tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15260430769485199722023-11-16T02:48:36.735-08:00Side Quest SagaZenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-30748892692057097622013-11-09T15:54:00.004-08:002013-11-09T15:54:30.910-08:00Olav & the Lute - Inspired by LoomI had planned to write about Loom when I played through it. I had planned to write through all the games I played along with <a href="http://advgamer.blogspot.com/">Trickster</a>. I had planned to do all this right after I finished up Star Saga Two. Of course, you'll notice a lack of doing said things up to this point. Instead I offer a review of an adventure game inspired by Loom. Welcome <a href="http://www.olavandthelute.com/">Olav & the Lute</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4PAi8iN7zmKwlcH5jqWKt5m5v0uLjquuYGTLxazoXmhcBMraIdhB5dt9FehZXqTVS_CdbbFJfINihJ42rJQeis3gNgWwIBg07PCN2hkGaTj8m4G0GXu16M3lepPVCRhpaInmZH02FpE/s1600/O%2526tL_001.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4PAi8iN7zmKwlcH5jqWKt5m5v0uLjquuYGTLxazoXmhcBMraIdhB5dt9FehZXqTVS_CdbbFJfINihJ42rJQeis3gNgWwIBg07PCN2hkGaTj8m4G0GXu16M3lepPVCRhpaInmZH02FpE/s1600/O%2526tL_001.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Trickster offered up an <a href="http://advgamer.blogspot.com/2013/10/challenge-olav-and-lute.html">interview</a> with the developer Shelly Alon, and with it a challenge to blog the game as he would. I think the main reason I've not yet blogged an adventure game is Trickster already extensively covers each game that there's no need for a second voice. I feel that I need to have another angle to present; otherwise, I'd find myself repeating the same experience and ideas in a less eloquent prose.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A silent introduction.</td></tr>
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With this challenge, <a href="http://telyni.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/game-review-olav-and-the-lute/">many</a> of the <a href="http://playedbypanthro.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/free-indie-game-olav-lute.html">regular</a> <a href="http://teseractia.blogspot.com.ar/p/blog-page.html">readers</a> have already come up with reviews that I once again feel I'd needlessly repeat. Do we really need this much coverage for such a short game? Well for the possibility of CAPs, and if it's what Trickster wants, then I'll do so. Yet, to shorten things up, and fill a potential gap (I don't see anyone else doing this in their blog posts), I'm going to skip straight to the final PISSED rating. (Even though I'm using Trickster's rating, this in no way encapsulates his view.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvYdNIrtxCX77bcoiJAB-gvzgOpzg9YjJ-49qmdtAZvwpFX8HCD8-ljJAxdfedS4yw0jXqO2pCGd1SyTqqeXxgeOwyT1b9u_8ScmOTS8IBIVe2cpo24U5VZGQA8BHgHk4hoEFBhyphenhyphenv0dg/s1600/O%2526tL_005.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvYdNIrtxCX77bcoiJAB-gvzgOpzg9YjJ-49qmdtAZvwpFX8HCD8-ljJAxdfedS4yw0jXqO2pCGd1SyTqqeXxgeOwyT1b9u_8ScmOTS8IBIVe2cpo24U5VZGQA8BHgHk4hoEFBhyphenhyphenv0dg/s1600/O%2526tL_005.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What does it all mean?</td></tr>
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<b>Puzzles and Solvability</b><br />
Much like Loom (actually, exactly like Loom) Olav manipulates the world through his lute (well, the lute he found). By playing tunes learned through looking at objects, Olav can cause objects to change state. The selection six of tunes (open, fill, heat, poison, destroy, and sleep) limit the possibilities. Reversing the tunes doubles those possibilities, and reverse each effect; however, puzzles and interactions come in such a small number that close, empty, poison, destroy, and sleep never come into play. It may have been my recent experience with Loom, but everything was extremely simple. It's made even easier with the included tune tome which names each one and its reversal, so there's no guessing, no experimentation.<br />
Rating: 3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZor3BqzWa2EgH0Qa6VPaoYoctOapMuBmLGszGW8fMil1OGIXY7DWuXaWuoRgdoomfv1z5BZXG1S-jiMDDQdLAAIB9wQz1ueuLXa350BZAOwmwWqFYnNLzeIajuQjcLeeXDMoTXfNyUOg/s1600/O%2526tL_016.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZor3BqzWa2EgH0Qa6VPaoYoctOapMuBmLGszGW8fMil1OGIXY7DWuXaWuoRgdoomfv1z5BZXG1S-jiMDDQdLAAIB9wQz1ueuLXa350BZAOwmwWqFYnNLzeIajuQjcLeeXDMoTXfNyUOg/s1600/O%2526tL_016.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it your short stubby legs or the moral uncertainty because the latter didn't stop you from swiping a lute?</td></tr>
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<b>Interface and Inventory</b><br />
The mouse is the sole device to control Olav. I would prefer a way to enter notes on a keypad or number keys. The cursor changes to indicate an object to examine, a path to follow, or a small triangle over superfluous items (or over the lute). There are five notes to play, and four create a tune. Everything is available right from the start, you can play a tune without learning it and end the game even before you've left the starting cave since each tune is static across multiple plays. The only inventory is the book of tunes (and lute), which unfortunately needs to be closed in order to play the lute. I'd often have to refer to the book multiple times to use a new tune. The notes aren't marked with chords or letters either, similar to Expert in Loom. This makes it more difficult to memorize the notes used in a tune; the only indication is their color. One last pain point to highlight before I move on is that Olav needs to pull out his lute in order to play a tune, but puts it away while walking or changing the object of interest. It lengthens the time spent watching rather than playing the game, even if it's a couple of seconds. Compare this with Loom where Bobbin always wields his staff.<br />
Rating: 4<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWtYBIn4PT4rKmtf-CHNHIARJtMRG84p4bEP3JFRxI5nlOGAfO46DscSjMigBe4l6sbQN8kgFjgEAK-wOPIztPyxxUIO-i8C8b6tBIh6cY7esz_YWJTT6lqzRiscI6l0nvjlFRg5Vpdc/s1600/O%2526tL_014.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWtYBIn4PT4rKmtf-CHNHIARJtMRG84p4bEP3JFRxI5nlOGAfO46DscSjMigBe4l6sbQN8kgFjgEAK-wOPIztPyxxUIO-i8C8b6tBIh6cY7esz_YWJTT6lqzRiscI6l0nvjlFRg5Vpdc/s1600/O%2526tL_014.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luckily tunes are automatically noted in the tome.</td></tr>
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<b><b>Story and Setting</b> </b><br />
Olav is a mystical being literally dropped into the world after a couple of large nondescript beings are saddened by what they see. The Loom has fallen into disrepair, and according to some runic drawings, must be repaired by learning four abilities: fill, heat, repair, and wake. The world outside is also in a sorry state: part post-apocalyptic, part dystopian society. As we unfold different puzzles we learn very little about the inhabitants. Who is Buki? What's this ghost of Jigglypuff doing here? Is that Misty's bike? These and many more questions are left unanswered. In the end we repair the Loom, and are delighted to see an ending where nothing makes sense. I'll avoid spoiling anything, but I really am lost for words on how to interpret what this game is truly about.<br />
Rating: 3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ10Y5XGkQq4mJYUo2gh_U8UPHxDf7eIFNe1eouEVAa6vxfn4Drdih4bLPjv9z9f8soUuv6SMM1xGyuX0ohU0WXBmVTfWsctVXALEdak6NLFey6XrxjAEcBapGejIcTNJUb0mLjutQ_U/s1600/O%2526tL_026.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ10Y5XGkQq4mJYUo2gh_U8UPHxDf7eIFNe1eouEVAa6vxfn4Drdih4bLPjv9z9f8soUuv6SMM1xGyuX0ohU0WXBmVTfWsctVXALEdak6NLFey6XrxjAEcBapGejIcTNJUb0mLjutQ_U/s1600/O%2526tL_026.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, I'll spoil it. Olav dies.</td></tr>
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<b>Sound and Graphics</b><br />
I'm notoriously bad at judging graphics and sound. As long as everything is pleasant enough I'm fairly immune to monotonous music, jarring sounds, and blocky graphics. I mean how could I not be when playing NES RPGs. The graphics are pleasant, and adequately portray various objects. The sound is good. Yeah, I'm just not going to try to describe them anymore. See the pretty graphics, and enjoy the soothing sounds by playing the game. Notes are distinct, and with enough of an ear can probably be played without the color indicators. It would have been nice to have the tunes play themselves from the book when selected (maybe not for their effect, but in case a player wanted to listen to them without playing them).<br />
Rating: 6<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_sF8QNqVFA0e4JdIBlNKjBRh2jGrUv8m1NsPfgy4IsgR-hQW9uZn_sxfZWM-tVLDMT8fVrfBJJz7v1sZhFXNaIRrZabQRRglk_y25oATFt1H9AY1siP721wU-JX1z0nJPGr5lESr4AU/s1600/O%2526tL_015.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_sF8QNqVFA0e4JdIBlNKjBRh2jGrUv8m1NsPfgy4IsgR-hQW9uZn_sxfZWM-tVLDMT8fVrfBJJz7v1sZhFXNaIRrZabQRRglk_y25oATFt1H9AY1siP721wU-JX1z0nJPGr5lESr4AU/s1600/O%2526tL_015.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why I lump exploration in with graphics and sound when I rate games.</td></tr>
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<b>Environment and Atmosphere</b><br />
For a game based on Loom, the world is decidedly lacking in both scope and interactivity. There are a total of six screens outside the cave, and only one puzzle per screen. Objects are haphazardly littered about that lack a response to any tune. In Loom I enjoyed the witty dialogue when trying to scare the sheep and turning the great tapestries green. In this world we're only offered the bare essentials to completing the game. The seemingly disjointed areas of the snowy mountains, the haunted poisonous forest, and ramshackle home are merely a stones throw away from each other. This small area lends itself to an inconsistent feel; although I do prefer it over say, a large area devoid of interesting objects.<br />
Rating: 4<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_WfUG16B4pGeomC0xaQhLQ2IE7_NHjGRYkpP-xx9BMZIhczxAGXXb0gS9EBfepDvbCGG9NvpQSZAoQUDFV077RXA_asmumIpBTwZ2TUJxYIf7EQqiGAFyLiG-LOpXyglGnZCnJLK2Gk/s1600/O%2526tL_023.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_WfUG16B4pGeomC0xaQhLQ2IE7_NHjGRYkpP-xx9BMZIhczxAGXXb0gS9EBfepDvbCGG9NvpQSZAoQUDFV077RXA_asmumIpBTwZ2TUJxYIf7EQqiGAFyLiG-LOpXyglGnZCnJLK2Gk/s1600/O%2526tL_023.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">asdaf, Of course!</td></tr>
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<b>Dialogue and Acting</b><br />
The dialogue revolves around Olav's thoughts. Everyone else speaks a language he doesn't understand, and is transcribed in strange symbols. Quips are about all we get; that, and hints to the obvious solutions already staring us in the face. Olav is immobile while telling us how a barrel of radioactive waste is from Fukushima, or how Jesus could walk across a raging river. Neither of these gave me any insight into the world or added to the story. Instead it was a reminder that I was playing a game rather than immersing myself in another world. There's no voice acting, although I wasn't expecting any; however, Olav does have a voice that offers little chirps and chips that match the syllables of the displayed text.<br />
Rating: 3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvtSzCDknd_nKJamZ83T4YJQFvLFPacodRKP1pFBiKb5wQ4ohzUZV38S_3B7GT52lllbO_WlbxbvoMFcK4o35HP20a_nIostN2ejIEPVKoF9bXAkZaE5HTMuQwu5eyL54ey7MA6QcT9k/s1600/O%2526tL_018.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvtSzCDknd_nKJamZ83T4YJQFvLFPacodRKP1pFBiKb5wQ4ohzUZV38S_3B7GT52lllbO_WlbxbvoMFcK4o35HP20a_nIostN2ejIEPVKoF9bXAkZaE5HTMuQwu5eyL54ey7MA6QcT9k/s1600/O%2526tL_018.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enter witty dialogue here.</td></tr>
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That puts the game squarely at 38% when considering the total of 23 is on a 60 point scale. For such a short game, and a first effort, it's an admirable accomplishment; when I try my hand at creating a game, I hope my first is at least half as good. I hope the team learns from this experience and continues to expand on it.<br />
<br />
There were a few bugs I found in the version I played that while not a hindrance to completion showed the game wasn't as polished as a commercial release. Since the game is free I didn't take any points away for them, but knowing they're there hopefully the developer will fix them. Here's the list I have:<br />
<ul>
<li>From the screenshot above that "asdaf" occurs when examining the flowers. Most likely not intentional (unless I'm missing an in-joke).</li>
<li>It's possible to open and close Buki's door. If it's open when you heal Buki from his stupor, then it'll still play the sound and animation for him opening it.</li>
<li>If you play through the game, watch the ending, and start a new game then you'll find the graphic for the lute is already there when first starting.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Q9uL9vrg5X6rNUmOojwhWQI6ciRLkN-itcpcCAsmoWRD5e7QwS-tTjEVwjwLFRhJaV4g0ZuAta95nkFXTA4_-75AKdYhCj8oXYnTZQA-DhjYVWnO44ffdalnF2fOG_ISEhEjyhScyE/s1600/O%2526tL_028.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Q9uL9vrg5X6rNUmOojwhWQI6ciRLkN-itcpcCAsmoWRD5e7QwS-tTjEVwjwLFRhJaV4g0ZuAta95nkFXTA4_-75AKdYhCj8oXYnTZQA-DhjYVWnO44ffdalnF2fOG_ISEhEjyhScyE/s1600/O%2526tL_028.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's this lute?</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Starting the game like this, you'll find the lute isn't brought out when selecting the graphic. This is the case even after picking up the lute on the next screen, and makes a second playthrough unplayable unless the game is exited and restarted.</li>
<li>I had a small glitch occur while clicking madly to get across the loom room the first time. The game seemed to have trouble resolving Olav's location as he simultaneously attempted to move towards the loom and across the room flickering between both paths.</li>
<li>Olav's dialogue appears directly over his head, and can sometimes get cut off when he's near the left, right, or top of the screen.</li>
<li>It's possible to close the cave door from the outside; however, there's no graphic to indicate it's fully closed.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LdTQAVFrV3eIdtX7P6wGHnAybMCLQhyNSmjujZLdLWpKh-Xdj_kIlL3Ld825K__ISESd7-TpZ-ybGenH14T_U7Rm708DMtWBG2Ye71yHg5ow8foRwEU5XdsbA9VEYfPP6xO1yh88QWE/s1600/O%2526tL_013.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LdTQAVFrV3eIdtX7P6wGHnAybMCLQhyNSmjujZLdLWpKh-Xdj_kIlL3Ld825K__ISESd7-TpZ-ybGenH14T_U7Rm708DMtWBG2Ye71yHg5ow8foRwEU5XdsbA9VEYfPP6xO1yh88QWE/s1600/O%2526tL_013.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing a closed door, and it still looks open.</td></tr>
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The biggest disappointment for me was the lack of interaction with mundane objects. The only one that's possible outside the main quest puzzles is the pink bike. There's a plate just asking to be destroyed, a gasoline can waiting to be filled and burned, and flowers to be poisoned. If the developers make a sequel I hope they'll work towards a truly full world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdMgfpPpxHfqxpbR9OTL4oEps_WPwrX_czQIHHZauX65q0y5gYfNrRL75pkq3HbJxwtitooC7ASg4Zm0MNmJw8_48MT2tCdKA0uYp34d-6tOrkYGb9DwGpvQctaCaiz3Y_MPI1Apnjes/s1600/O%2526tL_020.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdMgfpPpxHfqxpbR9OTL4oEps_WPwrX_czQIHHZauX65q0y5gYfNrRL75pkq3HbJxwtitooC7ASg4Zm0MNmJw8_48MT2tCdKA0uYp34d-6tOrkYGb9DwGpvQctaCaiz3Y_MPI1Apnjes/s1600/O%2526tL_020.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a missed opportunity. A big, mushroom cloud sized, opportunity.</td></tr>
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Thank you for joining me for this review, and if you'd like more please speak up; otherwise, I may just wrap up Star Saga Two and let this blog languish until another challenge is presented by Trickster (or Chet). In the meantime I'm blogging about console RPGs over at my other blog as the <a href="http://allconsolerpgs.blogspot.com/">RPG Consoler</a>. If you have a spare 20 minutes, do check out the game. For such a short experience, I enjoyed exploring what was available.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-82287532799754062872013-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:002013-04-23T21:28:34.368-07:00Star Saga: Two - The Clathran Menace - Introduction and Back to Basics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za/files/StarSagaTwoTheClathranMenance/CoverScan_Highres/Star_Saga_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za/files/StarSagaTwoTheClathranMenance/CoverScan_Highres/Star_Saga_2.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clathran Bird of Prey (Source: <a href="http://www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za/star-saga-two-the-clathran-menance/">What is the Apple IIGS?</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My history with the series is covered in my <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/06/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary.html">early posts</a> on the first game. The short of it is, my dad had these games when they were new, and my brother and I discovered them while looking for something new to play. The first game stuck out in my mind more than the second. I can't remember if I started playing and lost interest, or if my brother played through and didn't want to play again. In any case, I'm coming to this fresh.<br />
<br />
Once again I have to thank <a href="http://www.hotud.org/component/content/article/38-adventure/23338">Home of the Underdogs</a> for piecing together the materials for this game in a playable package on the PC. Without their efforts, this game would most likely be lost to further obscurity. Unfortunately, the packages for this game seem to have some trouble running under newer OS's (64-bit Windows 7 and Vista throw an error I didn't investigate), so your best bet is to run this in 32-bit XP.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.mobygames.com/images/covers/large/1220317281-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://pics.mobygames.com/images/covers/large/1220317281-00.jpg" height="320" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of me wishes I'd kept the disks (Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-saga-two-the-clathran-menace/cover-art/gameCoverId,120905/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The year is now 2821 A.D., six years after the events of the first game. The timeline suggests we spent 4 years in the first game (about 200 turns), and 2 years afterwards refitting our ship to reduce the hodgepodge of equipment retrofitted on the fly throughout our adventures. Each of the six playable characters now has a sleeker ship build and reduced load. The characters remain the same, although their goals are slightly altered:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jean G. Clerc - Clerc pursued the dream of building the ultimate spaceship. Compared to the Clathrans though, the ship is no match. The pursuit for greater technology calls.</li>
<li>Professor Lee Dambroke - Proposed and proved that humans can learn alien abilities, the professor takes the research one step further to discover why this was possible.</li>
<li>Laran Darkwatch - Violated church dogma and chased truth beyond the Boundary, Laran discovered a message to continue that pursuit by retracing the founder's steps that lead them to create the Final Church of Man.</li>
<li>Valentine Stewart - Heir to the Stewart Family business, Valentine threw it all away to become a smuggler. Having gained a renewed confidence from his family, he now has a contract to discover a source for a rare and powerful material.</li>
<li>Corin Stoneseeker - The Stoneseeker line seeks a legend wrapped up in the Core Stone. Bearing the full weight of his destiny, Corin pushes into the galactic arm to discover the stone's true nature.</li>
<li>M. J. Turner - Excommunicated from the Space Patrol, he was in truth set on a secret mission to capture the space pirate Silverbeard. With that task is complete, he leads the effort to push the Clathran survey line to the core.</li>
</ul>
This is the order I plan to play them in. Once again I'll play through each character, with the first providing the most depth on discoveries, and follow up with the others to fill in bits and pieces of their respective arcs. A final wrap up and comments on multi-player will bookend this coverage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUd-TcMw6cQ6g3v9qFvon2jWpxGLWYADpvY-Ag8xovOAoMkA3nAevxd9Sad_yXa8ifeokMSnF55ogtG1UNncrr_edSSlJPql21W_6_uvSFOT9L9JrbafBUI2daZS8PR8wP1CEMnC39ig/s1600/TitleSS2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUd-TcMw6cQ6g3v9qFvon2jWpxGLWYADpvY-Ag8xovOAoMkA3nAevxd9Sad_yXa8ifeokMSnF55ogtG1UNncrr_edSSlJPql21W_6_uvSFOT9L9JrbafBUI2daZS8PR8wP1CEMnC39ig/s1600/TitleSS2.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs colorful graphics?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The text passages number 979, which should mean there's even more to the game, or at least greater alternative texts. The manual boasts 60 hours of playing, and I may reach it when I'm done with everything; I'm 15 hours in and through over half the planets. The Clathran Survey line suggests a time limit as it moves across the map towards the fringe.<br />
<br />
I've always disliked games that impose a time limit to finishing, especially an ambiguous one. More so, I've hated when I had to start a game over from the beginning after investing many hours. A time limit suggests there's not enough time to fully explore and finish, and I have the unnerving feeling that I'll reach the limit before I figure out what to do. Time to push past those fears and move on. I'm documenting all aspects of the game, so subsequent playthroughs will be faster at least.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93kkEEUKksCUqSOU9pQRYWERqk5P2h0dKDuYyHtaqb_zBmMPfrxPoQxGzqx55I3qJLDczs4iBuGOznJfADAm2Ip5resJp7P4uHmAtiGg4FaY66S2kGa_kXuGdMmgKyi7ibx9LQtjoUuI/s1600/CreateCharacters.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93kkEEUKksCUqSOU9pQRYWERqk5P2h0dKDuYyHtaqb_zBmMPfrxPoQxGzqx55I3qJLDczs4iBuGOznJfADAm2Ip5resJp7P4uHmAtiGg4FaY66S2kGa_kXuGdMmgKyi7ibx9LQtjoUuI/s1600/CreateCharacters.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead of importing we "recreate" our characters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the basics for playing the game remain the same, and I'll point you towards <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">my posting</a> on the subject for the first game if you need a refresher. This game begins with the option to continue old characters. This consists of answering a few questions, which can lead to gaming:<br />
<ul>
<li>What was the final score? - Any answer will do, but if you answer max score (5000) you get all equipment (except the Immature Riallan), max drones, and max bays.</li>
<li>How many cargo and drone bays? Select 10 - 14 cargo bays, and a drone of 3, 4, 5, or 8 bays. More than one character can have the 8-bay drone in this way.</li>
<li>A list of questions about specific equipment - There's only one possible choice for each of the equipment categories (Hand-To-Hand - Attack - Contact, etc.), so it's rather limited. The Immature Riallan is a choice as well, so I'm hoping there's a nice tie-in later on. </li>
</ul>
Star Saga: Two claims there isn't a great disadvantage to starting with fresh characters, and I tend to agree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjaNYfgZoIXJIjQDMLn8M49-fOPTCfB9QqsHLQN6YbVjxU3S2OiqnwEsKNrGTG-cJ5WxcAzAW4eFqMXC56RzbErly7KDNdNpr-JU8N2MrvupUGJ2yOZA2MK_g5B0j_A0DcAROsXwIPM0/s1600/NewCharacter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjaNYfgZoIXJIjQDMLn8M49-fOPTCfB9QqsHLQN6YbVjxU3S2OiqnwEsKNrGTG-cJ5WxcAzAW4eFqMXC56RzbErly7KDNdNpr-JU8N2MrvupUGJ2yOZA2MK_g5B0j_A0DcAROsXwIPM0/s1600/NewCharacter.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing out a new character starting in Star Saga: Two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The equipment that an old character can start out with is either freely given with new equipment discoveries or purchased for a single basic commodity. The only catch is needing to reach the new planets. The starting abilities are more than enough for beginning encounters, so really the only benefit are a drone and cargo bays.<br />
<br />
You'll notice from this screenshot two new statistics, Personal Health and Ship Condition. This brings the previous game's suggestion of character death closer to a reality for this game. Given the darker tone of impending doom I have more apprehension diving into the unknown. Each combat is no longer taken on a whim.<br />
<br />
The manual suggests that beyond these two mortality meters counting down to my demise, they also factor into combat. The lower these values are, the worse I'll perform in a fight. 50 personal health means I'm at 50% effectiveness. I hope it's as accurate as the fabled E.C.M. from the first game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaypxKu7mfQYx9vLwSW2jswbn9VoQKWHBsuRYwcg43m-6sYrdrzaJnJCVee_Ak3gaO3ay8L_AHg9LDSQvKHUmiHX5d_BpMfDf_fSo66zQRqIRoIU6TsPQmJQzq4z2i-Bf3CdIloaOON40/s1600/Combat-Really.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaypxKu7mfQYx9vLwSW2jswbn9VoQKWHBsuRYwcg43m-6sYrdrzaJnJCVee_Ak3gaO3ay8L_AHg9LDSQvKHUmiHX5d_BpMfDf_fSo66zQRqIRoIU6TsPQmJQzq4z2i-Bf3CdIloaOON40/s1600/Combat-Really.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even with 90 Personal Health, I get 100's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The glossary remains a wealth of information. Here are some highlights:<br />
<ul>
<li>Archigenitors - A race of advanced beings who have left their mark throughout the galaxy.</li>
<li>Dodecahedron - twelve-sided polyhedron (why is this in the glossary?)</li>
<li>Interactive Literature - Artistic constructs which incorporate the free will of the reader into a pre-existing scenario. The seductive appeal of this sort of game-playing posed such a threat to scientific progress in the latter half of the 20th century that it was eventually banned worldwide.</li>
<li>Masters - A common term found on many planets referring to a mysterious race of beings who disappeared long ago.</li>
<li>Message - Something you leave on an answering machine, or a weird psychic call heard by several humans relating to a waking dragon.</li>
<li>Sudden Adjustment Psychosis Syndrome (a.k.a. SAPS) - An illness beginning to appear in the Home Worlds which is proving to be deadly in its effect on people.</li>
</ul>
Lastly, before we embark on another adventure, I want to thank all those involved in the creation of these games. I appreciate all the hard work you've done, and hope one day, however unlikely, to play the third.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-4366188048372206542013-04-14T14:40:00.001-07:002013-04-14T14:52:18.431-07:00Quest For Glory 1: So You Want to be a Hero - So You Want to be a ThiefThief type characters have always held an attraction that I can't deny. I like collecting everything not nailed down. Sneaking around always seemed like the better option compared to the direct approach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dt-Q5zoM6xxdPV84np59LWmQUTXd1bmZTbGSMij_FZ_vtQQmrXTOqA-Bk4sw8YaWriaf2yE2-QB4CaktU725MPXL1ny_bwYR_ttJR17rGoRh3sQ8dKj9HhLUwlxZP8XiHiobgvgx_Oc/s1600/scidhuv_005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dt-Q5zoM6xxdPV84np59LWmQUTXd1bmZTbGSMij_FZ_vtQQmrXTOqA-Bk4sw8YaWriaf2yE2-QB4CaktU725MPXL1ny_bwYR_ttJR17rGoRh3sQ8dKj9HhLUwlxZP8XiHiobgvgx_Oc/s1600/scidhuv_005.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneaking gives me a hunchback.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, even I have to admit there's a logical flaw in a game where the goal is to become a hero, but the main activities are sneaking around in the middle of the night stealing everyone's belongings. Especially when the victims are an innocent old lady and the town's sheriff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoz8Yl2adzdiahZUcdQOcBo8lMljnQFgbSNOaU4SXu0y1hB0dXHaaVmSD1Tr48JJovG8O8-wx9A9NM4yS2HAHA0VesWwF3Ay99RIYUGs17QIXjXfYW4at3LTZXMmxKPUh5jAn_iIxPoA/s1600/scidhuv_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoz8Yl2adzdiahZUcdQOcBo8lMljnQFgbSNOaU4SXu0y1hB0dXHaaVmSD1Tr48JJovG8O8-wx9A9NM4yS2HAHA0VesWwF3Ay99RIYUGs17QIXjXfYW4at3LTZXMmxKPUh5jAn_iIxPoA/s1600/scidhuv_001.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder if Silmaria is a future destination.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, first things first. I need to visit the local thieves guild and register myself so I don't get in trouble for encroaching on their turf. The manual makes mention of a thief sign to make myself known to my fellow thieves, but in the the VGA version I'm not sure how that will work at first.<br />
<br />
Every action is mapped to a generic icon. The best candidate is the 'hand' icon, which is usually 'take' or 'use', but in this case it doubles as 'show thief sign' to the thieves in the alley. After learning the password I entered the guild located under a trap door in the tavern. I wonder if it's possible to guess the password.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQsHqv0qoLu8VuybDEDvK2dL177Q5AyCQi9ESaa4AfI-R7TlXuT9dfru_9go5TiEo3mNxloWYQ7PhnUjZVEYBuZ-6rTfO9js-TKA9_FaAr7iI5u-ITZ2yLIbilTF2bKYzLEykEcjukC0/s1600/scidhuv_002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQsHqv0qoLu8VuybDEDvK2dL177Q5AyCQi9ESaa4AfI-R7TlXuT9dfru_9go5TiEo3mNxloWYQ7PhnUjZVEYBuZ-6rTfO9js-TKA9_FaAr7iI5u-ITZ2yLIbilTF2bKYzLEykEcjukC0/s1600/scidhuv_002.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are there dues? What about benefits? Who's Jon B?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joining the guild costs 25 gold. I receive an official license. As part of the thieves guild I now have a place to fence my pilfered goods, play a friendly throwing game, and get additional lock picks. There's also a thief's tool kit, which offers additional benefits to lock picking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Y3gvSxEHdRPQVe_Qtbk6znUTIg8PEMCMOG4hgw98bjh9lS2aZweLdWm8-GFFZZP75r7dxkGeSijeWFCw__XjX501k6hA9Xn1qp976Cp1CRfBFQdNYVU3zTc1nr7rm6ZQOiXem8d7RU/s1600/scidhuv_004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Y3gvSxEHdRPQVe_Qtbk6znUTIg8PEMCMOG4hgw98bjh9lS2aZweLdWm8-GFFZZP75r7dxkGeSijeWFCw__XjX501k6hA9Xn1qp976Cp1CRfBFQdNYVU3zTc1nr7rm6ZQOiXem8d7RU/s1600/scidhuv_004.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I beat "The Chief" with barely any throwing skill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Playing the throwing game requires setting the angle and force of each throw. These numbers in combination with the randomly set position on the screen you throw from (plus I'm sure throwing skill in some form) determines where the dagger will land. It's a very easy game, and you can pull in all the money you can imagine.<br />
<br />
The Chief mentioned that there's a spy in our midst feeding information to the brigands. Since they're not union members he has quite the animosity towards them. There's a missed opportunity here, as we never get a chance to resolve who the spy is. I believe it's Bruno.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF_1Y7HnV5KSXo1JKWNxr9rAc2fJo26kPkrFOz55nkYbnoohGOq5aRr5Ia45Y3ZOKf8S2kGGNY0kFRWaAWMzTqshmgy5iTRaW7XeHmH2ia9PfAsZnTfhKd0PZr74neVvCi2gSM1MQjDE/s1600/scidhuv_015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF_1Y7HnV5KSXo1JKWNxr9rAc2fJo26kPkrFOz55nkYbnoohGOq5aRr5Ia45Y3ZOKf8S2kGGNY0kFRWaAWMzTqshmgy5iTRaW7XeHmH2ia9PfAsZnTfhKd0PZr74neVvCi2gSM1MQjDE/s1600/scidhuv_015.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a thief, I have the option to sneak everywhere and for the first day I did just that. This advanced the skill to a very high level, and I started avoiding monsters. It's a nice feature and I enjoyed saving time and health.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gYkFlwkt59Kr6ekx2Crof3mIa1IaHQcS8YDJY2FQhGTGRST2DWfwTQ9nV9Q-6AcP_u63A8FvFK7-o3c-IKrouUHPnkkYOjoSTa1LdEpas2_ZeCMZdWoc26Gf3EnZyFOC-_HWWMH7kkY/s1600/scidhuv_006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gYkFlwkt59Kr6ekx2Crof3mIa1IaHQcS8YDJY2FQhGTGRST2DWfwTQ9nV9Q-6AcP_u63A8FvFK7-o3c-IKrouUHPnkkYOjoSTa1LdEpas2_ZeCMZdWoc26Gf3EnZyFOC-_HWWMH7kkY/s1600/scidhuv_006.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No option to ambush them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was eager to sneak everywhere I went just to see how much combat I could avoid. I wasn't able to get by the ogre guarding the bear cave, but I did get the key from the kobold without rousing him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf_DSOiaDxf6vL9Ixix_BI8KIjjg_wC_XzFUsz_vSYDrq-eQb4KCfoHlUbWybjh4aMGrp67vVRsuzh2wvhcrCnGdfCMkz_9afKxBNkAXSXiwoDk_KxkkzoR6vsdj3sXv2obBzUCgl_sU/s1600/scidhuv_014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf_DSOiaDxf6vL9Ixix_BI8KIjjg_wC_XzFUsz_vSYDrq-eQb4KCfoHlUbWybjh4aMGrp67vVRsuzh2wvhcrCnGdfCMkz_9afKxBNkAXSXiwoDk_KxkkzoR6vsdj3sXv2obBzUCgl_sU/s1600/scidhuv_014.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You just stay asleep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, let's get to the stealing already! The bread and butter of any thief. The whole town is ripe for the picking and I scouted out the possible locations. The butcher, the baker, the barber, the magic shop, the guild hall, the fruit stand, the healer, and the general store must offer such treasures beyond their locked doors... doors that are also barred from the inside; except for the magic shop, which is always under a watchful eye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAXhddNy5VGW1R4yuqoUZ5JCNLuWpcfKaA1LNZ7xcKdvq9OJRiQ4O2vc0Rc8IjvyBAaVBu0Qkr3bRqH48hTOO_4Otl6VklPOEguX99o3mQ2tAbz4rPGpRBMQ-uNu4RbthrqVDOrVV1TY/s1600/scidhuv_011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAXhddNy5VGW1R4yuqoUZ5JCNLuWpcfKaA1LNZ7xcKdvq9OJRiQ4O2vc0Rc8IjvyBAaVBu0Qkr3bRqH48hTOO_4Otl6VklPOEguX99o3mQ2tAbz4rPGpRBMQ-uNu4RbthrqVDOrVV1TY/s1600/scidhuv_011.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried Erasums' too. I only found a box that kept closing itself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The only two remaining houses are the sheriff's home and the house of an innocent old lady who sleeps all day. Like I said before, I didn't feel very heroic ransacking these locations, but maybe we can convince ourselves otherwise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-YeuXZU8CdXVWfPiX0w3rd_EFVdNazy9eYuZlfm-3gu-7Ra7O9KqpnTjHShd513uv6_lN13sOt2KiQBppC6N8cBnLT8QXw7WIkcYynLmrPWQ2UKfk0cRGnDIby_WIZyqwNYlW7Lsimw/s1600/scidhuv_012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-YeuXZU8CdXVWfPiX0w3rd_EFVdNazy9eYuZlfm-3gu-7Ra7O9KqpnTjHShd513uv6_lN13sOt2KiQBppC6N8cBnLT8QXw7WIkcYynLmrPWQ2UKfk0cRGnDIby_WIZyqwNYlW7Lsimw/s1600/scidhuv_012.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice kitty... jaguar?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The old lady's house offered up a few bits of gold, a pair of candle sticks, and a string of pearls. Creaky stairs kept me from exploring further and the noisy bird wasn't much better. I pet the cat a bit too much and it turns into a large black jungle cat. It pounced and I found myself pinned to the floor, so I avoided that upon my reload. This left me short a few points in the end. A magic guard cat, this must be an evil witch in league with Baba Yaga. How else can she keep watch on the happenings of the town?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGpFttw3tfbGl2wKGtZdP3tvnuJh3jaljChE1tvkVMX7y1kGLY6_tWZs2Uh7FdpShN9Oslmc4lFgZ7do22UjLn-TIs4UHrm5JcgWT7T3KieCdjcwZBisVlLmYa9lLrq-RhCK5iB4_qYI/s1600/scidhuv_013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGpFttw3tfbGl2wKGtZdP3tvnuJh3jaljChE1tvkVMX7y1kGLY6_tWZs2Uh7FdpShN9Oslmc4lFgZ7do22UjLn-TIs4UHrm5JcgWT7T3KieCdjcwZBisVlLmYa9lLrq-RhCK5iB4_qYI/s1600/scidhuv_013.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only other thieving spot offers up a few treasures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bright blue vase is the first obvious item to take. A candelabra and music box are the next two trinkets I add to my pack; the latter gives a bit of a scary as it wakes Otto, but he fails to acknowledge my presence. The sheriff's house also has a hidden vault and I'm able to crack it without any effort from myself, just click.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjOVqiU0ZYXir9R8EM4WnJcCvPRv1Kh7SLW6S_2dQcsQ4FXI0nbKkXZtR4BEnZdoVn2rJwydoYXbbtnCz4ZJr-2eS4X7u-q0pBI_tgZAWrSDA1MOEZFwvWflteak5uLl5HoNg23IGp0w/s1600/scidhuv_008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjOVqiU0ZYXir9R8EM4WnJcCvPRv1Kh7SLW6S_2dQcsQ4FXI0nbKkXZtR4BEnZdoVn2rJwydoYXbbtnCz4ZJr-2eS4X7u-q0pBI_tgZAWrSDA1MOEZFwvWflteak5uLl5HoNg23IGp0w/s1600/scidhuv_008.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuing my nefarious ways I attack the fox (-10 points).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What I've learned from this small stint in thieving is it's best to stay downstairs, don't go into any doors, and leave animals alone. I wish there were more locations to break into, but at least I have some treasure now. The barber's shop and jail are the most curious though. Both only say they're locked, not barred, yet trying to pick them only suggests "it doesn't work."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2_03yt8ra9KRnlZz4cNG_kD7gcezFT01ExWtyzckB7TXmEwKqc6SAH16pXvSkGBQusGd2iAr7nK9OenxXyy0h3KrYGYzhpqIGtSGTR1ttu2YhU8p2VQXM_uCW6vLnuNsZqRK0jAh3po/s1600/scidhuv_023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2_03yt8ra9KRnlZz4cNG_kD7gcezFT01ExWtyzckB7TXmEwKqc6SAH16pXvSkGBQusGd2iAr7nK9OenxXyy0h3KrYGYzhpqIGtSGTR1ttu2YhU8p2VQXM_uCW6vLnuNsZqRK0jAh3po/s1600/scidhuv_023.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My collection is turned into raw gold when imported to QfG2.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was now rather rich having won a number games against The Chief already, so I only cashed in a vase and candlesticks (I held on to the music box, candelabra, and pearls). I only got points for the first fenced find, and I thought these were nice keepsakes. I bought 9 more daggers, 2 healing potions, and 4 potions of vigor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjQegF5OkfKwks_B9gQ4hMOqXqk73E4-FFN5VWPqdRA4CBMHVu-X2HpEtrb1IdU7W7ESqtD6VNbHeNkxxsj2Cn42zJcTBt8BMN5bCxRdazT7uf38oXWdf-P6j84HRm83XBFSpl5jRkCY/s1600/scidhuv_016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjQegF5OkfKwks_B9gQ4hMOqXqk73E4-FFN5VWPqdRA4CBMHVu-X2HpEtrb1IdU7W7ESqtD6VNbHeNkxxsj2Cn42zJcTBt8BMN5bCxRdazT7uf38oXWdf-P6j84HRm83XBFSpl5jRkCY/s1600/scidhuv_016.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I practiced throwing with my new daggers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well stocked, I forged on without worry about grinding out my skills. I had some time to kill though so I trained up my throwing and climbing before heading to free Elsa. I spoke aloud the password and sneaked past the Minotaur with ease. It took a few minutes of failing to climb the structure before I made it over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2VaidrS7LTgjTJhL2zN-hFlN-O3oQXoB6RcbwYcrWGolkNgD4sLDrH4Th0AsqU87-msvqUXp53h00ishfSlgPoAOaUlnwDlOCPbQljich3HxyBJI_SPCZox9OvdV5NfUOao-hf_0APo/s1600/scidhuv_017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2VaidrS7LTgjTJhL2zN-hFlN-O3oQXoB6RcbwYcrWGolkNgD4sLDrH4Th0AsqU87-msvqUXp53h00ishfSlgPoAOaUlnwDlOCPbQljich3HxyBJI_SPCZox9OvdV5NfUOao-hf_0APo/s1600/scidhuv_017.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently I didn't train enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found myself in front of the Brigand Leader and used the dispel potion without giving it another thought. Elsa was free, and so was I to stare longingly at all the treasure that laid before me. I couldn't take a single item though, except for the mirror and potions on the table. All this treasure and nothing to do with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg-AkdLzudvMvoGflxfRr5bOilkgEQVeIQeMUuFJD5gijVcm_Zwo47tNmHSLH1ZILyi95P9XIkO8F7loct9IILqStehWeVDaeAm3C9eKZ_CWlzFvY1Q_xcHC3ndJTKoID8JuoShYRWko/s1600/scidhuv_019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg-AkdLzudvMvoGflxfRr5bOilkgEQVeIQeMUuFJD5gijVcm_Zwo47tNmHSLH1ZILyi95P9XIkO8F7loct9IILqStehWeVDaeAm3C9eKZ_CWlzFvY1Q_xcHC3ndJTKoID8JuoShYRWko/s1600/scidhuv_019.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ominous black bird what is your purpose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My memory of the fourth game once again mixed me up and I anticipated being able to train my skills in the abandoned warehouse. I thought I remembered a climbing rope, throwing target, and practice locks inside. I'm also a little disappointed by only two spots for thieving, so I hope future games offer a bit more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHr0b3vd1GWoHDNZB1JbSjDrPwqdJRvAkA8kysuK0jFaUYuGFVmqUkoBxLHfkdCQuK52a5SNEp42IYBwzlGL8iTjAv-oWnZo5Ko1trPR2wO2m82YzX_V1xoRJ4elSY7hN3O0XIlA3ptM/s1600/scidhuv_021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHr0b3vd1GWoHDNZB1JbSjDrPwqdJRvAkA8kysuK0jFaUYuGFVmqUkoBxLHfkdCQuK52a5SNEp42IYBwzlGL8iTjAv-oWnZo5Ko1trPR2wO2m82YzX_V1xoRJ4elSY7hN3O0XIlA3ptM/s1600/scidhuv_021.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's Jon B!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This game is a great start to the series, and I'm glad to finally overcome this childhood favorite. I enjoyed getting through this game each time, but all the same I'm ready to move on to the next. Having multiple avenues to travel towards solutions were appreciated (e.g. I found I could climb the mountain next to the spitting sprouts and grab the seed), and I hope the games continue in that vein. Getting through the next game will be a much greater accomplishment as I remember it not resonating with me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarMikr7FRQvqh7roZ2oFuku3FykVBfasVZ1fqc7Ju4yDU2FB91V7ZoxhLV0BHnim5yMziLHCxmvzefKstP-itAHTQf4ItPaZjLKXzTWj5WX49dITREJSzk-WiCfF-46C7hdTPiIpNWEc/s1600/scidhuv_022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarMikr7FRQvqh7roZ2oFuku3FykVBfasVZ1fqc7Ju4yDU2FB91V7ZoxhLV0BHnim5yMziLHCxmvzefKstP-itAHTQf4ItPaZjLKXzTWj5WX49dITREJSzk-WiCfF-46C7hdTPiIpNWEc/s1600/scidhuv_022.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the end, the night shows specular detail.</td></tr>
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Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-37206042057403433592013-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:002013-04-11T08:50:33.078-07:00Quest For Glory 1: So You Want to be a Hero - So You Want to be a FighterIf this game had a difficulty settings, then fighter is 'Easy'. If you don't want to give much thought to your actions beyond 'mash the attack button', then choose the fighter. If you just want to get through the game without a lot of side quests, then choose the fighter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnObxwW4nD8QwOq5vD35ey32kCAqJTm1rGqXtAlIRaXFgAUjTyckveOER1nrtG0VYL6_RBxXa9vZfgG_5mvWfAvUtlyoebxmY2Xda5IggjMAZMzFc05B_B5ZB5brzafPLMafAKJm7X4LY/s1600/sciv_030.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnObxwW4nD8QwOq5vD35ey32kCAqJTm1rGqXtAlIRaXFgAUjTyckveOER1nrtG0VYL6_RBxXa9vZfgG_5mvWfAvUtlyoebxmY2Xda5IggjMAZMzFc05B_B5ZB5brzafPLMafAKJm7X4LY/s1600/sciv_030.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EGA graphics in all their glory!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Magic-users have spells to gather and train, and thieves have loot to gather and sell, the fighter has the special skill of parry, which really doesn't add much benefit to combat. During my battles I found the best defense was a good offense.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksePPiMw1jksw22q3J05U4dQ7YsQbeOh-DQpzYGXn_DBh71w-1eReVvwySVt0d-EXcj5mCuWe3gX0BgdMjKeIHHiTOrlrYdaLUDlhTh8RxOdPi9F9-iy8-9-TqRHooOwM53iUcJapuY0/s1600/sciv_009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksePPiMw1jksw22q3J05U4dQ7YsQbeOh-DQpzYGXn_DBh71w-1eReVvwySVt0d-EXcj5mCuWe3gX0BgdMjKeIHHiTOrlrYdaLUDlhTh8RxOdPi9F9-iy8-9-TqRHooOwM53iUcJapuY0/s1600/sciv_009.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parry or just stab madly?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More often than not, holding the attack key won battles with less loss of life than trying to wrangle the controls to time parry or dodge. Even so, I did train those abilities to a respectable level in order to try to give them their due. In the end, I just spammed stab.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJBhT4jJOGL0WV733BGV_EDnM56sQBuQ8YTHsw_OZVAbRqltUepo9kcpmJuToVI4wOD2_e8VRlUHoR-AT8q5IClPvz7CbmfRoJO3e_FOSl-nym0kmO0bf2G1EkQCneQk7H4fjok7TR38/s1600/sciv_004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJBhT4jJOGL0WV733BGV_EDnM56sQBuQ8YTHsw_OZVAbRqltUepo9kcpmJuToVI4wOD2_e8VRlUHoR-AT8q5IClPvz7CbmfRoJO3e_FOSl-nym0kmO0bf2G1EkQCneQk7H4fjok7TR38/s1600/sciv_004.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parry did allow me to take out the Weapon Master though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fighter, or I should say the parry skill, allows the hero to train with the Weapon Master. My early days consisted of clearing out the stables, training with the Weapon Master, and fighting off waves of goblins. At 1 gold per day, it was a costly venture, but my skills at his hands raised considerably more than either of the other options.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BOmwwtqdIzddedeBBig3arbkxU2ZJPQIt_BBNY6ThNrM3SvQwTS_XNnAnJHqbNa8SrBecdUrAZfg3cVFBoGS5mTUG3U-2pRg2x8qqNDQspbsCOvCykCDANOy2y5h5Y7YXa-air0iB0c/s1600/sciv_005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BOmwwtqdIzddedeBBig3arbkxU2ZJPQIt_BBNY6ThNrM3SvQwTS_XNnAnJHqbNa8SrBecdUrAZfg3cVFBoGS5mTUG3U-2pRg2x8qqNDQspbsCOvCykCDANOy2y5h5Y7YXa-air0iB0c/s1600/sciv_005.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, just because I soundly trounced you doesn't mean you're a pathetic has-been.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that I lacked a quick way to build up stats, I was forced to train against endless waves of goblins. The training grounds there offered a slower progression, but greater rewards in gold. So much gold I was quickly weighed down, and ended up throwing much of it away.<br />
<br />
After some time I gauged my skills advanced enough to take on the ogre outside the cave. I was correct in my assessment and found myself facing off with the bear.<br />
<br />
Being a fighter and not turning back from a fight, I engaged the bear. I wasn't skilled enough to take him out, but I don't think it's possible to win in this case. I didn't try with max skills as I saw that fruitless. Without a calming spell I racked my brain for another means to satiate the bear; I offered him one of my food rations after he turned down the vegetables. I never did find a use for those, even the horses at the stables refused.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5h-yXlwQcZ-TZrsMUhiLNEuNmCgrds-wxvaO-zYD7d2xsTokMF6wvuxG_ak-YUGXpQSNzdKUZxHJy2RuxYLMQvK7Vjl4ZEo0XrvNWZLbA5AUU-s7tj5bJlDcvSWZ3pdntOwWyBMsaGU/s1600/sciv_008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5h-yXlwQcZ-TZrsMUhiLNEuNmCgrds-wxvaO-zYD7d2xsTokMF6wvuxG_ak-YUGXpQSNzdKUZxHJy2RuxYLMQvK7Vjl4ZEo0XrvNWZLbA5AUU-s7tj5bJlDcvSWZ3pdntOwWyBMsaGU/s1600/sciv_008.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also failed to use brute strength against the frost giant, even with max skills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the kobold, I found I didn't enter the normal combat screen when I typed 'fight', instead I pulled out my sword and sparred with him using the controls I had come accustomed to while facing the Weapon Master. Due to his constant teleporting, I found it easiest to throw rocks when he teleported away, which caused him to teleport back to directly in front of me. After a few rounds of stab and throw he disappeared and left a key behind.<br />
<br />
So far the solutions to puzzles for a fighter have been narrowly focused on throwing (healer's ring, spitting plants), and I found Erasmus had little to offer a hero of my stature as well. I had little reason to visit 'enry, so I avoided even meeting him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgos_R9_u8sZ3Hv7F6bSsE-QIlgG3p8lTyVjOWZii2JNX61-exgNqhx5_BO1yyZWdMDwYlm_Oi5T5KoF2KRFhiJv36FOXvQ-PpVTOf2KUQ5zvrH1QW7vXbbKuJQydUXeghSmQrKlVCl4/s1600/sciv_003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgos_R9_u8sZ3Hv7F6bSsE-QIlgG3p8lTyVjOWZii2JNX61-exgNqhx5_BO1yyZWdMDwYlm_Oi5T5KoF2KRFhiJv36FOXvQ-PpVTOf2KUQ5zvrH1QW7vXbbKuJQydUXeghSmQrKlVCl4/s1600/sciv_003.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I slaughtered countless goblins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In order to advance my skills I looked for fights at every corner, and after buying the chain mail armor I had little use for all the gold I began carrying around. Due to the weight of it all (I was carrying around massive amounts of fruit), I could only carry a small number of potions. I found the fighter added points to his score for each new creature bested in combat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAUy3XbgOH0II_IVc-dFYE4bbKK8zrCQqe6xId-o-vsD2uIvemYW2L2oI9D1xpVgbaCqSQDf1pMtc-LnnxZZto2Y_mqB-N9vFD1HZfDXX3b4tTjOSAtz6F62PkZQN9dtYD-rdLPw7Ph4/s1600/sciv_006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAUy3XbgOH0II_IVc-dFYE4bbKK8zrCQqe6xId-o-vsD2uIvemYW2L2oI9D1xpVgbaCqSQDf1pMtc-LnnxZZto2Y_mqB-N9vFD1HZfDXX3b4tTjOSAtz6F62PkZQN9dtYD-rdLPw7Ph4/s1600/sciv_006.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey, if you happen to read this, why wasn't mounting the head of a Saurus Rex in the guild hall an option? I'd love to see little details like this in Hero-U, which I'm looking forward to playing along with Trickster (or sooner).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was trying to think of all manner of creature I could face off against. Even though the butcher dreamed of feasting on the white stag, I couldn't kill it. The dryad was equally immune to attacks, and the meeps wouldn't come out of their hidey-holes when faced with aggression. I never tried facing off with that fox in the trap though... probably wouldn't have worked anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7u4ypZJnQRRJI_tFfUAPl3KWuEfMrU7D_2xWvAZET4oraLiUQBjW0Nbv5yuUsiM8S6Oy2B1Asy1HGJQqzqMo0sMhYBdCzLGQpgZQ21XSVwPkNEG5kcTyCkBuqq8eQDkCZmTZu97HANw/s1600/sciv_007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7u4ypZJnQRRJI_tFfUAPl3KWuEfMrU7D_2xWvAZET4oraLiUQBjW0Nbv5yuUsiM8S6Oy2B1Asy1HGJQqzqMo0sMhYBdCzLGQpgZQ21XSVwPkNEG5kcTyCkBuqq8eQDkCZmTZu97HANw/s1600/sciv_007.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even tried fighting the frost giant multiple ways, but even throwing rocks was a dead end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I collected what I needed to finish the game, mandrake root, dispel potion, and the key to the secret passage. I never discovered the second note (at least I don't remember getting it), but I still managed to run across the meeting between Brutus and a random henchman brigand. Good thing too because brute strength couldn't open the door. I saw it's possible to just charge in and climb over the logs while stifling the pain of hundreds of arrows. I'd rather fight the troll in the cave though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjeIdZbZI8C3SEJd63BU-RsdmsSg-CZvJznB0GtmDntJoZwhslU6Wc0bKQtxxljj38S4JOmdgZfkE5StOEmQYt4vzry8LW5ikgKLW8WUoDEOye4PXwIjsvFKVLx0lVx8LUX13BuX9TYg/s1600/sciv_010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjeIdZbZI8C3SEJd63BU-RsdmsSg-CZvJznB0GtmDntJoZwhslU6Wc0bKQtxxljj38S4JOmdgZfkE5StOEmQYt4vzry8LW5ikgKLW8WUoDEOye4PXwIjsvFKVLx0lVx8LUX13BuX9TYg/s1600/sciv_010.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In-fighting brigands, who would have guessed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I read, and spoiled myself, about the antwerp on Chet's blog. In the VGA version, you can just kind of maneuver around him and still operate the door; however, in the EGA version it didn't seem possible. So, I ended up attempting to face off with him.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SGcBGQA1mhWyRW9TqrqLSDi_h_hgqVWIO333ESYINoYTl7oCaoPtJzPu8i8_XM_YauMumZ4kxHxNe79vWK5mti1YdkuToPpTJjLFjoal3jvNhTSme349Sq_sXZzh4Hw7M9FSyWzCfCI/s1600/sciv_013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SGcBGQA1mhWyRW9TqrqLSDi_h_hgqVWIO333ESYINoYTl7oCaoPtJzPu8i8_XM_YauMumZ4kxHxNe79vWK5mti1YdkuToPpTJjLFjoal3jvNhTSme349Sq_sXZzh4Hw7M9FSyWzCfCI/s1600/sciv_013.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I'm cocky, I'm a fighter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, the antwerp either got in the way or I had to fight him, which caused him to leap high in the air like a dragoon from Final Fantasy. I'm not sure I would have figured to type 'use sword' on my own, but because I read it in the recent blogs, I couldn't exactly wipe that from memory.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_c1J6uQ1rDWVFs4z5PgIWk-2Fyd_YVVLDpNOEq_-8G2VHyyMc_hb4cV2pOKErs464217Wz19bUnwOqAR3cbwD8Ggv5reIY2SDLn_ELanGRAr8uMIm-J6utIcrX9gZvlGhclQMuK8eCw/s1600/sciv_014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_c1J6uQ1rDWVFs4z5PgIWk-2Fyd_YVVLDpNOEq_-8G2VHyyMc_hb4cV2pOKErs464217Wz19bUnwOqAR3cbwD8Ggv5reIY2SDLn_ELanGRAr8uMIm-J6utIcrX9gZvlGhclQMuK8eCw/s1600/sciv_014.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this animation was meant for a dagger. It looks like he is grabbing the sword blade. Don't try this at home kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even with the foreknowledge of the password, I did the stupid fighter thing and entered headstrong in my ability to face off against the troll. It still took a couple of fights before I got the rhythm down to strike solid blows. I yanked off his beard for later and strode proudly outside where I met the minotaur.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTw-vRp1cB2HO7IOFQVEovJv7t2TfchHMFqBn8aFzQvCvQhj70X0WpLDBQlCAUGiBNxI2Yan_XbF3J73hgJftSiGwjs4V3JSc3bcgUetBp-v6Kly7Uweac0Ijz_xGdeosrkViMjUItfw/s1600/sciv_017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTw-vRp1cB2HO7IOFQVEovJv7t2TfchHMFqBn8aFzQvCvQhj70X0WpLDBQlCAUGiBNxI2Yan_XbF3J73hgJftSiGwjs4V3JSc3bcgUetBp-v6Kly7Uweac0Ijz_xGdeosrkViMjUItfw/s1600/sciv_017.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only two 'A's, I think you underestimate my baaadness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not big on small talk, the minotaur was a tough battle. I actually took him out easily the first time I faced him, but walked out towards the beginning area and died quickly since I didn't heal up. The next few fights were more difficult. Searching his body revealed some more money, which by this point is rather useless.<br />
<br />
I found the same puzzles inside the fortress, which had slightly different timing in this version. After getting through them, I decided to try my hand against actually fighting the brigand leader. I didn't stand a chance.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN8v-iU36Pwn0bo5Ywh-Ly5_ebUSBESdLOvC5uqNCQzTem8f9MU1b5jHIuTf_zZ5XdWJDDy9Dw6ImCZWfEoicOkb9jx9-CFkxmYiPWFq15zqm78VEjREuiOrr9WCDDWEFzJm1iYUQnEg/s1600/sciv_018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN8v-iU36Pwn0bo5Ywh-Ly5_ebUSBESdLOvC5uqNCQzTem8f9MU1b5jHIuTf_zZ5XdWJDDy9Dw6ImCZWfEoicOkb9jx9-CFkxmYiPWFq15zqm78VEjREuiOrr9WCDDWEFzJm1iYUQnEg/s1600/sciv_018.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In fact, I wasn't even given a chance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Without throwing the dispel potion, a message appears that the brigand leader quickly dispatches me. Not much of a fight for a fighter. I guess the point here is that the potion is necessary.<br />
<br />
After rescuing Elsa I made my way over to Baba Yaga. I gave the gem to the skull without learning the rhyme, but was able to type it out anyway with the text parser. There are some good things to say about not being dead ended in this way. Then again, I found that Baba Yaga greeted me in such a way as if I'd seen her before.<br />
<br />
I'm guessing this was due to having the mirror in my possession, even though I also had the mandrake root and never met her before, so the game assumed I was at a point where I had encountered her already. My only option was to use the mirror, and I missed out on points in delivering the mandrake.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2-m0QglO-nqMds1WbGMZhchzR4qZ2-HQenDmhUs1_4XYwFwF0WvCJS5iy6V-Hxh-H5WlLfP5SMBGO3CxcnXITezSaEvbWaKtlv6x5XG2Rmw58i1s5w2GB8Tea0EoftX5ty3JEEuGgoQ/s1600/sciv_019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2-m0QglO-nqMds1WbGMZhchzR4qZ2-HQenDmhUs1_4XYwFwF0WvCJS5iy6V-Hxh-H5WlLfP5SMBGO3CxcnXITezSaEvbWaKtlv6x5XG2Rmw58i1s5w2GB8Tea0EoftX5ty3JEEuGgoQ/s1600/sciv_019.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ending isn't interactive like the VGA version, but it's also more timely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the end, I'm not sure which version I prefer. The added ease of use in the VGA is welcomed, but the EGA also has some charm in the control over dialogue. I'm not sure I can say one is distinctly better over the other. Another difference I noted was an empty stamina in this version didn't mean an automatic death in combat, which falls in line with the instructions, as it did in the VGA version. I wonder if that was a bug or a design decision.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvVhKyZcCRQgYqI03rJ3g2fGjxBYdKEQdhawNB3bE-QdWtKSnzTGGxhZvpcs8qYfILIWUqeRF1FeZ4qRX6Xn7SgEr5IAlLvAdKMiex1ASKgopHr4nIqo4PGthOoPPEdTqX8EP7SAHN_8/s1600/sciv_012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvVhKyZcCRQgYqI03rJ3g2fGjxBYdKEQdhawNB3bE-QdWtKSnzTGGxhZvpcs8qYfILIWUqeRF1FeZ4qRX6Xn7SgEr5IAlLvAdKMiex1ASKgopHr4nIqo4PGthOoPPEdTqX8EP7SAHN_8/s1600/sciv_012.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fighting it out with 0 stamina, each action now costs HP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, now I've truly become the hero of Spielburg (once more), and I'm ready to start my adventure again as a thief.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK0njMMsDEsib9zxIRytozWTmAfTHHHcr-O1G93jQJXO4IOqIzMao93J7Lmryj7Ar_1WNgEVqqMxwGr48NPU7oG0e0MKcJA7VeWQmCSwIA0v0645_fUeuRBGahP68DK4rqf7-CyGIkdw/s1600/sciv_021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK0njMMsDEsib9zxIRytozWTmAfTHHHcr-O1G93jQJXO4IOqIzMao93J7Lmryj7Ar_1WNgEVqqMxwGr48NPU7oG0e0MKcJA7VeWQmCSwIA0v0645_fUeuRBGahP68DK4rqf7-CyGIkdw/s1600/sciv_021.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All quests completed! Where did I miss those points?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fighter was much easier to grind for stats, and I ended up maxing out most of them through basic meandering and mischief.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClsoc-Ydi1BKOWldPTKaIrXfV9c4bvvT0oTbnJkXg-5uSM91HrPsafx4TFIH3zOJBId7Hw6QKTyjz05NgNb_3NAEMLu69GY7Sx8fn12ges-kbFeCIR2KsFXh2ZfOnGIlDzvjS0EPPhSU/s1600/sciv_000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClsoc-Ydi1BKOWldPTKaIrXfV9c4bvvT0oTbnJkXg-5uSM91HrPsafx4TFIH3zOJBId7Hw6QKTyjz05NgNb_3NAEMLu69GY7Sx8fn12ges-kbFeCIR2KsFXh2ZfOnGIlDzvjS0EPPhSU/s1600/sciv_000.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bah! Who needs intelligence stuff? I crush things!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I do prefer the ending in this version, as it adds much more detail and charm to the world as we exit and set off for the next adventure.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIDhttlycr1h2KbsjFXGg7VDU7r9qbhz9tteWe9qSehTbYrwvK2fhsTvkeottjXhEycqzbtPcYOWquv9sR4_IiN9cSUXGvFbwXF5QeOMigcRINMkJLItzQ7pTJApdW2OOx1lphBTfp_I/s1600/sciv_027.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIDhttlycr1h2KbsjFXGg7VDU7r9qbhz9tteWe9qSehTbYrwvK2fhsTvkeottjXhEycqzbtPcYOWquv9sR4_IiN9cSUXGvFbwXF5QeOMigcRINMkJLItzQ7pTJApdW2OOx1lphBTfp_I/s1600/sciv_027.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is Yogic?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm looking forward to joining Trickster for the next game in the series, which I have much less experience with. Honestly, I hated that game, but I'm ready to approach it with a fresh mind.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYKONtsqm-LVa6rzFLupL5n6gXfPeZ-v_rTLqJpMG9F40seGQY8IrAR_LpWs1e67fyMAe9IRr4vLSXwEA-NZY6SjsowgrAT2CQgE7352d4epaqj7oGx-pH4hp4xRxZwxuUzUsJTA6zbY/s1600/sciv_029.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYKONtsqm-LVa6rzFLupL5n6gXfPeZ-v_rTLqJpMG9F40seGQY8IrAR_LpWs1e67fyMAe9IRr4vLSXwEA-NZY6SjsowgrAT2CQgE7352d4epaqj7oGx-pH4hp4xRxZwxuUzUsJTA6zbY/s1600/sciv_029.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, I'm hyped!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But! First, I need to grind out a thief, and report on all the interesting things I can pick up, collect, and sell. I'm sure Hero-U has a lot of loot to not only sell, but a place to show off a collection of goodies.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-83858544646193817312013-03-24T10:13:00.000-07:002013-03-24T10:13:07.063-07:00Quest For Glory 1: So You Want to be a Hero - So You Want to be a Magic User<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a kid I came across the Quest For Glory Collection Series among my dad's games. The collection included games 1, 2, 3, 4, and a demo of 5. Although I never could get that demo to work (for the best from what I've heard), I enjoyed the others immensely even if I never completed them. My memories of the games are all jumbled together. I continuously mix up parts of the fourth with this one. The second game was very distinct in mind for being the only one that required the text parser to play, and I hated it as a kid. For whatever reason, I could manage Zork, Quest, and other text adventures, but as soon as a parser is mixed with graphics my interest shuts down. As for the third game, I have no memories of it... I'm not sure why.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic User!</td></tr>
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My plan is to now join Trickster and Chet through each game (although I have a feeling Chet will fall behind as the gaps are greater between games). For this first one I chose to go with a Magic User since Trickster went with a fighter and Chet picked thief. I'm a little late to this review because I didn't want to break up the Star Saga One posts, but I played this at the same time. I just hope I can recall what my notes mean. Like Star Saga, and other games to come, I want to explore the games as much as possible, so I'll follow this up with fighter and thief.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm off to become a Wizard...</td></tr>
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Without further ado, we start, like all adventurers, by entering the town of Spielburg. Here the Sheriff Schultz Meistersson greets us.<br />
<br />
I gathered some information about the town and made note of the Guild Hall, Inn, and Magic Shop as points of interest. I also learned there's a brigand problem in these parts.<br />
<br />
The Guild Hall offered up some quests, and one leaped out from my recollection, the Healer's ring. I remember it clearly from as an example in a game design book where it was praised for alternative avenues for resolution.<br />
<br />
Spoiled with the solution I headed over to the Magic Shop and found the mystical Zara with her familiar Damiano. There are some spells on offer: Open, Fire Dart, and Fetch (which I pick up). There are also some potions, which are cheaper at the Healer's hut.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come to me my pretty.</td></tr>
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Fetch in hand, I headed out to the bird's nest and deprived it of its home by plucking my prize and unceremoniously tossing the twigs aside. With the ring in the Healer's hands, and a gold coin in mine, I headed back to the Zara and purchased Fire Dart. That should make combat a bit easier.<br />
<br />
My prior knowledge depleted I finished my round of the town, then headed for the castle. At the castle I worked the stables for a meager wage, and did so in the mornings to follow. Not too far from town I came across a mushroom ring, and collected a few for the Healer who mentioned a need for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk1dH7lE02MHqXGW8IZZIWajaDlCme-9ZTdJxfwNPu4b5stuFY7xBlWxvGB4X7kIH3U45FPc1UYeqlnCFaVFGYhr_8ww6PuoEZtvqOf3cYKzb55i4tUfsYMIhfVBUnagjmbpi16BbXeQ/s1600/scidhuv_008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk1dH7lE02MHqXGW8IZZIWajaDlCme-9ZTdJxfwNPu4b5stuFY7xBlWxvGB4X7kIH3U45FPc1UYeqlnCFaVFGYhr_8ww6PuoEZtvqOf3cYKzb55i4tUfsYMIhfVBUnagjmbpi16BbXeQ/s1600/scidhuv_008.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I'm doing this wrong,</td></tr>
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Deep in the forest I found some strange creatures popping out of the ground. "My first real puzzle," I thought to myself, "how can I get them out?" I tried to pry them, I tried to burn them, I did everything I could except talk with them. Maybe I don't have the right magic?<br />
<br />
Simply talking to the green one when he pops up is all that's necessary. Not much of a puzzle, but I'm happy with my new spell, Detect Magic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-LqvIeUgoqu47yvRGGPlE69F_2OVSXQDsk8C1SQc9cIyQuZcCSch9egHvCXIGphJMf75hILMog-it-2ZxxTklBTDynabe7kThP7DXVeRsfnkvMCyEEuR0mP7VNKypmvLZKwwBTI9IuM/s1600/scidhuv_007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-LqvIeUgoqu47yvRGGPlE69F_2OVSXQDsk8C1SQc9cIyQuZcCSch9egHvCXIGphJMf75hILMog-it-2ZxxTklBTDynabe7kThP7DXVeRsfnkvMCyEEuR0mP7VNKypmvLZKwwBTI9IuM/s1600/scidhuv_007.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's dropping magic scrolls in the woods?</td></tr>
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I found some plants spitting a seed around next. A perfect opportunity to practice my fetch spell. This time though I found I wasn't quite up to the task of snatching a seed from midair. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmx8_TIE0LOhyJgJLITAgh70dMj3Lrv8EdD5aOnSm76Jcjj-LqSiPSt7pMyWL_ciYMI5-2AOjsa88Y6c9VQ1H9QImjXzGQKnjfTdfKruLig9S7YtTDkEBlQNZowuttbMQu11fO-JAhpok/s1600/scidhuv_010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmx8_TIE0LOhyJgJLITAgh70dMj3Lrv8EdD5aOnSm76Jcjj-LqSiPSt7pMyWL_ciYMI5-2AOjsa88Y6c9VQ1H9QImjXzGQKnjfTdfKruLig9S7YtTDkEBlQNZowuttbMQu11fO-JAhpok/s1600/scidhuv_010.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found later that the Open spell works just as well.</td></tr>
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Well, the game definitely has the grinding aspect of RPGs down. I spent a good bit of time trying to fetch the seed before I felt the need to move on. It was getting dark and I needed a place to rest my head. At some later time I did manage to fetch the seed, but I didn't note when.<br />
<br />
I stayed the night at the inn, and woke feeling partially refreshed. Another day of stable work, selling the mushrooms, and some goblin gold allowed me to pick the Open spell. I made good use of it by opening a stone slab at Erana's Peace. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rTAM_qNSiICe_EkiH_IFhkUMevAkQ3YNJ-uheVb84ukFkW6GfiXY6WAfistZZW9DNTgH4xXMHB5Cmq9pmw7oOQfui0soRtPeZYZ0Fomau4e1d3VLlIclDwTfUDP_WlQnaynH15aLReo/s1600/QFG-MagicUser-Erana.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rTAM_qNSiICe_EkiH_IFhkUMevAkQ3YNJ-uheVb84ukFkW6GfiXY6WAfistZZW9DNTgH4xXMHB5Cmq9pmw7oOQfui0soRtPeZYZ0Fomau4e1d3VLlIclDwTfUDP_WlQnaynH15aLReo/s1600/QFG-MagicUser-Erana.bmp" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how far it went... seems I've lost track of it.</td></tr>
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I gingerly toke the Calm spell, which doesn't seem to help too much with wandering monsters, but I'm sure it has its use. The fruit looked appetizing, so I tried to cut some down with my dagger, which the game interpretted as, "throw dagger..." my only weapon.<br />
<br />
Spending the night at Erana's Peace fully refreshed me. A new day, and a new direction. I found a fruit loving frost giant and a wizard's tower, which I left alone for the time being.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXhhxG_MLc42DwhQXcdODWd2GkhfLHaMXheuLq1avJf73nx9hm6gzg10OFHL5Pv75oqwcjZsaWzah7SROiN828er7hMx2fpVWi4gngRFJC79hLFGjhRhbBWWeWbrZ8rEPIF2OGSDVwMg/s1600/scidhuv_011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXhhxG_MLc42DwhQXcdODWd2GkhfLHaMXheuLq1avJf73nx9hm6gzg10OFHL5Pv75oqwcjZsaWzah7SROiN828er7hMx2fpVWi4gngRFJC79hLFGjhRhbBWWeWbrZ8rEPIF2OGSDVwMg/s1600/scidhuv_011.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah! A talking fox!</td></tr>
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I ran across a fox on my way back to town. Helping him out of his bind allowed me to hear what was on his mind. I ignored the absurdity of a talking fox and listened to word of a Dryad in need of help.<br />
<br />
I picked up another dagger from the supply store in town before I made my way towards more unexplored parts of the forest. I found the Dryad, and was told the recipe for a dispel potion (I must of retrieved the seed by this point).<br />
<br />
Green fur sounded familiar, I remembered the bit about flying water, and fairy dust from the mushroom ring fairies (unlikely I could get some from Zara). I quickly collected the first two, but needed to wait for nightfall before I retrieved the last <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TNA_ZZCt1UZvq7fIU_jZU9K4D4pBnvZ_Z1FVgwNBkHKDwvB3U_P-J3HyIZNTbk9KfdHhzloyoOvF85zhovWYvGHzWWUcF3TYlg7xdk6g-q7LEMdrmvufosftt3BCeJ3AoXuAq-8dUDk/s1600/QFG-MagicUser-NoCalm.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TNA_ZZCt1UZvq7fIU_jZU9K4D4pBnvZ_Z1FVgwNBkHKDwvB3U_P-J3HyIZNTbk9KfdHhzloyoOvF85zhovWYvGHzWWUcF3TYlg7xdk6g-q7LEMdrmvufosftt3BCeJ3AoXuAq-8dUDk/s1600/QFG-MagicUser-NoCalm.bmp" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I said CALM!!</td></tr>
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Passing some time I tried my new spells out in my attempt to enter the cave near the waterfall. While I could open the cave door, the man inside couldn't see me. I needed to climb up the slippery slope. With no climb ability I figured there was another way.<br />
<br />
I tried all my spells until I hit upon a magical solution. I saw a ladder briefly with Detect Magic. Burning the location in my mind I climbed up and was greeted by 'Enry the 'Ermit. 'E speaks of 'is friend Erasmus, and offered me the Trigger spell that was passed on to 'im.<br />
<br />
I track back towards Erana's Peace for some fruit, but found I was still full. Nearby was an ogre that looked far too menacing the first time I saw him, but with little else to do I tried my luck. Flame Dart and my practiced magic rating were high enough now to take him on with ease. I opened the chest and was rewarded with some extra money. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHscJik3CXb9ZbYzR1CbJ2O8NEFnMPJmiVWyeYjLWIBTwg3EP_HzQMacZ5xHB2GQg3ai_dBh7H56E-wdacxw-UIMC3_coIsY04v_7khqvjcPEKXZMVkgkraMUKVkPWQgtwCo5pl8Y5shk/s1600/scidhuv_021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHscJik3CXb9ZbYzR1CbJ2O8NEFnMPJmiVWyeYjLWIBTwg3EP_HzQMacZ5xHB2GQg3ai_dBh7H56E-wdacxw-UIMC3_coIsY04v_7khqvjcPEKXZMVkgkraMUKVkPWQgtwCo5pl8Y5shk/s1600/scidhuv_021.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that a bear in a hula skirt?</td></tr>
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Inside the cave I calmed the guard bear and found a kobold mage deeper still. Unfortunately, he only seemed to respond well to death and I was forced to introduce him to a few well placed Fire Darts. This combat is notable for not taking place in the usual separate screen.<br />
<br />
It took a few tries: I ran out of magic points once and during another I decided Detect Magic might help. It didn't for the fight, but it did reveal a chest. Using Open triggered a trap, but I still collected the gold in addition to the key from the dead kobold. The key unlocked the bear's chains and dispelled his curse.<br />
<br />
It turned out this was the missing Baronet. The claw marks on his horse now made sense. With his haughty attitude I was tempted to put the chain back on as he obviously hadn't learned his lesson yet. I didn't get the chance to before he teleported back to the castle.<br />
<br />
I collected the reward and spent a lavish night at the castle celebrating this small victory. Of course, it was then morning again and I had even more time to kill before I could collect that fairy dust. Since I was now drowning in money, I stopped by the Healer's shop and picked up an undead ungent in addition to a selection of magic and stamina potions. I also bought some apples for the frost giant, and delivered them before stopping by to see Erasmus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7fBhxXqFEmIfjX0gz1KlQZW6qP4dZUkkEZzZx7Pgo0r9FsvMSjNG5cKgQcDMTv0-56tgmbX6krt3pFhEOX6ZYBVX7tMoLvbSPAw4bZq9VL9IfHHiDGqGrmvUSAbSgIY6KgjrI7HakOs/s1600/QFG-MagicUser-Maze.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7fBhxXqFEmIfjX0gz1KlQZW6qP4dZUkkEZzZx7Pgo0r9FsvMSjNG5cKgQcDMTv0-56tgmbX6krt3pFhEOX6ZYBVX7tMoLvbSPAw4bZq9VL9IfHHiDGqGrmvUSAbSgIY6KgjrI7HakOs/s1600/QFG-MagicUser-Maze.bmp" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were kind of slow... I even consulted the manual.</td></tr>
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For beating Erasmus I got a spell that stuns enemies called Erasmus' Razzle Dazzle (shortened to Dazzle). It was still light out, so I explored a bit more and found an Antwerp and the Brigand's camp. I couldn't do much with them though. <br />
<br />
As dusk approached I made my way to the mushroom ring once again and encountered the fairies. They were very welcoming and asked me to dance for them. I think any value of agility would succeed, but I wonder if a lower value would see me stumble.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPWMACD3_XEprhAHKXbDG7fYJ_i5vnMPkYAOr-Y8QM1NefsQrFvDae0IY1l5F_0y3NzH7Nl0g_F40dqs4CgcPzkvKMiTQu4l8-eVHVkVMJPJRA_RZ3GYPbcDbUf8QSlk_6JuAQGJcB40/s1600/scidhuv_023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPWMACD3_XEprhAHKXbDG7fYJ_i5vnMPkYAOr-Y8QM1NefsQrFvDae0IY1l5F_0y3NzH7Nl0g_F40dqs4CgcPzkvKMiTQu4l8-eVHVkVMJPJRA_RZ3GYPbcDbUf8QSlk_6JuAQGJcB40/s1600/scidhuv_023.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least Mikey doesn't have much of an appetite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With a bottle full of fairy dust, I left the safety of the ring and wandered into the night. I discovered the graveyard where I promptly joined the undead floating around. I used the ungent on my reload and pulled the mandrake at midnight. With little else to do, I visited Erana's Peace to rest. On the way I was accosted by a Cheetaur, but he was quickly dispatched.<br />
<br />
The next day, with all parts collected I dropped by the Healer's. The dispel potion was ready on the following morning. Using charm and guile I avoided the Antwerp and opened a side passage in the mountain.<br />
I was surprised to find a troll on the other side waiting for me, and with no way out of it I faced off with him. After a few reloads I was successful and quaffed a couple of potions before moving on. Right outside this troll cave was a minotaur. Not confident in a second difficult fight, I used a calm and dazzle spell to stun the beast before opening the door to the fortress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyuxTDqfCTtBnMvGCSbYAG8bWZZk3bI66eFfHwLmY9AHQiRbjwakoT5GRPKs3gb9vZBLxayxjhev9wZ7RGrxqgo8sUtPXddF3cvC7ySYTOu1V8rUQTS4iFXxx0HW-TLAlcO-gnlWyg_g/s1600/scidhuv_027.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyuxTDqfCTtBnMvGCSbYAG8bWZZk3bI66eFfHwLmY9AHQiRbjwakoT5GRPKs3gb9vZBLxayxjhev9wZ7RGrxqgo8sUtPXddF3cvC7ySYTOu1V8rUQTS4iFXxx0HW-TLAlcO-gnlWyg_g/s1600/scidhuv_027.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Yorick, I knew him well... not really.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had some trouble crossing the trapped courtyard, and even more getting the timing correct for the dinning hall tumble with the three stooges. Really, how was I supposed to know I needed to jump on the table to cut the chandelier. Only by luck of a random click did I manage this feat. In any case, I found Yorick in the next room, but he unhelpfully threw things at me even after I explained my purpose, so I scared him off with a Calm spell (I think any spell would do).<br />
<br />
Yorick's maze wasn't much of a challenge. Once through the door, I was confronted by the brigand leader. The dispel potion flew from my hand and destroyed the enchantment on Elsa. She thanked me and bade me back to the castle for my reward. Before we get to that though, there's the final task of dealing with Baba Yaga.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzhFb0hwuk2uxYcEFOfzTmmU7qMX5WLNoDMDtHrT_CIQTMzPc_p_BtVf_1ao0Pu1As6lx-rK-cIHnLErEPVPXdCBaXpgEa2rEi7C_RcXszsl4s42i8CM0TUCIr4oSTbUDy-7aYc-AAa8/s1600/scidhuv_028.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzhFb0hwuk2uxYcEFOfzTmmU7qMX5WLNoDMDtHrT_CIQTMzPc_p_BtVf_1ao0Pu1As6lx-rK-cIHnLErEPVPXdCBaXpgEa2rEi7C_RcXszsl4s42i8CM0TUCIr4oSTbUDy-7aYc-AAa8/s1600/scidhuv_028.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hut of brown now sit down!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unhelpfully, I found I could be locked out of this quest if I gave the skull his glowing eyes before learning the pass phrase for the hut. In the VGA version, there's no parser to enter the command. I was fortunate to have saved prior to this discovery, and was able to enter the hut.<br />
<br />
Inside I met Baba Yaga who quickly turned me into a frog without a chance to react with the dragon mirror I retrieved from the brigand leader's quarters. It seemed this first meeting was too scripted. Baba Yaga requested I gather a mandrake should she deign to let me go. I already had the root on me, but it seems "too scripted" is a running theme for this part. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXBLOKUKDG2HjtUzdDRxesKJm6VUD0Oo5m7NgxK8DHd6UnvR8QQo3trXaaxmpv42ZtxfpkP20Lh199WP-rRk0hC3Vyrofls0O-WAPSVomc78k1zP1c6Y5YodZ0unHMPttoHsqdc6MUeY/s1600/scidhuv_029.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXBLOKUKDG2HjtUzdDRxesKJm6VUD0Oo5m7NgxK8DHd6UnvR8QQo3trXaaxmpv42ZtxfpkP20Lh199WP-rRk0hC3Vyrofls0O-WAPSVomc78k1zP1c6Y5YodZ0unHMPttoHsqdc6MUeY/s1600/scidhuv_029.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just showing her own reflection should be enough to drive her off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I found myself outside her hut once more. I quickly re-entered, gave her the mandrake root, and again found myself whisked outside before I could react. On my third visit I finally pulled my mirror out and reflected the frog curse. Boy was Baba Yaga hopping mad. She flew away in her bird hut and left the valley in peace.<br />
<br />
With all quests completed the ending played without any further chance to explore. I reloaded to see what else I may have missed. I don't remember much more happening, although I did stop by Erasmus' place again to challenge him, and I found some more points.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIw3cmXpJpL5yvdUdtNFlf8AkaEbTsnJoCtvFIE73RC23DyP-tYux37e7LZV1afoW80zr_BWf1OivZqH0g6JizR1BGwD5vWBE_0nmLxtW7VmknelWe7KSazY9trLwcbowtaAXz3S5NvA/s1600/scidhuv_034.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIw3cmXpJpL5yvdUdtNFlf8AkaEbTsnJoCtvFIE73RC23DyP-tYux37e7LZV1afoW80zr_BWf1OivZqH0g6JizR1BGwD5vWBE_0nmLxtW7VmknelWe7KSazY9trLwcbowtaAXz3S5NvA/s1600/scidhuv_034.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry you're so bad at your own game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ending shows a quick scene with the full cast of characters, including the creators. I also received notice that I was now the Hero of Spielburg before being swept up in another adventure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYY9m6ARvdVIfDjl0FlHAHyVgNaRsN1pZnnCbh_R9EAD7AjejmBfmhFNCMxdvf4kt56DAX3H_P__deKyWzOnXRJQEZ2MqEnVf5cuNJqx6lm4lZ7YVV0tYC29hOAVz__xYE8yFiTVfhjo/s1600/scidhuv_031.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYY9m6ARvdVIfDjl0FlHAHyVgNaRsN1pZnnCbh_R9EAD7AjejmBfmhFNCMxdvf4kt56DAX3H_P__deKyWzOnXRJQEZ2MqEnVf5cuNJqx6lm4lZ7YVV0tYC29hOAVz__xYE8yFiTVfhjo/s1600/scidhuv_031.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey Cole sporting a dragon head codpiece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With his treasure recovered, Abdulla Doo, a merchant I had missed during my first playthrough took me back to his homeland. In tow are the Kattas (Shema and Shameen) who ran the inn. We'll see more of them in the next game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y-NW1hHNZRI6pxu58UfxuumkikS7BxXC5mGcJN7_6AI8qkBs6_9nnkjX_fSY3U70mLZIGJp6jGNrrrEHRE_iE6uIP-7NoAXVFiHpi8OH0PWDI1vuPaS_L6sfdIBCOVj34TL1PnxtsPk/s1600/scidhuv_033.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y-NW1hHNZRI6pxu58UfxuumkikS7BxXC5mGcJN7_6AI8qkBs6_9nnkjX_fSY3U70mLZIGJp6jGNrrrEHRE_iE6uIP-7NoAXVFiHpi8OH0PWDI1vuPaS_L6sfdIBCOVj34TL1PnxtsPk/s1600/scidhuv_033.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will show you the world~~</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to points hunting I spent a number of days improving my individual spell skills for the next game. I'm going to export each character to play through the subsequent games, so I want them to have every advantage. I tested out my first completion of the game, and noted I had one more spell than the default mage, but all of my stats were abysmally lower (some by more than half). I just couldn't live with that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippnO-MawR_edqRg-ZOt9ee09oSl5D73jrh_Whf36G_nBFOy_biUXFlayJ2vRT9RMlvuET73h15nMEiCLOcIKyNP8H1LKOSGUYOigydx-Kvtzd4UTLPqgkXueF6HrlK5qe4jSUlM5X1V8/s1600/scidhuv_038.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippnO-MawR_edqRg-ZOt9ee09oSl5D73jrh_Whf36G_nBFOy_biUXFlayJ2vRT9RMlvuET73h15nMEiCLOcIKyNP8H1LKOSGUYOigydx-Kvtzd4UTLPqgkXueF6HrlK5qe4jSUlM5X1V8/s1600/scidhuv_038.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last two shots are before I replayed, here's my final score.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up next I'll play as a fighter and follow in the footsteps of <a href="http://advgamer.blogspot.com/2012/11/game-26-heros-quest-introduction.html">Trickster</a>. I'll also give the EGA version a go and see how much harder the parser is to deal with.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-4197534897035049752013-03-16T17:25:00.000-07:002013-03-16T17:25:04.792-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Multi-player and BeyondPlease note that this entry will contain spoilers, as I'm going to dump my notes I had been making for FAQ into here. It's too much trouble to organize these into a full document, and I don't think many people would find a need for it. If you're
looking for an overview of the basic mechanics, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
I took a little voyage through space. I decided I needed to explore the multi-player experience, but lacking willing participants, I took on the role of all six space adventurers. The number of turns to reach the end was still rather high (180) for having 6 explorers mapping the helpful planets and gathering resources. I did do a bit of exploring alternatives and differences between events.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwKioSLnmdjlvol9kAiXufpkkxoe4G-QkAXGg6CW9DMevlal7JY5bH9kQmau21f0ib3AF6qKhAbqfRRPI6CroMbVJFof082WjJxt065b5FQeHIIulKs4iHedyiEhtSfi7deMxTFVNaVo/s1600/594.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwKioSLnmdjlvol9kAiXufpkkxoe4G-QkAXGg6CW9DMevlal7JY5bH9kQmau21f0ib3AF6qKhAbqfRRPI6CroMbVJFof082WjJxt065b5FQeHIIulKs4iHedyiEhtSfi7deMxTFVNaVo/s1600/594.png" height="640" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang's all together on turn six (from Clerc's perspective).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
To start, the six star maps of Vanessa Change are passed out, one to each member of the group. They verify the content, make 5 copies, and exchange with each other for the full map. From this point, I direct them in their separate ways to explore the map and reach their goals. First though I get everyone a drone. Drones in this mode can also visit other players and make trading between characters very simple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBirpoJY9nrbKgqXyNawmIMttPOsMaaHWRkIqVrKzcAJJUbE8wzi9Urh_piBY6OXyaKPPgv9K1DtEoNosD8NKpRXFc1LJxn7gpfIUzhvBbEqGY5J6S9NPWNRllb_3M3jJKCtahlJYQWo/s1600/Multiplayer+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBirpoJY9nrbKgqXyNawmIMttPOsMaaHWRkIqVrKzcAJJUbE8wzi9Urh_piBY6OXyaKPPgv9K1DtEoNosD8NKpRXFc1LJxn7gpfIUzhvBbEqGY5J6S9NPWNRllb_3M3jJKCtahlJYQWo/s1600/Multiplayer+1.bmp" height="282" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drones make turns one screen slower for all characters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to drone trading, characters can end their turn by setting up a meeting with any other character on the same trisector. Drones can only trade commodities, but by meeting up, characters can exchange equipment (except for certain items marked as "Can't Trade"). This made it easy to find out how effective equipment is in each encounter. Things fell apart a little at the Outpost combat, and I only found the serpent recently. I've since overwrote the save by accidentally starting a new game without backing up, so I have some gaps in my combat tables.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB897XVgoOYAj-z-kcbiwRoU-tyFJ9xslodTZ1S_NXZFb3yfHd9Bk1N_elCUpFBpVQziZPA9SOMC7uXadEGklUsIQ90WZ1dfYkeuYRL2VJ9Awp820zhVUU4LUEf0aviE4CGo3UqG0RqKs/s1600/Hand-to-Hand+Combat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB897XVgoOYAj-z-kcbiwRoU-tyFJ9xslodTZ1S_NXZFb3yfHd9Bk1N_elCUpFBpVQziZPA9SOMC7uXadEGklUsIQ90WZ1dfYkeuYRL2VJ9Awp820zhVUU4LUEf0aviE4CGo3UqG0RqKs/s1600/Hand-to-Hand+Combat.png" height="249" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attack: Red, Orange, Yellow | Defense: Green, Indigo, Blue | 100 total to win; attack and defense calculated separately</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQkA3WLEF4Z-CNwNEeiznmZUEZZcvkY2RRKZtr1zKpnZH6PVeYa4AjyKexDbDNxeibLHSwBz6aBz4r5gEUsZ2tyC1747HjhDr2_aTIPrTPHi3bfxLaJSj2ANPjYHQfs917gAjujBCcPc/s1600/Ship-to-Ship+Combat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQkA3WLEF4Z-CNwNEeiznmZUEZZcvkY2RRKZtr1zKpnZH6PVeYa4AjyKexDbDNxeibLHSwBz6aBz4r5gEUsZ2tyC1747HjhDr2_aTIPrTPHi3bfxLaJSj2ANPjYHQfs917gAjujBCcPc/s1600/Ship-to-Ship+Combat.png" height="298" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black spaces are N/A or I couldn't find a way to have the equipment at the fight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ei8vgovPTSoaK_KmATDPMxis73PXPW30F5dRxUtCxsgRGy5_DGVxnzg8ZXdScqfPO9_H2a6t45m6PFfO88eorm3CDyNjnWAFYv59kaRt2SnGOqWj-4HkUI3q1077bdHr-t0d2xvccag/s1600/ECM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ei8vgovPTSoaK_KmATDPMxis73PXPW30F5dRxUtCxsgRGy5_DGVxnzg8ZXdScqfPO9_H2a6t45m6PFfO88eorm3CDyNjnWAFYv59kaRt2SnGOqWj-4HkUI3q1077bdHr-t0d2xvccag/s1600/ECM.png" height="73" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The E.C.M. is an item that I couldn't actually find in the game, but was left in the manual.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During a multi-player some game events are narrated differently if another player has already come through. The hatch could already be blown open on FLN-1, the Satellite orbiting Sto. Sta. 7 may already be destroyed, and the aliens on Withel may already know Earth Standard. In fact, you can visit Withel, not teach them, and come back later to find them able to speak it. Similarly, Arthlan has an active nuclear warhead ready to blow when you first arrive, and you can discover the blast later or come to find it out of orbit on your first visit.<br />
<br />
The manual suggests keeping your motives to yourself, but there's little use in that since goals aren't exclusive and by the end you need to work together. The final battle on Outpost requires all players to join in on the same turn, and if someone is lagging behind then other players need to sit around waiting for them (or lend a hand if possible).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qrbyG22k2wlONbcCDDrVylvGWcITjpGQtV2NHXmVIjl0XDNPnv5yzRm5Dw36YBsDer-ku6UmG15OCkrsa-tDvSYkZifa9fhI5Df7OpTscO93Wb68mO1iPTp7s7fVKX_9Vw0ByDP4wa8/s1600/89.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qrbyG22k2wlONbcCDDrVylvGWcITjpGQtV2NHXmVIjl0XDNPnv5yzRm5Dw36YBsDer-ku6UmG15OCkrsa-tDvSYkZifa9fhI5Df7OpTscO93Wb68mO1iPTp7s7fVKX_9Vw0ByDP4wa8/s1600/89.png" height="272" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that you've focused on yourself, you need to wait for everyone else to finish the game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not all ships have to make it through all layers of defense though, as I had a few not get past certain events. It seems as long as one character is able to go toe-to-toe with Silverbeard, then everyone will be able to reach the end.<br />
<br />
After finally getting to the end, I had about 150 passages left undocumented. Looking through them I found various contingency passages for things done out of order, and many reminders about the current quest objective for each character.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1rvM9DGqNJnNEeCgMU_t0McMruFNwItMalgJHsbgcYgoctGljnqk9DioAAo5Pq-3Qf4dOecL3Sa2kdGLKWxJA71Onzq1Ip-EMn9KqWA7dAC7Oaxj1Ki9i7bCpA9f7EPLCTpOnJjxJrU/s1600/551.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1rvM9DGqNJnNEeCgMU_t0McMruFNwItMalgJHsbgcYgoctGljnqk9DioAAo5Pq-3Qf4dOecL3Sa2kdGLKWxJA71Onzq1Ip-EMn9KqWA7dAC7Oaxj1Ki9i7bCpA9f7EPLCTpOnJjxJrU/s1600/551.png" height="350" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait... was I supposed to be seeking a stone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During my adventures I was trying to find some kind of pattern to planet locations. The randomness seems tied to the current turn and actions taken, although not completely. In any case, the only constant I found was that the planets usually fall into 3 groups. Early, mid, and late planets:<br />
<br />
<b>Early</b> (Planets 1 - 10)<br />
----------------------<b> </b><br />
Ascension<br />
Baphi<br />
Fiara<br />
Firthe<br />
Gen<br />
Gnarsh<br />
Hemindore<br />
Jaquar<br />
Sto Sta 7<br />
Withel<br />
<br />
<b>Mid </b>(Planets 11 - 23)<br />
----------------------<b> </b><br />
Corbis<br />
Cordethar<br />
Darscold<br />
Feldo<br />
Fiyar<br />
Gironde<br />
Hootenaller<br />
Koursh<br />
Organu<br />
Ouabain<br />
Tralis<br />
Yrebe<br />
<br />
<b>Late</b> (Planets 24 - 29)<br />
----------------------<br />
Arthlan<br />
Dargen<br />
Ethnar<br />
Ioreth<br />
Rialla<br />
Tretiak<br />
<br />
Lastly, the last three planets FLN-1, Gazan, and Outpost are at set locations. There are some discrepancies.<br />
<ul>
<li>Koursh seems to come shortly after Fiara since they're linked by storyline (once it came as 6th when I found Fiara as 2nd).</li>
<li>Corbis was discovered 4th by Valentine since he needs an early source of Super Slip.</li>
<li>Feldo once came in as the 10th planet, but I'm not sure why.</li>
</ul>
So, that's about all I have to say about the game for now. What follows is a dump of the rest of my notes I made while playing. I Hope they're helpful to someone, and maybe they're useful to make a FAQ:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Equipment</b><br />
------------<br />
Anti-Energy Field Ship, Defense, Special Feldo: 1 Computers, 1 Food <br />
Anti-Gravity Ray Ship, Attack, Special Fiara: Won in Combat exploring Antigravity Research Center <br />
Auxillary Rockets Ship, Defense, Mobility Moiran: 1 Medicine, 1 Fiber Hemindore: 1 Commodity<br />
Black Cloud Ship, Attack, Special Feldo: 1 Tools, 1 Fluids <br />
Blaster Hand, Attack, Projectile Moiran: 1 Fluids, 1 Tools Moiran: Gained by defeating Mugger<br />
Boarding Robots Ship, Attack, Contact Crater: 1 Radioactives, 1 Medicine, 1 Iron <br />
Confuse Enemy Computers Ship, Attack, Special Gironde: Plot Take-off for Free <br />
Curvature Inductor Ship, Defense, Armor Feldo: 1 Fiber, 1 Fluids, 1 Crystals, 1Culture <br />
Darthan Hand, Defense, Mobility Dargen: Complete Ordeal and Masterful Dialogue <br />
Dimensional Eliminator Ship, Attack, Projectile Supa: 1 Computers, 1 Crystals, 1 Fluids, 1 Iron <br />
Disintegration Gun Hand, Attack, Projectile Moiran: 1 Computers, 1 Culture, 1 Food, 1 Medicine <br />
E.C.M. Ship, Defense, Special Nowhere!! <br />
Entanglement Mines Ship, Attack, Special Crater: 1 Food, 1 Fiber <br />
Exploder Hand, Attack, Projectile Welmet: 1 Munitions <br />
Force Field Hand, Defense, Armor Welmet: 1 Culture, 1 Crystal, 1 Fiber, 1 Iron <br />
Hyperbeam Ship, Attack, Projectile Gazan: Salvage Ship for Free <br />
Hypnotic Gas Sprayer Hand, Attack, Special Crater: 1 Food, 1 Crystals <br />
Immobilizer Hand, Attack, Special Gnarsh: 1 Crystals, 1 Fuel, 1 Munitions, 1 Food <br />
Inertia Control Belt Hand, Defense, Mobility Jaquar: Given by Technology <br />
Internal Reorganization Hand, Defense, Armor Feldo: Learn for Free <br />
Invisibility Hand, Defense, Special Tretiak: Investigate Pink Lake for Free <br />
Kothan Hand, Attack, Contact Gen: Attain Second Level in Brotherhood <br />
Laser Reflector Hand, Defense, Armor Welmet: 1 Fuel <br />
Levitation Hand, Defense, Special Rialla: Learn for Free <br />
Little Puce Alien Hand, Attack, Special Tretiak: Like, Crash win Combat <br />
Magnetic Deflectors Ship, Defense, Armor Moiran: 1 Food, 1 Iron <br />
Mental Shield Hand, Defense, Special Ascension: Free by Learn Mental Shield <br />
Missile Toes Hand, Defense, Mobility Moiran: 1 Fiber, 1 Radioactives <br />
Molecular Disrupter Hand, Attack, Contact Crater: 1 Iron, 1 Medicine, 1 Radioactive, 1 Fuel <br />
Neuron Whip Hand, Attack, Special Moiran: 1 Computers, 1 Munitions <br />
Ninchuckle Hand, Attack, Projectile Ethnar: Train in Twychee <br />
Nuclear Rockets Ship, Attack, Projectile Supa: 1 Tools, 1 Fluids <br />
Phase Cannon Ship, Attack, Projectile Firthe: Visit Thiros (Requires Super Space Suit) <br />
Photon Torpedos Ship, Attack, Projectile Moiran: 1 Munitions <br />
Phrmm Hand, Defense, Special Medsun: Random Cargo <br />
Piercer Hand, Attack, Contact Welmet: 1 Computer, 1 Medicine <br />
Pin Rifle Hand, Attack, Projectile Gnarsh: 1 Tools, 1 Iron <br />
Plasma Beam Ship, Attack, Projectile Outpost: Build Plasma Beam for Free <br />
Poisoning Hand, Attack, Contact Ioreth: Study Native Life for Free <br />
Pressor Beam Ship, Attack, Contact Feldo: 1 Fiber, 1 Iron <br />
Pulse Inverter Ship, Defense, Special Crater: 1 Munitions, 1 Fuel <br />
Ram Ship, Attack, Contact Supa: 1 Crystal, 1 Munitions <br />
Rocket Pack Hand, Defense, Mobility Gnarsh: 1 Medicine, 1 Radioactives <br />
Serene Contemplation Hand, Defense, Special Darscold: Serene Contemplation for Free <br />
Ship Shield Generator Ship, Defense, Armor DMQN8J: 1 Phase Steel, 1 Warp Core, 1 Munitions, 1 Fluids, 1 Radioactives, 1 Fiber <br />
Skin Armor Hand, Defense, Armor Bugeye: Given by Director <br />
Stealth System Ship, Defense, Special Supa: 1 Fuel, 1 Culture <br />
Stress Bulkheads Ship, Defense, Armor Supa: 1 Fuel, 1 Medicine <br />
Stress Field Ship, Defense, Special Outpost: Build Stress Field for Free <br />
Stunner Hand, Attack, Contact Crater: 1 Culture, 1 Munitions <br />
Superhuman Speed Hand, Defense, Mobility Baphi: Given by Wreckage search <br />
Super Space Suit Hand, Defense, Armor H6AP6B: 1 Primordial Soup, 1 Super Slip, 1 Food, 1 Medicine, 1 Fiber, 1 Fluids <br />
Technology Nullifier Ship, Defense, Special X6CPUB: 1 Particle Catalyst, 1 Synthetic Genius, 1 Fuel, 1 Tools, 1 Iron, 1 Medicine <br />
Telekinesis Hand, Attack, Special Ouadain: Study Telekinesis for Free <br />
Tractor Beam Ship, Attack, Contact Hemindore: Study Tractor Beam for Free <br />
Turbo Navigation Ship, Defense, Mobility Moiran: 1 Computers, 1 Munitions, 1 Radioactives, 1 Tools <br />
Warp Winder Ship, Defense, Mobility Crater: 1 Culture, 1 Fluids <br />
Whurffle Hand, Defense, Special Alkon: Study Whurffle for Free <br />
<br />
Cargo Bay - Supa<br />
1 Fiber<br />
1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Cargo Bay - Feldo<br />
1 Food<br />
1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Cargo Bay - Rialla<br />
1 Culture<br />
1 Fluids<br />
<br />
Cargo Bay - Tretiak<br />
Gather Coconuts<br />
<br />
Moiran - Phase Steel<br />
x2 Computers<br />
x2 Food<br />
Fiber<br />
Tools<br />
<br />
Firthe - Particle Catalyst<br />
x2 Computers<br />
x2 Fiber<br />
Crystals<br />
Tools<br />
<br />
Organu - Primordial Soup<br />
Crystals<br />
Fuel<br />
Computers<br />
Tools<br />
<br />
Darscold - Synthetic Genius<br />
x2 Fluids<br />
x2 Radioactives<br />
Fiber<br />
Crystals<br />
<br />
Feldo - Primordial Soup<br />
x2 Fiber<br />
x2 Fluids<br />
Culture<br />
Food<br />
<br />
Ethnar - Warp Core<br />
x2 Medicine<br />
x2 Munitions<br />
Fiber<br />
Tools<br />
<br />
<b>Commodities for Trade</b><br />
-------------------------<br />
Moiran <br />
1 Crystal 1 Fiber<br />
1 Crystal 1 Tools<br />
2 Crystal 1 Food<br />
3 Crystal 1 Computers<br />
<br />
Wellmet <br />
1 Munitions 1 Culture<br />
3 Munitions 1 Fuel<br />
1 Munitions 1 Iron<br />
1 Munitions 1 Medicine<br />
3 Munitions 1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Para-Para <br />
1 Fuel 1 Computers<br />
2 Fuel 1 Munitions<br />
3 Fuel 1 Crystals<br />
<br />
Medsun <br />
1 Culture 1 Fluids<br />
2 Culture 1 Fiber<br />
3 Culture 1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Crater <br />
2 Tools 1 Culture<br />
2 Tools 1 Food<br />
1 Tools 1 Fuel<br />
1 Tools 1 Iron<br />
1 Tools 1 Medicine<br />
<br />
Bugeye <br />
3 Fuel 1 Culture<br />
3 Fuel 1 Munitions<br />
2 Fuel 1 Tools<br />
1 Fuel 1 Food<br />
<br />
Gnarsh <br />
1 Fluids 1 Food<br />
3 Fluids 1 Munitions<br />
2 Fluids 1 Medicine<br />
2 Fluids 1 Iron<br />
<br />
Supa <br />
2 Food 1 Crystals<br />
2 Food 1 Fluids<br />
3 Food 1 Fuel<br />
<br />
Jaquar <br />
1 Crystals 1 Iron<br />
2 Crystals 1 Fuel<br />
3 Crystals 1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Withel <br />
1 Iron 1 Crystals<br />
2 Iron 1 Medicine<br />
3 Iron 1 Food<br />
<br />
Cathedral <br />
2 Fiber 1 Iron<br />
3 Fiber 1 Fuels<br />
3 Fiber 1 Tools<br />
<br />
Firthe <br />
1 Medicines 1 Computers<br />
2 Medicines 1 Crystals<br />
3 Medicines 1 Fiber<br />
<br />
Fiara <br />
3 Fiber 1 Computers<br />
2 Fiber 1 Medicine<br />
1 Fiber 1 Crystals<br />
<br />
Hemindore <br />
1 Tools 1 Computers<br />
2 Tools 1 Iron<br />
3 Tools 1 Crystals<br />
<br />
Ascension <br />
1 Crystals 1 Food<br />
2 Crystals 1 Culture<br />
3 Crystals 1 Fluids<br />
1 Crystals 1 Iron<br />
<br />
Gen <br />
2 Culture 1 Computers<br />
2 Culture 1 Fiber<br />
3 Culture 1 Fluids<br />
<br />
Alkon <br />
1 Fiber 1 Munitions<br />
2 Fiber 1 Culture<br />
3 Fiber 1 Iron<br />
<br />
Organu <br />
1 Munitions 1 Radioactives<br />
2 Munitions 1 Fluids<br />
3 Munitions 1 Fuel<br />
<br />
Darscold <br />
3 Culture 1 Fluids<br />
3 Culture 1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Feldo <br />
3 Medicine 1 Fiber<br />
2 Medicine 1 Fluids<br />
1 Medicine 1 Food<br />
<br />
Gazan <br />
2 Iron 1 Food<br />
2 Iron 1 Medicine<br />
2 Iron 1 Tools<br />
<br />
<br />
Ouabain <br />
2 Computers 1 Fiber<br />
2 Computers 1 Food<br />
2 Computers 1 Medicine<br />
<br />
Ioreth <br />
1 Medicines 1 Iron<br />
2 Medicines 1 Computers<br />
3 Medicines 1 Tools<br />
<br />
Ethnar <br />
2 Fuel 1 Fiber<br />
3 Fuel 1 Medicine<br />
3 Fuel 1 Munitions<br />
<br />
Rialla <br />
3 Computers 1 Culture<br />
2 Computers 1 Tools<br />
1 Computers 1 Munitions<br />
<br />
Gironde <br />
2 Computers 1 Crystals<br />
3 Computers 1 Culture<br />
1 Computers 1 Fuel<br />
2 Computers 1 Radioactives<br />
<br />
Baphi <br />
1 Fluids Free<br />
<br />
Koursh <br />
1 Radioactives Free<br />
<br />
Tralis <br />
1 Medicine Free<br />
<br />
Fiyar <br />
1 Fuel Free<br />
<br />
FLN-1 <br />
1 Radioactives Free<br />
<br />
Hootenaller <br />
1 Food Free<br />
<br />
Yrebe <br />
1 Iron Free<br />
<br />
Tretiak <br />
1 Fiber Free<br />
<br />
Corbis <br />
1 Fluids Free<br />
<br />
Arthlan <br />
1 Radioactives Free<br />
<br />
<b>Passages </b>(Those marked as Random will be given while traveling space at random points)<br />
-----------<br />
1 Fiara-Alien Shuttlecraft<br />
2 Land-Dargen (2)<br />
3 Combat-Squirrellie War (A-D+) (No Green Ore)<br />
4 Land-Nine Worlds (1)<br />
5 Gironde-Take Off [4]<br />
6 Land-Cordethar (Laran)<br />
7 Combat -- Serpent<br />
8 Land-Tretiak (1)<br />
9 Build Tri-Axis-Success (Laran)<br />
10 Land-Darscold (3)<br />
11 Baphi-Wreckage<br />
12 Ethnar-Learn Language (Telepathy)<br />
13 Ouabain-Market<br />
14 Dargen-Ordeal [A]<br />
15 Random<br />
16 Cordethar-400 - present<br />
17 Land-Ouabain (1)<br />
18 Combat-Silverbeard (A-D-)<br />
19 Dambroke-Turn 5<br />
20 Norstar-Clerc (Only 1 Part)<br />
21 Combat-Dream Beast (A+D-) & (A-D+)<br />
22 Gen-Temple Wrong Answer (1)<br />
23 Baphi-Chemicals<br />
24 Rialla-Cargo Drone<br />
25 Supa-Market<br />
26 Land-Outpost (Multi-Failed Power Combat)<br />
27 Gen-Ordeal [C]<br />
28 Jaquar-Market<br />
29 Ioreth-More Poison<br />
30 Random (Smuggling)<br />
31 Combat-Tavern Bully (A+D+)<br />
32 Gironde-Spaceport Robots<br />
33 Harvard-Professor (Only 2 Abilities)<br />
34 Hootenaller-Relax (After 2nd Change)<br />
35 Wellmet-Smuggling (After Smuggling, no Jobs)<br />
36 Combat-Killer Satellites (A+)<br />
37 Valentine-Turn 4<br />
38 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
39 Combat-Swamp Monster (A+D-)<br />
40 Land-Hootenaller (6)<br />
41 Ioreth-Wring Leader's Neck (HD)<br />
42 Land-Gazan (??)<br />
43 Gnarsh-Weapons<br />
44 Land-Withel (3)<br />
45 Cross Edge of Fringe<br />
46 Combat-Corrosive Slime (A+D-)<br />
47 Gazan-Captain's Log<br />
48 Hootenaller-Explore (Fiber)<br />
49 Corin-Turn 2<br />
50 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
51 Wellmet-Weapons (1)<br />
52 Take-Off-Outpost (Not All Repairs)<br />
53 Valentine-Quest Reminder (No Super Slip)<br />
54 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
55 Clerc-Quest (1)<br />
56 Land-Alkon (1)<br />
57 Random<br />
58 Arthlan-Volcanos<br />
59 Build Tri-Axis Drive (no parts)<br />
60 Gazan-Market<br />
61 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (Super Slip)<br />
62 Organu-Strangeways (No Soup)<br />
63 Combat-Satellite (A-D+)<br />
64 Darscold-Gravity<br />
65 Ioreth-Environmental System<br />
66 Combat-Tree Landing (D-)<br />
67 Quest Reminder - Build Tri-Axis Drive<br />
68 Land-Dargen (3)<br />
69 Land-Gazan (Know HD, no planets)<br />
70 Gironde-Take Off [2]<br />
71 Land-Tralis (Return-No Action)<br />
72 Ethnar-Purchase Warp Core<br />
73 Land-Outpost (After The End)<br />
74 Turn 35-Dambroke (No Abilities)<br />
75 Cordethar-Entire Memory<br />
76 Wellmet-Market (3)<br />
77 Land-Outpost (Return - Failed Missiles)<br />
78 Combat-Alarmed Door (A+)<br />
79 Random<br />
80 Land-Hemindore (Return)<br />
81 Random<br />
82 Take-Off-Tretiak (No Space Suit-2)<br />
83 Quest Reminder - Outpost<br />
84 Turner-Turn 3<br />
85 Combat-Squirrellie (A-D+) & (A+D-) (After Lang)<br />
86 Laran-Quest Reminder (Build Tri-Axis)<br />
87 Hemindore-Tractor Beam<br />
88 Random<br />
89 Land-Outpost (Multi-Solo Attack)<br />
90 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (Phase Steel)<br />
91 Random<br />
92 Yrebe-Yes Stay (1)<br />
93 Random<br />
94 Land-Withel (2)<br />
95 Clerc-Quest Reminder (Outpost)<br />
96 Land-Sto. Sta. 7 (Satellite Destroyed) <br />
97 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 6)<br />
98 Valentine-Quest Reminder (2 Super Slip)<br />
99 Combat-Plants (A-D+)<br />
100 Yrebe-Mysterious Interference<br />
101 Combat-Swamp Monster (A-D-)<br />
102 Random<br />
103 Land-Fiara (1)<br />
104 Crater-Institute<br />
105 Koursh-Dig V.C. Member Early<br />
106 Land-Para-Para (Turner 1)<br />
107 Salvage - Already taken ??<br />
108 Wellmet-Start Smuggling<br />
109 Laran-Quest Reminder (Found Cordethar, No Disk)<br />
110 Dargen-Ordeal (2)<br />
111 Random<br />
112 Combat-Dog (A-D-)<br />
113 Land-Yrebe (2)<br />
114 Random-Silverbeard Subsequent<br />
115 Organu-Telepathy<br />
116 Land-Cordethar (2)<br />
117 Land-Darscold (2)<br />
118 Tralis-Left Spinner (Beat Mob)<br />
119 Gironde-Take Off [1]<br />
120 Baphi-No Helm (4)<br />
121 Random<br />
122 Land-Moiran (2)<br />
123 Dambroke-Reminder (2)<br />
124 Wellmet-Tavern (Turner-Multi 2)<br />
125 Build Technology Nullifier (no parts)<br />
126 Harvard-Professor (No Abilities)<br />
127 Combat-Silver Needle (A+D+)<br />
128 Gnarsh-Communication<br />
129 Fail Boundary Combat (3 times)<br />
130 Silverbeard (Surrender as Turner)<br />
131 Land-Gironde (1)<br />
132 Clerc-Turn 4<br />
133 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (2)<br />
134 Wellmet-Tavern (Turner-Multi 1)<br />
135 Cathedral-History (Laran)<br />
136 Land-Bugeye (1)<br />
137 Crater-Shipyard<br />
138 Combat-Power Generator (Multi-A-)<br />
139 Cathedral-Ruins<br />
140 Land-Fiyar (2)<br />
141 Para-Para-Dr. Schottky (Success)<br />
142 Firthe-Particle Catalyst (Ran Out)<br />
143 Land-Withel (Return - Speak Language<br />
144 Random<br />
145 Land-Withel (Already Speak Language)<br />
146 Clerc-Quest (2)<br />
147 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (P.C.)<br />
148 Random<br />
149 Combat-Boundary (A+D+)<br />
150 Random<br />
151 Para-Para-Lateral (1)<br />
152 Corin-Quest Reminder (No Super Suit)<br />
153 Wellmet-Smuggling (no job)<br />
154 Build Universal Translator<br />
155 Hootenaller-Explore (Medicine)<br />
156 Fiyar ???<br />
157 Ethnar-Mining Expedition<br />
158 Land-Hootenaller (3)<br />
159 Outpost-Build Stress Field<br />
160 Hootenaller-Gather Food<br />
161 Build Tri-axis Drive (MJ)<br />
162 Combat-Animated Plant (A-D+)<br />
163 Combat-Big Swamp Monster (A+D+)<br />
164 Land-Ethnar (1)<br />
165 Random<br />
166 Land-Wellmet (Dambroke)<br />
167 Dambroke-Quest Reminder (Ready)<br />
168 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (?)<br />
169 Turn 35-Reminder Clerc (No Items)<br />
170 Dargen-Ordeal (3)<br />
171 Gen-Market<br />
172 Land-Gazan (1)<br />
173 Random<br />
174 Land-Gnarsh (2)<br />
175 Tretiak-Swim Pink Lake<br />
176 Land-Arthlan (After Explosion)<br />
177 Random<br />
178 Para-Para-Dr. Schottky (Success)<br />
179 Combat-Swamp Monster (A-D+)<br />
180 Land-Jaquar (No Darscian)<br />
181 Take-Off-Tretiak (No Space Suit-1)<br />
182 Jaquar-Technology<br />
183 Outpost-Silverbeard's Stockpile<br />
184 Corbis-Locate Building<br />
185 Jaquar, Gazan, Dars-Darscian Planets<br />
186 Hootenaller-Relax<br />
187 Land-Nine Worlds (Return - Failed Boundary)<br />
188 Organu-Market<br />
189 Ioreth-Study Native Life<br />
190 Organu-History<br />
191 Land-Hootenaller (2)<br />
192 Yrebe-Take-Off (2)<br />
193 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (5)<br />
194 Gironde-Central Authority<br />
195 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (7)<br />
196 Gen-Temple Correct Answer<br />
197 Outpost-Build Plasma Beam<br />
198 Land-Gen (2)<br />
199 Ethnar-Explore (Know Language)<br />
200 Land-Rialla (2)<br />
201 Norstar-Clerc (Success)<br />
202 Combat-Mugger (A-D-)<br />
203 Tralis-Rain Forest (2)<br />
204 Random<br />
205 Land-Hemindore (2)<br />
206 Random<br />
207 Land-Baphi (Return - No HD)<br />
208 Ioreth-Poison Wears Off<br />
209 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
210 Ascension-Communicate<br />
211 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
212 Combat-Alarmed Door (A-)<br />
213 Random<br />
214 Ethnar-Refine Chitterbang ??<br />
215 Hootenaller-Relax (After 3rd Change)<br />
216 Bugeye-Research<br />
217 Dambroke-Quest (3)<br />
218 Combat-Hatch (Return-A-)<br />
219 Valentine-Turn 2<br />
220 Land-Ascension (Return - No language?)<br />
221 Valentine-Message From Jen<br />
222 Land-Ouabain [A]<br />
223 Valentine-Turn 3<br />
224 Land-Outpost (Return - Failed Power)<br />
225 Learn High Darscian<br />
226 Land-Gnarsh (1)<br />
227 Dargen-Ordeal [B]<br />
228 Land-FLN-1 (Return, Hatch Destroyed)<br />
229 Combat-Silverbeard (A+D+)<br />
230 Alkon-Whurffling<br />
231 Ioreth-Attempt Take-off (Poison)<br />
232 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
233 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (P.Soup)<br />
234 Land-Ioreth (1)<br />
235 Combat-Swamp Monster (A+D+)<br />
236 Land-Medsun (R-No Phrmm)<br />
237 Combat-Animated Plant (A-D-)<br />
238 Dambroke-Quest Reminder (2 Abilities)<br />
239 Corbis-Nearby City<br />
240 Dargen-Ordeal [A < 4 weeks]<br />
241 Ioreth-Kidnap Children<br />
242 Yrebe-Mine Iron<br />
243 Para-Para-Research<br />
244 Tretiak-Take off Suit (?)<br />
245 Laran-Quest Reminder (Outpost)<br />
246 Land-Tralis (Right Spinners)<br />
247 Feldo-Market<br />
248 Land-Hootenaller (1)<br />
249 Darscold-Market<br />
250 Combat-Airjet (A-D+)<br />
251 Combat-Squirrilee (??)<br />
252 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
253 Cathedral-Spaceship<br />
254 Land-FLN-1 (1)<br />
255 Organu-Strangeways (Loss SM)<br />
256 Land-Outpost (Return - Failed Missiles)<br />
257 Feldo-Primordial Soup<br />
258 Land-Arthlan (2)<br />
259 Ascension-Market<br />
260 Brotherhood - Only give Initiate Brother<br />
261 Land-Wellmet (Failed Smuggling)<br />
262 Land-Rialla (1)<br />
263 Land-Supa (1)<br />
264 FLN-1-Captain's Quarters ??<br />
265 Hootenaller-Explore (Fuel)<br />
266 Tralis-Communicate<br />
267 Dambroke-Quest (1)<br />
268 Gen-Temple of Nil (1)<br />
269 Corbis-Slippery Substance (2)<br />
270 Land-Baphi (Ship Gone - No HD)<br />
271 Medsun-History<br />
272 Land-Fiara (2)<br />
273 Combat-Dog (A+D+)<br />
274 Clerc-Turn 5<br />
275 Combat-Serpent (??)<br />
276 Dambroke-Quest (2)<br />
277 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (G.F.)<br />
278 Land-Gazan (2)<br />
279 Wellmet-Weapons (2)<br />
280 Drone Purchase Info<br />
281 Baphi-Yes Helm (3)<br />
282 Quest Reminder-Dambroke (Outpost)<br />
283 Moiran-Weapons (2)<br />
284 Ascension-Mine Minerals (??)<br />
285 Tretiak-Remove Space Suit<br />
286 Land-Ethnar (2)<br />
287 Don't Know Alien Language ??<br />
288 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 8)<br />
289 Gen-Titanic Cave (Return)<br />
290 Supa-Shipyard<br />
291 Combat-Teddy Bear (A+D+)<br />
292 Gazan-Drone<br />
293 Random<br />
294 Hootenaller-Explore (Iron)<br />
295 Gen-Temple of Nil (Before Healed)<br />
296 Rialla-Cargo Bay (Forward)<br />
297 Land-Baphi (3)<br />
298 Bugeye-Director<br />
299 Land-Wellmet (Clerc)<br />
300 Tretiak-Talk to Green Men<br />
301 Land-Baphi (2)<br />
302 Wellmet-Tavern (Corin-Multi 2)<br />
303 Gironde-Obtain Gradient Filter<br />
304 FLN-1-Fail Hatch Many Times ??<br />
305 Moiran-Phase Steel<br />
306 Land-Fiara (Return - No HD)<br />
307 Gen-Temple of Nil (Return-Dargen Next)<br />
308 Hemindore-Explore Tchuros<br />
309 Organu-Strangeways (Swamp Battle?)<br />
310 Combat-Tavern Bully (A-D+) & (A+D-)<br />
311 Build Tri-Axis-Success (Corin)<br />
312 Combat-Squirrilee War (??)<br />
313 Supa-Cargo Bay (Port)<br />
314 Combat-Squirrellie (A+D+) (After Lang)<br />
315 Arthlan-Artifact w/ Technology Nullifier<br />
316 Land-Gironde (2)<br />
317 Combat-Squirrellie (A-D+) & (A+D-)<br />
318 Gironde-Market<br />
319 Combat-Big Swamp Monster (A-D+)<br />
320 Wellmet-Tavern (Corin-Multi 1)<br />
321 Land-Jaquar (Know HD)<br />
322 Clerc-Slow Tri-Axis<br />
323 Combat-Animated Plant (A+D+)<br />
324 Turn 35-Corin Reminder (FLN-1)<br />
325 Medsun-Academy<br />
326 Build Tri-Axis-Success (Valentine)<br />
327 Rialla-Capture Riallan (Part 2) (Language)<br />
328 Combat-Tavern Bully (A-D-)<br />
329 Baphi-Darscian Ship<br />
330 Land-Gnarsh (Failed Combat)<br />
331 Moiran-Shipyard<br />
332 Land-FLN-1 (Corin-Hatch Blown)<br />
333 Corbis-Thermal Spot<br />
334 Combat-Animated Plant (A+D-)<br />
335 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 10)<br />
336 Land-Gazan (3)<br />
337 Arthlan-Craters (After Explosion)<br />
338 Firthe-Chem Lab<br />
339 Hootenaller-Explore (After 3rd Change)<br />
340 Moiran-Weapons (1)<br />
341 Gnarsh-Learn About War<br />
342 Combat-Killer Satellites (A-)<br />
343 Crater-Drone<br />
344 Combat-Smart Missiles (Multi-D-)<br />
345 Withel-Teach Earthese<br />
346 Land-Ioreth (Return, Now Know HD)<br />
347 Ascension-Mine Minerals (Know About Tech)<br />
348 Land-Moiran (1)<br />
349 Medsun-Museum<br />
350 Land-Tretiak (2)<br />
351 Laran-Quest Reminder (Turn 25)<br />
352 Outpost Multi Combat<br />
353 Crater-Weapons<br />
354 Land-Cathedral (2)<br />
355 Corin-Quest Reminder (Tri-Axis)<br />
356 Land-Dargen (R - No Kothan)<br />
357 Rialla-Market<br />
358 Land-Firthe (2)<br />
359 Corbis-Investigate (Someone Got Here First)<br />
360 Land-Wellmet (Turner)<br />
361 Combat-Automated Robot (A+D+)<br />
362 Land-Jaquar (Return - Now Know HD)<br />
363 Gen-Ordeal [A]<br />
364 Land-Darscold (Return - No HD)<br />
365 Gazan-V.C. Ship (Fail Combat)<br />
366 Baphi-Yes Helm (1)<br />
367 Koursh-Repair Navigation<br />
368 Land-Ouabain [B]<br />
369 FLN-1-Explore Tunnel<br />
370 Turner-Turn 5<br />
371 Gen-Ordeal [B]<br />
372 Fiara-Options (No Darscian Planets)<br />
373 Tretiak-Rap with Green Men<br />
374 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (4)<br />
375 Land-Baphi (1)<br />
376 Gen-Titanic Cave<br />
377 Land-Crater (2)<br />
378 Random<br />
379 Combat-Satellite (A+D-)<br />
380 Combat-Plants (A+D+)<br />
381 Combat-Smart Missiles (D-)<br />
382 Dambroke-Turn 2<br />
383 Alkon-Market<br />
384 Tralis-Rain Forest (1)<br />
385 Gen-Temple of Nil (Return)<br />
386 Corbis-Slippery Substance (1)<br />
387 Medsun-Phrmm<br />
388 Laran-Turn 3<br />
389 Norstar-Clerc (Only 2 Equipment)<br />
390 Moiran-Dee's Palace (Nothing to Steal)<br />
391 Corbis-Slippery Substance (3)<br />
392 Outpost-Newer Hangers<br />
393 Ioreth-Landing Beacon<br />
394 Feldo-Cargo Bay (Aft)<br />
395 Wellmet-Market (2)<br />
396 Land-Corbis (1)<br />
397 Ethnar-Return with Chitterbang<br />
398 Combat-Tree Landing (D+)<br />
399 Hootenaller-Explore (Radioactives)<br />
400 Land-Sto.Sta.7 (Failed Combat)<br />
401 Laran-Turn 4<br />
402 Fiyar-Mine Fuel (Again)<br />
403 Abandon Investigation ??<br />
404 Land-Hootenaller (5)<br />
405 Combat-Squirrellie War (A+D+)<br />
406 Land-Outpost (1)<br />
407 Dargen-Ordeal [C]<br />
408 Ioreth-Study Colony<br />
409 Para-Para-Alpha-One<br />
410 Land-Fiara (2)<br />
411 Gen-Archives<br />
412 Hootenaller-Gather Food (After 3rd Change)<br />
413 Koursh-Take-off No Sensors<br />
414 Ethnar-Language w/ Univ. Trans.<br />
415 Random<br />
416 Land-Outpost (??)<br />
417 Wellmet-Traders (Clerc)<br />
418 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (2)<br />
419 Random<br />
420 Wellmet-Family Market<br />
421 Combat-Hatch (A+??)<br />
422 Tretiak-Dress for the Party<br />
423 Land-Arthlan (Out of Orbit)<br />
424 Para-Para-Forward<br />
425 Land-Jaquar (Return - No HD)<br />
426 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 1)<br />
427 Combat-Smart Missiles (D+)<br />
428 Tralis-Attack Mob<br />
429 Density Barrier Warning<br />
430 Land-Cordethar (1)<br />
431 Para-Para-Dr. Peterson<br />
432 Moiran-Dee's Palace<br />
433 Wellmet-History<br />
434 Fiyar-Mine Fuel<br />
435 Combat-Mugger (A+D-)<br />
436 Withel-Drone<br />
437 Hootenaller-Explore (After Change)<br />
438 Land-FLN-1 (Return - Hatch Still There)<br />
439 Moiran-Phase Steel (2)<br />
440 Rialla-Capture Riallan (Part 1)<br />
441 Combat-Serpent (A+D+)<br />
442 Combat-Boundary (??) 2nd Time Lost<br />
443 Combat-Corrosive Slime (A+D+)<br />
444 Gironde-Central Authority (Core Meeting??)<br />
445 Ioreth-Visit Darscians<br />
446 Land-Dargen (No Kothan)<br />
447 Para-Para-Dr. Schottky (Unfinished)<br />
448 Land-Cathedral (1)<br />
449 Turner-Quest Reminder (Tri-Axis)<br />
450 Moirain-Phase Steel (Out of Stock)<br />
451 Random<br />
452 Para-Para-Lateral (2)<br />
453 Firthe-Particle Catalyst<br />
454 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (3)<br />
455 Sto.Sta.7-Explore (1)<br />
456 Wellmet-Market (1)<br />
457 Combat-Hatch (A-)<br />
458 Land-Corbis (Return)<br />
459 Combat-Squirrellie (A-D-)<br />
460 Nine Worlds-Leucothea (Return)<br />
461 Land-Gazan (4)<br />
462 Wellmet-Tavern (Prof-Multi 1)<br />
463 Laran-Quest Reminder (Found Cathedral, No Disciple)<br />
464 Feldo-Equipment Storeroom<br />
465 Combat-Corrosive Slime (A-D-)<br />
466 Hootenaller-Explore (Crystals)<br />
467 Combat-Automated Robot (A-D+)<br />
468 Random<br />
469 Land-Ascension (1)<br />
470 Clerc-Quest (3)<br />
471 Land-Ouabain [C]<br />
472 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (5)<br />
473 Koursh-Dig up Crew<br />
474 Arthlan-Metal Artifact<br />
475 Land-Supa (2)<br />
476 Baphi-Yes Helm (4)<br />
477 Combat-Dog (A+D-)<br />
478 Wellmet-Traders (1)<br />
479 Build Technology Nulifier<br />
480 Land-Nine Worlds (2)<br />
481 Rialla-Capture Riallan (Part 2) (No Language)<br />
482 Koursh-Take-off No Power<br />
483 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (Warp Core)<br />
484 Combat-Mob of Lefties (A-D-)<br />
485 Arthlan-Artifact w/ Anti-Energy Field<br />
486 Corin-Turn 4<br />
487 Moiran-Market<br />
488 Build Tri-Axis-Success (Clerc)<br />
489 Wellmet-Smuggling<br />
490 Combat-Corrosive Slime (A-D+)<br />
491 Jaquar-Drone<br />
492 Wellmet-Tavern (1)<br />
493 Arthlan-After Explosion (While on Planet)<br />
494 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 5)<br />
495 Combat-Gravity (D+)<br />
496 Combat-Silverbeard (A-D+)<br />
497 Turner-Quest Reminder (Fought & Lost)<br />
498 Koursh-Repair Powers<br />
499 Tretiak-Collect Fiber<br />
500 Norstar-Clerc (No Equipment)<br />
501 Laran-Quest Reminder (done)<br />
502 Rialla-Lean Language no Help<br />
503 Combat-Teddy Bear (A+D-)<br />
504 Clerc-Quest Reminder (done)<br />
505 Outpost-Multi Combat<br />
506 Random<br />
507 Land-Jaquar (Return??)<br />
508 Ethnar-Learn Language<br />
509 Rialla-Explore w/o Language<br />
510 Land-Dargen (1)<br />
511 Outpost-Old Hanger<br />
512 Gazan-V.C. Abandoned Ship<br />
513 Hemindore-Meet Elder<br />
514 Land-Darscold (No Darscian)<br />
515 Gironde-Take Off (1)<br />
516 Land-Ouabain (Return-Failed Land)<br />
517 Combat-Squirrellie War (??)<br />
518 Hootenaller-Gather Food (After Change)<br />
519 Wellmet-Smuggling (Second Run)<br />
520 Combat-Beam Weapons (D+)<br />
521 Ioreth-Introduction (No Planets)<br />
522 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (4)<br />
523 Land-Rialla (2)<br />
524 Random<br />
525 Hootenaller-Relax (After Change)<br />
526 Withel-Translating<br />
527 Tretiak-Investigate Pink Lake<br />
528 Combat-Hatch (A+)<br />
529 Outpost-Multi Combat<br />
530 Random<br />
531 Land-Alkon (2)<br />
532 Random<br />
533 Land-Outpost (Return - Failed Multi-Combat)<br />
534 Heaven-Valentine (1 Super Slip)<br />
535 Wellmet-Tavern (Prof-Multi 2)<br />
536 Build Tri-Axis-Success (Prof)<br />
537 Dambroke-Harvard (1)<br />
538 Dambroke-Turn 3<br />
539 Land-Outpost (Return - Failed Satelites)<br />
540 Turner-Turn 2<br />
541 Tralis-Translator<br />
542 Random<br />
543 Yrebe-Day Side<br />
544 Combat-Boundary (A-D-) 3rd Time<br />
545 Valentine-Quest Reminder (1 Unit)<br />
546 Land-Wellmet (Laran)<br />
547 Random<br />
548 Dambroke-Harvard (2)<br />
549 Rialla-Riallan Origin<br />
550 Combat-Power Generator (A-)<br />
551 Atlantis-Corin (No Stone)<br />
552 Hootenaller-Explore (After Change - Get Mass)<br />
553 Leucothea-Larin (No Disk)<br />
554 Organu-Strangeways (After BWM)<br />
555 Land-Gazan (No Darscian)<br />
556 Combat-Mob of Lefties (A+D+)<br />
557 Moiran-Mugger<br />
558 Fiara-Darscian Records<br />
559 FLN-1-Captain's Quarters<br />
560 Land-Dargen (R-Kothan)<br />
561 Nine Worlds-Heaven (Only 2 Units)<br />
562 Rialla-Space Authority<br />
563 Heaven-Valentine (No Super Slip)<br />
564 Gironde-Take Off (2)<br />
565 Land-Darscold (1)<br />
566 The End<br />
567 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 3)<br />
568 Withel-Market (Taught Language)<br />
569 Corin-Quest Reminder(Open Hatch, Space Suit, No Stone)<br />
570 Land-Para-Para (1)<br />
571 Combat-Boundary (A-D-)<br />
572 Tralis-Secret Passage<br />
573 Random<br />
574 Gironde-Take Off (3)<br />
575 Laran-Turn 5<br />
576 Frontier-Smuggling (Not All Culture)<br />
577 Random<br />
578 Gen-City of Markov<br />
579 Land-Darscold (Return - Now Know HD)<br />
580 Combat-Squirrellie War (A-D-)<br />
581 Clerc-Quest Reminder (1 Improvement)<br />
582 Gen-Ordeal [B+B]<br />
583 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (1)<br />
584 Rialla-Lean Language after Capture<br />
585 Corin-Quest Reminder (Outpost)<br />
586 Nine Worlds-Atlantis (w/ Stone)<br />
587 Turner-Quest Reminder (Outpost)<br />
588 Baphi-Colony Dome<br />
589 Random<br />
590 Sto.Sta.7-Explore (2)<br />
591 Combat-Plants (A-D-)<br />
592 Hemindore-Market<br />
593 Arthlan-Metallic Outcrop<br />
594 Wellmet-Tavern (Clerc-Multi 1)<br />
595 Combat-Automated Robot (A-D+)<br />
596 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (6)<br />
597 Gazan-Salvage Ship<br />
598 Land-Para-Para (2)<br />
599 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 9)<br />
600 Random<br />
601 Build Super Space Suit<br />
602 Outpost Combat Failed ??<br />
603 Wellmet-Tavern (2)<br />
604 Random<br />
605 Hootenaller-Gather Food (After 2nd Change)<br />
606 Laran-Quest Reminder (Cord - Turn 80)<br />
607 Cordethar-1000 - 400 years<br />
608 Tretiak-Gather Coconuts<br />
609 Combat - Strangeways Win, but No Soup<br />
610 Land-Rialla (w/ Universal Translator)<br />
611 Cathedral-Market<br />
612 Valentine - Quest (First Super Slip)<br />
613 Tralis-Learn Translator<br />
614 Ioreth-Set Fires<br />
615 Build Ship Shield Generator<br />
616 FLN-1-Captain's Quarters (Corin)<br />
617 Random<br />
618 Land-Medsun (2)<br />
619 Crater-Market<br />
620 Silverbeard-Surrender, no cargo<br />
621 Gnarsh-Tri-axis<br />
622 Outpost-Old Buildings<br />
623 Build Super Space Suit (Corin)<br />
624 Land-Koursh (2)<br />
625 Arthlan-Collect Radioactives ??<br />
626 Gironde-Confront Core<br />
627 Random<br />
628 Gironde-Take Off [5]<br />
629 Cordethar-400 - present (Laran)<br />
630 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (1)<br />
631 FLN-1-Radioactives<br />
632 Ethnar-Market<br />
633 Alkon-History<br />
634 Ethnar-Learn Language (Have Ninchukle)<br />
635 Brotherhood Wrong Dialogue<br />
636 Combat-Dog (A-D+)<br />
637 Random<br />
638 Land-Rialla (w/ Universal Translator) Tri-Axis??<br />
639 Medsun-Study Phrmm (No Commodity)<br />
640 Ouabain-Open a Door<br />
641 Wellmet-Tavern (Clerc-Multi 2)<br />
642 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 7)<br />
643 Random<br />
644 Land-Feldo (1)<br />
645 Random<br />
646 Wellmet-Archives or History??<br />
647 Random<br />
648 Land-Cathedral (Laran)<br />
649 Clerc-Turn 3<br />
650 Combat-Squirrellie War (A-D+)<br />
651 FLN-1-Explore Tunnel (Corin)<br />
652 Combat-Silverbeard (A+D-) (Turner)<br />
653 Random<br />
654 Clerc-Turn 2<br />
655 Random<br />
656 Land-Feldo (2)<br />
657 Fiyar-Explore Deeper (more)<br />
658 Firthe-Market<br />
659 Combat-Mugger (A+D+)<br />
660 Build Super Space Suit (no parts)<br />
661 Ethnar-Train in Twychee<br />
662 Land-Hootenaller (Return After Change)<br />
663 Build Tri-axis Drive Booster<br />
664 Outpost Combat Failed ??<br />
665 Wellmet-Tavern (Valentine-Multi 1)<br />
666 Random<br />
667 Land-Firthe (1)<br />
668 Combat-Mugger (A-D-) ??<br />
669 Land-Wellmet (2)<br />
670 Bugeye-Tavern<br />
671 Combat-Silver Needle (A+D+) Multi-player<br />
672 Corin-Quest Reminder (done)<br />
673 Withel-Undeveloped<br />
674 Land-Hootenaller (4)<br />
675 Combat-Dream Beast (A-D-)<br />
676 Bugeye-Market<br />
677 Tralis-Collect Medicine<br />
678 Combat-Strangeways ??<br />
679 Fiara-Anti-Gravity (Failed Combat)<br />
680 Combat-Squirrellie War (A+D-)<br />
681 Rialla-Learn Riallan<br />
682 Outpost - Multi- Combat<br />
683 Nine Worlds-Atlantis (after Stone)<br />
684 Outpost-Beam Weapon<br />
685 Gironde-Take Off (??)<br />
686 Darscold-Serene Contemplation<br />
687 Wellmet- Valentine Returns Home<br />
688 Supa-History<br />
689 Wellmet-Meet Jen<br />
690 Land-Crater (1)<br />
691 MJ-Random (Reflection on Silverbeard)<br />
692 Land-Ioreth (Return)<br />
693 Brotherhood Wrong Dialogue<br />
694 Land-Tretiak (With Super Suit?)<br />
695 Dambroke-Reminder (1)<br />
696 Wellmet-Lanza Family??<br />
697 Harvard-Dambroke Return too Early<br />
698 Land-Organu (1)<br />
699 Koursh-Repair Sensors<br />
700 Nine Worlds-Leucothea (Laran)<br />
701 Combat-Gravity (D-)<br />
702 Combat-Beam Weapons (D-) ??<br />
703 Ethnar-Warp Core Info<br />
704 Land-Yrebe (1)<br />
705 Jaquar-(Know HD, No Planets)<br />
706 Combat-Boundary (A-D+)<br />
707 Wellmet-Tavern (Valentine-Multi 2)<br />
708 Fiara-Antigravity<br />
709 Wellmet-Smuggling (Not Run)<br />
710 Firthe-Translation<br />
711 Land-FLN-1 (Corin)<br />
712 Smuggling<br />
713 Random<br />
714 Silverbeard-Surrender (No Cargo)??<br />
715 Nine Worlds-Heaven (3 Super Slips)<br />
716 Land-Withel (1)<br />
717 Valentine-Turn 5<br />
718 Tretiak-Like, Crash<br />
719 Alkon-Learn Alkonese<br />
720 Land-Bugeye (2)<br />
721 Ouabain-Telekinesis<br />
722 Land-Koursh (1)<br />
723 Hootenaller-Explore (Food)<br />
724 Land-Arthlan (2 After Explosion)<br />
725 Koursh-Take-off No Navigation<br />
726 Land-FLN-1 (2)<br />
727 Land-Ioreth (No Darscian)<br />
728 Koursh-Take-off No Aliens<br />
729 Hemindore-Maneuverability<br />
730 Land-Wellmet (Valentine)<br />
731 Fiyar-Search Warp Core (3)<br />
732 Gironde-History<br />
733 Ascension-History<br />
734 Combat-Mugger (A-D+)<br />
735 Nine Worlds-Heaven (Already Complete)<br />
736 Combat-Mob of Lefties (A-D-)<br />
737 Combat-Silverbeard (A+D+) (Turner)<br />
738 Land-Wellmet (Failed Smuggling ??)<br />
739 Hemindore-Hemingellan Ships<br />
740 Turner-Quest Update (Ship Addition)<br />
741 Alkon-Hire Freddie<br />
742 Corin-Quest Reminder (Blast Hatch on FLN-1)<br />
743 Land-Gen (1)<br />
744 Random<br />
745 Arthlan-Examine Volcanoes (After Explosion)<br />
746 Outpost - Multi Combat<br />
747 Arthlan-Artifact w/ nothing<br />
748 Land-Sto.Sta.7 (2)<br />
749 Gironde-Take Off [4]<br />
750 Jaquar-(Know HD, Know Planets)<br />
751 Tretiak-Gather Coconuts (2)<br />
752 Cathedral-Jungles<br />
753 Ioreth-Dump Garbage<br />
754 Random<br />
755 Medsun-Market<br />
756 Ioreth-Market<br />
757 Ouabain-Open a Door [A]<br />
758 Darscold-Artificial Intelligence<br />
759 Random<br />
760 Darscold-Know HD, No Planets<br />
761 Land-Wellmet (Failed Smuggling - No Cargo)<br />
762 Frontier - Smuggling Success (2nd Run)<br />
763 Gen-Temple of Nil (4)<br />
764 Hootenaller-Serpent Reward (Synth. Genius)<br />
765 Turner-Turn 4<br />
766 Land-Arthlan (1)<br />
767 Ethnar-Refine Chitterbang<br />
768 Combat-Boundary (A+D-)<br />
769 Arthlan-Giant Craters<br />
770 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 11)<br />
771 Valentine-Quest (3rd Super Slip)<br />
772 Land-Tralis (2)<br />
773 Ethnar-Explore<br />
774 Combat-Big Swamp Monster (A+D-)<br />
775 Dargen-Brotherhood Temple (Have Darthan)<br />
776 Land-Alkon (2)<br />
777 Combat-Squirrellie (A-D+) & (A+D-) (Ninchuckle)<br />
778 Land-Organu (2)<br />
779 FLN-1-Synthetic Genius<br />
780 Organu-Bio-engineering<br />
781 Land-FLN-1-Hatch Blown<br />
782 Gironde-Take Off [3]<br />
783 Combat-Airjet (A+D-)<br />
784 Wellmet-Tavern (Laran-Multi 1)<br />
785 Ascension-Resources<br />
786 Hootenaller-Explore (Fluids)<br />
787 Ouabain-Institute for Learning<br />
788 Combat-Squirrellie (A+D+)<br />
789 Para-Para-Boundary<br />
790 Cathedral-History<br />
791 Para-Para-Dr. Schottky (1)<br />
792 Combat-Big Swamp Monster (A-D-)<br />
793 Combat-Killer Satellites (A+) (Multi)<br />
794 Ioreth-Attack City<br />
795 Combat-Satellite (A-D-)<br />
796 Hootenaller-Explore (After 2nd Change)<br />
797 Baphi-Force Field<br />
798 Wellmet-Tavern (Laran-Multi 2)<br />
799 Supa-Tavern<br />
800 Laran-Turn 2<br />
801 Koursh-Red Aliens<br />
802 Combat-Satellite (A+D+)<br />
803 Tralis-Go To Left Spinner (Beat Mob)<br />
804 Land-Ioreth (2 - Know HD)<br />
805 Fiara-Market<br />
806 Land-Sto.Sta.7 (Failed Combat - Satellite Destroyed)<br />
807 Para-Para-Market<br />
808 Land-Ascension (Return ??)<br />
809 Gnarsh-Market<br />
810 Combat-Mob of Lefties (A+D-)<br />
811 Silverbeard-Surrender Pay<br />
812 Outpost - Multi - Combat<br />
813 Random<br />
814 Land-Tretiak (Return ??)<br />
815 Baphi-Yes Helm (2)<br />
816 Organu-Strangeways<br />
817 Combat-Airjet (A-D-)<br />
818 Combat-Silverbeard (A-D+) (Turner)<br />
819 Combat-Airjet (A+D+)<br />
820 Feldo-Internal Reorganization<br />
821 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 2)<br />
822 Clerc-Hurry Up (3)<br />
823 Combat-Silverbeard (A-D-) (Turner)<br />
824 Random<br />
825 Corbis-Cat-like Creature<br />
826 Valentine-Quest Reminder (Have all 3)<br />
827 Firthe-Biology<br />
828 Withel-Market (No Language)<br />
829 Land-Tretiak (Return ??)<br />
830 Baphi-Humming Sound<br />
831 Arthlan-Artifact w/ Levitate<br />
832 Gen-Ordeal<br />
833 Turn 35-Reminder Turner (No Progress)<br />
834 Rialla-Riallan Biology<br />
835 Combat-Dream Beast (A+D+)<br />
836 Random (Silverbeard)<br />
837 MJ-Quest Reminder (done)<br />
838 Land-Fiyar (1)<br />
839 Gironde-Take-Off (??)<br />
840 Corbis-Collect Fluids<br />
841 Hootenaller-Explore<br />
842 Corin-Turn 5<br />
843 Combat-Silverbeard (A+D-)<br />
844 Firthe-Thiros<br />
845 Koursh-Blue Aliens<br />
846 Land-Fiara (Return - Know HD) ??<br />
847 Arthlan-Artifact w/ Whurffle<br />
848 Tretiak-Dress (No Suit)<br />
849 Land-Hemindore (1)<br />
850 Valentine-Quest Reminder (Have 2)<br />
851 Yrebe-Yes Stay (2)<br />
852 Build Universal Translator (no parts)<br />
853 Combat-Plants (A+D-)<br />
854 Corin-Turn 3<br />
855 Build Ship Shield Generator (no parts)<br />
856 Dargen-Ordeal (1)<br />
857 Combat-Boundary (A-D-) 2nd Time<br />
858 Random<br />
859 Land-Wellmet (After Smuggling)<br />
860 Bugeye-Corin Meets Director<br />
861 Combat-Teddy Bear (A-D-)<br />
862 Dambroke-Turn 4<br />
863 Ascension-Mental Shield<br />
864 Cathedral-Ruins (Failed to Kill Dog)<br />
865 Koursh-Radioactives<br />
866 Ouabain-Open a Door [C]<br />
867 Ioreth-Wring Leader's Neck (No HD)<br />
868 Rialla-Learn Levitate<br />
869 Combat-Teddy Bear (A-D+)<br />
870 Rialla-Jump Engine (Part 4)<br />
871 Arthlan-Mine Radioactives<br />
872 Feldo-Learn About Feldo<br />
873 Norstar-Clerc (Not Enough ??)<br />
874 Rialla-Explore Outside<br />
875 Random<br />
876 Land-Fiara (No Darscian)<br />
877 Random<br />
878 Combat-Power Generator (A+)<br />
879 Combat-Automated Robot (A+D-)<br />
880 Land-Sto.Sta.7 (1)<br />
881 Dargen-Ordeal (4)<br />
882 Land-Tralis (1)<br />
883 Random<br />
884 Land-Medsun (1)<br />
885 Tralis-Return to Village<br />
886 Land-Wellmet (Corin)<br />
887 Moiran-Phase Steel (None Left)<br />
888 Land-Ouabain (2)<br />
<br />
<b>Brotherhood Responses</b><br />
---------------------------<br />
Q: How does one know the way to truth?<br />
A: I truly seek the answer.<br />
(Initiate Brother)<br />
<br />
Q: The way to truth is by quietly admitting your innocence.<br />
A: I now know the way<br />
Q: How then does one find which path to take along the way?<br />
A: One asks in the way of the Ancients.<br />
(Advancing Brother) <br />
<br />
Q: The Way of the Ancients is a long and treacherous path.<br />
A: Yet it is one I wish to follow.<br />
Q: How does an ancient scry the path?<br />
A: The Way of the Ancients is to ask in silence<br />
(Masterful Brother)<br />
<br />
Q: The questions asked in silence are head by the Very Wise.<br />
A: And surely the Very Wise know the Way<br />
Q: When you yourself asked in silence, how did they respond?<br />
A: The Way is towards the center<br />
(Worshipful Brother)<br />
<br />
Q: The core is in fact the center.<br />
A: And the core is the Way<br />
Q: When you get there, what will you find?<br />
A: I do not know the answerZenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-10998185408303844842013-03-16T09:08:00.003-07:002013-03-16T09:08:51.222-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Valentine Stewart, The Last SmugglerPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If you're
looking for an overview of the basic mechanics, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Heir to the Stewart family smuggling empire, Valentine has a serious case of wanderlust. He dreams of the days when his family did the real dirty work. With a future of desk sitting and paper shuffling Valentine decides to break free, steal a family owned vessel, and strike out on his own. First he needs to dispose of this cargo and redo the paint job on the ship. Thus, the Golden Goose is renamed the Holly Roger, and the rare commodities are summarily dumped... into the sun. Can't take any risks of it being found, right?<br />
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Well, as it turned out, the contract for those 3 units of Super Slip is a pretty big deal. While the Stewart family can overlook a little ship loss, they need to take decisive action against Valentine for breaking the contract. He's excommunicated from the family for his actions. Things have definitely not gone according to plan, Valentine just wanted some time on his own, flying through space, hooking up with friendly aliens, and return home at some distant point in the future. There is only one recourse for this, Valentine needs to become a real spacer. He needs to discover a source for 3 new units of Super Slip. And, he'll need to run the boundary to complete the contract.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen is a childhood friend who updates Valentine on what has happened.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again, and for the final time, I take another character through the undiscovered planets. The only difference to note is that Corbis, normally a late planet, was discovered fourth. The reason for this is it's a definite source for Super Slip, one that refills randomly every 1 - 10 weeks (this assumption is based on a passage for another rare refillable resource that mentions range). Only one other source was in my notes at the time, so it's good to have found this early.<br />
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The other source is from fighting an alien slime that lives on Arthlan. Before getting to that though, I help myself to another dose of Corbis after marking down planet locations across the galaxy.<br />
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</div>
With the precious cargo stowed away, I run the Boundary and soon find myself in a meeting with Valentine's father. In more words Valentine says he won't return to run the business, but something big is happening and the Stewart family needs to be part of it. A new contract is written up and I receive a Flame Jewel with the new quest of locating a source. To explore deeper space though, I need the tri-axis drive.<br />
<br />
I quickly assemble the pieces and soon find myself battling Outpost to reach the end of the game.<br />
<br />
Final Score: 4170<br />
Turn: 232<br />
<br />
I decide to continue my exploration as a real smuggler should. My goal is to gain the best cargo and reach max score. Getting all the equipment was easy enough with the stock pile of commodities on Outpost. Filling my bays with special cargo took some tricky inventory management, but the storage container on Sto. Sta. 7 came in handy. In my journeys I made a significant discovery... one new event I had never experienced. There's more to Hootenaller than meets the eye.<br />
<br />
Hootenaller is an unassuming planet with an abundant food supply and an option to choose any one commodity (not repeatable). The last option is to relax, and I think that's the trigger to unlock a disturbing reality, even though there's no hint to this fact. Unless this action is taken, Hootenaller remains a veritable paradise with unlimited food. Once you spend a few days relaxing, take off, and return, Hootenaller turns into a planet beaten by torrential rain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does anyone know what this horrible blue-green mass is good for?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Relaxing, taking off, and landing will once again change the landscape. Now the planet has turned a stark orange that clashes with blue and green streaks, and it's no longer spherical...described as a deflated beach ball it has taken on a more elliptical shape. In the blue mist I found a strange life-form that attacks on first sight. Defeating the creature allows me to choose any 1 unit of special cargo.<br />
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I knew there were still surprises to uncover, but I can't believe I'd overlooked this whole series of events through multiple playthroughs and even a multi-player game (which I'll go over in my next post). In the end I enjoyed this screen showing a maxed out score.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhByG8D4RZjicYr5pMtCTYOyiIpPN-uoue8ddYbtdYVCnP84QEbiiXyTr3u2CbP51sDP6ECOHyRemc0pTC2vV4_Ymyom4btKhiNA-Xon4-vbLq4icNJioZKGe7B-m3HOPfxasr1bGLS_I/s1600/Max+Score.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhByG8D4RZjicYr5pMtCTYOyiIpPN-uoue8ddYbtdYVCnP84QEbiiXyTr3u2CbP51sDP6ECOHyRemc0pTC2vV4_Ymyom4btKhiNA-Xon4-vbLq4icNJioZKGe7B-m3HOPfxasr1bGLS_I/s1600/Max+Score.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Horrible Mass and Immature Riallan are stand outs, but the former isn't an option to import into the sequel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I reviewed all passages I'd missed at this point to search for what the horrible mass could be used for and find out what events I missed. Many were quest reminders and multi-player combat results for Outpost. I'll go over a few more in the next post. For now, the story of Valentine is on hold until the next game.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-651939404194754172013-03-06T23:41:00.000-08:002013-03-06T23:41:22.218-08:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - MJ Turner, Ace Pilot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Please note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If you're
looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
MJ Turner is arguably the best pilot in the Space Patrol, although he handles his ship as well as any of the other five characters. As part of the Space Patrol he's been assigned out of the academy to guard the Boundary surrounding the Nine Planets. However, he notes how no one ever seems to catch any of the reported smugglers. It's almost as if there's some conspiracy to let them through. <br />
<br />
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, and the fortunate regular event of being confined to quarters, Turner found himself as acting captain. Under his command, his assigned ship had successfully captured 3 smuggling ships in the span of a week. For his efforts he received a long stay in the brig, followed by a proposition: 10 years in prison dishonorably discharged or take on a secret Space Patrol mission outside the boundary.<br />
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With his new ship, the Barratry, he set forth to find Dr. Shottkey on Para-Para who would explain his new mission. Turner's task: Find and capture the salty pirate Silverbeard and his ship. Dr. Shottkey is part of the ISE (Institute for Space Exploration), and it's been decided that Silverbeard is impeding progress. To accomplish this venture Turner is urged to outfit his new ship with alien weaponry necessary to overcome Silverbeard's own defenses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a new improvement for my ship.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Coming up against Silverbeard early in my search didn't work out so well. Helpfully, the game seems fit to remind me of my previous loss and suggests I upgrade my ship.<br />
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Through some rough times I'm able to scrounge enough commodities together and purchase the right equipment to overtake Silverbeard. The fight is regaled in such detail that I'm somehow able to see the color of the button, red, and words on a sign, "Emergency Escape Pod," as Silverbeard detonates his ship and makes good on his escape. Well, there goes the plan to bring in his ship to recover the tri-axis. Every other character has Silverbeard escaping.<br />
<br />
Taking some of the pieces back to Para-Para, I come to find the tri-axis drive they offered blew up as well. Like all other characters, I'm provided a Flame Jewel and told to seek out the planet Outpost. At the same time, it's suggested locating Silverbeard to recover his body to learn how he could survive for the past 300 years, as reports indicate he's at least that old.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the tri-axis drive is always satisfying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes; hopefully Outpost has hints about Silverbeard's current location, *wink*wink*. I spent some time testing the defenses of outpost with different equipment. There are 4 layers before getting to take on Silverbeard and I'm slowly mapping what weapons are most effective. It seems it's not possible to get through without one of the constructed defenses.<br />
<br />Final Score: 4380<br />
Turn: 209<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Taking a look at the numbers, I'm finding it's not really possible to
lose the third battle if you succeed with the second. This suggests the
numbers or fights were somehow reversed. I can't imagine how something
like this got by the developers as they put so much thought into making
sure alternative paths had unique entries in the text, including what I
believe is failing against this antepenultimate fight. With nearly 200 passages still undiscovered in my playthroughs, which includes a quick multi-player effort, I have to wonder if I missed a large section of the game or if there are some misleading entries. </div>
</div>
<br />
After my victory, I noticed I hadn't actually gotten past some obstacles with my ship and decided to take the final weapon and defense for a ride around the known galaxy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A value of 100 is enough to win.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Plasma Beam takes out the hatch on FLN-1 at the highest value at 4950. I was even able to take aim them at the Boundary patrol as MJ Turner is the only character that doesn't have his main quest take him back through.<br />
<br />
Next up is the final character, Valentine Stewart, a smuggler by lineage and choice. He couldn't be more in contrast to Turner.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-66617220517250806582012-12-22T19:16:00.000-08:002012-12-22T19:20:10.736-08:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Laran Darkwatch, The Final HereticPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If you're
looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Laran Darkwatch is the most promising member of the Final Church of Man. He's quickly risen in the ranks keeping hidden his desire to explore a puzzling aspect of the church's tenets. The church is founded on the doctrine of the Final Truth, which comes from six Holy Text Files that interprets the Perfect Truth learned by the Founders. It begins, in the original, "Preface to the Seven Text Files of the Final Church of Man."<br />
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This inconsistency drives Laran to search for the Seventh Text File. His search leads him to believe that only among the stars, Beyond the Boundary, will he find it.<br />
<br />
However, space exploration is strictly forbidden by his teachings. Continuing his search will leave him branded a heretic... that is, unless he succeeds in finding the Missing Holy Text File. He falls into an uneasy sleep after his superiors all but forbid him to search any further.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WrfzFsXolHNvTF_XI_JK0m4vil6iiw1WE49SBAAckvrQxr25_4L6D6r42Q-vu9YlVQYA-W9SWScUmieWZKSMmHoDsfaLMGkpbWKtnkiWtMiMA7WkpdnyTfb-T45oaOKAAYvU3PTdVmc/s1600/Laran-Dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WrfzFsXolHNvTF_XI_JK0m4vil6iiw1WE49SBAAckvrQxr25_4L6D6r42Q-vu9YlVQYA-W9SWScUmieWZKSMmHoDsfaLMGkpbWKtnkiWtMiMA7WkpdnyTfb-T45oaOKAAYvU3PTdVmc/s640/Laran-Dream.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All characters have this dream, but Laran is the only one to make direct mention of it after the fact.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Working in secret, Laran makes plans to leave. He uses his high rank to influence preparations. Boarding his newly minted ship, the Jihad, he sets off to explore the stars. Destination: Cathedral, birthing and final docking place of the Founder's ship, the Archangel, as well where the Final Church of Man was founded.<br />
<br />
I considered pushing Laran to the end of the character list, as there's much more intrigue and lore developed through this story than any other. However, since I'd just played as Laran, I wanted to keep things fresh in my mind rather than possibly have to replay later. In addition to all the above, we get an introduction to the founding of the church.<br />
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Cathedral is found much like other Ghost Worlds, but it's the farthest planet printed with a name on the map. All other characters land here with the same options; however, Laran, dressed in priestly robes, is greeted in a much different fashion at the rundown church.<br />
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With a new destination in mind, I get back to exploring unknown planets. There's nothing new on Cathedral, neither the ruins or the stripped down Archangel offer new insight. It takes me quite a while to find Cordethar, but to summarize, not much happens in the interim. I steadily collect all the equipment watching my score carefully to track what's beneficial and what's not.<br />
<br />
The introduction is a bit new, but only touches on the excitement of reaching one of my goals. I find a memory module left behind by the Founders. I'm met with disappointment as I find the text is encrypted. I'm forced to concede that this may be the only evidence to find, but with hope that it contains the Final Text, I head back to the Nine Worlds.<br />
<br />
There's also a small golden cube about five centimeters on a side, the only obvious effect when I carry it is a very noticeable halo. This actually doesn't appear in the inventory, so I can only assume this is for flavor.<br />
<br />
Back on the Nine Worlds I learn my fate. A crowd is expectantly gathered to learn it as well. The Lord Highest Disciple, Efrigath, meets me to assess the situation. I hand over the memory module on his word that no matter what it contains, I receive an unedited version of the decoded message. He reluctantly agrees, and it's a few days of nervous anticipation before his return.<br />
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With news that it's not the Holy Text, and instead a message to continue my exploration, I head to the remaining unknown planets. My last stop is Outpost, which I easily overcome with all the equipment at my disposal. Golgotha beckons me... next game.<br />
<br />
Final Score: 4890<br />
Turn: 300<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, the score seems to be calculated as follows:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cargo Bays (ship + drones) * 10 [Total possible: 220]</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Land on New Planet * 20 [Total possible: 800]</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Standard Cargo * 1</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Special Cargo * 5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Standard Equipment * 10 [Total possible: 500] (Some equipment is worth 0: Inertia Control Belt, Little Puce Alien, Ninchuckle, Poisoning, and Skin Armor)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Specially Built Equipment * 50 [Total possible: 200] (This includes: Super Space Suit, Ship Shield Generator, Technology Nullifier, and Universal Translator)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Plot Related</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
------------- </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Discover Gazan + 100</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Read Captain's Log on Gazan + 100</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Receive Star Maps + 150</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Get Flame Jewel + 750</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Build Tri-axis Drive + 750</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Beat Silverbeard on Outpost + 250</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Reach the End + 300</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Beyond the above, there are character specific points gained from completing their main quest. I'm not completely sure how this breaks down, but they all seem to add up to approximately another 800 points (Laran has 770). With cargo bays full of specialty cargo, I could get Laran up to the purported maximum of 5000 points, but there doesn't seem to be any benefit. I looked at the the import process to the second game, and it asks you to choose what equipment you had (from a limited selection) instead of importing from a save game. There doesn't seem to be any negative consequences for lying.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lastly, I've tried to determine a pattern to discovered worlds. I believe it's too random to map out a turn by turn account for what planet will appear based on the landing turn; however, the planet choice seems to be limited to groups: early planets, mid-game planets, and late-game planets. I think the best I'll be able to do is come up with the groupings.</div>
Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-71873244825626037302012-11-17T12:00:00.002-08:002012-12-22T13:40:34.306-08:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Clerc, Beyond the SensesPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If you're
looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Jean G. Clerc has a dream. Spaceship design has languished behind the Boundary. Why should new horizons be sought when space exploration means exile? This question has dissuaded many, but not Jean. He's taking his first steps to build his dream ship, which is equipped with Photon Torpedoes, a Tractor Beam, and a Ship Shield Generator. I think someone's been watching Star Trek.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh3Fq9IAgMZYW5h6rbjLXfFaunCqDiAIWHld9x3DpwEQMu6iq3GVnmb3-pYVPZf8BEbqRjpmnH4S2TIStoZyYQ3txbvMVGrtJhyehGl4OiPJKq5i1U-AZ7IH3LvnPTd-qXm9l2YzXGEA/s1600/JeanGClerc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh3Fq9IAgMZYW5h6rbjLXfFaunCqDiAIWHld9x3DpwEQMu6iq3GVnmb3-pYVPZf8BEbqRjpmnH4S2TIStoZyYQ3txbvMVGrtJhyehGl4OiPJKq5i1U-AZ7IH3LvnPTd-qXm9l2YzXGEA/s640/JeanGClerc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Eager to dive into the unknown, to face the void of space, Clerc "borrows" a space freighter from his employer. He christens it, the Run Amok. Unsure of where to find the equipment he seeks, Jean heads towards Crater and then to Wellmet. Using my previous notes, I find the Photon Torpedoes waiting for me on Moiran, pick up the 3-bay drone from Crater, and head off into the unknown.<br />
<br />
Luck is with me as I quickly find Baphi. It's here we learn about the Ship Shield Generator, although it can be built without learning how to do so just by entering the correct action code (and having all commodities to build it). Two planets later I crash into Hemindore. Without any mobility enhancements on my ship, it seems I need to take 3 phases (days) to conduct repairs, but I'm still able to explore the planet. Here I pickup the Auxiliary Rockets and Tractor Beam.<br />
<br />
I circle round the top of the Fringe, collect some personal equipment, further ship enhancements, and Phase Steel--Phase Steel and Warp Core are two rare ingredients for the Ship Shield Generator. After exploring the upper left third of the map, I head back to the ghost worlds to pick up some more equipment. The next planet after this pit stop is Fiyar, a source of Warp Core.<br />
<br />
I quickly assemble the Ship Shield Generator, receive the congratulatory message, and wonder what's next for this intrepid adventurer. I've always thought Clerc's goal lacked deep motivation. It seemed more material than the others. Back on the Nine Worlds, I head home to Norstar. Here I wonder if I'm ready to settle down at all. While contemplating my decision to come back to the life I left behind, I'm approached to explore further by the Institute for Space Exploration. Their ultimate goal, a jump engine capable of supporting instantaneous travel for living organisms.<br />
<br />
Inspired by the idea of teleportation, Clerc turns down the offer to build upon the technology he's discovered, but leaves plans behind so others can follow that path. The I.S.E. suggests the technology is found in the Galactic Arm, beyond the planet Outpost. You know what that means... the Tri-Axis Drive Booster is my next goal. I'm given the Flame Jewel, the crucial piece for creating the drive.<br />
<br />
I've already collected a Gradient Filter, and need to seek out the second source of Warp Core, the planet Ethnar. I finally find it within the last 5 planets to explore. With all parts, I set to creating the drive.<br />
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I find Clerc lacking additional plot points. Stoneseeker had an intricate plot that's left me wanting to know more. Clerc, and I suppose Dambroke as well, have little additional plot that isn't laid out for others to find. I expect Darkwatch to explore a lot more of the back story. In fact, exploring Rialla and their life safe jump engine technology doesn't provide any special dialogue even though this is exactly what my character is seeking.<br />
<br />
I stop by Dargen to get the final dialogue of the Brotherhood, and the Darthan ability that helps me overcome the defenses of Vanessa Chang's ship on Gazan. Here I collect the Hyperbeam, which is one of the most powerful weapons for the battle on Outpost. I considered getting the Technology Nullifier as well, but decided to give the final battle a shot to see where exactly I was lacking. I ended up winning.<br />
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Once again, I arrived much earlier than my previous play. This seems to have increased the strength of my equipment in this final battle. As an example, the Ship Shield Generator for Dambroke had 29, 45 for Stoneseeker, and 56 for Clerc. This is the only fight that has large differences. Two thoughts here, it could depend on the turn count, or be based on the combination of equipment.<br />
<br />
Final Score: 4292<br />
Turn: 181<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For this play through, I started tracking points and how those are earned. I haven't completely mapped all possible points, but it seems fairly straightforward. Points come from number of cargo bays, commodities, planets discovered, equipment, and goals met. The random back story and plot doesn't seem to add any additional points, although I haven't explored everywhere yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It wasn't until I started playing this game again that I realized Jean G Clerc's name wasn't Cleric. No wonder I always confused this character with Darkwatch (the religious heretic). Looking into the name, I found it might be based off Laurent Clerc, who studied under Jean Massieu, but that could be just coincidence. It makes me curious where the other names have interesting origins.</div>
Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-67927455636765659812012-10-07T15:43:00.000-07:002012-10-07T15:43:18.806-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - I Am Stone BearerWith foreknowledge from previous play sessions, I plot a course to take me to the known planets, collecting some weapons and armor along with an extra cargo bay and the 3-bay drone. Satisfied in my preparation, I fire off towards sector 133-G, Frog Leg Nebula Astroid-1 (FLN-1). Ignoring all other stops, I come to orbit FLN-1 fairly early in my journey.<br />
<br />
As soon as I arrive, I pick up the radio signal I read from my aunt's last note. It closely matches the cryptic patterns in Verse 5 of my tribe's Ancient Writings. To think, my aunt was so close to finding the stone, and now I anticipate to finish what all Stoneseekers have quested for in no less than a year.<br />
<br />
Arriving at FLN-1, I discovered a barren asteroid. The signal was coming from deep within. After some searching I found a hatch, shut, frozen. Guess I'll just have to blast it open.<br />
<br />
I turned my weapons systems on the hatch, blowing it right open. Beyond the hatch I found a tunnel. As I headed down, I thought back on the generations that came before me, and how close I am to discovering what each of them sought. It felt a little too easy.<br />
<br />
At the end of the long passage, the floor leveled off, and I found myself on an alien ship. The radio signal was accompanied by high levels of radiation. The source of both is beyond the door to the captain's quarters. Radiation is too high for me to enter without a Super Space Suit. Looks like I'll need to explore a bit more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjtxi8BohKcWGucTossHMbNbW_6p8tFBsqyXziqlufW4LB-LzoBauzxeosrRLFhWtVRReISEespFMnEx_gRo6TJk57gG-jWh1I1VkUSlGkOKPo2ObXoZ57KiONg7y-GsmL4F7snG5pQc/s1600/OptionFailedExplained.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjtxi8BohKcWGucTossHMbNbW_6p8tFBsqyXziqlufW4LB-LzoBauzxeosrRLFhWtVRReISEespFMnEx_gRo6TJk57gG-jWh1I1VkUSlGkOKPo2ObXoZ57KiONg7y-GsmL4F7snG5pQc/s1600/OptionFailedExplained.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempting to build a Super Space Suit out of thin air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Partially defeated, I head off into the unknown in search of a space suit able to withstand the intense radiation. Once again, using my knowledge of the game, I know that Corbis is an easy source of Super Slip. The Primordial Soup can be retrieved from Bugeye. In my search, I land on other planets to collect some quick abilities, equipment, and cargo. Eventually, I'm able to build the Super Space Suit.<br />
<br />
Wearing my new suit, I head straight back to FLN-1. Inside, I find a reptilian alien staring at me with glazed eyes, around his neck... the Core Stone!<br />
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Using the Flexion Glove, I retrieve the stone. I've completed the hardest part of my quest; now I must get back. Instead of heading back directly, I take some time to explore other planets in search of the components for the tri-axis drive. I know this is next after returning to my people. I'm lucky enough to find Fiyar, and gain an easy Warp Core. The last item I need is a Gradient Filter, which I end up getting after returning to Atlantis.<br />
<br />
Upon my arrival, I'm greated with such jubilence that I regret my feeling that I want to leave again. The elders suggest I must take on the next step of my quest with the stone. It was always planned that the person to find the stone must also find its purpose. I must head towards the galactic arm, beyond the fringe, where the stone was found by Soulsinger. My next step, build a Tri-Axis Drive Booster.<br />
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<br />
I run a quick smuggling mission from Wellmet, re-enter the Nine Worlds, and am rewarded with a Gradient Filter. I then build the extra drive, and am ready to continue my journey into the arm. The only obstacle left is the planet Outpost. Just for fun, I head right over and can't even get through the first set of defenses.<br />
<br />
It seems I don't quite have the fire power yet, so I gather the Hyper Beam, Technology Nullifier, and Ship Shield Generator. This with my other equipment is enough to see me through. Once again I reach the end of the first game. I'm going to spend some time exploring the planets to see what else I can find, but I don't expect anything more to appear for Corin.<br />
<br />
Final Score: 4445<br />
Turn: 290<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
<br />
I'm still learning much about Star Saga and how much is taken into account. While exploring, I've tried to jump plot points since I know the hidden actions. Some are always available without learning the action codes first hand. Here's what I've learned this time through:<br />
<ul>
<li>Any of the codes for building items are always available.</li>
<li>Digging up the grave of Vanessa Chang's crew member on Koursh is locked because my character doesn't know the location to dig.</li>
<li>However, finding Vanessa Chang's lost ship on Gazan doesn't require learning about it on Koursh, and doesn't require knowing High Darscian. So long as the automated defenses can be handled, this is definitely a good early stop for the Hyper Beam and 8-Bay Drone. </li>
<li>Using a location based action code is not possible if your character isn't there.</li>
<li>Using a build code without all the items will fail.</li>
<li>Actions can fail completely, especially when the action is not repeatable, but is selected multiple times.</li>
<li>The smuggling mission from Wellmet can only be started if your character has breached the boundary.</li>
<li>The bomb on Arthlan that I avoided with levitation will also be avoided if the character has Whurffling (fore-sight). I'll get a character to trigger it at some point if it's possible.</li>
<li>So far, my character hasn't died, and I wonder how hard it really is to find the game over screen alluded to in the manual. I have a feeling it's much easier to die in the second game.</li>
<li>Exploring a location once isn't always enough. After the Swamp Monster on Organu is defeated, it's possible to encounter a Big Swamp Monster, which is tougher. I wonder how many similar locations exist.</li>
<li>Even though I had the same equipment in the final battle, the values for each one was a little different. Could it be that arriving early meant the defenses weren't built up as much? I'll have to look into this a bit more.</li>
</ul>
Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-33441140190214482312012-08-27T09:44:00.001-07:002012-12-22T13:40:32.808-08:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - I Am StoneseekerPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If you're
looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Corin Stoneseeker is the latest in a long line of people that have
sought out the Core Stone. This stone was originally found by an
explorer known as Soulsinger. According to legend, the stone granted him
immortality, and with the stone he would bring ever lasting peace to
humanity. On his way home, he was attacked and killed by an alien, a Clathran. His son vowed to find the stone and return it to
Atlantis (one of the Nine Worlds); he was the first Stoneseeker.<br />
<br />
Twenty generations have passed, each one with a Stoneseeker setting out for the stone. Corin, now 18, will embark on the
Quest and gains the title of Questor. He's provided a ship by his
people. His first step, cross the Boundary, will begin tomorrow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobY-0-9krBl3z7dCZEeW7UrLjFIwCfocclbYNWW4-s7QMO_xCQbYQgAs66IYI6S9K8kSBPqOJ0ejCBBcj9RVVsBPtm1cVt8qxpjyoWde1RSrRc6FlzqsU_FcaHaq7n8LKer6spOXNVOs/s1600/CorinIntro.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobY-0-9krBl3z7dCZEeW7UrLjFIwCfocclbYNWW4-s7QMO_xCQbYQgAs66IYI6S9K8kSBPqOJ0ejCBBcj9RVVsBPtm1cVt8qxpjyoWde1RSrRc6FlzqsU_FcaHaq7n8LKer6spOXNVOs/s640/CorinIntro.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corin's Ship, the Quest's End, foreshadows Corin's destiny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
His
sleep is uneasy, and he dreams the same dream Prof. Dambroke did; he
thinks nothing of it though. In much the same way, he crosses the boundary, although his first
destination is different. The planet Bugeye, more specifically Director
Colmaris, will provide his first clue.<br />
<br />
Colmaris is anxiously
waiting to greet Corin, and appears to have been a close friend of his
aunt, Cathir the 19th Questor. From Colmaris, he receives his aunt's inheritance: a silver pendant, a flexion glove, and a couple notes. The first describes the use of the flexion glove. Its protective material is the only thing capable of containing the radiation given off by the stone.<br />
<br />
The second note mentions the Frog Leg Nebula recently started to broadcast a signal. Inside
the ancient texts is something that matches the signature of this signal, and the story
goes that the creature who stole the stone escaped in a ship
broadcasting this same message.<br />
<br />
I get a location, 133-G, which is beyond
my star maps, so I make my way to Wellmet, known for expert traders and
smugglers. Here I pick up the fabled star maps of Vanessa Chang. Inside,
I find the location of 133-G.<br />
<br />
Could it really be this easy?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<br />
That's the
introduction and first 5 turns of Corin Stoneseeker, my favorite
character when I played this as a kid. I'm not sure if it was the green
cover, the quest description, or the name that attracted me most, but I
always chose him. It's good to come back to this and relive
the story. I actually don't remember any conclusion. If it's anything
like Dambroke I'll find the stone, return home, and be told my quest end
lies in a different game.<br />
<br />
I've done some tracking from my playthrough of Dambroke, and noted
that I had read less than half the passages used in the game. I don't
know if there's that much left of the story to discover, if there are that
many random passages, or if there are that many repeated passages. I've
noted only a handful of truly repeated text. Other times I've been
surprised at small changes to account for taking actions in a different
order. My mind still boggles at the amount of planning required to
create this game, and at the quality of the entire package.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-39623069962637656862012-07-22T21:39:00.000-07:002012-07-22T21:39:23.124-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Going For DambrokePlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If
you're looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest
looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Note: <i>In
my mind, Professor Lee Dambroke is a man, so I'll refer to him with the proper
pronouns for that assumption. The game never indicates gender for the
main characters.</i><br />
<br />
In haste, I map out what I need to build the Tri-axis Drive Booster. I
note my lack of Warp Core. Instead of returning to Fiyar in hopes
of finding more, I follow a lead overheard on the sub-space radio.
Ethnar, a planet I've yet to find, is a good source of Warp Core.<br />
<br />
I planned to map out the galaxy anyway, so I head further into the unknown after a short stop on Firthe to visit the underwater city with my newly acquired Super Space Suit. Inside I see much of their technological advancement, which is useless to my biology; however, one weapon, a Phase Cannon, is just begging to be tested. I trade testing the cannon in open space and combat situations for the permanent attachment. All this work, and I never once use it. The Super Space Suit also allows me to enter the captains quarters on the ship that crashed in to the asteroid on FLN-1. I find the Clathran still inside alive, but paralyzed. There's nothing for me here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcycQci2i0f9ZiZ0JybdPo1satIbOZIckjssEPay-l68kWHl22eDwBvNdH2JKf0I9TGa7Lqv5J8Ndu-zTBFcOcNTPNd4R-s4a0CBt-obtxq_pPuywnbuNl99vxtfH8iwIm0q3gFWQ6uDc/s1600/559.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcycQci2i0f9ZiZ0JybdPo1satIbOZIckjssEPay-l68kWHl22eDwBvNdH2JKf0I9TGa7Lqv5J8Ndu-zTBFcOcNTPNd4R-s4a0CBt-obtxq_pPuywnbuNl99vxtfH8iwIm0q3gFWQ6uDc/s640/559.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could take him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rialla is home to a floaty impatient race of aliens that look like fuzzy beach balls. The Riallans have a very distinct language of beeps and chirps, and I need to spend some time learning it if I'm ever going to get around. A universal translator is of no help because I can't get any of them to stand still long enough to teach me, luckily I have telepathy.<br />
<br />
I learned that the Riallans once lived closer to the Galactic Core until a cataclysmic event forced them to leave, the reason they float is through levitation (which I learn), and their life cycle lasts 10 years plus a random and unknown number of days. This last point is the reason they're in such a rush.<br />
<br />
Their ships are also attached with Tri-axis engines. Asking about this results in the chance to test a jump drive (instantaneous travel) suitable to organic life. The last test subject died, but they have high hopes that recent modifications are sufficient to prevent this. Sure, why not? The test results in a quick succession of passages to read through. At the end the ordeal, I learn I've been in a coma for a week. I relay my experience, and am rewarded with the recipe to create the Tri-axis drive booster, something I already knew, but this was fun.<br />
<br />
I decided to examine Riallan biology (I am a Xenobiologist after all), but my only hope of this was to kidnap one as they wouldn't stay still long enough to chat. As I stalked one, it popped and turned into two. I grabbed one of the two and ran back to my ship. It turns out that female Riallans create two babies when they die, this is how Riallans breed. I also learn immature Riallans loves ships. I now have a permanent resident.<br />
<br />
I
try to wrap my way around the bottom to get to Gazan, but I'm blocked
by the density barrier. I require the Tri-axis Drive Booster to proceed
into this sector. Guess I'm going around top.<br />
<br />
Dargen is an icy wasteland, its purpose, the second location of the
Brotherhood. My only action, seek out the temple. I wonder what it's like to come here before visiting Gen. Once again I speak my
part, once again I face an ordeal; once again I gain an ability.
Darthan, the defensive counterpart to Kothan, proves just as useful. Before sending me off, I'm
instructed to seek a third planet, Margen, which lies beyond the density
barrier. It's nice to have goals for the next game.<br />
<br />
Gazan, the origin of the alien shuttlecraft piloted by Vanessa Change,
crashed twice, is another home of the Darscian race. The location of
the planet was traded with the Darscians for their help after she
crashed on Fiara. Here I locate a large warship, complete with active defense
systems. Defenses overcome, I explore the ship. I manage to salvage an 8-bay cargo drone and a powerful weapon, the Hyperbeam. I find a log describing the Clathran origin of the ship, and Vanessa Chang's capture and escape.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF024PY2sag1cTvNJJ0HYuYG6S2TFp9-2BHOHZArcf8-jyZ_vm1NQvfXy1JV2mJz7kG0vL2UXr0n8rckt7qgLjkSRs9TMukbE_gb8eh_ARFxn2Q0U9HiAPWPrLy46aPCDVjzd8H1EbiY/s1600/47.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF024PY2sag1cTvNJJ0HYuYG6S2TFp9-2BHOHZArcf8-jyZ_vm1NQvfXy1JV2mJz7kG0vL2UXr0n8rckt7qgLjkSRs9TMukbE_gb8eh_ARFxn2Q0U9HiAPWPrLy46aPCDVjzd8H1EbiY/s1600/47.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that the same Silverbeard? How has he survived for 300 years?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Arthlan is a desolate planet, once earth-like, now barren, it is devoid of water and life. There are five impact craters, which form a hexagon, minus one point. Also of interest is a large pool of metal near one of the volcanic sites.<br />
<br />
Locating the missing crater, I find a large cylindrical metallic object. On top is a hatch. Inside is an octahedral mechanism. With my ability to levitate I examine the interior without fear of disturbing anything. It's unknown why this device never detonated like the others. I learn that the device was measuring the location of the planet, and that the six blasts were meant to send it hurtling into the sun. Five was enough to destroy all life by driving the planet close to its three stars.<br />
<br />
The molten pool of metal appears to contain all the natural metal on the planet. A portion not melted is a piece of a ship. Inside I locate a strange recording disk. Touching the disk starts playback of a voice resounding in my head, "The Dictators were angry that we had destroyed atoms and folded space." It went on to say the planet would be destroyed, and the Hrtthi needed to escape. In vain, they attempted to build this spaceship, but couldn't escape the planet in time.<br />
<br />
Ioreth, the last of the Darscian planets, is home to a ravenous toxic wild. Even with my environmental suit, I manage to become poisoned during my initial exploration. The poison causes irrational anger, and I decide the Darscians are behind this. Futile efforts to exact revenge ensue. After a few attempts, I regain my senses and visit the star port. Before leaving, I learn the technology here is useful for creating a Ship Shield Generator, the market trades in Medicine, and I pick up some native poisons that are useful in battle.<br />
<br />
Ethnar, fabled home of warp core, and home to 4-foot tall squirrels, is another earth-like planet. Before approaching the natives, I explore on my own, and find one of the squirrels, dressed in red, mining a green ore. Startled by my appearance, he attacks. I later find out there are two tribes, red and blue. The red are not welcoming of outsiders. I easily best him in combat, and gain some green ore. This ore is what is refined into Warp Core.<br />
<br />
The blue natives are much more welcoming, although wary that I might be a spy. Eventually I convince them otherwise. The Squirrellies, as I've come to call them, allow me to join a mining party. We come across a red raiding party, and I once again overcome my attacker. I gain a strange weapon, which is called a ninchuckle, and I train in its use back at the village. I'm able to purchase Warp Core here as well, but I only needed the one.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCdzMo7R8Xc1URcQTBuMc6HmE2tWBucJCnqisbD9396qVBTb-GHoFM_Pl4TXaJ8oIj758POZmcjEGH8nzCF5R8PGJ7EQhJtzV52HTnO_vJLYXt0v-escUeCaJ1AwIP4SsckA3nXyn3eM/s1600/BuildingTri-Axis.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCdzMo7R8Xc1URcQTBuMc6HmE2tWBucJCnqisbD9396qVBTb-GHoFM_Pl4TXaJ8oIj758POZmcjEGH8nzCF5R8PGJ7EQhJtzV52HTnO_vJLYXt0v-escUeCaJ1AwIP4SsckA3nXyn3eM/s320/BuildingTri-Axis.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How exactly is this created?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tretiak is a trip, literally. The planet, while non-toxic from all appearances, starts to mess with my senses. Completely drugged up by the time I land, I'm faced with strange sites and options, such as swimming in a "BIG PINK LAKE WITH MARSHMALLOWS" or rapping with little green men. One option is listed as dressing for the party, which is to put on my environmental suit, and immediately regain my hold on reality. I learn from talking to the natives, "Humans are good, Clathrans are bad, and the Infinite visited us at the Temple and made Tretiak insane." From the pink lake, I learn it makes things invisible, I collect a sample for later use in combat. While fun, there's very little left to do, and only one last place to visit.<br />
<br />
Outpost, my final destination. As I near, I get an open communication, "har, har, har..." Silverbeard again. Attempting to land brings about a series of combats of increasing difficulty. At this point, I'm equipped with every known offensive and defensive capability, save for the E.C.M, and I know I'll easily break through. Even so, it's obvious the fight is close as I barely miss the necessary 100 points to succeed in defense against Silverbeard.<br />
<br />
With Silverbeard's ship destroyed, and the threat of the planet nullified, I'm able to land and begin my search for equipment to repair my ship. From an old computer I learn Silverbeard may have introduced the plague while at the same time trying to keep the location of the human homeworld safe from the Clathrans. The Clathrans conducted physiological and psychological experiments on Silverbeard--the same John Silverbeard from Vanessa Chang's crew--that stopped the aging process. It also made him insane. He believed every human was a Clathran, and had fantasies of being a seafaring pirate. The materials he captured were used to build the defenses on Outpost.<br />
<br />
Searching further for a way to fully repair my ship, I find the remains of the weaponry used in defense of the planet. After fixing my ship, I spend some time equipping it with this advanced technology. In an old building I find the Lockerbait, the last ship used by Vanessa Chang. Inside is an voice recorder. It holds Vanessa Chang's last message.<br />
<br />
Here are the major points (yes, this is a summary):<br />
<ul>
<li>Vanessa Chang's crew discovered Flame Jewels in the possession of an alien race, and recognized them as components to a new drive technology that would allow travel past the Density Barrier.</li>
<li>In exchange for one, one of the crew, Sherin Mosswell, tested a new jump drive technology (sounds like Riallans). The jump ship was never seen again, but they gained a Flame Jewel.</li>
<li>During their exploration, the same theme I encountered is repeated in the Galactic Arm, alien races meeting a fate some 50,000 years ago that now prevents their expansion.</li>
<li>They find a source of Flame Jewels and share them with a small set of other explorers.</li>
<li>Her ship is captured by Clathrans and brought to Morikor.</li>
<li>During her escape, she notes a huge fleet, and believes the Clathrans are preparing for a new survey of the galaxy.</li>
<li>The space plague stopped due to a new mutation in the human immune system.</li>
<li>They met Reverend Eric DeVries, captain of the Archangel, on Cordethar, who was as deeply disturbed by his findings in the Galactic Arm. The reasons are still a mystery.</li>
<li>The Boundary was erected, both to protect against Clathrans, and keep exploration to a minimum while technological advancements continued to be encouraged.</li>
<li>The hope was to create a small group of explorers able to infiltrate the Arm, and discover the intentions of the Clathran menace, going as far as to hope we might stop them.</li>
</ul>
Here I'm given star maps of the Arm, told to wipe all memory systems of the location of human worlds, and succeed where Vanessa Chang had failed, pushing boldly into the Arm, into the nest of the Clathrans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuogge0vhZefjWF8jZk5jfZHRqVv3RJMOqRGr0cdccxqlrTWonHyKIfc84P1S-P1saXeD5kKIzJ8JVYtxd-L25sWOLA3dehQaKN3zhP0f9PVQnBLxQ1NXF1MNgWFJGaqmoV2gBecxycvw/s1600/566.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuogge0vhZefjWF8jZk5jfZHRqVv3RJMOqRGr0cdccxqlrTWonHyKIfc84P1S-P1saXeD5kKIzJ8JVYtxd-L25sWOLA3dehQaKN3zhP0f9PVQnBLxQ1NXF1MNgWFJGaqmoV2gBecxycvw/s640/566.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building up abilities has little impact on the next game, as the import feature just asks what you had before, no checks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
****</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And so ends Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary. Some of the story is still left to explore though, and I'll be going through the rest of the characters before moving on to Star Saga: Two - The Clathran Menace.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One thing I've learned about Star Saga, the events are deterministic. It'll take some time to figure them out, but following the same actions produces exactly the same results, the same "random" passages in space, and the same planets are discovered at the same locations. Deviating or delaying by a turn will change some of these, if not all of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoyed the extensive, if long winded, summary of the journey through the first game. Subsequent characters won't have as much detail concerning each planet or the events surrounding them unless there are character specific passages or actions. Next up, my favorite character, Corin Stoneseeker.</div>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-86781900627849809762012-07-16T21:55:00.001-07:002012-07-16T22:20:19.069-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - In Search of the Tri-Axis DrivePlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If
you're looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest
looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Note: <i>In
my mind, Professor Lee Dambroke is a man, so I'll refer to him with the proper
pronouns for that assumption. The game never indicates gender for the
main characters.</i><br />
<br />
Silverbeard had just "cornered" me, and demanded cargo. Feeling
confident that at least my shields would hold, and based on my recent
Boundary run, I engaged the wily pirate. I outmaneuvered him. Before I
disabled his ship, he pulled some fast moves himself and fled.
Unfortunate; I was looking forward to getting some of his loot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLX3xKN6Y2Ix7FMBMZpNFfgrkCp2C0C6o5v8aErBBXLFCLsrVdA-KUkjjcUCQH3qxeqc2It9nOEQWOUN0KZYrVuXsdi-3NO8U8xkx8Jvr33hr_ylE7F9CB4BD3M4J1ZVouYx56nfW89A/s1600/229.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLX3xKN6Y2Ix7FMBMZpNFfgrkCp2C0C6o5v8aErBBXLFCLsrVdA-KUkjjcUCQH3qxeqc2It9nOEQWOUN0KZYrVuXsdi-3NO8U8xkx8Jvr33hr_ylE7F9CB4BD3M4J1ZVouYx56nfW89A/s640/229.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I beat him by a lot though...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrive on Darscold. This is the Darscian home world. Here I learn of the ability of Serene Contemplation, a method for controlling ones emotions. This is essential to the Darscians who are genetically modified, removing aggression, and thus are non-violent. In stressful situations they can keep their cool. There's also mention of the anti-gravity technology I've already found on Fiara. There's very little to keep my attention.<br />
<br />
Feldo
is a strange 'planet'. Feldo is an alien, the size of a planet.
He comes from a world, Juliarra (not found in this game), where each generation exhibits random
mutations. Feldo was born normal. Being normal on a planet where normal
is abnormal was too much to handle; he left. He enjoyed many travels, but soon ran into a situation he couldn't handle.<br />
<br />
He became the pet of some rather large aliens. His time on the ship
caused him to grow, and he continued to grow; he was growing larger than
the ship. They jettisoned him into space. He prepared for the worst. It
never came.<br />
<br />
He floated through space, living off space dust and particulate
matter, until he found a nice star to orbit. Of interest is his ability
to reorganize his body, internal organs and all. Traveling through a
planet sized human was a little disconcerting at first, but Feldo
assures me it's to make me feel more comfortable. I gain another alien
ability, even though it's no longer my quest.<br />
<br />
Yrebe is an iron rich planet orbiting in close proximity to its star. It's so close that the sun facing side is liquified. Each night it hardens. The planet isn't of much consequence other than mining for iron. Strange aliens are encountered here, but I only find one willing to describe their journey in space. They're plasma energy beings that long ago shed their physical form with help from a wise alien race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-Wohof3xo-6n_Wh-ykyPvM8SmQDzPc6W0Q1fZCxUyz2Lp9DNSbKC2Ox3kVSr8UJM5TP0C35qfWPTGoQi92VmYxCUmzhMDcXhq7TFIkj8SkLZ-Umq4Gwsli8ocxizWao2MS0hEacpnSs/s1600/851.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-Wohof3xo-6n_Wh-ykyPvM8SmQDzPc6W0Q1fZCxUyz2Lp9DNSbKC2Ox3kVSr8UJM5TP0C35qfWPTGoQi92VmYxCUmzhMDcXhq7TFIkj8SkLZ-Umq4Gwsli8ocxizWao2MS0hEacpnSs/s640/851.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I searched for more plasma creatures on the day side, fruitlessly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gironde is a high-tech world with zero biological
life. The entire planet is run by core computer AIs, and robots maintain
them. They were built with a single directive, which remains a mystery.
They trade computers! Finally, I can work out purchasing all remaining
equipment. If only I can find a way off this planet.<br />
<br />
Before I leave, I learn of a second directive, no computer on
Gironde may leave. This is enforced by a fleet of warships that
materializes out of the blackness of space. While I've overcome the
Boundary and Silverbeard, a whole fleet isn't something I risk.<br />
<br />
Back on the planet, I remember a hidden action I received on Gnarsh.
I use it to get a Gradient Filter, which I learn the creation of is
part of the first directive. With no options left, I attempt to get by
the fleet by stealth. I lower engines to impulse, minimize life support,
and cut sensors. The fleet disappears.<br />
<br />
I realize the fleet was never there. Back on the planet, I rewire
the computer and find a bit of software installed during my stay.
Questioning the core leads nowhere, but it seems this program is the
protective measure keeping ships on Gironde. For my troubles, I re-task
the software as a weapon against other ships. Not able to convince the
core that there's really no fleet, I leave in further pursuit of the Tri-axis
drive.<br />
<br />
Ouabain is a fascinating world where they have turned everything
possible into a game. Landing is a game, albeit a rather simple one
where the hints are blatant. The idea imparted to them by off-world
aliens of the advanced variety was that life doesn't have to be boring,
and games allow one to exercise the mind while getting even the most
mind-numbing tasks completed.<br />
<br />
I was shown their center for learning where they've developed the
ability of telekinesis (picked this handy trick up as well). A game was
presented to me. A simple guessing game. No hints. Only, pick the
correct door out of three. The purpose of this is to find the prophesied Game Master who will bring the ultimate game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9Iu-W4WMTV5obDDlO6jsDt8pC0ooc0Z0E6mTs329jQP0TiHVxKm1mjBQON93rtXIigZaW0OOuvThyphenhyphen9rYkdtciZF_sb7D3Dhg9RVLsNcfw2RzXQ2i-jwbE7WAB-RFN6MlH8bPNpXbqk/s1600/640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9Iu-W4WMTV5obDDlO6jsDt8pC0ooc0Z0E6mTs329jQP0TiHVxKm1mjBQON93rtXIigZaW0OOuvThyphenhyphen9rYkdtciZF_sb7D3Dhg9RVLsNcfw2RzXQ2i-jwbE7WAB-RFN6MlH8bPNpXbqk/s640/640.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which door would you choose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My hesitation in choosing shows that I am not him, but I'm still
allowed the chance to choose and rewarded for a choosing correctly. I
get nothing, but I didn't need the Synthetic Genius anyway. The market
offers computers. This sector of the galaxy must really love making
computers.<br />
<br />
Cordethar, a plot rich planet, rips my ship out of hyperspace as I approach. There's no
escape. A voice coming from the planet demands information on my
destination, point of origin, name, ship name, and reason for exploring.
I give it fake information; it knows I lied. Instead, I'm able to bend
the truth somewhat. Giving partial truths allows me to move on.<br />
<br />
The planet is a creation of an advanced alien race, one it calls the Owners. Its purpose is
recording and transmitting data. There aren't any protections for the
data, so I have it transmit all the data to me. The planet's task was to trap passing ships, collect information, and send this on to the Owners. Based on what I've learned from other planets, the owners would visit the home world of the alien race and modify them in some way, either biologically, theologically, or technologically. In addition to the Owners, another frequent race were the Clathrans.<br />
<br />
It seems 50,000 years ago, the Owners and Clathrans stopped visiting this area of space, and Cordethar's functions were impaired. It attributes this to a change in the galactic dual space interphase levels. These two events are connected, but I'm not sure how. It's possible the drive technology the aliens use is based around dual space. Recently, about 5 years ago, the dual space levels again changed enough for it to regain some functionality beyond passive recording. It has not yet been able to transmit its stored databanks.<br />
<br />
Aware of one event in particular, I search for it in Cordethar's memory, the arrival of Vanessa Chang before the construction of the Boundary. In short, Chang and another ship, the Archangel, met here to discuss their odysseys in the Galactic Arm. Combined with the space plague that recently hit the Nine Worlds, they decide to recall all explorers with Tri-axis drive technology and erect the Boundary. Having learned all I could, I left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKm8ORbbBCy_wkpX_ZztUNLyks0hYZlJoP9_n2Xu6soXftu773YaROFlnXosoCfOVapICzaLvwyPq0MUP6eMTKT4J13ZaT3szBjho9PxlV1s465o4zz3DqKY3FVSKZ0swEQ-cH0eseBY/s1600/607.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKm8ORbbBCy_wkpX_ZztUNLyks0hYZlJoP9_n2Xu6soXftu773YaROFlnXosoCfOVapICzaLvwyPq0MUP6eMTKT4J13ZaT3szBjho9PxlV1s465o4zz3DqKY3FVSKZ0swEQ-cH0eseBY/s640/607.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much happened in the intervening years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Corbis, currently inhabited by large cats, of the non-speaking variety, and cities obviously built by a long gone intelligent race, holds a mystery. Here, deep in the cities I learn a cat-like people once thrived. In stylized pictographs I see these people discovering technology related to what looks like a spaceship, and in the next image, a lizard race visiting them, wielding a weapon. This was the last picture etched.<br />
<br />
On my way back to the ship, I slip and fall. I can't get up. Over and over, I slip and fall. My boots are covered in a viscous fluid that need complete removal before I get any kind of traction. Following the source, I find a font of the liquid in what used to be a fountain. I determined it's the substance known as Super Slip. I'm able to collect 1 unit, but unable to determine the source of the substance. It seems the conditions in this section of the city are perfect for spontaneous creation. There's no way to speed up the process, and I continue to get the section that tells me there's no more to find, 269. I spend months in-game time, 269, 269, 269. It continues, 269, 269, 269, 269. I can wait it out, 269 269, 269, 269, 123...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvV7rCrZO1EZhI2sR6Ulcco3wLncVhnLWCUAQtiH3zEn8QhI1wNT2PJgkuDWyXuo2pKzb3xxA7g9WPSpdwOUjDLBZu29IxMrr4fQhkwI-4zYs_nMqmX6jnsBzVwxfFjTSMfTb2MuTPjE/s1600/123.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvV7rCrZO1EZhI2sR6Ulcco3wLncVhnLWCUAQtiH3zEn8QhI1wNT2PJgkuDWyXuo2pKzb3xxA7g9WPSpdwOUjDLBZu29IxMrr4fQhkwI-4zYs_nMqmX6jnsBzVwxfFjTSMfTb2MuTPjE/s640/123.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this the games not so subtle way of telling me I'm wasting my time?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sensors picked up a thermal hot spot nearby. It turns out to be an active volcano, although strangely, the surrounding area shows no sign of lava flow. As I climb up, I'm overcome with an urge to leap in, but before I make my final dive into the unknown, one of the cat creatures knocks me to the ground. I regain my head space, and thank the animal, who follows me down the mountain ensuring my safety. Now I feel a little bad for capturing one early to examine.<br />
<br />
I determine a hypnotic signal is coming from inside the lava--based on readouts and senors on the ship--that attracts intelligent creatures to the core. I now know the fate of the alien inhabitants. It seems I only felt a dulled effect that grew stronger as I neared, at a guess, due to the frequency tuned to a mind and biology unlike my own.<br />
<br />
One last location, the building picture with the technological discovery, provides me the formula for the creation of the Tri-axis drive. Finally!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y2In2uQnvYUYub0c0yP20kNORtVe9JTQEaLs2aJZtsa2898Kk1wDFji4fFxqMcP2EC3cwp_O1Mtmz-03v37rHE2OvMXWLm7HHMWxHSYdivUFtW1F5bOAEYJNXrW6WHbp7LOm575MbAc/s1600/184.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y2In2uQnvYUYub0c0yP20kNORtVe9JTQEaLs2aJZtsa2898Kk1wDFji4fFxqMcP2EC3cwp_O1Mtmz-03v37rHE2OvMXWLm7HHMWxHSYdivUFtW1F5bOAEYJNXrW6WHbp7LOm575MbAc/s640/184.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a Tri-axis Drive Booster<br />
1) Crush 1 Iron and 1 Crystals into powder and mix vigorously with 1 Fuel<br />
2) Sift mixture through a Gradient Filter, and boil with 1 Flame Jewel encased in Warp Core<br />
3) ???<br />
4) Enjoy your new Tri-axis Drive Booster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-77664724082522237522012-07-14T10:51:00.000-07:002012-07-16T21:34:30.976-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - From Professor to EngineerPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If
you're looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest
looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Note: <i>In
my mind, Professor Lee Dambroke is a man, so I'll refer to him with the proper
pronouns for that assumption. The game never indicates gender for the
main characters.</i><br />
<br />
Storage Station 7 lay just ahead, off to the side floats debris of the defense satellite. It seems my early preparation has paid off, as I continue my reign of dominance. Inside the station is a 5-bay cargo hold. Already stored are 1 unit of Computers and 1 Phase Steel. I happily take both. I make my way towards the Ghost Worlds to purchase more equipment before heading off again into the unknown.<br />
<br />
Fiara, home to a colony of Darscians, is also home to an alien shuttlecraft once belonging to Vanessa Chang (intrepid explorer), crash landed here due to the planet's extreme gravity. Exploring the vessel provides a tidbit of information. The shuttle's last touchdown was on Koursh, and the logs suggest one of the crew members is buried there. I note the planet name and location of the burial site.<br />
<br />
I learn the Darscians have an Antigravity Research Center, and decide to stop by before departing. Off limits to outsiders, they said, restricted due to the potential applications for misuse. Not letting that stop me, I drive to the Center, but the anti-gravity vehicle loaned to me by the Darscians shuts down before I reach the door. Not to be deterred, I press on as the gravity presses on me; then combat begins, against gravity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOAptT-EA26MNhKumVuvHfH06NP3LnVDAmPP1pQly2fDXlW8u25tiAx-7eZEj0gY3hgwwdSkN91b1Rt2D4l6B_KvYuBRmhwQ07wcE3_amctw5JHJGhG-7IFGDRWOByFwKPVhe0K17sAs/s1600/GravityCombat.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOAptT-EA26MNhKumVuvHfH06NP3LnVDAmPP1pQly2fDXlW8u25tiAx-7eZEj0gY3hgwwdSkN91b1Rt2D4l6B_KvYuBRmhwQ07wcE3_amctw5JHJGhG-7IFGDRWOByFwKPVhe0K17sAs/s320/GravityCombat.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take that force of nature!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I make it, barely. For my efforts, I gain an Anti-Gravity Ray. I suppose the Darscians were right in guarding their technology from weaponization.<br />
<br />
Hemindore, my next stop, is inhabited by alien monkeys. The world is completely covered in salt-water oceans; growing out of it are large trees where the monkeys and their dwellings are visible as I (crash) land. They enjoy technological advancements far beyond their understanding thanks to another alien race known as Lengia.<br />
<br />
Over 2000 years ago, the Lengia, at the height of scientific advancement, noted a greenhouse effect on their planet due to pollution from their technology. They decided to abandon the planet, inviting the Hemingellans to join them in pursuit of a new home. Home was on Hemindore though, and the Lengia left them behind with some of their machines.<br />
<br />
What happened to the Lengia is unknown, but perhaps they'll make an appearance in the future. This is the first time an alien world wasn't changed by an outside influence. I took some time to study the technology, and acquired a tractor beam in the process. With little left to do, on I moved.<br />
<br />
Ascension, a lush world teeming with life yet lacking any high-tech civilizations, provides my second alien ability. The intelligent life forms are large insectoid creatures, as described by the text, and I picture them as giant praying mantises. The creatures have a reverence for nature and minimal interference, keeping with the status quo, denying advancement. This stems from a long history of advanced technology leading to harmful effects on the environment. On the verge of complete collapse, they were visited by an alien race that offered a solution: revert back to a natural way of life. To help ensure this, the visiting aliens left behind a device that nullified all technology. I'm not sure how my instruments, including my ship, continue to function.<br />
<br />
Once again an alien race is prevented from exploring the galaxy. While discussing their history, I learn they're able to create a wall of force. Obviously intrigued, I learn the ability, and receive a message informing me I have my second alien ability. This confirms--for whatever reason--the Superhuman Speed I achieved earlier doesn't count. Maybe this has to do with the way I gained it, via an exercise machine rather than taught by an alien. I lift off in search of the third and final ability that will allow me to return home.<br />
<br />
Gen is a human world, one of the outer Ghost Worlds mentioned on Supa. It is also home to the brotherhood, an order in search of truth. The people on Gen enjoy dungeon diving, called trundling, where someone creates a dungeon to explore and fills it with danger and treasures. To better understand the concept, I'm offered to explore a cave that's already looted.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW7yesmjllvfQJBO9w0LeNuGa47iDSHdUif29gWmq-JUDfLVwwD0p-699CRZ_9xF1mS0GMlf6K69BvlhWrqzQAxhtUAZoaSZkYDbKtF33dM-IgHHzTE5veVAMpP_grbMlbW3Z0Ad7wA0/s1600/578.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW7yesmjllvfQJBO9w0LeNuGa47iDSHdUif29gWmq-JUDfLVwwD0p-699CRZ_9xF1mS0GMlf6K69BvlhWrqzQAxhtUAZoaSZkYDbKtF33dM-IgHHzTE5veVAMpP_grbMlbW3Z0Ad7wA0/s640/578.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's LARPing, except you're your character</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Exploring the cave leads to a battle with a 10-foot tall teddy bear guarding a message regarding the brotherhood. Entering the brotherhood is a simple matter after this, and provides my second interaction with the computer game master. Passing the questioning leads to an ordeal, past this is a longer set of questions. Reaching this second level, I receive the title of Advancing Brother in the order, and am told to seek out the planet Dargen. The ability Kothan, a fighting ability, is also gained.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_1uIc8xLj0ceyn1RgnridYnB6hmj2bzz1KeVtopM06mA5gzUtHEkkTa1B4_G2oPB5mo3HKCuHn6Kv7EDIIefhni_25dOMBuyd_UA8uzSuusx1RELhCHIlCG66aCdx1gekGWUu_m-o_o/s1600/TempleBrethren.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_1uIc8xLj0ceyn1RgnridYnB6hmj2bzz1KeVtopM06mA5gzUtHEkkTa1B4_G2oPB5mo3HKCuHn6Kv7EDIIefhni_25dOMBuyd_UA8uzSuusx1RELhCHIlCG66aCdx1gekGWUu_m-o_o/s320/TempleBrethren.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No random guessing here; honesty is the best approach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Koursh, I note the familiar name, is found nearby after all options on Gen are exhausted. I'm distracted by my approach of the planet as hundreds, or maybe thousands, of red and blue aliens are drawn to my ship's engine reactor. They drain my power, and I plummet to the surface. The intangible little bastards escape my wrath; I wake up alive, but I understand now how Vanessa Chang lost her crew member. If the same thing happened to her, the odds of everyone surviving in such an alien craft were slim.<br />
<br />
Exploring the planet proved fruitful, as I discovered the reason for the aliens attack on my ship. They are attracted to high amounts of radiation. In preparation for escape, I adjust the fuel to emit less radiated material. In addition to this, I found a large source of irradiated material, enough to continuously mine Radioactives. Finally, a source! I'll come to learn by the end of my travels that Radioactives are only available through mining, no one openly trades them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4MmOfcBH_PccRLSepU786BES_CcXyyPdothTkPDunMH_asfGNvElEjMaWrEIroV6lc3Omf855dqgu2_WbRURzkRkjWYQ1Zsd9EPpnSGeOFi-Ms2UDguuBmJEHZOW4xUNBob_sV2Ll_c/s1600/Special+Action.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4MmOfcBH_PccRLSepU786BES_CcXyyPdothTkPDunMH_asfGNvElEjMaWrEIroV6lc3Omf855dqgu2_WbRURzkRkjWYQ1Zsd9EPpnSGeOFi-Ms2UDguuBmJEHZOW4xUNBob_sV2Ll_c/s320/Special+Action.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering an unlisted action only works if you're in the correct location</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Normally, action codes are listed for you when plotting the turn. This isn't the case for certain actions, like digging up the grave of Vanessa Chang's crewman. The navigator, Walter Friday, is buried with some keepsakes, including a journal. From it, I learn the alien shuttle began its journey from a planet called Gazan. There I'll discover the original ship the smaller craft belongs to and more clues as to the harrowing last journey of Vanessa Chang.<br />
<br />
With my new-found Radioactives, I make a side trip to a few known planets in order to stock up on some choice pieces of equipment, even though I feel confident in my current arsenal.<br />
<br />
Tralis, another planet visited and changed by an advanced alien race, provides the possibility of a universal translator. The Tralisians constantly spin in place, and consist of two types, right-spinners and left-spinners. The righties were technologically advance, which engendered feelings of jealousy in the lefties as they were treated as lower class citizens. A god-like alien race visited at the same time hyperdrive technology was discovered. They encouraged the left-spinners to revolt against the rights. The ensuing battle nearly wiped out the right-spinners, and left their cities in ruins.<br />
<br />
The god-like aliens somehow altered the genetic make-up of the Tralisians so that the majority of offspring were now left-spinners, whereas it was always a 50/50 split in the past. They also left behind universal translators. The righties have regrouped, and plan to correct the change. There's little for me to do here other than learn how a translator is built.<br />
<br />
Alkon, an unassuming planet covered in jungle foliage, is an ugly-looking backward sort of planet. The aliens here are warty purple creatures with many tentacles. I'm greeted by one them as I land, Freddie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuvJVIIIv-9y_HllKGKH_aSRB_Gmr1ZDMAXCleI-CiidskkxR84NJlywb8uZNlNE6o7Kf56i6v-nVjfi4_EIHsl3qyhHFQupyF6MC5CaNzeTYYzZq9ybvhVBzjHTBmXMdhwSJD-0JTNA/s1600/56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuvJVIIIv-9y_HllKGKH_aSRB_Gmr1ZDMAXCleI-CiidskkxR84NJlywb8uZNlNE6o7Kf56i6v-nVjfi4_EIHsl3qyhHFQupyF6MC5CaNzeTYYzZq9ybvhVBzjHTBmXMdhwSJD-0JTNA/s640/56.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First arriving on Alkon, still don't have a Universal Translator or Telepathy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I forgo learning the language and hire Freddie as my interpreter. While shown around, I learn in a quite unexpected way that Freddie and every Alkonian is able to see into the future. They call it Whurffle. Outstanding! My third alien ability is in hand, or mind rather. Rather than rush back, I take my time to explore the remaining planets in the vicinity.<br />
<br />
My next three stops, Fiyar, FLN-1, and Hootenaller, provide no alien contact.<br />
<br />
Fiyar
is a gas giant. Scans indicate the material known as Warp Core is
present. I take some risk and am rewarded by a single unit; all further
attempts are met with failure. Combining the Warp Core with the Phase Steel, plus a few common commodities, I'm able to build a Ship Shield Generator. This will come in handy when crossing the Boundary.<br />
<br />
FLN-1 (Frog Leg Nebula, asteroid 1) isn't a planet, but is a good
source of Radioactives. Hidden in its depths is a alien shuttlecraft, crashed
many years ago. Inside I manage to salvage a unit of Synthetic Genius
from the advanced computer system. The captains quarters requires a Super Space Suit to enter. I return later to learn this was a Clathran ship, and it's emitting a distress signal. As a player I note the similarities between this and the alien craft piloted by Vanessa Change. Professor Dambroke makes no comparison.<br />
<br />
Hootenaller is a paradise, yet devoid of animal life, intelligent or
otherwise. I feel strange here, at peace, as if no threat has touched
the planet, a strange sight to behold in my long travels. I take some
time to relax. Enjoy the scenery. I stock up on the abundant food supply
and continue my exploration of the galaxy.<br />
<br />
One item of note, arriving on Hootenaller introduces a concept of Dual Space. Not much is mentioned except its existence. It does weird things like change the value of pi from 3.14159 to 3.14161. This strange fact is promptly ignored, and I move on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YISyxXSSlivX_sU-jOak8bbn0OoOAjFPoQu4Lv73Vw0tWYA7MtbDlCFQxiF04tlx4xepQUlhwDDXGfy7Hk0ZVDwx6tFePaJXtlZ_XkMszlzdG-_BhLq4Nia4xfVyWJCBd3dHt0JcoJY/s1600/186.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YISyxXSSlivX_sU-jOak8bbn0OoOAjFPoQu4Lv73Vw0tWYA7MtbDlCFQxiF04tlx4xepQUlhwDDXGfy7Hk0ZVDwx6tFePaJXtlZ_XkMszlzdG-_BhLq4Nia4xfVyWJCBd3dHt0JcoJY/s640/186.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dual space? What's that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Organu, the last planet in this area to explore before heading back, is home to a race that looks like giant broccoli, although thinner and obvious arms (4) and legs (2). As I consider these thoughts, I hear laughter all around me and a voice inside my head; "Greetings," it says. Telepathy! Now this is an exciting ability. It takes over two weeks to learn, but I finally pick it up. What great luck, if three abilities is enough, then surely four is better. There's also a swamp where some bio-engineering research is conducted. It reminds me a lot of Bugeye, except smells worse. Here I can distill a unit of Primordial Soup with the right materials.<br />
<br />
I guess it's time to figure out a way through the Boundary. Brute force is the only option I've found. At first, I attempt to use some deft maneuvering I learned from some smugglers. If timed right, enough speed built up, and angled correctly, then it's possible to get through the scanning drones without being detected. This didn't happen. The Border Patrol is altered. Only one option left. Surprisingly, I could have gotten by without the Ship Shield Generator. Equipment available in normal markets is all that's necessary. I disable the ship, and am now free to come and go as I please.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglgLYrQhkK9GvPqNxDb8jcarqBj7hmtIv0r5AeaVkZuV6yT-bj626Y5FUO6rnN8h1_hUWDozQZgWd6KtHrF8ExD_i-xfVuWTxP7VXKQYtpFLCS50RyWQ_3s5ilBDq2zP7YJ4QCUZDcw8/s1600/480.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglgLYrQhkK9GvPqNxDb8jcarqBj7hmtIv0r5AeaVkZuV6yT-bj626Y5FUO6rnN8h1_hUWDozQZgWd6KtHrF8ExD_i-xfVuWTxP7VXKQYtpFLCS50RyWQ_3s5ilBDq2zP7YJ4QCUZDcw8/s640/480.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much easier on return trips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrive, but with doubt in my mind. Doubt that I'll fit in with what I now know. Knowing about Vanessa Chang, the possible threat to humans, and an obscure power known as dual space has changed me. Change won't happen in the Nine Worlds.<br />
<br />
I show off my "three" abilities to those that funded my trip. After all expected pleasantries are exchanged, I'm informed that a strange energy is emanating from the Galactic Arm. This energy is causing space to fluctuate.<br />
<br />
This is an annoying part of Star Saga. Since I visited Hootenaller, I should already know about fluctuations in space, dual space. I'm told that constants in the laws of physics are slightly altered with this unknown energy. The connection to the variance in pi is obvious to me. Yet, this is what the passage reads, "You take a few minutes to review what you have seen in your travels that could relate to this discovery but you come up empty." This isn't the only time it happens, as many of the passages are written as generic as possible, able to be read in any order and make sense. All possibilities can't be accounted for, but this one is the least acceptable.<br />
<br />
A possible link is made between my ability to learn alien abilities and the strange energy. My path is becoming obvious, I need to discover the source of the energy. To do so, I need a Tri-axis Drive Booster to enter the Galactic Arm. I'm told of a planet, Outpost. I can use it as a stepping stone to enter the Fringe. I'm given a Flame Jewel before departing. It's a necessary item to create the Tri-axis Drive.<br />
<br />
My plan is now to swoop across the lower galaxy, and continue to explore the unknown planets. Final preparations are made. Next stop is the planet at 163-B. I make my way past Wellmet, and on past the Ghost Worlds once more.<br />
<br />
I'm stopped dead in my tracks just past Wellmet. A voice comes over the radio. "Har, har, har..."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDewnww5q4pd5Axv1xIZ20jt7Ez2R4FzabFzCyG6bkqlhUugE8Mosaq9Kh4a1NMmwtNlp6VivB09PcERggdPgtTWVu9bdIP103UFqNvrRP4WTuhKNjHX0mtqAPQVCq8YTKTEWtLldbt4o/s1600/836.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDewnww5q4pd5Axv1xIZ20jt7Ez2R4FzabFzCyG6bkqlhUugE8Mosaq9Kh4a1NMmwtNlp6VivB09PcERggdPgtTWVu9bdIP103UFqNvrRP4WTuhKNjHX0mtqAPQVCq8YTKTEWtLldbt4o/s640/836.png" width="640" /></a></div>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-48835145523832524782012-07-02T21:21:00.003-07:002012-07-02T22:06:39.055-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Professor Forever VoyagingPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If
you're looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest
looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Note: <i>In
my mind, Professor Lee Dambroke is a man, so I'll refer to him with the proper
pronouns for that assumption. The game never indicates gender for the
main characters.</i><br />
<br />
Expanding my search beyond the inner planets, I set my sites on Supa. I'm greeted there by western themed buildings and an agricultural people. Supa was terraformed into lush farmland, meant to be a source of Food during the Great Expansion. Abandoned during the construction of the Boundary, Supa's civilization took a step down in technology. They've made great strides to return to their previous status, but they've kept the low point of their technology in all things except farming in memory of what hardship they've had to suffer.<br />
<br />
The tavern proves to be a good source of information on the Ghost Worlds, and the I take note of the shipyard for later. With Food in hand I make my way towards Crater to get the Cargo Drone, which will allow quicker gains in commodities. On the way I stopped by Bugeye.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8419sjPI0IyJgmOlGhw7ta3TEbw9q85rlQWb4JUs_mWmjU1vqrxBR74RzDqdL1iIffxf4bWZL4kgsXu4fLooAKfc0uGOso8zlHANWnAX5-uQOZuUN10NFe_K-mRsiYM2GSxJD70L9ebs/s1600/799.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8419sjPI0IyJgmOlGhw7ta3TEbw9q85rlQWb4JUs_mWmjU1vqrxBR74RzDqdL1iIffxf4bWZL4kgsXu4fLooAKfc0uGOso8zlHANWnAX5-uQOZuUN10NFe_K-mRsiYM2GSxJD70L9ebs/s640/799.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a fairly average size for passages that provide general information. (Tavern on Supa)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bugeye is named quite literally from the experience here (bugs in your eye?). The land is teeming with insect life. It seems they're conducting genetic experiments on life using a strange compound. Helping out in an expedition gains me the favor of one of the biologists who shares some Primordial Soup (not for drinking). I know from the families on Wellmet that this is one of the rare materials I can trade for any 3 regular commodities; for now I'll hold on to it. Before leaving I stop by the Director's place who quickly welcomes me, suggests he's been brought up to speed, and offers me some Skin Armor. I graciously accept, although I wonder how I've come to be so well known on such a remote planet.<br />
<br />
Excited to get a cargo drone, I make my way off Bugeye. According to my notes it requires 2 Food and 1 Crystals, and I'm short the Crystals. Luckily Moiran has Crystals and is only a short detour from Crater. My visit to both is uneventful, and I start using my new cargo drone to quickly fill up my inventory.<br />
<br />
While I wait between various trades, I head towards the farthest known planet, Cathedral. I don't expect to find much, and I'm not disappointed. The only good that comes from this trip is a source of Fiber, which I've yet to find elsewhere. It was strange to find a member of the Final Church of Man this far out, but he wouldn't speak with me at all. Possibly I could get more out of him if I were a follower of the church. Also, of note, but not much use, are the remains of the Archangel--stripped clean.<br />
<br />
Having wasted enough turns, I now have a full cargo bay on my ship and drone. I make my way back through my notes to find all the personal and ship equipment I could possibly buy. I even go through my currently irreplaceable Fluids and Medicine to claim some choice pieces. Finally, I feel well prepared to explore the unknown.<br />
<br />
My last stop was Crater which has the majority of starting equipment.
Counter-clockwise seems to be working for me, so I stick with it as I
explore the unknown planets. My first discovery is Jaquar (1-V).<br />
<br />
Jaquar
isn't really a planet at all, and it's some time before I locate any
life forms. The aliens here have colonized a cluster of asteroids in an
asteroid belt. Upon landing, and am greeted by a hulking four-armed gold furry Darscian, who I don't understand at all.<br />
<br />
My only option here is to learn their language. This takes 14 phases
or 7 if I had a Universal Translator (or Telepathy!). Spending the two
weeks to learn High Darscian pays off, and I learn much about their
culture as well.<br />
<br />
Darscians are an aggression-less race that no longer feel anger,
hate, jealousy, or fear, but it wasn't always this way, having a long
history of bloody violent wars far worse than those in human history.
They were visited during their pre-space days by an alien race they call
"Mentors." During their visit, the Mentors taught them much about their
advanced technology, but withheld the secret of space flight.
Overwhelmed with a need to explore the, Darscians agreed to undergo genetic
manipulation that would remove their aggressive nature in exchange for
the ability to go into space and explore other worlds.<br />
<br />
It seemed like a good trade, and the Darscians don't seem to regretted the
decision (although it's hard to tell since they don't show many emotions). However, because of their non-aggressive nature, they're
forced to colonize locations that other races wouldn't consider wanting.
This is the reason they're in this asteroid cluster.<br />
<br />
With the mastery of their language, I learn they have five settlements.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSey0iN-wFx0IbvhifQ79VZny45TjIW0VygqZLob3rgx-JeZc_g5rkuoLG2uAEuLiXEE2xQS0fctlhb6I_Nug3hCq3cnkwenJrD_ZttTBOIP6IzMliWXqoY0D3nQ9agJfc0WdnOsAuNec/s1600/185.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSey0iN-wFx0IbvhifQ79VZny45TjIW0VygqZLob3rgx-JeZc_g5rkuoLG2uAEuLiXEE2xQS0fctlhb6I_Nug3hCq3cnkwenJrD_ZttTBOIP6IzMliWXqoY0D3nQ9agJfc0WdnOsAuNec/s640/185.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many options are purely informational, but at least this one has some game related resources listed.<br />
This doesn't mean I now know where the planets are, just that they exist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spend some time learning about their anti-gravity technology. After fumbling around for weeks in the low
gravity, one of the Darscians shows pity towards me and offers an Inertia-Control Belt for free.<br />
<br />
Having learned all I can from the Darscians here, I move on. Shortly
after take off I'm directed to a passage of text that suggests I'm
taking a while to complete my mission, and chastises me for only having
found one ability.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JbFQmOn_qbMY4tzXsPeKDNJ4Z3NKbm5wk7vltviivDBjFpL1ZEGVkZqwfiFMgahfUsBYZa7MG4NoQcfW3UJKkbIfO05pQIMusR0fo-TCOdJ4oxjW8kji8-_SS8ClsgW-f7D2Kk6wc3w/s1600/695.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JbFQmOn_qbMY4tzXsPeKDNJ4Z3NKbm5wk7vltviivDBjFpL1ZEGVkZqwfiFMgahfUsBYZa7MG4NoQcfW3UJKkbIfO05pQIMusR0fo-TCOdJ4oxjW8kji8-_SS8ClsgW-f7D2Kk6wc3w/s640/695.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if this means I should be hurrying or not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next planet, Baphi, has an abandoned dome structure as
the only notable feature. Exploring it I find an advanced civilization
once lived here, but may not have been able to cope with gravitational
forces of the surrounding four moons. It looks to have been quickly
deserted, as I find much of the technology left behind.<br />
<br />
In abundance is a pool of chemicals that I can extract Fluids from
for free (at the cost of 4 phases per 1). Additional exploration has me
find an alien exercise machine that--when powered on--quickly grabs me
and works me out. After about an hour of struggling to get away it
finally releases me. On my way back to the ship, I notice that I
can run much faster, and note that I now have Superhuman Speed.
Strangely, I don't get a passage telling me this is an alien ability to show off, so
I don't know if it counts towards my three.<br />
<br />
Before I leave, I investigate a strange humming sound. A helmet is
the source, and it's connected to a power generator. Curious, I don the
Helmet and am overwhelmed by visions. Before I can get the full vision,
I'm forced to remove the helmet.<br />
<br />
When I get back to the computer portion of the game, I'm faced with a
choice. Do I put the helmet back on, or do I leave it alone? The
passage of text does not mention this is a repeatable action, so this is
a final decision. For the first time, I'm at a more interactive portion
of the game where while the choice is still yes or no, I have to decide
now at this moment what course I want to plot.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mozomedia.com/images/ss/helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.mozomedia.com/images/ss/helmet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mozomedia.com/apple2/2011/02/star-saga-one-second-session-curse-you-space-mutt/">JJ Sonick's Blog</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hoping to learn more, possibly gain some knowledge of the aliens
that left this behind, I boldly place the helmet back on my head. Again
and again a vision taunts me, and the helmet is sapping my strength. A
third, fourth, and fifth time I use it until...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbBMKuT96NRjVsysXyWxL5E7yNDuwyfIiH-b0MjTbmT0rmWyteKIgXBIHe_wt434ADg-Pz5eYfWlSDrL-hLxpFcbMSoONAwrJ7pOLAqcPnqYnVKMzu0XPgcmZSV5asSuouWGkAF8IS04/s1600/476.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbBMKuT96NRjVsysXyWxL5E7yNDuwyfIiH-b0MjTbmT0rmWyteKIgXBIHe_wt434ADg-Pz5eYfWlSDrL-hLxpFcbMSoONAwrJ7pOLAqcPnqYnVKMzu0XPgcmZSV5asSuouWGkAF8IS04/s640/476.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may be lucky that this is still an early planet; otherwise, I might be dead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I should have stopped at some point instead of tempting fate, but the chance to learn more about the aliens, or receive the final ability got the better of my curiosity. Having expended my options, and recovering from my trauma, I load up on some Fluids and head off for the next planet.<br />
<br />
My next stop is Withel, where I find another alien race; this time
they're not completely organic. They seem to have gone through extensive
cybernetic implant surgery. After teaching one of them earth standard,
I'm able to communicate with everyone thanks to technology that turns my
language into a data pack that gets distributed to everyone.<br />
<br />
While searching for the market I end up striking up a conversation
with the space station where it's located. I'm actually speaking with Taffyn, who was the leader at the time an advanced alien race
showed up, now the integrated into the space station housing the commodities market. Since those on Withel were so impressed by technological
advancements, the aliens introduced them to the bio-mechanical
enhancements they enjoy today. They're created by something called 'The Constructor' , again built by the visiting aliens.<br />
<br />
Not all is well though, those in power control the device and all
cybernetics mysteriously breakdown after a year unless properly
maintained by The Constructor. In addition, the cost is high since demand is
ever present, so there's a large divide between the rich and the poor.<br />
<br />
There's no option for myself to undergo any modification,
but I wouldn't consider it an alien ability in the first place. I wonder
if these could be the Mentors that visited the Darscians. I make note
of the Iron for trade, and move on.<br />
<br />
All the while I've been using by cargo drone to trade and gain a
wealth of commodities. With available Iron I can now get a few more
pieces of equipment. I've been exploring the top of the map, so after
the last one in that line, I'll make my way back to the Ghost Worlds to
do some more trading.<br />
<br />
I find the planet Gnarsh to be my next stop. It seems home
to constant civil war between various factions. According to ship
records though, the inhabitants are friendly to other species.
Though, attempting to land initiates combat as one of the aliens
decides, "what's one more casualty?" Not really having a choice I engaged the fighter jet. With my fully equipped ship I send
him on his way, smoke trails following.<br />
<br />
After that rocky start I'm greeted by some rather friendly if odd
looking aliens. They speak in a melodic tonal language where emphasis is
on how you say something rather than what you say. To complicate matters, each province has their own variation on the language, like a
dialect. After learning the root words though, it's easy enough to pick up the
various regional changes to the language.<br />
<br />
Gnarsh is rich in Fluids, and the history of the people indicates
they were a highly technological world on the verge of world peace, and
exploration into the galaxy. It's then that they were visited by an
advanced alien race (I'm beginning to see a pattern here). These aliens
taught them all about advanced techniques for creating a communications system. Using this, the Gnarshians created a global communications system. It was used at the scheduled peace summit. The
summit wasn't a success, and every attempt at another one has had the
same result, all out war; this completely goes against the final message from the aliens, that peace was the only worthwhile goal in life. Yet, I'm starting to get the feeling these aliens are not completely altruistic.<br />
<br />
A potentially successful race has been reduced to constant feuding just after they had successfully created a tri-axis drive (!). Much of that technology was lost to time, but I do find out that a Gradient Filter (one of the pieces to construct the drive) is located on another unknown planet, Gironde. I noticed something very odd while attending one of these peace conferences. They rely completely on the communication system, and it seems to be at the root of all their feuding.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB3pBnVHro9s-ScTem1FHVZo7mKR7XCo_rjM0T8FRSwSKaSlY1ic5vXOd7u-Ir1Yt4f-SqVQrDTLoKAP-G52nC_50pS1soEN0fCp4t-eb9SVTI68sQG9IA2mgztxM6uCYQMum5Y0L3ko/s1600/128.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB3pBnVHro9s-ScTem1FHVZo7mKR7XCo_rjM0T8FRSwSKaSlY1ic5vXOd7u-Ir1Yt4f-SqVQrDTLoKAP-G52nC_50pS1soEN0fCp4t-eb9SVTI68sQG9IA2mgztxM6uCYQMum5Y0L3ko/s640/128.png" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No time to help another race of aliens killing each other over a complete misunderstanding, need to go show off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems I can't do anything with this revelation in-game though, and don't have anything more to pursue here. The Fluids are nice, as the only other source requires me to be on Baphi. I pick up some weapons before I head out to the orange trisector in the upper left quadrant of the map.<br />
<br />
Firthe provides a similar story to all other planets visited. A long time ago, about 50 - 100 thousand years prior--on the verge of this planet's people becoming space travelers--an alien race visited . This time however, the aliens were aggressive green scaled monsters bent on destroying them. Luckily the intelligent life on Firthe lived deep below the ocean surface, and the visiting aliens couldn't reach them; however, their attack had its intended result. The Firthians now feared they were not prepared for space travel.<br />
<br />
All technology is currently focused on improving their biology in order to survive in all possible environments, including deep space without the need for a ship. Their technology proves useful to me, as I now have two options from visiting: building a super space suit, which provides similar protection as they have gained through their genetic manipulation to explore harsh environments, and purchasing a Particle Catalyst, which is used in various high level chemical reactions. The Firthians also prove to be a good source of Medicine.<br />
<br />
As I head back to the Ghost Worlds with enough cargo to purchase what I can, I stop by 91-O on the way. I'm still holding out hope that I find a source of Computers or Radioactives. Instead I find a remote asteroid station that identifies itself as Sto.Sta.7. As I approach the station, I'm immediately met with a mechanized voice blaring across my radio. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iG5S0xNcFZUU6hRj54Rdlab0LKIoFT6h8yaj3WXMMkTitpaOpiExMDpPRwsNK71V8_rHSa7FNyGGWuJO-cOHhTvYLaXGSxLcdl2YTcwa5V_6R26yeXgv_cYQYe60bcvLyzzlPOz-5Zo/s1600/880.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iG5S0xNcFZUU6hRj54Rdlab0LKIoFT6h8yaj3WXMMkTitpaOpiExMDpPRwsNK71V8_rHSa7FNyGGWuJO-cOHhTvYLaXGSxLcdl2YTcwa5V_6R26yeXgv_cYQYe60bcvLyzzlPOz-5Zo/s640/880.png" width="640" /></a></div>
In all cases of combat so far, there hasn't been an option to retreat without attempting to engage the enemy. It seems like an oversight, especially when facing such an imposing force. I'll return with the results soon, as that's as far as I've come in 100 turns.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-57836560066231591602012-07-01T19:59:00.000-07:002012-07-01T19:59:01.922-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Professor L. D. On Alien AbilitiesPlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If
you're looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest
looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Note: <i>In
my mind, Professor Lee Dambroke is a man, so I'll refer to him with the proper
pronouns for that assumption. The game never indicates gender for the
main characters.</i><br />
<br />
After a short introduction, I'm left to my own devices on the planet of Wellmet. I exhaust my options by going to the various markets. Welmet is mostly controlled by rich smuggling families. I learned that it might be possible to smuggle supplies by busting through the border patrol using superior firepower. Quite possibly, this'll be how I get back to Harvard.<br />
<br />
With little else to do, I make my way to the next closest planet in a counter-clockwise motion, Para-Para. The planet is a desolate black rock, hardly visible. People have colonized the planet, inhabiting an underground sphere. It's an ideal location if you have something to hide. Nearly everyone I met here was a scientist of some kind, as is Dr. Peterson. Benefiting from a quick love affair, I learn that some people on Para-Para make regular trips through the Boundary. Not a year out and my mind is already blown that the impenetrable Boundary is anything but.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdVZwXQpJqQZrCWbGdHaOIFsGsLBX1jmVjaGRLFqfNeBcP5D5jKEiNrs1bP7I9FQjTwJ1CRj6G9MxsfebYaGK8EU7TGAsjx3FMhvp1sk92BoVIZW0Vnu1cp1H9j_LEo0A7rYUycisq74/s1600/431.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdVZwXQpJqQZrCWbGdHaOIFsGsLBX1jmVjaGRLFqfNeBcP5D5jKEiNrs1bP7I9FQjTwJ1CRj6G9MxsfebYaGK8EU7TGAsjx3FMhvp1sk92BoVIZW0Vnu1cp1H9j_LEo0A7rYUycisq74/s640/431.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I've been lucky that this is the only nearly unreadable scan I've come across. Anyone have a better one?<br />My best translation:<br />When [...] [...] the two of you, alone together in the doctor's apartment, you pass the time in a variety of ways, all of them memorable. While you're cuddled together on the couch, sadly agreeing with each other what a shame it is that all good things have to come to an end, "Doc" suddenly grins from ear to ear and suggests that this doesn't have to end so soon. "Why don't you come with me to see 'Sundown Road?'"<br />If you would like to do so, plot the following option:<br />(WUGOEF) (7 phases) Accompany Dr. Peterson on a trip [...] the Boundary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It so happens that Dr. Peterson is attending a show, and invites me to come along. Not one to miss a chance to figure a way back into the Nine Worlds, I accept. The ride was uneventful thanks to advance knowledge of the patrol routes given to the pilots. Someone on Para-Para has some high connections. It's too much to hope this is an option to return to Harvard as I don't have an option to take the smuggling route again.<br />
<br />
On my own once again, I do a little digging into the secure areas and find one building under heavy lock and key. My first attempt to defeat the defenses of the alarmed door prove futile as I have no weapons to speak of. With the alarm triggered I rush off planet. Earlier I happened to pick up some Fuel using the Crystals I traded for during the tutorial (a brief visit to the Moiran market).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryr9hot84wWXFT3cQEZmh1rJ40892bl0aU3338Mn-uIirh4o35hHzHImLX-98X2HlLjpHcXdWJN5F6c-6jdTtcmRuJMC6mIOQMv4ErZDH7oqfAM2lElmUS0KCxU3rIZUE0kf23KnHeS4/s1600/212.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryr9hot84wWXFT3cQEZmh1rJ40892bl0aU3338Mn-uIirh4o35hHzHImLX-98X2HlLjpHcXdWJN5F6c-6jdTtcmRuJMC6mIOQMv4ErZDH7oqfAM2lElmUS0KCxU3rIZUE0kf23KnHeS4/s640/212.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some options are one-time use, others can be repeated.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Making some gains in commodities proved useful as I exchanged the newly acquired Fuel for some Munitions. Thinking it best to pick up a weapon and armor I purchase an Exploder and Laser Reflector. Feeling a little more confident, I move on to Medsun (the alarmed door can wait).<br />
<br />
Medsun is the first planet I arrive on that has native alien lifeforms. Real talking aliens! I can hardly contain myself! The Medsunians resemble humans--although a little shorter on the average--except for their bright yellow skin. As they approach, I also notice they have three necks. I later come to learn each neck is fully functional, and an alien can survive even if two of these are severed.<br />
<br />
Needing to sate my appetite for knowledge regarding these beings, I attend a lecture at their Academy of Knowledge. Here I learn that everyone on Medsun lives in peace; absolutely no heated arguments. This is due to a special form of... empathy is the closest thing I can equate it to. I'm surprised when the aliens offer to teach it to me, free of charge. This is exactly what I've been looking for.<br />
<br />
I spend the better part of two weeks learning this new ability, Phrmm. During this time, I'm staying at the academy studying and practicing day and night. Finally, I believe I have the basic concept down, and am able to use the ability to some degree of success. The constant urge to move on, explore, and learn more is the only thing that holds me back from true mastery. It's the philosophy of removing all threatening feelings that seems to keep everyone at peace, and causes many to stay on Medsun. In fact, it was assumed I'd stay as well.<br />
<br />
The Medsunians were helping themselves to my cargo when I arrived back to my ship. I became enraged--about ready to shoot someone--when a Medsun native apologized for the misunderstanding, as everyone who has learned Phrmm has stayed. Immediately my anger dissipated. Some of my cargo was missing, anger rising. Medsun said they couldn't find it, anger lowering. Obviously I was under the influence of Phrmm, but even knowing it I was powerless in the face of it. I resolved to leave before they helped themselves to anything else.<br />
<br />
Next planet is Crater. As I surveyed the planet, I became locked in a tractor beam. Crater is a military stronghold with enough firepower to take on the Border Patrol. They are a suspicious lot, paranoid to be proper. After interrogating me for days, they deemed me not a threat (maybe the Phrmm was helpful after all). I was free to explore.<br />
<br />
Without a large cargo bay filled with commodities I didn't have much to do here. I took a course in combat techniques, which helped explain the basics. I also made note of the cargo bay drone that would allow me to trade with planets without visiting them in person, definitely a handy piece of equipment for an intrepid explorer like myself.<br />
<br />
I made my way back to Moiran, a small smuggling planet with a sulfuric atmosphere that burns at my nose. Forgoing my environmental suit so to blend in a bit better, I suffer through it as I make my way to a local hang out known as Dee's Palace. I'm offered a table and drink while the waitress gets me a "menu." Only a few sips into my drink and the room starts spinning. I suppose I stuck out anyway. I wake up in the alley, head throbbing, and one less Laser Reflector in my possession.<br />
<br />
Hoping to recover my equipment, I head over to Tony the Shark. I don't find my missing Reflector, neither can I afford any of the other equipment. While heading back to my ship, the fumes of the back alleys start to get to me; I end up making several wrong turns. Before long a mugger approaches me brandishing a blaster. "I could really use that Laser Reflector now," I think to myself.<br />
<br />
Focusing my thoughts, I use Phrmm to turn away the menace the mugger eyes me with, allowing me to lob an exploder without harm. Knocking him out, I relieve the unconscious form of his Blaster. I'm relieved that Phrmm is about as good as any armor for the time being. Before going back to the ship, I stop by the Phase Steel refinery. After greasing the palm of the bookkeeper, I'm told Phase Steel is generally bought up months in advance by the Families of Wellmet, and the Border Patrol. The Border Patrol! Smuggling resources! In any case, I now have a connection for any excess surplus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgEV_GDu5XytnXJ07QzmwMdwPNxCi05jW7lbQREAlZ_LLUTFV-o0Bb5bDg7M9oW0SJEU5NEtQGt0Dy3Ar1z1cbW3VmXqXW7IpmsR3qLb8fGQ4hfWHLj5qG-FBs3J5J6OcbkWwZDAUoEI/s1600/659.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgEV_GDu5XytnXJ07QzmwMdwPNxCi05jW7lbQREAlZ_LLUTFV-o0Bb5bDg7M9oW0SJEU5NEtQGt0Dy3Ar1z1cbW3VmXqXW7IpmsR3qLb8fGQ4hfWHLj5qG-FBs3J5J6OcbkWwZDAUoEI/s640/659.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CGM is the Computer Game Master, basically the computer portion of the game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Resolved to leave Moiran for now, I head back to Para-Para to break through that alarmed door. It doesn't stand a chance again the exploder, and I'm lucky to have raised no attention in the process. Inside I find a utility closet with a lab coat. Using my new disguise to gain what information I can about the internal workings of Para-Para, I find it quite easy to move around without questions. Apparently the lab coat I have on also comes with an air of authority.<br />
<br />
Eventually I gain access to a secure terminal for a short time, and find they're investigating the Space Plague. The information suggests the plague was a manufactured virus as it seems genetically disposed to attack humans with no "junk DNA" present in all other natural life. The reason for only killing half the population is unknown. Before I can learn more, I notice the analyst whose desk I'm sitting at returning from his coffee break.<br />
<br />
As I rise I notice a familiar face. The man who gave me the star maps back on Wellmet, he works here. He probably wouldn't be too pleased to find me here, so I duck around and head back to the entrance. Removing the lab coat and replacing it where I found it, I return to my ship, head still reeling over all the new information I've learned recently regarding the Boundary, the Border Patrol, and now the Space Plague. What does it all mean?Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-75296063122929352392012-07-01T14:31:00.000-07:002012-07-01T14:31:43.933-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Professor Lee Dambroke, I PresumePlease note that each character entry will contain spoilers. If you're looking for an overview of the basics of this game, I suggest looking <a href="http://sidequestsaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/star-saga-one-beyond-boundary-basics.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Note: <i>In my mind, Lee Dambroke is a man, so I'll refer to him with the proper pronouns for that assumption. The game never indicates gender for the main characters. </i><br />
<br />
As a dean on the university planet of Harvard, Lee Dambroke holds a position of some respect. Unfortunately, his subject of choice is Xenobiology, not necessarily a bad field; however, given the current climate among the Nine Worlds with the boundary and all, study of alien life has been restricted to unintelligent bugs on Frontier (the last planet colonized among the Nine Worlds). Feeling progress in his field has come to halt, the good professor concludes he must strike out on his own and discover new alien life.<br />
<br />
In a fit of excitement, Professor Dambroke submitted a proposal to explore the galaxy for alien life. In it he described the possibility of learning alien abilities and techniques. Postulating a human technique like calculating a mathematical expression in one's head--while natural to us--could seem like magic to aliens. Imagine then what kind of abilities aliens may possess that appear magical to humans, but are completely natural to them. He even goes as far as suggesting humans could learn to hone such abilities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX22rlQRlBscUvDl2zCNCMRva5xrlmRH4A5vHKygREHxEQvL7T4LTPC0qNJB4c6GIKVospWyULh-fIgtaIVKdmGGzTFUlKRTSaqqsj33qRUwwQwrTDw98zdTn-EFlSmN1r8xw8qgvl4E/s1600/dambroke.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX22rlQRlBscUvDl2zCNCMRva5xrlmRH4A5vHKygREHxEQvL7T4LTPC0qNJB4c6GIKVospWyULh-fIgtaIVKdmGGzTFUlKRTSaqqsj33qRUwwQwrTDw98zdTn-EFlSmN1r8xw8qgvl4E/s640/dambroke.GIF" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a kid, I thought this was a picture of his ship, and I didn't want to travel around with such creepy things.<br />(Source: Character Manual via <a href="http://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2011/01/game-43-star-saga-one-beyond-boundary.html">CRPG Addict</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not expecting much, Lee goes about his day thinking he'll have to put the whole notion behind him. A response was received yesterday; a meeting is set for this afternoon. The previous night included a restless dream with much foreshadowing. He awakens with the image of a dragon, and a voice calling, "Do you have the message?"<br />
<br />
Dean Myers of the Planning Committee arranged the meeting, and has made provisions for departure. Interested in the idea of bringing back and demonstrating alien abilities beyond human comprehension, she--and an unnamed group of people--commissioned a ship with some cargo supplies. The terms are thus, learn three demonstrable alien "magical" abilities, return to Harvard, and prove something or other. Really the main draw is to show we can learn magic from aliens.<br />
<br />
Professor Lee Dambroke sets off beyond the boundary in his newly christened ship, The Black Abyss.<br />
<br />
Thus the game begins, although the training wheels haven't come off quite yet. The first 5 turns are predetermined for each character. Attempting to deviate from the path results in screen telling you what your next move should be.<br />
<br />The first 5 turns are an introduction to the most common actions: Landing on a planet, trading commodities in the market, taking off, navigating trisectors, and gathering information. The tutorial ends after Lee receives some new star maps from a mysterious stranger. This tall thin man suggest the maps are none other than the lost maps of Vanessa Chang. At first not believing him, then thinking him crazy, and finally accepting of the possibility, Lee loads the disks in his computer's navigation system.<br />
<br />
Now Imagine if you will, struggling to learn a new game as it was back 1988-89. You have in front of you 13 books that hold various passages (noting the last is number 888), 6 character booklets, a player guide for each of 6 possible players, a general rule book, and a star map of modest size. (Also included is a mysteriously sealed "Document Two -- DO NOT OPEN" as I found it as a kid.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mocagh.org/miscgame/starsaga-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://mocagh.org/miscgame/starsaga-map.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://mocagh.org/loadpage.php?query=[publisher]MasterPlay+Publishing+Corporation">Museum of Computer Adventure Game History</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The game is instructing you how to play, and directs you through 2 of the currently 7 possible planets. You reach the last turn of the tutorial expecting to finally get a hold of the game. When suddenly, the computer instructs you to open "Document Two" and proceed with the rest of the turn. This happens after receiving the long lost star maps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mocagh.org/miscgame/starsaga-documenttwo-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://mocagh.org/miscgame/starsaga-documenttwo-back.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">^ This becomes... This v</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mocagh.org/thumb/starsaga-documenttwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://mocagh.org/thumb/starsaga-documenttwo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://mocagh.org/loadpage.php?query=[publisher]MasterPlay+Publishing+Corporation">Museum of Computer Adventure Game History</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-68774802561770299732012-07-01T14:24:00.000-07:002012-07-01T14:24:22.225-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - The BasicsI was writing the first post for my playthrough of Professor Lee Dambroke and realized I was explaining a lot of the basics of the game. Seeing as how this will apply to all characters, I decided to put all that extra information here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGXWnFri5OXxhX97b1aLHqZjHn38SMva9IOg4cOd_jcKvzzr7FX2x_dxqnZijaYg61z_y8mUiMqfmjNucXz_D3XI8xQP3ZnFySbDKsMdkthabFnEpZs4QEHy8D0CjMdRRGxK2kHBqVlI/s1600/Title-StarSaga1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGXWnFri5OXxhX97b1aLHqZjHn38SMva9IOg4cOd_jcKvzzr7FX2x_dxqnZijaYg61z_y8mUiMqfmjNucXz_D3XI8xQP3ZnFySbDKsMdkthabFnEpZs4QEHy8D0CjMdRRGxK2kHBqVlI/s320/Title-StarSaga1.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><b>The Interface</b></u><br />
The interface is controlled by a one key driven menu system, usually
single letters but there are other options as well. These unlisted options are given or special events occur as the result of exploration. Navigating space is as
simple as pressing the key that corresponds to the color of an adjoining
sector. The map is laid out in such a way that no two colors are
touching.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXLP0lQIEmXbNIaIh6cPwyXb6Yj1xp6a5lWvklQHzqFQ93cQN4o3KYJx_LaizYCkf-9OBImoJPPmoelYXUP8knYuRtZQFUwoGiF-ExOoF2rKO7mw81fhdqNC6_X4vvv5EagWNT2dTD6Q/s1600/Colorblind+Option.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXLP0lQIEmXbNIaIh6cPwyXb6Yj1xp6a5lWvklQHzqFQ93cQN4o3KYJx_LaizYCkf-9OBImoJPPmoelYXUP8knYuRtZQFUwoGiF-ExOoF2rKO7mw81fhdqNC6_X4vvv5EagWNT2dTD6Q/s320/Colorblind+Option.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choice of Black & White or Color! (Blue & White)<br />Ironically, this screen also showcases color-blind mode. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Additionally, there's a color-blind friendly mode (although
it's a bit clunky since it uses the same color keys: V for Violet, B for
Blue, etc.). To enable it, press the '#', and disable it the same way. Are there any other games at this time that were doing this? Even today it's rare.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UTkYg-ySjgYVAt1RTfKThytln5uHqaDdFWbrFRdkn6Ra6vokbmL3XjcPyzRvjvabFuAGHIFxaIvHpw7P8ACxj5Nh9Xfbr_fwHVQqYBqDaGmrvKG9EVzyt1Pd1flff5t5mTUJinU8jy4/s1600/Color-blind.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UTkYg-ySjgYVAt1RTfKThytln5uHqaDdFWbrFRdkn6Ra6vokbmL3XjcPyzRvjvabFuAGHIFxaIvHpw7P8ACxj5Nh9Xfbr_fwHVQqYBqDaGmrvKG9EVzyt1Pd1flff5t5mTUJinU8jy4/s320/Color-blind.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display number, but continue to choose by color is more like it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I
first played I had no idea this existed, and I found this time through the help
menu. All screens have a help menu reached by '?' that explains
available options, and directs to the rulebook section for additional
details.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrz2B5bPMS_nkuV_RncXBdUzSfVbWBElv5Ekz_lbZ5pf-v9ox_5-FL99L9bBLIBA6Dta4Ilzio3TbvgxlKlxSc7CENjsr3A279epGlLsRQ6jaDqcRg7ODCWSizKaZRCevYo8_OIihs5k/s1600/Combat+Help.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrz2B5bPMS_nkuV_RncXBdUzSfVbWBElv5Ekz_lbZ5pf-v9ox_5-FL99L9bBLIBA6Dta4Ilzio3TbvgxlKlxSc7CENjsr3A279epGlLsRQ6jaDqcRg7ODCWSizKaZRCevYo8_OIihs5k/s320/Combat+Help.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the help screen for combat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Combat</b></u><br />
There are two types of combat hand-to-hand and ship-to-ship. A combat scenario can test your ability to attack, defend, or both. Want to break down a door? That'll test your attack, but there's no need for defense (unless it has counter-measures).<br />
<br />
Attack and Defense equipment come in three types: close combat, ranged combat, and special. For attacking this might mean a knife, a grenade, and mind-control. For defense, this could mean body armor, speed boots (to dodge), and Pheromones (to subdue the target from attacking).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTwdhQOutgXIJFMsBvj-vH-34PkhnfCWtfZHIZHqX0gAAK6L_0ymw2AFZhycbN2aYyZ91rYfdNJT0Ac24yb5H9JNAs77fOQnvOuROu6oxOFDFPB-Dw2gbn1Po4n8h3YDqtZmZ5qKuNKg/s1600/Ship-Combat.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTwdhQOutgXIJFMsBvj-vH-34PkhnfCWtfZHIZHqX0gAAK6L_0ymw2AFZhycbN2aYyZ91rYfdNJT0Ac24yb5H9JNAs77fOQnvOuROu6oxOFDFPB-Dw2gbn1Po4n8h3YDqtZmZ5qKuNKg/s320/Ship-Combat.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the most basic you'll want 12 pieces of equipment to cover all your needs in both types of combat, although you could get away with as little as 4 (1 attack and 1 defense for each type of combat). Compounding this, some weapons and armor are more effective against different opponents, which means you'll probably want to just collect everything. Don't worry about figuring out which one is best in each situation though, the computer takes care of that for you automatically.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Trading</b></u><br />
To get equipment, you'll need to delve into the commodities market. Each character starts with a few commodities. During the early game, it's advisable to always trade for a surplus (2 for 1 or 3 for 1). The only commodities not available on the Ghost Worlds (named planets on the map aside from the Nine Worlds) are Computers, Fluids, Iron, Medicine, and Radioactives. There are also rare materials that can be found or created; their use lies in the most powerful equipment.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVW-vXG2MJnDvbfF0uAMaucpcCN8xhJ7KSoB72b9-EEBhIB0Hjc7tiAUuxSpGP1qcKASbijfhLLYt7whogRV9hcwCXFTqG71Wy5dDtZVJ9h0UNSNnSY7zadN4yTE9wGpi8p26kFF5ioY/s1600/Trading.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVW-vXG2MJnDvbfF0uAMaucpcCN8xhJ7KSoB72b9-EEBhIB0Hjc7tiAUuxSpGP1qcKASbijfhLLYt7whogRV9hcwCXFTqG71Wy5dDtZVJ9h0UNSNnSY7zadN4yTE9wGpi8p26kFF5ioY/s320/Trading.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best version number ever?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the commodities market operates on a simple one-to-one type exchange, purchasing or creating equipment will often require many types of commodities. The starting cargo bay holds 10 units. Each planet can have one type of material that it has in abundance for trade. There are even planets where pure sources can be mined. Other planets won't even have a market to speak of.<br />
<br />
Before leaving the known worlds, it's possible to get a 3 unit cargo bay drone. The drone has jump drives that allow immediate travel to any trisector for immediate trading with a planet or player (including yourself). Only market trading with visited planets is possible; only commodities are allowed inside the drone. Jump drive technology--while fast--is toxic to life forms, which is why spaceships don't have instantaneous travel.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ659ly4dbcLI_FQwN8SYAZGtleuRRROzC-mJ0Wz9SdyCynOlX9yW5OtjWYkFBNK19rD9ngZjW1zheT5p1ym26MzywAWgnPS7aj8ynI4RCJf45oawqp03IKSZkeEjkfATtQUtR0JDWB40/s1600/Status+Screen.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ659ly4dbcLI_FQwN8SYAZGtleuRRROzC-mJ0Wz9SdyCynOlX9yW5OtjWYkFBNK19rD9ngZjW1zheT5p1ym26MzywAWgnPS7aj8ynI4RCJf45oawqp03IKSZkeEjkfATtQUtR0JDWB40/s320/Status+Screen.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Status screen shows cargo, equipment, and drones (Next Pages)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The status screen is accessible from most screens to take stock of equipment and cargo. If you make a trade, or gain an item, that causes you to exceed the storage limit, then you'll be forced to jettison the overstock. There's no other form of currency.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Play</b></u><br />
Each turn is one week and it's separated into 7 phases. Every action takes a certain number of phases. Space is separated into trisectors. Traveling between trisectors takes 1 phase. There are some barriers to travel called Space Walls. It's said that these areas are warped in such a way as to block hyperspace travel. Traveling on impulse engines would take years to accomplish, which renders the thought of going through them inconceivable.<br />
<br />
Some trisectors have planets you can land on. Landing the first time takes 7 phases, reduced to 1 on subsequent visits. Most inhabited planets have markets to trade, and all have some point of interest to investigate at least once.<br />
<br />
Outside the known worlds, planets are found on trisectors with a white space accompanied by a black dot. The names are blank because the planets are randomized every time you start a new game.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkQszMdyTx2XUjf7Zfe7fwnoXWz20j01gzZBD77Q2Cxc7d4e09jS9XCdvMjRcmflnAVUQtnCk0em1sF1H2JxeTyt2MsYwH3Dft33gE_XPIU2RKE7OEhHQ8TBrITZvV5xPqFhoxj07LbA/s1600/New+World.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkQszMdyTx2XUjf7Zfe7fwnoXWz20j01gzZBD77Q2Cxc7d4e09jS9XCdvMjRcmflnAVUQtnCk0em1sF1H2JxeTyt2MsYwH3Dft33gE_XPIU2RKE7OEhHQ8TBrITZvV5xPqFhoxj07LbA/s320/New+World.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firthe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When landing on an unknown planet you'll be told the name of the planet, and to mark it on your map. To keep our maps clean, we used post-it notes cut into strips. It worked quite well.<br />
<br />
Every planet is important to someone's main quest, and the name is the only piece of information that is supposed to be shared amongst players according to the rules. We never observed this, but I can see how it might make for some friendly competition.<br />
<br />
During the course of traveling through space, it's possible a random event will occur. Many are as innocuous as learning that Feldo trades in Medicine, but there's also the possibility of running into pirate ships.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcVfMy1GAvn2lZ4BApI-QtSId7gxftF-6qXODxmPi3MGhNHMSSJP8ff7aV3TrlGyhyphenhyphenY8SCrBg0D4r100IfUyKqXZuaVw-_hrNdYqYjCMf6i_jUvDkzoC3d7eirHMTywB51yT3iOVl-G8/s1600/468.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcVfMy1GAvn2lZ4BApI-QtSId7gxftF-6qXODxmPi3MGhNHMSSJP8ff7aV3TrlGyhyphenhyphenY8SCrBg0D4r100IfUyKqXZuaVw-_hrNdYqYjCMf6i_jUvDkzoC3d7eirHMTywB51yT3iOVl-G8/s640/468.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a lot of text to say, "Ethnar has Warp Core"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Glossary</u></b><br />
The rule book includes a glossary of terms, which is very comprehensive. It goes into some detail on equipment, locations, terms, and notable figures. If I start using terms you don't recognize, let me know and I'll write out the description; otherwise, you can look it up in the rule book. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYQEy5lCgp7vQDfX4h_nWTusoGs_zMss66dSMWBUAKjOw5Qaj3Q1hgqeeD5CRSZJucb7gX6YIT-kRwVBEkNm6DUTcC9ma2WDjAcyAheeco8Nn582-MTJtHhMHibuQWlqlKmpL7eapfJ4/s1600/Glossary.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYQEy5lCgp7vQDfX4h_nWTusoGs_zMss66dSMWBUAKjOw5Qaj3Q1hgqeeD5CRSZJucb7gX6YIT-kRwVBEkNm6DUTcC9ma2WDjAcyAheeco8Nn582-MTJtHhMHibuQWlqlKmpL7eapfJ4/s640/Glossary.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drawings alone make it worth browsing through this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Credits</b></u><br />
Credit where it's due. Any images of black text on white backgrounds are scans of the original game booklets. I hope none of the creators have a problem with me posting their work. Contact me, and I'll be happy to remove it if that's not the case. I reserve the right to bug you about Star Saga: Three though.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGsBjB2a3dtraEzSYVi0ZvzMOsoUXZLVhic5Sx693_UWlSdieOH_-oxti_Gg-ljPqZSiIAXPYJicvBa3aapGOcKZ2dRl6gbey4IJ8UrgZN_UYjWZhkL3ra6sZ6sK4oY64VKyGCmwPrps/s1600/Credits.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGsBjB2a3dtraEzSYVi0ZvzMOsoUXZLVhic5Sx693_UWlSdieOH_-oxti_Gg-ljPqZSiIAXPYJicvBa3aapGOcKZ2dRl6gbey4IJ8UrgZN_UYjWZhkL3ra6sZ6sK4oY64VKyGCmwPrps/s640/Credits.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real credits from the rule book. Thank you to everyone listed. Where do I submit corrections to the text books?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-47967974113694531492012-06-30T01:14:00.001-07:002012-07-01T14:38:41.980-07:00Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary - Introduction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za/files/StarSagaOne/CoverScan_Highres/Star-Saga-One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za/files/StarSagaOne/CoverScan_Highres/Star-Saga-One.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to tell, but the triangles were foil. (Source: <a href="http://www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za/star-saga-one/">What is the Apple IIGS?</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Star Saga: One - Beyond the Boundary is a combination computer game and board game. Leveraging physical books to hold the majority of the text, the computer game is focused on maintaining the rules, combat, several interactions where choices are necessary, and random encounters.<br />
<br />
The story starts at the year 2815 A.D. (will people laugh at this in 800 years?) where humans 300 years prior had been at the height of space exploration when stricken with an alien disease that wiped out half the population. In the intervening years, humans closed their borders where they've remained isolated from much of the far reaches. The new borders include 9 habitable planets: Atlantis, Earth, Endaur, Frontier, Harvard, Heaven, Leucothea, Monument, and Norstar. Each planet has some defining features that I'll get to as I play through the characters.<br />
<br />
There are six characters, each with different motivations to leave the Nine Worlds area. Departure from the boundary is never impeded; however, returning is met with the full force of the border patrol. Summarized from the player introduction sheet, this is what it says about each character:<br />
<ul>
<li>Laran Darkwatch - Disciple of the Final Church of Man located on Leucothea. Darkwatch leaves in search of a holy relic.</li>
<li>Jean G. Clerc - Attempting to build the ultimate spaceship, Clerc seeks technology far beyond what is available in the Nine Worlds.</li>
<li>Valentine Stewart - Raised outside the Nine Worlds, Valentine is to inherit a wealthy smuggling business. Before settling down, Valentine decides to go for a joy ride and sow some wild oats.</li>
<li>Corin Stoneseeker - A quest--spanning since the time before the boundary--for a rare lost Stone is the purpose of the family Stoneseeker. Corin decides it's time to fulfill this quest by leaving the safety of the Nine Worlds.</li>
<li>M. J. Turner - Space Patrol Boundary enforcer, Turner got on the wrong side of the admiral, and has been reassigned on the wrong side of the boundary.</li>
<li>Professor Lee Dambroke - A xenobiologist from the university planet of Harvard, Lee's purpose is to expand the knowledge base of his subject through first hand investigations into alien intelligence.</li>
</ul>
Along with ship names, this is about the only information we have on each character before deciding which one to play. In fact, the descriptions are written to avoid defining gender. This was meant to increase the role-play aspect by allowing either a male or female to play the character. I didn't get this as a kid though. My impression was always Laran and Jean were female, and all the rest were male.<br />
<br />
I'll be playing each of them eventually, so it really doesn't matter too much. For this first time, I'm going to pick up Professor Lee Dambroke. This was the character CRPG Addict had wanted to explore, and hopefully I can report on a good portion of the game before he gets into Star Saga Two.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9xrHnyxuD6vYhzfc2ikWxZ8oOmvGnO7b1cOykj-MNJtCNZTCytdKZ57Ti9HEFeliKEUTDVq6U9Hl-kTMY-FGd28Dm0acZZ6e1yiRygLsshTJjr96wcPT8A_-dSgkUU5bWjKNxpff7KA/s1600/StarSaga+Manual+Covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9xrHnyxuD6vYhzfc2ikWxZ8oOmvGnO7b1cOykj-MNJtCNZTCytdKZ57Ti9HEFeliKEUTDVq6U9Hl-kTMY-FGd28Dm0acZZ6e1yiRygLsshTJjr96wcPT8A_-dSgkUU5bWjKNxpff7KA/s320/StarSaga+Manual+Covers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once a character is chosen, you get to read their individual manual, which expands on their story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>My History with the Game</u></b>:<br />
<br />
This was an outstanding game from my childhood. My brother and I
found this and the second game in our den turned storage room. It'd
hardly been touched.<br />
<br />
As soon as we opened it up, we knew that our
weekend was lost. We played many times over, but I actually don't
remember much of the game. I do remember I would always play as Corin
Stoneseeker since his booklet was green. My brother made his way through
all the other characters.<br />
<br />
Being older, my brother did things like stay up all night, while I
could hardly hold my head up past 10. By the second night, the last
turn count I remember was ~130. The next morning M.J. Turner had over 480
turns racked up.<br />
<br />
We would play in quick succession, plan out multiple turns so as not
to hog the computer and jot down passages (to be read later) after
our turn was over. It worked well, and I don't remember waiting long
before being able to take my turn or vice versa.<br />
<br />
After a while, we moved on to Star Saga Two, but it was less memorable for me. I
remember it being more difficult to progress and harder to understand the next
steps. My brother says he finished it, and eventually we moved on to
other games before I had the chance.<br />
<br />
I always kept it around because I had intended to play it again. The
box was in shambles, but everything else was in great condition. Then
the fateful day came when I moved out from home, and left it behind. My
mom recalls possibly throwing it out.<br />
<br />
Later on, I found the disks, but couldn't find any way to play them.
Without the books I figured they'd be useless anyway. The only apple II
emulation site I knew of was <a href="http://virtualapple.org/" target="_blank">virtualapple.org</a>.
I figured this would be the perfect place to send the disks (and about
60 others that weren't listed on that site) in order to enjoy them
again. Nearly 5 years later, and Star Saga (along with the majority of
games sent) have not been added to the site. I also never got them back.
I gave up on that venture years ago, but maybe one day they'll appear.
Creating this blog reminded me of this, so I decided to post on their
forums to get an update instead of continuing to rely on email. Should anything happen I'll comment about it later.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.mobygames.com/images/covers/large/1220317179-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pics.mobygames.com/images/covers/large/1220317179-00.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luckily I scanned them before sending them off (Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-saga-one-beyond-the-boundary/cover-art/gameCoverId,120904/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully, someone has reproduced the game in a playable state. If
you're interested, you can find it at <a href="http://www.hotud.org/component/content/article/38-adventure/23072">Home of the Underdogs</a>. I needed to find cncs32.dll on my
own in order to run the map program, but the documents can be browsed
without it, so it's only really necessary to use the map program.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526043076948519972.post-87706027118553509632012-06-29T17:30:00.003-07:002013-03-24T11:16:02.704-07:00A New JourneyI'm currently on a quest to play through every <a href="http://allconsolerpgs.blogspot.com/">console RPG</a>. But, what's a main quest without some side quests?<br />
<br />
There
are many great games that I've either never played or never
completed that don't fit on the console RPG blog, so I will from time to time suffer through getting a computer
game to work in order to play through it.<br />
<br />
With <a href="http://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/">CRPG Addict</a> and <a href="http://advgamer.blogspot.com/">The Adventure Gamer</a> showcasing games it's a
great time to dive into one of these with them. I already had the
idea of playing along when the Quest for Glory series come up. Taking
this idea and expanding on it into a separate blog seems only natural.<br />
<br />
I don't have a set list of games in any order. I know three things at this
point: I'm starting with Star Saga One, will do Star Saga Two next, and
will follow up with the Quest For Glory when Trickster gets to it. I
made a short list and came up with about 50 games I'd like to get to,
but it's not as set in stone as my other list (which is still priority
number one to get through).<br />
<br />
I may not have a lot of time to do this, but there are many times
when a computer game is easier to play than a console that requires
taking over the living room. Also, playing along, being a part of gaming
history, is too tempting. I'm not limiting
myself to any one platform, so any suggestions for games are welcomed. I may even play some import games here, but for now I'm focused on computer games.<br />
<br />
My goals for a game may often go beyond completing it. For Star Saga
as an example, my hope is to create a comprehensive guide, which will
take playing multiple times through. In the course of that, I'll blog
about each session only if something new happens (which will for at
least the first six times as I play each character).<br />
<br />
<i>Edit: I didn't quite get through Star Saga Two (or One for that matter) before Quest for Glory came up, so my posting on QfG is out of sync with Trickster and Chet.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I decided to post my list in the side bar. It's in alphabetical order by genre, and aside from wanting to play games at the same time as Trickster and Chet, I don't have a particular order (Star Saga Two is very soon).</i>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2