I am in day four of So Blonde and rate it up there with Curse of Monkey Island

beware: /mini review on...

The graphical good looks are obvious to anyone who has seen the screens - trailers and such. I think the quality speaks for itself. But really what counts for me, the gamer and sadly what has been missing lately from some releases -- is the game. Meaning the gameplay, the story, interesting characters, ... fun.

You know what I am talking about. Rich, deep, large game world, interactive density, (now where did THAT come from? :D) and finally we all want it to be l-o-n-g playing. Now don't get me wrong, I really enjoy many of the casual games. And, sometimes a game snack is just right.

But deep down - I am a game carnivore and my faves are the ones with lots to sink your gaming teeth into. And So Blonde is all the above.

Sure, it has some running about moments, but that is because it has a such a nice sized game footprint. Actually there were places I just knew had more nooks and crannies and *stamps gamer feet* I wanted to see them now.

Okay maybe not but felt so deep - just had to be more. And there is - when we see the other side in *tah dah* the DS version. Thanks guys.

Seriously though, this is a deep rich game, with lots to see and do. Great characters as well. Oh.. Keep a sharp eye out for all the "other game" and cultural homages. The humor is subtle in some places, in your face others. One moment had me laughing for a time. I would mention it in particular, but I am afraid it might say something dire about my persona if I gave it away -

So let's just say the game definitely has to have a moment for any player's unique sense of fun.

And the dialogues are "quite nice", even ... "legendary"

/mini review off

Out of curiosity, how long would you say the game is?

Whaaa... you startled me! I was till editing

Don't sneak up on a poster that way, you.

Well hard to say as I keep having to work (shhh or the head kahuna will have words with you for distracting me with SB)in between sessions of playing.

And I played without a net, relying only on my wits and skill. Riiight. Meaning periodically I throw it in and look for a hint. Some mini games I stuck around and beat - others I AutoZAAPed. So all that affects gameplay time.

Well let's see I just started day four. Feels like 8 plus hours so far. Maybe even 10 - If I had *angelic look* played without hints and such, stuck to finishing all the mini games - likely hit 10 plus easy. And that's Day one through Three.

I would say all total - an average player using some hints, and playing through at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the mini games to success would get 12 or more hours of solid gameplay. Maybe 15 plus if they strolled about and engaged the game full on.

If someone "walks through" the game, avoids all extra interactions/goodies and Autozapped all the mini games, gameplay time could collapse to well under five hours or even less.

Thanks Gatorlaw, sounds wonderful. Have missed not having a long game to play lately. Simply adored all the Broken Sword games so I must definitely try and find this game.

Thanks Laura...I'm hoping the price comes down a tad to make it more available. Sounds great!

Ana

Glad to hear the game appeals to you Laura. It didn't do it for me though, the running around combined with the long loading times in between frustrated me. The mini-games didn't add anything to the game play, I think. They can be skipped and once you've finished So Blonde you can play them all as individual games, in case you want to.

There is running around, same as with CMI and other similarly styled games. I think if they tweaked anything for a next game.. they could add an interactive nav map feature.

But game funding and time margins to complete are brutally tight these days. So you have to spend your scant money where you think it will have the best impact on supporting "your core design goals". I am not sure the whole range of design compromises Wizarbox and Steve were forced to make - but they made them. We all have to when building a game.

As for how that worked out. Bottom line - I just had fun. Which means only that my key preferences as a gamer matched up well with this game.

But - can't make a game for all players. And developers should not even go down that impossible road. Otherwise you end up with a gloppy mess of a game. But, best news is - choices truly abound lately for all gamers, no matter your preferences. Ain't it grand!



No worries. And commence BAAGing Benard! There is a great game (or more!) out there for you.

Are you sure Laura? I've Fenimore Fillmore 3 and Le Pic Rouge (Dead Mountaineer's Hotel) waiting on the shelf.
I'm really looking forward to CI2 though!

Thanks gatorlaw. Sounds like a game for me. Like Ana, the price is a tad high for me....but after reading your review I may just break down and get it. Now question...is this the DS version that you played or were you just making a reference to the DS version as I hear it is somewhat different from the PC version, actually now that I think about it, not sure DS version is out yet. Sorry if I sound a little scattered.......I am. Anyway thanks for giving us your thoughts it may have just changed my mind.

No problems - I post then read and go oh no! A typo arrr.

So I am always editing on the fly and the results can vary. ... and {shameless plug here) Thanks Bernard - glad to hear CI2 is on your list.

Back to So Blonde, The DS version is in the works (not released at all yet) and features a whole new story about what if... She meets the pirates first. So sort of the "other side" of the island approach.

As for the high price ... Two options, might be available for DL soon ( I do not know this and am just speculating here)

Those prices are below in the box import prices. And I would think Eidos would have plans to distribute the game in the US. If not them someone else. But, even Wizarbox may not know this or a timetable.

Publishers can hold their plans pretty secret at times - even from the creators of the game.

So maybe wait and see what the news is over the next month

- or -

put it on your Christmas list and be very very angelic to whoever your Christmas elf might be.

@Bernard

Did I hear you say, you have Fenimore 3 already?
Or did you mean, you want it?

As for so Blonde... awesome game

Lilo, I do have Fenimore 3. Just installed it a few hours ago, so far I'm not really impressed, but hey, there's a lot more of the game awaiting!

Oh my!!!
The english version? If so, point me to where I can get it, please
Hmm, netherlands.. rats, then I won't know how to order it, lol.

It's a multi-lingual edition Lilo, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. I could give you the name of my supplier, but they don't ship computer games abroad!
If you really want it, I could order another copy and then send it to you. The selling price is pretty hefty at the moment, €40, adding the shipment's costs, it will be expensive. Perhaps it's better to have a little patience and buy it when it's released in your country.

OUCH! Expensive.
And sheesh, waiting for it to get here, then I would have to wait years!!! lol
Nah, UK or US will probably get it sooner than us.
Thanks for the info though

Lilo, I assume you live in Denmark (Land of Hamlet), do you live close to Germany? You could buy this game, and many others there. Germans are very adventure game minded. That's why so many of them are released there first.

I know, but too many games from germany is NOT multilanguage and I doubt this will be...
Besides... I haven't found this game anywhere yet, which is why I was so interested in knowing where you got yours
Oh well, I'll just wait

Patience is a beautiful thing, it's a shame you need so much of it.

I call it "practicing the art of anticipation." I do it very badly.

Wow, that sounds very Zen, Becky!

But I do have the strong feeling we're going incredible off-topic here.

Time to download that new Gamers Gate downloader and see if I can get So Blonde to settle on my hard drive.

You do remember how many bits, do you Becky?

The new Gamers Gate downloader seems to be working. (Knock on virtual wood.) After a bit more art of anticipation, I'll be meeting Sunny!

Enjoy!

Ana

Update:

Finished the game today and definitely it turned out to be longer playing than I expected.

I think 15 hours plus. So adding to my earlier impressions....

And the game in day four truly digs deep. The main character Sunny has made a real interpersonal shift through out the game. It just seemed like enough info, encounters, personal growth had accumulated that the mood and atmosphere shifted by the end. There was a real sweetness to the story. I liked that, been a long while to experience charm in a game.

And multiple fully fleshed out endings - what a treat.

This is one of the first games in a long while that I am truly sorry to see ended. Bring on the other side and the DS version.

SO my original comparison to CMI holds true. Maybe even takes its place.

Well done guys, well done.