I'm so worried that they're going to ruin it with the whole 'sorcery' combat thing.
*sigh*
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Apr 20, 2014 4:21:32 GMT
Deathtrap Dungeon is my baby. I want it to come out as soon as possible, but I'm so worried that they're going to ruin it with the whole 'sorcery' combat thing. I think you are conflating Tin Man Games' apps (the general FF series) with inkle Studios' ones ( Sorcery! only). You've no worries that the Sorcery! combat system will turn up in Deathtrap Dungeon. That said, TMG are dividing their range into 2 "streams" (for want of a better word). One is how they've done their previous FF adaptations ( Blood of the Zombies, House of Hell, The Forest of Doom) which is essentially a strict translation of the book into app form. The other "stream" is a more experimental/adding stuff style which we'll get a look at when Appointment with F.E.A.R. is released. Having not yet played Starship Traveller I couldn't tell you which way that app leans. |
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Post by ohthehorror on Apr 20, 2014 12:16:19 GMT
Deathtrap Dungeon is my baby. I want it to come out as soon as possible, but I'm so worried that they're going to ruin it with the whole 'sorcery' combat thing. I think you are conflating Tin Man Games' apps (the general FF series) with inkle Studios' ones ( Sorcery! only). You've no worries that the Sorcery! combat system will turn up in Deathtrap Dungeon. That said, TMG are dividing their range into 2 "streams" (for want of a better word). One is how they've done their previous FF adaptations ( Blood of the Zombies, House of Hell, The Forest of Doom) which is essentially a strict translation of the book into app form. The other "stream" is a more experimental/adding stuff style which we'll get a look at when Appointment with F.E.A.R. is released. Having not yet played Starship Traveller I couldn't tell you which way that app leans. Ah yes, I think I am. I'm not dead-set against them experimenting with the general style of the thing as such, but I desperately didn't want that sorcery! combat. So, since that's a different beast and not likely to happen then I'm a lot happier. |
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kieran
Baron
Posts: 2,452
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy
Member is Online
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Post by kieran on Apr 23, 2014 14:36:10 GMT
Having not yet played Starship Traveller I couldn't tell you which way that app leans. It seems to be pretty much identical to the book bar some minor changes (you can name your crew for instance). |
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Sept 5, 2014 22:20:47 GMT
Post here to talk about Tin Man Games latest FF adaptation.
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Post by The Editor (Alex B) on Sept 5, 2014 22:24:19 GMT
Quick update for those not up with the play...
The next Tin Man Games app will be Caverns of the Snow Witch. This looks to be a strict adaptation, albeit with some additional new artwork.
It will be followed by the granddaddy of them all, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, which will have additional stuff done to it. FF alumni Jonathan Green in involved in expanding/adapting the adventure.
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kieran
Baron
Posts: 2,452
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy
Member is Online
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Post by kieran on Sept 8, 2014 11:14:13 GMT
Being able to design your own superhero is quite cool as are the cheesy taunts you and your enemies hurl back and forth as you fight.
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Post by champskees on Sept 13, 2014 4:09:40 GMT
Just on this title, I'm in the credits!
Apparently Tin Man have used the solution/s from this site as part of their testing process for this app. As a thankyou, I was told I would be in the credits and was given 6-7 of their older titles, which I thought was really nice, especially considering I haven't said the nicest things about their Gamebook Adventures range! |
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Post by The Tin Man on Oct 3, 2014 9:19:27 GMT
Just on this title, I'm in the credits!
Apparently Tin Man have used the solution/s from this site as part of their testing process for this app. As a thankyou, I was told I would be in the credits and was given 6-7 of their older titles, which I thought was really nice, especially considering I haven't said the nicest things about their Gamebook Adventures range! A well deserved entry into the credits too. Your play-throughs of all four super powers were instrumental in our design and testing! And no worries on your criticisms about GA. We can't please everyone, but I've always thought your criticisms well balanced and honest. Plus you seem to have played them to death (literally many times) so it's great to know they have had that level of scrutiny.  |
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Post by The Tin Man on Oct 3, 2014 9:27:30 GMT
Quick update for those not up with the play... The next Tin Man Games app will be Caverns of the Snow Witch. This looks to be a strict adaptation, albeit with some additional new artwork. It will be followed by the granddaddy of them all, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, which will have additional stuff done to it. FF alumni Jonathan Green in involved in expanding/adapting the adventure. is definitely the next FF release, followed shortly by Jonathan Green's Bloodbones. As we revealed at the Fighting Fantasy Fest, we're doing things very differently with Warlock, so expect to see that some time next year! |
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Post by offm on Dec 3, 2014 16:44:35 GMT
played it a couple of times but never finished , where in hell is the second hammer piece as for the adaptation as an app 5* edit:i know from memorie that should be inside the crypt but do not know how to move the stone |
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Post by vastarien on Jan 25, 2015 10:14:11 GMT
I don't own an android or iphone, but Forest of Doom has now been released on Steam so I finally got a chance to play a FF app. Really impressed with what Tin Man have done with their conversion - retro mode was a great touch and I rather enjoy having my adventure sheet recorded automatically.
FoD was never my favourite adventure when I was younger. It felt altogether too quick to get to Stonebridge and I'd always missed the items required. This time I took it for what it was and had fun. Ended up winning in 3 attempts.
I REALLY hope Tin Man and Inkle start to release more through steam.. otherwise I'm limited to trying to convince my girlfriend to let me download apps on her phone. At this rate I'm going to have to get a 21st century phone myself!
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Post by offm on Jan 26, 2015 17:00:47 GMT
vastarien there is a program to play android apps on the pc called bluestacks its free but may have publicity to buy the pro version now and then , take a look and see if it works for you
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Post by vastarien on Jan 27, 2015 12:36:06 GMT
Thanks, I think I'm going to look in to bluestacks. I did try something called Andy a few days ago.. installed it but nothing happned when I started it up. It'd be useful if I could get an emulator going. Even more useful if they just release the games through Steam!
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Post by anson on Mar 1, 2015 11:32:23 GMT
"The Pool of Blood" achievement - I'm sure everybody's found this already by now but...
SPOILER
1) Escape from the room where the sacrifice is taking place down the corridor to the side while the worshipers are preoccupied. You'll need the pentacle or a successful Luck roll depending on the options you choose in this room. Recommend the pentacle as you need a low luck score for the achievement. The pentacle can be found inside a book in the study.
2) Try door on left.
3) Fling door open.
4) Defeat the GREAT DANE.
5) You wish to escape: Test your Luck. For the achievement you must be Unlucky.
6) Slip in the pool of blood.
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Post by anson on Mar 1, 2015 11:50:38 GMT
"Get Smart" Achievement
This one took me forever to unlock - you need 4 art pieces for this achievement, and there's no clues indicating where to look for them. Once you find them you can see an alternative cover by Dan Maxwell.
TIP
The rooms where these can be found are:
1) Azazel Room.
2) The Study.
3) The room below the Drawing Room.
4) The er...place where they keep the Great Danes.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
1) Check inside the cupboards.
2) Open the Book on Hypnotism and resist the power of the eye.
3) Look for a weapon to use.
4) Defeat all 3 Great Danes.
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Post by patato on Mar 8, 2015 10:09:33 GMT
great gamebook, first time i tried it was an app! ( i never read the book ç.ç)
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Post by anson on Mar 21, 2015 20:03:57 GMT
Starship Traveller was released on Steam as well recently. Very impressed with this digital conversion; great new art work, loved the music and the overall look and feel. Not surprised it got an award.
I get the impression that the other Steam releases were well received, so I hope there'll be more soon.
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Post by offm on Apr 16, 2015 16:37:01 GMT
vastarien i think that 1 or 2 titles were already released trough Steam , one of them is Forest of Doom
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Post by Pete Byrdie on May 14, 2015 10:51:24 GMT
Having been ill lately, I thought I'd spend some time with some gamebook apps for android from Tin Man. I got Bloodbones and Forest of Doom.
I'd never played Bloodbones as a book, it having been released after my gamebooking days, and it was great fun but fiendishly difficult and frustrating. No getting through the one true path regardless of initial dice rolls in that one!
Forest of Doom is an old friend, and even after a couple of decades it's amazing how much I remembered. Some of the pictures from the book were well and truly lodged in my memory (the fire demon, the wyvern, the crypt, etc) and seeing Tin Man's coloured versions was a thrill. In contrast to Bloodbones, death in The Forest of Doom feels like an exciting new opportunity to explore further and complete the map. In fact, I haven't actually finished the game, but I now know how to from my explorations. But instead of doing that, I'm going to run through to a few more unexplored regions. The excellent automated features on the app make exploration expeditions easier and more fun. This, to me, is why I fell in love with gamebooks. The chance to explore new locations even to the detriment of the attempt to succeed, and for it still to be fun and not frustrating. And to discover a path that you really can achieve with relatively low initial stats, so that you're not beginning again constantly getting slaughtered by an opponent that you have to fight, regardless of what choices you've made.
I was initially unsure about having the option to nudge the dice. It feels like cheating. But now I'm used to it, it adds an element of real world skill that makes the battles feel more immersive.
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Post by Pete Byrdie on May 18, 2015 11:27:05 GMT
I got Starship Traveller for Android yesterday. It looks great, sounds great, and is fun to play. Some of the battles can be a little confusing, but you get used to them. I'm pleased to see the superfluous paragraph numbers removed. They have no place really in a phone app adaptation of a gamebook. And odd adherence to tradition.
The app's biggest failure is the same failure as was present in the original, that mapping the thing is quite impossible. You could happily be on your way to a particular location, stop somewhere else on the way, explore, only to find you are no longer given the option to continue on to your original destination. Some clarity as to the reasons for this could have been given by the automatic mapping system in this app. However, whereas the automatic mapping of Darkwood Forest on Forest of Doom at least gave you some idea of which part of the forest you were in, the mapping of the galaxy in which Starship Traveller is set really is a waste of time. Where these apps seem to miss the point is that we map our way through a gamebook so as to guide our next attempt. If the map returns to blank at each attempt, the mapping is barely useful. Considering the apps' open use of the form of cheating they calls 'bookmarks' (ie saving a position so that you can return to it later) their unwillingness to facilitate a map that remains filled in between attempts, something that is encouraged by the books and by the ethos of gamebooks which assume you will require several attempts, seems perplexing. I keep getting fairly pointless awards for doing things that are often inane, yet the notion of a reward for a fully completed map, something that would be deeply satisfying to many players, seems not to have occurred to the designers.
I don't know whether there's a future for the Fighting Fantasy game system. If there is, it's certainly not down the road of Blood of the Zombies, which may prove to be the final stake through Fighting Fantasy's heart. I've noticed there isn't even a thread here for discussing the app based on that book, which I'm unsurprised about having bought the app a few days ago. But perhaps there is a chance for the system to be implemented in future apps based on the ethos and advantages of gamebooks (the value of narrative and illustrations, a true way through that requires little risk, while retaining entertaining alternate paths) while enhancing the advantages afforded by apps (less restricted exploration and options, perhaps more strategy in battles). At the moment, these app adaptations are excellent ways to conveniently relive the fun once had with gamebooks, but they are odd hybrids that don't really use either the possibilities of the gamebook or the app to their best advantage.
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