Precipice of Darkness, Episode One
- May 21, 2008
- Hothead Games
- 9h median play time
Get on SteamIn "Precipice of Darkness, Episode One," players join the misfit New Pulp City Police Department as they investigate a dark, mysterious force. With a unique blend of humor, RPG elements, and strategic combat, players uncover the truth behind the "Glimmering," a strange substance causing chaos. This episode sets the stage for a thrilling and quirky adventure series.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features hilarious and absurd humor, characteristic of Penny Arcade, making it a fun experience for fans.
- The combat system is engaging, requiring timing and strategy, which adds depth to the gameplay.
- The art style and writing are well-executed, creating a unique and entertaining atmosphere that draws players in.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave players wanting more content and depth.
- Some players find the humor hit-or-miss, with certain jokes not resonating well, particularly for those unfamiliar with Penny Arcade.
- The gameplay can become repetitive, especially in combat, leading to a sense of tedium as the game progresses.
- humor256 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness" is a mix of dark, crude, and bizarre elements, often reflecting the signature style of Penny Arcade. While some players find the humor hilarious and engaging, others feel it can be hit-or-miss, with certain jokes falling flat or relying on lowbrow comedy. Overall, fans of the webcomic are likely to appreciate the humor, but it may not resonate with everyone, especially those unfamiliar with its unique brand of wit.
“The writing and humor is the primary function of this game.”
“Put simply, this game is hilarious.”
“The humor and bizarre twists in the story carried me through this game.”
- story164 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is a quirky blend of dark humor and absurdity, featuring memorable characters and unexpected plot twists that keep players engaged. While some reviews note that the narrative can feel thin and episodic, with a reliance on cutscenes and dialogue, many appreciate its comedic tone and unique style reminiscent of Penny Arcade's webcomic roots. Overall, the story is entertaining and enjoyable for fans of the genre, though it may not satisfy those seeking a deeply compelling narrative.
“It's a reunion with old friends, each with a story as mysterious and layered as the fog-laden streets they traverse.”
“The plot twists are as unexpected as a gunshot in a quiet alley, keeping you on the edge of your seat, yearning for the next revelation.”
“The story is fantastic and incredibly comedic, with jokes and gags strewn throughout the game to make you laugh all the way through.”
“The story, while present, is a little thin on the ground for much of the game, told primarily in cutscenes at key events, and some conversation. The way the story is handled definitely feels like it belongs in that brief burst of episodic games we saw in the mid-2000s: while a story is wrapped up within episode 1, it clearly leaves lots of open items for later episodes.”
“My biggest complaint is the lack of story, or rather how short it seems.”
“It's fun if you're into Penny Arcade, but otherwise it was a very short RPG and the story was kind of lacking.”
- gameplay116 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of turn-based mechanics and humor, drawing comparisons to classic RPGs like Final Fantasy while incorporating unique elements such as timing-based attacks and a flexible enemy-weakness system. While some players find the gameplay repetitive or simplistic, others appreciate its charm and the engaging narrative that accompanies it. Overall, the gameplay is solid but may not offer enough innovation to keep all players fully engaged throughout its episodes.
“The game is a third person, turn-based RPG - but its mechanics differ from the 'standard' turn-based games, by adding a component of time and timing to the attacks, special attacks and the blocking mechanism, as well as a very flexible 'enemy-weakness' system which encourages you to be more flexible in your item use, and not just use the bandages and speed buffs exclusively.”
“Half the game's worth is in the excellent and smooth gameplay which is a turn-based (but active) RPG based in the parody of New Arcadia, a Lovecraftian city which isn't quite so nice.”
“Despite the silliness, the gameplay is pretty solid for a light title, and plays so well in a unique way.”
“The gameplay is a little repetitive for me.”
“Gameplay gets old, humor isn't really there.”
“Turn 360 degrees and walk away because this gameplay doesn't save it.”
- graphics64 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming, comic book art style that evokes nostalgia for classic RPGs and penny arcade comics, though opinions vary on their quality. While some praise the cel-shaded visuals and effective simplicity, others find them subpar, likening them to early PS2-era graphics. Overall, the visuals complement the humorous writing and gameplay, creating an enjoyable experience despite their limitations.
“The visual aesthetics, a chiaroscuro of pixelated perfection, evoke the golden age of classic mysteries.”
“The graphics are likewise simple but effective and charming, it is exactly done the way I would like to have seen done considering Penny Arcade, in many ways feeling like the comics, especially during conversations.”
“Brought to you by the creators of Penny Arcade and Hothead Games, this first installment of the episodic saga features a fast-paced and intuitive UI, genuinely funny writing, and a graphical style that complements the art style of the comics and is a good match for the game.”
“But then a new developer ruined the art style.”
“Art style is very bad.”
“Graphics - this is state of the art graphics... as of early release PS2 era.”
- music22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a jazzy soundtrack that complements its noir atmosphere, but many players find it to be forgettable and lacking in standout qualities. While some appreciate the soulful melodies, others criticize the music as mediocre and not memorable, especially when compared to other RPGs. Overall, the soundtrack is described as nice but ultimately unremarkable, serving its purpose without making a significant impact.
“The jazzy soundtrack, a soulful melody echoing through the streets, sets the perfect tone for this noir adventure.”
“If you like a bit of dark humor, some good music, and it's a quick play and a gem.”
“Nice music, side quests, locations, and enemies; just do not expect a long game.”
“The music is rare and nothing special.”
“A good find for any RPG fan, just be warned - the music is totally forgettable.”
“The music is horrendous.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a masterful blend of dark, brooding noir elements and whimsical silliness, creating a unique and immersive experience. Environments are meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of suspense and charm reminiscent of classic noir, while also incorporating a lighthearted tone that sets it apart from other titles. Overall, the atmospheric design significantly enhances the storytelling and gameplay, making it a standout experience for fans of both genres.
“The environments are crafted with the precision of an artist's brush, each frame dripping with the atmospheric charm of a noir masterpiece.”
“If you're a fan of suspense, wit, and the atmospheric charm of classic noir, consider this game a must-play.”
“It's a composition that lingers in the air like cigarette smoke, enhancing the brooding atmosphere and immersing you in the ambiance of the rain-soaked precipice.”
“It's an adventure/RPG with the characters from Penny Arcade... the story is a bit silly, kind of the style of Monkey Island (something that is rare these days), and the general atmosphere of silliness is probably what sets this game apart from everything else.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers around 5-10 hours of gameplay, but many users find its replayability lacking, suggesting it may not be worth revisiting after the initial playthrough. While some hint at the potential for a sequel to enhance replay value, the consensus is that the current game does not provide significant incentives for repeated play.
“I really don't see any replay value though and I'd wait until the game was under a quid.”
“Be wary, though - the replayability of this game is not superb.”
“Unfortunately there isn't much replay value, but I guess that's why there's an episode two; speaking of which... I never got around to playing that one...”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, though the short episode length helps mitigate the frustration. Some reviews suggest that additional lives may be necessary to manage the grinding effectively, indicating a potential imbalance in gameplay. Overall, the grinding is seen as a drawback that detracts from the overall experience.
“The gameplay can get a bit tedious, but the episode's short enough that it doesn't really.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Tedious RPG, not even saved by the cast or writing.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's PC port is criticized for its poor optimization, lacking controller support and experiencing stuttering issues even on high-end hardware.
“It's not the greatest PC port, lacking controller support from the consoles, and suffering from stuttering on a rather powerful machine.”
