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Friday 8 February, 2008
Gameplay:
Once you've played Façade a few times the opening dialogue that you have to sit through can get kind of boring...
But anyway, here's play number 2:
This time I was able to make the conversations a little bit more flowing, but the flaws in the AI are still apparent.
Whatever you say seems to evoke the all to common response "What??" and then a completely random sentence. Sometimes you'll say something, and then they'll say something that shows the linear aspects of the game. My proposal to partake in the smoking of Cannabis was returned with "Hey Dave, look at this picture of Italy!" It's at these moments where the game kind of feels like it's nudging you along to get you to say the "right" things.
One interesting thing about the game is the fact that you see new things every time you play it. I'm excited to see the developer play it on Monday; I want to see if he can get a smooth conversation.
Design:
It's obvious that this game is very innovative, and I'll give it kudos since it's the first game I've played that tries to create a realistic drama and allows you to type whatever you want to say to the characters. The AI could be improved, but hey, it's a good start.
The level design is pretty simple: There's an entranceway, a living room, and a kitchen. Considering the game is more about social interaction than running around multiple levels it's ok that you only get to play in one area.
The tone of the gameworld isn't exactly very positive. Throughout the game your ears are assaulted with the constant bickering of Tripp and Grace, and there is also some pretty trippy ambient music in the background as well that certainly doesn't liven up the mood.
The good thing about Façade is the fact that it is the very epitome of emergent gameplay. What happens in the game is based on what you say and how you interact with Tripp and Grace (to an extent). The game can end right at the beginning if you yell "Fuck you Tripp, you're such an asshole!" or you can play for quite a while and end up saving the couple's marriage. (Which I have yet to do)
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