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Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

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Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#31

Post by teddyh »

cstuder wrote: post #8
sp332 wrote: post #2

Although it's tempting, this is a game you really don't want any spoilers about (if you are ever going to play it). Vi Hart, who has been playtesting the game for months, said: > Tips for playing The Witness: give yourself a week or two, no hints, no reviews. Sleep on it. Take breaks. It's a big game. Nothing like it. > If you can't spend all day every day playing The Witness, give yourself months. Engage deeply with…

Since the game turns out to be pretty polarizing, I would suggest reading a review or two. Most reviewers appreciate the design of the game and keep it spoiler free. My recommendation: http://www.polygon.com/2016/1/25/10817632/the-witness-review... "The Witness is maze puzzles. Full Stop."

> "The Witness is maze puzzles. Full Stop."

You cut out the important bit of the very next sentence:

‘That's also a highly reductionist take. It's like saying that a book is "just words."’

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#32

Post by em3rgent0rdr »

pferde wrote: post #3

Is that the guy who was unable to install Ubuntu properly, so he declared that supporting Linux versions of his game is not worth the effort? Color me disinterested. "No Tux, no bucks."

I'm going to wait for Linux version to buy...that way will incentivize devs to make Linux versions.

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#33

Post by sandGorgon »

pferde wrote: post #3

Is that the guy who was unable to install Ubuntu properly, so he declared that supporting Linux versions of his game is not worth the effort? Color me disinterested. "No Tux, no bucks."

Jonathan posts on HN. Here was his post defending his position on the poor productivity of Linux game dev - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5125078

FYI - I have only used Linux as my main laptop for the past 15 years. But he's right. I had really hoped that Steam Linux would be based on Android or something and build that friendly layer.. I'm still not sure why they went with Debian.

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#34

Post by Kurtz79 »

Although I have a backlog of unplayed games which could last me for an eternity or two, I will probably buy the game regardless at full price now, instead of waiting for the inevitable sale a few months down the line.

While Jonathan's opinions can be a bit divisive, he is obviously a passionate programmer and gamer, and he financed the game from the sales of Braid, without kickstarter shenanigans.

(And of course the game appeals to me regardless as an old-school adventure games lover).

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#35

Post by tgb »

Some of my absolute favorite memories are playing Myst as a kid with my family. We'd huddle around the computer, take notes, kibitz about where to explore, be amazed at the visuals (those gondola-style rides were breathtaking at the time!). Riven might have been the high point of the series for us with the feeling of exploration it had being so great and involving.

I wish modern exploration/puzzle adventures in the Myst vein were made to be more easily navigated by my parents, who just can't handle FPS-style controls, quick action, jumping puzzles, etc. So I can't have them try Braid or Fez or most other modern games despite having some great puzzles. Machinarium worked great, Her Story was good but quite different, but other than that we'll probably never get to share that same Myst-style experience again. At least Cyan is working on a Myst-esque game again, Obduction.

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#36

Post by rangibaby »

Tepix wrote: post #18
hellofunk wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And OSX. Apparently Macs are the fastest growing segment of the desktop/laptop industry, but they are often the last to get the big games.

The main reason these days is that Macs don't have good GPUs for games.

That's not true. Even current Macs with IGPs can play nearly any game at low settings adequately.

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#38

Post by unixhero »

sandGorgon wrote: post #33
pferde wrote: post #3

Is that the guy who was unable to install Ubuntu properly, so he declared that supporting Linux versions of his game is not worth the effort? Color me disinterested. "No Tux, no bucks."

Jonathan posts on HN. Here was his post defending his position on the poor productivity of Linux game dev - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5125078 FYI - I have only used Linux as my main laptop for the past 15 years. But he's right. I had really hoped that Steam Linux would be based on Android or something and build that friendly layer.. I'm still not sure why they went with Debian.

All his arguments from that post are today FOO.

Re: Jonathan Blow's new game, The Witness, is out

#40

Post by chrismbarr »

nailer wrote: post #28

For those wondering, Jonathan Blow is the author of the critically acclaimed time travel platform game 'Braid'. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Blow

And for all those wondering, YES you should go buy & play Braid if you haven't already. It's an astounding game. A 2D platformer-style game that deals with in-game undo, time travel, time distortion, and multiple realities. It's mind bending, fun, and beautiful. Watch the trailer for it here if you haven't seen it before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqtSKkyJgFM
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