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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:27:12 GMT
From TUFFF (December 2009)... Well, after years of waiting and the book hanging in legendary status as the famous 'lost' FF book that would pioneer the series through a rebirth in the form of shorter, 300 paragraph stories with altered rules, what did you think of this when it finally arrived? As Jon himself pointed out at the time on the official forums, things rarely live up to the hype - especially when rumours have floated around about a product for the best part of a decade - but overall I personally enjoyed it, not least because I have a soft spot for all things piratical!
( They beat ninjas hands down, although they are pretty cool too.)
I enjoyed the setting obviously, but also the writing, the pace, Tony Hugh's utterly fabulous art style, fun monsters such as the TREASURE GOLEM, taking part in activities like The Arrow of Providence and I even appreciated the difficulty. What's everyone else's take on this book? Where would you rank it among Green's other works? For me it's Howl of the Werewolf > Spellbreaker > Bloodbones > Stormslayer > Knights of Doom > Curse of the Mummy. That's not to say I think it's a mid-carder - It's just the other two are so flippin' great! ~ Vae Victis! ~ |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:29:01 GMT
From TUFFF... Dang! I wrote a longish reply and it's disappeared. Oh well.
I also liked the piratical setting and I really like The Port of Crabs section, all the red herrings, and tangling with the crew. Moonrunner did something similar better but it's still good. Less keen on the harsh fights and could have done without The Voodoo Dungeon of Instant Death but still a good book.
If I were to rank Jon's books:
1.Howl of the Werewolf
2.Bloodbones
3.Spellbreaker
4.Curse of the Mummy
5.Knights of Doom
Not sure about Stormslayer yet. Need to give it a few more tries. |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:31:06 GMT
From TUFFF (January 2012)... Spoilers ahead! Really enjoyed the first half and it took a while to find the correct route to the ship. The second half on the island felt fleshed out and reminded me a bit of Lizard King (not one of my favourite Livingstones). High stat enemies toward the end but offset with some nice items like the chainmail, throwing daggers, bonesword, Luck spell etc made it about right in terms of difficulty. A couple of minor irritants though-roll 2dx4 and a double=death, and the second battle with the giant spider scorpion thing. Four attempts it took to get past thanks to the lose two consecutive rounds rule. All in all thoroughly enjoyable though. I may even be able to persuade the missus to have a go,what with it having a Pirates of the Caribbean feel. 7/10. Did anyone work out the floor puzzle? The 2 back 2 forward reference is the clue I imagine but I'm stumped. Maybe I'm overthinking and it's really easy. Good job it wasn't a requirement or I wouldn't have finished it! |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:32:18 GMT
From TUFFF... JG rankings: STORY
Knights, Howl, Spell, Night, Blood, Curse, Storm GAMEPLAY
Storm, Blood, Night, Howl, Knights, Curse, Spell OVERALL
Knights, Howl, Blood, Night, Storm, Spell, Curse Two Words |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:33:19 GMT
From TUFFF... Two back Two forward is a clue to the puzzle at para 372. |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:33:51 GMT
From TUFFF (February 2012)... My god, I haven't read this book in ages and I'm really fancying it! I'll give it a shot over the next couple of nights and hopefully entertain you all with the adventure afterwards  ~ Vae Victis! ~ |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:36:26 GMT
From TUFFF (March 2012)... The long lost in limbo Bloodbones, brought back and expended upon for the new Wizard series, and finally mine to enjoy. A nearly new book (not quite there yet, doing a bit better than Eye of the Dragon, and let’s agree, in an whole other league), so an exciting prospect! Next after that will be the entirely new Howl of the Werewolf but for now this will have to do, and as far as doing goes, Bloodbones does a lot of good with only a few painful passages then and there, just enough to remind you that you are reading a Jonathan Green book after all, author of notorious Spellbreaker and Curse of that guy who had to do battle with 30 mummies in a row. Pain I tell you. But enjoyable pain mostly. I mean, the story is enjoyable, so you’ll mostly try to endure - and live through - those little bits of pain, just so you can continue on. The settings are lively, atmospheric, full of all things piratical, but more often than not fresh, doing away with most of the clichés. Even when those clichés are in place, they are often looked upon more as an homage or tongue-in-cheek, instead of as a sign of a lack of inspiration. Pirates have never been my forte, but in this book you don’t really play a pirate or a sailor yourself (though you are), but just a guy bent on revenge going against pirates. There’s no endless sailing of the 12 seas or pillaging or plundering, though in a way it’s all in there, in the background or linked to the characters you are dealing with. So there’s no annoyances at being forced into the life of a pirate, though you’ll certainly be forcing the life out of pirates, a-plenty. And such a joy it is to be facing such a strange and exotic array of piratical foes and other weird menace! You can tell that Jon Green researches and enjoys his subject matters a lot as every one of his books his filled with exquisite details. I particularly enjoy how he often takes legends and sayings and insert them in his stories, twisting them enough to surprise you with something that seems familiar but reveals itself to be, in fact, unknown territory, like Jack-a-Lantern and the Cat O’ Nine Tails! Very nice. As for the rest, you’ve got your Jon mainstay: codewords, more or less hidden numbers, items a plenty, though nowhere near Livingstone size, with plenty of them red herrings. You’ve got a time score to keep track of for the first part of the book, a part that act a bit more as a hub world and if you can get through that, you’ll end up on a journey that’s a bit more linear in style, though nothing too restrictive either. All in all it’s well done, and as for the pain, without going into spoiler territory, I’d say Scarachna (if that’s the right name), and that should be enough. I would find it hard to believe this little number didn’t took the life of many adventurers before - and yet to come - such a tricky beast as it is. And don’t think insect repellent’s going to get you out of this one! That’s one major bump in the road. But admittedly a cool one. Cover from Martin McKenna… what’s there to say? I love it, pure and simple. Very atmospheric, very spot-on. Inside illos by Tony Hough are mostly pretty good, but didn’t do it for me as much as I wanted them to. There’s a lot of humans in that book and I always thought Hough’s strong point was his monsters - he is really good with weird creatures - but his humans always appears too comical and disproportionate. Most of the time I let it go but I really hated Cinnabar’s depiction, he really looks like some sort of buffoon in that one illo, not at all like the menace he should be. Oh well, it’s hard to win on all front. Overall a good, fun book to be experienced, and not as punishing as earlier Jon Green, so, recommended for the less hardcore fans as well …and for those who can’t resist a blend of Pirates of the Caribbean with Indiana Jones, though for me I felt much more like a young Indiana than a bumbling Jack Sparrow… Speak in extremes, it will save you time. |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:37:32 GMT
From TUFFF... I never read Bloodbones yet, only skimmed through it after I bought it... not really into pirates myself but it looks interesting. Maybe I'll make a quiz about it one day. The more beautiful and pure FF is – the more satisfying it is to corrupt it. |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:39:19 GMT
From TUFFF... I really hated Cinnabar’s depiction, he really looks like some sort of buffoon in that one illo, not at all like the menace he should be. I like Leigh Loveday's description in his review: He definitely should have avoided trying to depict the climactic confrontation with Cinnabar, because he ended up making your cruel nemesis look like a sweaty politician gurning helplessly at the paparazzi who've cornered him in a red light district. It's really an awful pic. I spotted it a few times as I was flicking through the book and assumed it was some comic relief character you could encounter. Couldn't believe it when I reached the end and found out this doofus was Cinnabar! |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:40:38 GMT
From TUFFF... Yes, awful, exactly, and a funny description from Leigh Loveday. Tony Hough seems to have a hard time depicting humans with normal proportionate faces and expressions. He should have left him alone. It's a shame too because undead Cinna looks mostly good, considering his skin problems. Somehow like you while playing the book I flip to that particular page and my eye rested on the name Cinnabar and I told myself: please, make it so that it is not that guy! You know the rest of the story... Speak in extremes, it will save you time. |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:42:57 GMT
From TUFFF (Feb 2013)... I played this book for the first time yesterday, and I really like it. Its difficulty is about the right level I'd say - no pushover, but not crazily difficult either (though some of the enemies near the end are a little too tough) so there is considerable replay value. The plot is interesting and the Port of Crabs is my favourite type of town - a violent, squalid, corrupt hellhole. (I mean my favourite town to read about - not sure I'd buy a flat there ...) Some of the monsters were good too, e.g. the Cat O' Nine Tails had me chuckling, though some are a little short on originality (giant scorpion, etc.). One thing I don't particularly like about Green's books, and I know others think the same, is codewords that you are supposed to remember, but that the book doesn't tell you you are supposed to remember at the time. So you find yourself hunting back thirty sections or so for a single word. But I only had to do that twice in Bloodbones, which is less than my average for a Green book, so I won't complain too much. Overall, a very good entry in the series, and well worth the £0.01 it cost me on Amazon! |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:47:27 GMT
From TUFFF... For the longest time I didn't realise those code words were actually words spelled backwards The more beautiful and pure FF is – the more satisfying it is to corrupt it. |
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Post by thealmightymudworm on Feb 26, 2014 15:48:11 GMT
From TUFFF (June 2013)... Surely Bloodbones needs 12/24/12 stats though I have not done a 'proper' try yet. |
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Post by deadshadowrunner on Feb 28, 2014 6:13:21 GMT
Soooo... Is the Scarachna thingy an insect?Probably not,though it would be great if it was,so that you can use the insect repellent spell on it.It would save you a lot of trouble.
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Post by hynreck on Feb 28, 2014 14:42:11 GMT
If my mind does not play tricks, Scarachna is a scorpion/spider hybrid. So, not a bug, but close. Nasty thing.
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Post by hynreck on Feb 28, 2014 14:43:17 GMT
deadshadowrunner, is your sig inspired by Labyrinth, by any chance?
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Post by deadshadowrunner on Mar 1, 2014 5:09:13 GMT
Labyrinth?The game or the movie?
Neither of those,actually,it just occurred to me while I was daydreaming(while working).
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Post by hynreck on Mar 5, 2014 13:40:52 GMT
There's a game? I guess with such a basic name that shouldn't surprise me. But the movie, then. The one with Bowie's area.
It's still a great watch if you haven't seen it and like fantasy. Which you should since you hang out here!
You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.
Your quote, not the area, though you will see it, it's unavoidable.
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vagsancho
Knight
Posts: 809 
Favourite Gamebook Series: CRYPT OF THE SORCERER
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Post by vagsancho on Oct 17, 2019 11:19:13 GMT
Soon.. I intend to... Soon... I have the desire to... To play bloodbones for the very first time... To feel it.. To Deeply feel it in the surface of my soul... Soon...
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vagsancho
Knight
Posts: 809
Favourite Gamebook Series: CRYPT OF THE SORCERER
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Post by vagsancho on Sept 17, 2020 12:54:42 GMT
After one sabatic year, here i am playing for the very first time Bloodbones.
(ive studied carefully champskees solution first, cause i hate so much to lose a fighting fantasy book).
Oh god, how i desire to feel and to win a fightinh fantasy book again!!
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vagsancho
Knight
Posts: 809
Favourite Gamebook Series: CRYPT OF THE SORCERER
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Post by vagsancho on Sept 20, 2020 16:27:52 GMT
I lost this book today. Ive died in this book today.
Oh god, how i hate so much to lose a FF book. A horrible, horrible feeling of waisted life. Oh god!!!!!
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vagsancho
Knight
Posts: 809
Favourite Gamebook Series: CRYPT OF THE SORCERER
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Post by vagsancho on Sept 20, 2020 16:57:05 GMT
Bloodbones vs Demons of Deep?
Which one is better?
Complexity vs Simplicity!
Not very easy for me to answer this question.
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sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,678
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
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Post by sylas on Sept 20, 2020 18:38:40 GMT
Bloodbones for me. I like a challenging but beatable adventure while Demons of the Deep is lighthearted fun that rarely feels like you're in danger. Of the two, Demons is better designed in terms of balance, but the epic vibe of Bloodbones is more engaging.
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vagsancho
Knight
Posts: 809
Favourite Gamebook Series: CRYPT OF THE SORCERER
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Post by vagsancho on Sept 20, 2020 19:13:22 GMT
Yes. I guess so. Although i really feel i am beneath water in demons and i call that feeling engaging too.
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Post by The Count on Sept 21, 2020 5:10:38 GMT
If it wasn't for Green seemingly loathing the reader, Bloodbones would be a far more enjoyable experience. As expected, some great writing, solid atmosphere (the ghost ship and port in particular) gives way to painful linearity and nonsensical combats with overpowered monsters. Not as good a story as his first two. Not as infuriating to play either. The treasure golem is a wonderful concept, the nine tailed cat is stupid. A solid effort overall.
I much prefer Demons of the Deep to answer the question though - it has a better atmosphere, several paths through with different endings, and it much more fun to explore and replay. Though like the other SJ2 books, it is too easy.
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vagsancho
Knight
Posts: 809
Favourite Gamebook Series: CRYPT OF THE SORCERER
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Post by vagsancho on Oct 4, 2020 8:57:31 GMT
I am playing right now bloodbones.
I am feeling it!
Good vibes! Vibes from Stvenson's treasure island and from pirates of the Caribbean.
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Post by paperexplorer on Sept 7, 2022 2:37:06 GMT
So I've just finished this and I've got some pretty mixed feelings on this one. BTW, I say finished, but I did die in the second battle with the Scarachna but read on regardless....
Cons:
I can't see this book being beaten by anything other than a skill 12 character. There is a lot of skill tests which are fail and die, plus it's very combat heavy with some really tough opponents, particularly for that finale where there are 3 really tough baddies in a row. The Cinnebar fight also feels particularly unfairly weighted against the player.
The book has many instant death passages, and if you don't get things right it can kill you off pretty early. I get why people tell about Green hating the reader after reading this.
Some plot points Didn't stick well with me. Why desperately board the pirate ship only to leap from it in the middle of the ocean?
Artwork (yes that pic of Cinnebar is awful)
I wasn't told to write the name of the bone sword down which was frustrating when I had to go back and find where it was mentioned
That puzzle to open the door was annoying to do
Pros
Lots of opportunities for provisions if you look for them
Game mechanics were good, I liked the combat bonus items you could buy
Structure of the book was also really good, and I think the codeword system worked well here as there is real cause and effect in play
Atmosphere was on point and I liked that Green Didn't lean into cheesey pirate cliches but rather kept them as genuine cut throats
I didn't mind all the false leads and the port at the start actually felt more dangerous than Port Blacksand
Overall maybe a 7 out of 10 from me at this point. Good, but not up there with my favourites.
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Post by slloyd14 on Sept 7, 2022 18:59:21 GMT
So I've just finished this and I've got some pretty mixed feelings on this one. BTW, I say finished, but I did die in the second battle with the Scarachna but read on regardless.... Cons: I can't see this book being beaten by anything other than a skill 12 character. There is a lot of skill tests which are fail and die, plus it's very combat heavy with some really tough opponents, particularly for that finale where there are 3 really tough baddies in a row. The Cinnebar fight also feels particularly unfairly weighted against the player. The book has many instant death passages, and if you don't get things right it can kill you off pretty early. I get why people tell about Green hating the reader after reading this. Some plot points Didn't stick well with me. Why desperately board the pirate ship only to leap from it in the middle of the ocean? Artwork (yes that pic of Cinnebar is awful) I wasn't told to write the name of the bone sword down which was frustrating when I had to go back and find where it was mentioned That puzzle to open the door was annoying to do Pros Lots of opportunities for provisions if you look for them Game mechanics were good, I liked the combat bonus items you could buy Structure of the book was also really good, and I think the codeword system worked well here as there is real cause and effect in play Atmosphere was on point and I liked that Green Didn't lean into cheesey pirate cliches but rather kept them as genuine cut throats I didn't mind all the false leads and the port at the start actually felt more dangerous than Port Blacksand Overall maybe a 7 out of 10 from me at this point. Good, but not up there with my favourites. I suspect this was written in the 1990s when Jonathan Green's approach was very different. He may have changed it a bit for the release but it was very much a book from the 50s - long, lots of hard combats, codewords and number puzzles. Anything by JG after this is much fairer and much more open. |
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tom
Squire
Posts: 23
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Post by tom on Jun 21, 2023 1:32:36 GMT
Question about combat rules. Can you use both the throwing dagger and Bolarang before a fight to inflict 2 stamina damage each on an opponent or do you think just one should be used?
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Post by daredevil123 on Jun 21, 2023 11:43:23 GMT
Given the book's level of difficulty I'd be inclined to interpret optimistically and use both.
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