#eipex games

[kittymaverick]

MCF: Black Crown commentary  part 2 and overall review.

 Spoilers! Though I’m going to post the spoiler free quick review up here.

Another great MCF game, I dare say, despite me constantly having to look away because of my fear of skulls. I’m a little sad that somethings weren’t explored a bit deeper, but overall the plot fits the MCF series, the art was of good quality, the puzzles were of the right difficulty. Not sure when and what the next game is, but I look forward to it if the quality keeps up!

1. [And then the walkthrough spent a full 5 minutes on a complex door puzzle] I was wondering when those would show up. MD: ...I’m more surprised no one sneaked up on me while I was going about this...

2. MD: Hm, maybe I should light this thing-- *Lights the entire passage way* Great, now they know we are here! MD: ...I was never meant to be stealthy, you know...

3. That’s... a somewhat floating ship, albeit on chains. MD: Seriously, they sailed that thing back from Louisiana?! What were they going to do instead, take a plane?

4. Girl: Hi there, also, look what I have. Doctor and Nurse: Help? MD: I KNEW IT. NOW WE HAVE A HOSTAGE CRISIS. Guess we aren’t deviating too far from classic MCF blunders after all.

5. Phineas: Let’s parley! MD: Sure! Give me the doctor and nurse, and I won’t burn your whole estate and ship down down. ...And the girl? MD: He can keep her. If there’s anything I’ve learnt, is leave no survivors to take revenge. Doctor and Nurse: Detective, no.

6. Phineas: Anyway, fix my ship until it’s seaworthy, and they go free, deal? MD: You’re gonna renegade anyway so is there even a point in me agreeing? Phineas: The other ghosts were right, you really are a spoilsport. MD: I’ll also like to point out you have at least 11 conscious subordinates to do your bidding still. Surely THEY can do SOMETHING.

7. A... tavern. MD: The fact that this is the first time I’ve seen a tavern surprises me. That’s a weird, sea monster, thingy, up there...

8. MD, please tell me you’re coming up with a plan to redrown this ghost, again. MD: Hm.... MD, please... MD: I mean, I’m thinking of a word that begins with m, can you guess what it is? Murder? MD: ...I was going more for mutiny, but sure, murder works too.

9. You know, one thing that’s nice about Phineas as a villain is he shuts up and let you do the work. MD: Ah, the sound of a tense peace and quiet... that is not at all pleasing. Time to blow some stuff up just so we can disturb it some. Wait WE’RE IN A CAVE--

10. [One controlled detonation and a ship released later...] MD: Okay, now hand over those hostages! Phineas: Bargain’s fulfilled. You can have them back. MD: ...What, really?! Phineas: I’m just missing some treasure though. Well, more like ONE PIECE (ahaha, ahem, sorry). My sword is missing. Can you get that for me? I’ll release the girl. MD: One, why would I even want that when she wants me dead? Two, I’m pretty sure that mutiny happened in the Americas. How on earth would the sword be here in England-- Phineas: I said A mutiny, not THE mutiny. MD: ...Oh. Still, do I have to rescue the girl? Doctor and nurse: Um, YES?! MD: Oh FINE, I’ll go play the hero... Phineas: I’ll be waiting in the captain’s quarters. MD: ...One, that sounded VAGUELY suggestive, two, you’re going to sink me with you, aren’t you?

11. MD: BTW, you two are taking this ghost pirate ship thing insanely well. Nurse: Um, we DO work at Manchester asylum, for one thing. Doctor: That and we’ve had to deal with you, once upon a time. MD: ...right, that, explains everything.

12. MD: Okay, that’s a lot of treasure on the boat. Maybe you can ask Her Majesty to loan us the army on account of rescuing some treasure? MD: She likes stories better. Awww.

13. Hm, a curse and a priestess... wonder who that priestess might be... MD: At this point, it could be any of the supernatural beings I’ve encountered.

14. Another skill the MD has: diving. MD: Can’t believe all those licensing lessons are paying off.

15. MD: Okay, got your sword! You can spring your trap now! [Ship sails away from the dock] MD: ...That’s one way to isolate your enemy, I guess. Maybe you should check for gunpowder before seeing the captain? MD: I really should do that, shouldn’t I?

16. [Inside captain’s quarters] Doctor and Nurse: Hi. MD: ...SERIOUSLY??? WHY DID YOU COME ON BOARD?! Phineas: Ahem, so the girl? MD: Yeah yeah, give her to the doctor, I don’t care. Phineas: Good! Off ye go, lass, and welcome aboard as my new crew hand, detective! MD: .............Haha, real funny-- Doctor: Remember that contract you signed? That was the service contract. Also, thanks to you, we’re immortal now. MD: ...I fucking knew that paper wasn’t just something random, AND ALSO OF THIS INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! *clench fist* Oh, as for immortality... I’ve got my feather, all good, no thanks.

16. Doctor: So long as the ship sails and we’re on board, we’ll have an eternity to enjoy them! MD: ...Okay, thanks for telling me how to stop you. Time to look for those powder kegs! Phineas: Damn minions, why can’t they keep their mouth shut.

17. Crew member... something: Find me some navigation charts! Another Crew member: I need a new target to throw at! MD: What am I, your servant?! Phineas: Well, judging by the contract, ya probably are. MD: ...You are going to love what I’m about to serve all of you. At least it wasn’t a prenuptial contract or the like, right?

18. Crew member I’ve-lost-count: Thanks for the extra hand! ...I guess they’re still a little insane after all... MD: Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing... Crew another: I need to feed the bird, but the bird isn’t here... but I need to feed the bird, but-- MD: ...Let’s go with good for now.

19. [Fire a canon] Phineas: Which one of you did that?! MD: *whistles and goes downstairs*

20. MD: He... stored her remains in the FIGUREHEAD??? ...Wow, at least it wasn’t you, right? MD: Not at all helping!

21. MD: Got all the needles, now... HEY PHINEAS! Phineas: Wha? MD: I got a bunch of needles, and guess who’s gonna get stabbed? Phineas: Traitor! This is mutiny! MD: In seriousness, did you really expect me to serve you willingly? Phineas: No, but I didn’t expected you to be this stupid and try to rebel so early! MD: Oh you bloody... *Stabs doll like crazy*

22. Phineas: Wait until I’m free! I’ll rain all the wrath upon ya! MD: Nice try, now I’m going to take the crown, and also this other thing from you... now stay still while I go break the curse. Phineas: You will regret this! MD: I already don’t regret this! 8D I think for once, the MD might be having a bit too much fun tormenting their foe. 23. Phineas: NOOOOO MY SHIP!!!! MD: Off the sides, everyone! Take your leave before it’s too late-- AAAAHHHHH. You would think the voodoo priestess would be nicer and not drop you into the ocean like that. MD: I’m just thankful I’m alive, honestly. Girl: Also, thank you for saving me. MD: ... Dammit I didn’t exactly mean to do that... Oh well, just, please don’t come after me again. My life insurance is getting worse with each attempt. Phineas: *cackles from under water* MD: Oh shut up you ectoplasmic goop. I need another vacation-- Hey, a letter from Louisiana! Time for that American holiday, right MD? MD: *sighs*

[Extra content start here!]

24. So, guy’s got horucruxes. MD: What’s up with people putting pieces of their souls into stuff, huh? It mostly explains their state of mind, to be honest.

25. Only death can find you... creepy... MD: I mean, they’re not wrong. Death’s almost found me many times. And actually did find me that one time...

26. OOOOOHHHH that’s the shopkeeper’s body alright... MD: Welp, guess I’m on my own, plus that southern guy out there. Southern guy: Oh, she’s dead? Well, then I’m out. Keep the amulet to protect yourself! MD: Yes please, I no longer do search and rescues. At least not unless it’s paid well.

27. AAAHHHH TREE MONSTER THINGY! MD: AMULET PROTECT ME PUT THE JAW BACK PUT IT BACK *Thing collapses into dust* MD: ...Oh that was easy. Yeah, guess that’s over-- FLYING SKULL FLYING SKULL MAKE IT GO AWAY! (Kitty has nearly passed out from too much skull exposure at this point)

28. MD: Okay, into the crypt-- oh that’s a lot of skulls (Kitty once again passes out from too many skulls...)

29. Ghost: Heard you hate Phineas too, so we’re gonna help you get him. MD: Great! How do I-- Ghost: Just gotta find his skull among all the skulls here, good luck. MD: ... (Kitty is just gone) MD: Welp fuck me.

30. Ghost: Assemble the four great pirate elements! Wade: Teeth! Terrel: Tentacle! Joe: Eye! Wayne: Pistol! Ghosts: Together we are...! MD: ...A match-3 puzzle??? REALLY????????? Thank you for not making it skulls...

31. MD: FOUND YOU. GET OVER HERE AND BURN TO ASH! Phineas: Ehehe, you missed a tooth! MD: ...fuck.

[kittymaverick]

It’s that time again. MCF: Black Crown commentary

 I’m actually watching AdventureGameFan8 this time instead of Pazu first. (I intend to watch Pazu later for his commentary.) Anyhow, spoilers under the cut...

1. Skulls... skulls everywhere... HELP. Note: Kitty has a chronic fear of skulls since childhood. It’s bad enough that she still can’t finish 13th Skull even after all these years. 2. Her Majesty: You remember what happened last time... MD: ...A ghost drowned some people that were holding me hostage, and then I drowned that ghost again with the help of his crew? By the way, are you sending me on this case again just so I can come back with a good story? Her Majesty: Now why would I ever do that? *plays innocent*

3. Chapter 0. XD I like how it straight up acknowledges it’s a chapter 0. And we’re collecting... CRABS this time. (Better than skulls!)

4. Huh, interesting, for once this is a puzzle I would have needed to solve with a piece of paper nearby. I don’t think we’ve had that either forever, or for ages.

5. MD: Huh, so the asylum’s benefactor is Crown Estate Holdings... ...Is there such a thing as pissing off the descendants of a ghost you came across??? MD: I guess I’m about to find out...

6. I still don’t trust this Dr. Norton, and I SWEAR we’ve heard the name Nathaniel somewhere... MD: I should have kept a notebook of names just in case...

7. This patient file is giving me so many warning bells. MD: shiny round object-- MUST BE THE CRYSTAL BALL. *Paranoia max*

8. That’s a lot of lollipops you’re carrying doctor. I expect them to show up later. MD: Also, this pocket watch, if you so much as put them in yourself... Dr: ...I see you are still incredibly paranoid, much like you were on your last visit. MD: Can you honestly blame me given my line of work?

9. WAIT A MOMENT THE MD SIGNED THEIR NAME LEMME SEE IT I CAN READ CURSIVE-- MD: NEXT. If that actually says Phineas Crown I’m going to scream because WHERE IS THE REAL MD THEN.

10. Dr.: The last thing we need right now is the whole wing getting agitated. Me and MD: And then the whole wing got agitated... *sighs*

11. MD: Speaking of, I swear I did some property destruction while I was here last time. Has that been fixed? I’m starting to see why the Crown Estate might have a beef with you.

12. Dr.: I’ll be right back! MD: Really? You’re really going to just leave me here in the dark?... Good thing I swiped a torch from the table earlier. I was wondering why you just took that...

13. MD:...Okay seriously, if the WHOLE WING OF PATIENTS is in on the puzzle I seriously thing we’re doomed. You don’t know that. It might just be a game they like to play together. :P

14. MD: I just got chills. Something isn’t right, all of a sudden. Wow, understatement of the year. Glad to see that paranoia finally kicking in. MD: ...I did always have a late spider sense...

15. How convenient it is that there’s a museum to visit-- Um, MD?! MD: WHO TOUCHED MY BUGGY AND TAMPERED WITH THE BRAKES??? I TOLD YOU THE MUSEUM STAFF WERE BAD NEWS!!!! MD: And they even left a postcard telling me about it. Okay, they’re just taunting me now.

16. Um, MD, is your buggy technically the company’s? MD:................. They’re going to dock your pay for this, right? MD: That thought ALMOST made me just want to just stay in the car and go with it. 17. Ah, getting keys from other people’s incompetence. MD: If only all doors and puzzles were like that... To be fair, the last time the main antagonist was somewhat incompetent, we nearly broke space-time, and also almost got stuck in their hallucination. MD: ...Yeah, on second thought, never mind.

18. MD: Wow there, boy! Calm down. I’ve just notice that you’re not very good with animals. MD: You would think I would have learnt to keep a bag of treats handy by now, but alas. ...Wait, is this why you were never allowed a pet? MD: ...*changes subject* Hey look this map over here’s very interesting!

19. Another fact about the MD learned: They can rock-climbing. Somewhat. MD: I almost joined my car... People usually take their gloves OFF and put CHALK on  for a reason, you know. Like, the chalk you just used 5 seconds ago. MD: If I grounded up the whole thing, then it’ll be obvious someone has been here. No duh! As if the open lock and dog in cage didn’t clue them in! /8D

20. This whole “let’s follow the most-definitely not evil artifact” is REALLY doing wonders on your chance of survival. MD: ...Look, it’s an occupational hazard... Mh-hmm. MD: ...And okay I do get a bit too into the mystery. So more like an occupational addiction.

21. Oh no, a person! Gotta stay hidden! MD: Uh, I think I’ve failed that already, with the fountain now 2 stories high and what not.

22. OH NO THE DOCTOR AND NURSE ARE HERE. RED ALERT! RED ALERT! MD: I’m armed with my fists and a sharp badge, don’t come closer. Doctor: Actually, we’re here because the patients all broke out during the black out... Nurse: And they took the girl with them here, using a stolen ambulance. MD: ...As much as it was the reason I managed to get out myself, your asylum REALLY needs better security. Also, how did you get in with the front door locked? 23. Doctor: By the way, they were screaming about a crown. Can you keep an eye out? MD: And I just all of a sudden remember a story about some villains who tricked me into finding something for them while I was on a case. Would you like to know what happened to them in the end? 8D (Spoiler alert: they drowned.) Doctor: Anyway, let’s split up. MD: That sounds like a “Let’s get the MD to do a the work while we just sit back and relax”... but sure, I’m in. Also doc, can you just give us one of those lollipops already? Like, it’s so obvious we’re going to need it later...

23. MD: Man, this watch sure is handy-- Um, did you already forgot what all of your supernatural/mechanical fancy gizmos have done in the past few games??? MD: ...Look, we detectives need our companion cubes, okay, especially the ones who can’t handle animals. Who happen to also VANDALIZE historical paintings. My GODS. MD: There was a THING, okay?!

24. SHADOW FIGURE DETECTED. ALERT, STRANGE PRESENCE DETECTED. MD: Yeah, it’s probably the doctor. They all end up weird sooner or later. You are REALLY to calm about this.

25. MD: Haha, funny note. Curses aren’t real! ... MD: ...Okay that was out of character. Yeah... let’s open it anyway though. 8D

26. ???: The last time we met, you killed my parents! MD: ...Oh, it’s you. Should have guessed, though I thought you were dead too. Phineas Crown: WELCOME TO MY HOUSE. MD: And YOU, are most definitely dead. Seriously, didn’t you get dragged back under water?! You REALLY have a lot of crime families coming after you, don’t you? Also, CAN WE NOPE OUT OF HERE?! MD: Yeah, prime time to be stuck in a corridor right now. So, um, HELP? Dr.: I got this! This way! MD: Wait, YOU?! Nah, ah, I’m not falling for-- okay, fine, you better not get possessed later thought!

27. Doctor: We better find the nurse and get out of here, so... I’ll hold the door, and you... figure a way out for us. MD: It’s so strange having an ally so early in the game. I’m so suspicious... *Finds a way out* Doctor: Is that... you car in the distance? MD: *sob* yes... Doctor: I’m sorry, it was a nice car. Oh for once someone compliments the car! Doctor: At least you didn’t go over with it. ...MD, I think you have competition in the sarcasm department now.

28. Nurse: HELP! Dr. and MD: ...welp, better find her quick. *Dog shows up* MD: AAAAHHH! *Dog whines* MD: ...good doggy, nice doggy... please remember me giving you treats and not me locking you up... Hey, maybe you WILL get a pet after all!

29. So, we probably should avoid the patients and that women-- *MD walks right back into the building* REALLY?! Doctor: ...I do believe that our detective hasn’t been the most self-preserving after all those traumatic events in their life. MD: Look, if I don’t take some risks, I’m not going to earn enough money to eat, okay? Doctor: True enough, that said, let’s go into this maze and look for the nurse. MD: Now hold on, that’s way too dangerous! ...You two are perfect for each other, in the worst of ways. 30. MD: Well, thank god for that dog. Aaaand the Doctor’s lost. Bet you he’s the one going to be in distress next. MD: ...On account of him calling my car nice, I’ll highly consider rescuing him in a moment. 31. Skull patient: ... MD: ...Um, hi? *Skull patient attacks!* *MD uses block! It’s super effective* *MD uses punch! It’s also super effective!* MD: I personally prefer not to use violence, but oh well... ...Since WHEN have you been able to knock a guy out with one punch?! MD: Violence is a last resort, okay? Says the person who would have probably gotten out of MANY MANY situations if you’d had thrown more punches in the past! 32. Another unconscious patient?! MD: Not me! Nurse: ...That was me, sorry. Also, they said something about what was up here before you knocked them out. Might help before the police get here. MD: You guys keep on saying police like they will actually show up in time to be helpful, when usually, that’s not the case... 33. MD: Aaaand got the starchart-- WAH! Doctor: Hi, I’ve rescued myself from the maze! I also know the way back now though. MD: ...This is SO new to me. Tell me about it. People actually saving themselves now? What is this?! Nurse: Well, there’s still the girl, if you want to rescue someone. Doctor: Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with that. The two of us would only get in the way, but you should rescue the girl, detective. We’ll wait outside! Bye! ...Wait, so we’re rescuing the villain now??? MD: ...again, this is SO new to me. [Part 2 coming soon.]

[kittymaverick]

Mystery Case Files 21: The Harbinger commentary and review, part 2.

outSpoiler free review first: Holy SHIT GRANDMA studios, talk about knocking the ball out of the park. Not only was that a solid good MCF game to start off with, you’ve now set up the expectation for the next game so high, I’m honestly a little afraid for you. Like... do you know how high the bar is now that you’ve hinted about the content of the next game? Right, coming back to Harbinger for a second. Barring one tiny little slip up which I think was just something that got lost in translation (English is like that), the lore of MCF managed to stay intact, which needs to be applauded. At one point, I almost questioned if there might be almost too many references, especially with that happens to the references in the game itself. (Yes, I, the MCF nerd and fanatic, actually had that thought). I still flip-flop a bit on whether this was a good execution, or a good but shaky execution. For one thing, the way it’s executed... wow, that’s some heavy stuff emotionally. Which is why I’m questioning if that’s “good”, because I suppose there was a line of emotional heaviness I didn’t expect we’ll cross in MCF, but GRANDMA took it there. And so far... part of me is guiltily okay with it, but wow... The studio’s art style does suggest that a detraction from from MCF’s usual Elizabethan English Horror Story with a side of Soul Steampunk and Celtic Druidism would not necessarily be a bad thing. That GRANDMA chose otherwise though, and stuck with a very, very MCF story (albeit more limited to the Celtic legends part), takes guts. What I do wish we’ll get, after the next game, is a story line that’s a GRANDMA original, sort of like Eipex’s the Black Veil, because I think the studio has potential in creating something that’s more them without pulling away too much from MCF. Anyway, that’s the spoiler free review part. Back to my spoiler filled commentary!

Aisling: I know I act suspicious, but I’m just a psychic! MD: I know I’m just a detective, but people keep dying around me, so hey, we’ve got that in common. Aisling: James gave me this cube by the way-- huh? *Emblem of MD appears* ...I’m sorry, that ancient celtic emblem... has a bloody hat. It has a bloody hat. I’m DYING.

Realized I jumped back too far to do this retroactive commentary. Oops.

MD: Okay, well, maybe he isn’t dead yet. We could probably dig him out-- *Nigel turns to bone* MD: ...Never mind. He’s beyond saving. Someone get the coroner!

Six thousand mirrors in the room, and not one shows your face. MD: A technique I have perfected over the two decades of my career. Didn’t save you from getting married to a homicidal madman though. MD: ...I don’t think he picked me because of my looks to begin with.

...Hey MD, I know paper work wasn’t exactly involved and all, but did you actually divorce Charles, or did you just betray him? MD: *DEATH GLARE* You know what, pretend I never asked. MD: You’d better.

MD: Let’s see what skeletons Nigel has in his closet. You know, the last time you found skeletons in a closet, quite literally... MD: Shut up, I was trying not to think about that! (This happened in Key to Ravenhearst. The Skeleton was Charles and Victor.)

Okay, so James was a MCF fanboy, Marge you met on one of your American trips, Nigel was a Fate Carney, John worked on a restored Ravenhearst. I don’t want to say her Majesty might have under exaggerated the number of keywords there were going on here... MD: Oh no, she definitely made it out to be less important than it seemed. She also definitely sent me in because the report she’s going to get out of this is going to be spectacular. The idea that HRM might be the ultimate MCF fan in-universe tickles me with delight. MD: And fills me with utter dread.

Nigel’s shadow puppet theatre: I got fired from the carnival! Boo! MD: Nigel, getting fired from Fate’s Carnival probably saved your ass. Temporarily, until whatever is going on here got you. MD: .................... What? Oh... MD: Yeah. Oh geez I’m looking forward to the case after this now! 8D MD: Why is it that the more I’m tortured, the more gleeful you are?

*Telephone rings* MD: Hello? Marge: HELP ME SOMETHING IS HERE AAAAHHH Well shit. MD: Yeah, she’s done for. Let’s go see the body.

*Gibs collects collectibles before going to body* *I die laughing because that’s my priority too*

MD: Oh no Marge I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you in time... ...Yeah right, says the person who doesn’t want to get their hand on the black stuff. MD: Look, my sorrow doesn’t in anyway override my desire for hygiene, okay? Reminds me of that one time I called some detectives from the last century dandies for refusing to stick their hand into a barrel of rainwater...

MD can I point out how you’re making detailed sketches of MARGE’S BODY in your journal? MD: Look it’s this or pyromania, okay? Don’t judge me. Also, I’m starting to think people that meet you on your cases shouldn’t bother locking their diaries. You always manage to crack them open.

Marge: Oh James is such a darling, I should get him to marry my daughter, then I’ll be such a happy mother-in-law. .............................. MD: ...................... Well, um, I guess Marge was a cougar on the inside, maybe? MD: Yeah, let’s phrase it like that (Restrain desire to make crude NSFW jokes...)

Marge: DAMN THAT GIRL FOR STEALING MY BOY. Marge, seriously, there’s officer Davis. I’m sure he’s just as nice! MD: And not on anyone’s death list. For now. MD: Don’t say that...

Davis: Well, I guess that’s one more evidence against Aisling. HOLD IT! MD: This note here shows clearly that Marge intended to frame Aisling for an attack on her! And the diary entries clearly document how much she hates the suspect. Therefore, the evidence shouldn’t be permissible-- Davis: Yeah, but Marge is dead, and there really isn’t anyone else in town left. *Record scratch* MD: ....It could be... you? Davis: Harhar, look here’s the evidence, go talk to Aisling. MD: Urgh, fine. It’s okay, MD, I was rooting for you there at least!

Aisling: Death, death is all around us! *Flees* MD: Okay, Aisling, that’s really not helping and only making you more suspicious! But since you’re away, I’m going to rifle through your trailer. Um, now who’s suspicious???

Hm, you know, this place would have been great for a holiday spot. MD: I don’t know, given my records with holidays... ...True, you’ll probably end up doing exactly what you are doing now. MD: That said, I think I’ll take a slice of apple pie since no one’s looking. Does the agency pay for your food on your cases? MD: They’d better because I’m giving the recipes to Her Majesty if they don’t...

Aisling: I came here to save John but he’s locked upstairs, please help! MD: Um, if you had let me come with you... maybe some time could have been saved? Aisling: But what if I get killed first then? MD:........ She’s got a point. MD: Dammit, fine...

Hm, so John’s ancestor worked on the original Ravenhearst... We’ll probably need to open up the original game to see if that was the guy that fell from the construction site. (My guess is it’s not, because that carpenter was originally meant to be Rose Summerset’s husband, so it should have been Summerset. Plus Rose’s kids were the twins and Victor.)

Oh damn, a model of Ravenhearst-- MD: Hm, it’s missing a weather vane. ........... MD: Look, just because I burn the place down several times, doesn’t mean I don’t care what it looks like, okay? Can you point out the window that you escaped out of by any chance? 8D MD: *sighs* This one...

Aisling: John, NOOOOOO. MD: Right, gotta cut him down quick! He might still be alive. *Proceed to spend over minutes solving puzzles* MD: I swear, this happened very fast in actuality... Never as fast as the plot demanded though...

*Puts weather vane on model* *Model turns into a raven* MD: ???????????????? Okay, I need to take points off for THAT ridiculous transformation and animation. XD

Aisling: I can’t take this anymore! MD: I know this is hard, Aisling-- Aisling: Here’s the next slab, btw. ....This mood whiplash... I’m dying.

Um, so apparently the banshee wasn’t trying to destroy the world, but was trying to restore herself, which... you disrupted. MD: Look, Allison and her friends needed rescuing okay? I couldn’t just sit idling by. ...If that was disrupted, then how DID Aisling turn human then??? MD: .....Let’s save that mystery for another time because I feel a headache incoming... (Fix edit: It seems to imply that the ritual was only disrupted, not failed, so Aisling did get her skin back, though now she doesn’t remember being a banshee...)

Aisling: I’m a banshee? That’s... That’s impossible. MD: Well, I’ve been through a lot to say most impossible things are actually probable in reality, though if you somehow don’t remember me shoving you back into the cave, um, then I’m grateful. Once you do, please don’t kill me. BTW, your turn on the cube of mystery!

Aisling: Well, if I’m a banshee, I guess I should go back to Dire Grove. We can catch the next ferry. MD: You know that’s a really long trip right? It might take us the better half of a day-- Or a single puzzle’s worth of time. MD: ...Where was THAT kind of fast travel all these years??? I do like how it’s implied that you guys had a huge detour with picking people up and dropping them off though.

Ais: Okay, we’re here in Dire Grove-- AH! MD: Wow, even nature is saying NO to you. Ooooooor it could be a certain immortal druid-- MD: Please don’t. It’s fine! We have a banshee. MD: All she does is predict death! Oh yeah, forgot about that...

*Aisling gets “kidnapped” by green energy* Gibs: That can’t be healthy. MD: That’s honestly pretty normal at this point for us. At least she didn’t get dropped down a tube.

Um, what’s with the Chinese incense in a Druid’s domain? X’D (I’m going to pretend they traded that...)

(I honestly don’t have a lot of stuff to comment on in the section in Dire Grove, because there isn’t much to snark about. Which, I guess, comes to show that 99% of silliness comes from MD dealing with PEOPLE, alive, dead, revived, or otherwise not really a human.)

*Aisling goes back to banshee form* MD: First, no hard feelings about last time, right? Aisling: *stares* MD: Please, thank you, and I’m sorry??? Aisling: You did help me out, so I guess it’s fine. MD: *sigh of relief* BTW, four people technically did DIE though in the process. Aisling: Um, that wasn’t me, if you recall your lore correctly. MD: True enough, but STILL. Just pointing it out. You want her to scream in your ear? She’s still got time for that.

Aisling: BTW, this energy is still floating about. And I think I know why. Will you accept this energy and use it to save the world? MD: Oh hold ON a minute. You want ME to do WHAT? Aisling: Save the world. You heard what I said. MD: Okay, listen. I started this detective job mostly because I thought it was cool... (MD’s going to be at this for a while. Are you going to listen, Aisling? A: To be honest, I’ll probably stop around the part where MD apologized for shoving me back into the cave... By the way, want to hear my part of the story on how I turned back into a banshee? Sure!) *****************************************************************

HOW AISLING BECAME A BANSHEE, AGAIN. Aisling: To make a long story short, there was a lot of puzzles Puzzles which you had to personally solve, without MD’s help? Aisling: It really makes you appreciate how hard MD has had it for the last 21 years...

Did... did you just KILL four people to restore your spirit? Aisling: I just helped their soul cross over! I swear! Aisling, you’re being really SUS right now and I’ve practice how to spot a liar lately! Aisling: I only predict deaths! And then find the souls and tell them where to go. I swear that’s my task. EVERYONE VOTE AISLING AISLING IS THE IMPOSTER

Is one of your abilities literally “summon joyride”???? Aisling: it’s a carriage A carriage can be an awesome joyride if you use it irresponsibly Aisling: How does MD tolerate you? They don’t, they’ve just had worse company and I’m a lesser evil. 8D

Aisling (actually Gibs): *suffers through the last giant super puzzle* ...Yeah, REALLY makes you appreciate what MD goes through. Aisling: Is it always this bad??? Sometimes. I’ve seen worse.

Gibs: THAT CARRIAGE IS BADASS. See, I told you it was a joyride. Aisling: You know, I think I’ll float back to the MD. No joyrides. Awwwwwwwwwwww... Okay, now let’s rewind back to when MD started their rant. **************************************************

Aisling: BTW, this energy is still floating about. And I think I know why. Will you accept this energy and use it to save the world? MD: Oh hold ON a minute. You want ME to do WHAT? Aisling: Save the world. You heard what I said. MD: Okay, listen. I started this detective job mostly because I thought it was cool, and it was for the first couple of cases where all I had to deal with was bust the criminal organization STAIN and recover the Hope diamond for the Queen. But then that’s where all my trouble started because she sent me to this creepy manor which turned out to be a prison to not one, not two, but FOUR ghosts. What’s even worse is the first time I went, I thought I only had to rescue Emma. I was wrong, and for the longest time, I thought Fate Carnival folks were dying from my mistake. Turns out later it was completely personal. This was everything that happened before I met YOU. (Again, really sorry about kicking you back into the cave and getting you stuck in the situation you were in in the last who knows how many years...) Afterwards, I went to the Louisiana which got me on the bad side of a certain ghost pirate, who turned out to be the grandfather of the guy killing the carney folks from his mother’s side. Which was why he was killing them by the way. She sold him to Fate’s Carnival. Anyway, after figuring out that I’ve dun goofed, I went back to Ravenhearst manor, which turned out there was a WHOLE OTHER SECTION I didn’t discover last time, which was somehow a very personalized and twisted marriage proposal that I didn’t notice until too late. I burned THAT down for good measure before taking a break in some place near a lake. But then that guy’s FATHER took up issue with what I did, which I didn’t even started, to be honest. He tried to kill me for whatever grudge it was that he had. I had to stab his horocrux with my badge to get him to stop that time. But then it turns out that father ALSO has some offspring here in Dire Grove, and I had to come back to prevent THAT from going down in flames as well. Thankfully, I think they remained sane. I can’t say the same for the twins, who turned out to be the evil guy’s kids. They most definitely went insane, and REMADE Ravenhearst, which I had to burn down for THE THIRD TIME. All that plus the jump I took landed me in an asylum, which turned out to be the one where both the evil bald guy and his dad was imprisoned once upon a time. Of course, the guy’s father tried to kill me, AGAIN. Took care of that, and also removed the shard that was driving me bonkers. It only gets worse from here though. I got chased around by an woman with a clock for her heart who I had to defenestrate out a clock tower. She didn’t stab me, but then the guy who probably ENGINEERED MY ENTIRE LIFE did, because apparently he wanted to use my soul’s virtue to anchor death to the mortal world or something. I got an immortality feather out of that, I guess, so it wasn’t too bad, but I basically DIED. And then afterwards there was that undead guy who was really hung up about his biker jacket. Next was the evil guy’s ancient youngest son nearly destroying the world (4th wall break: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) trying to revive him which thankfully DIDN’T HAPPEN BECAUSE OH GODS I WOULD HAVE DIED FOR REAL ON THE SPOT IF IT DID, FEATHER OR NOT. Then a creepy woman in a mirror had to be locked back into the mirror dimension. And that’s when my agency had a fucking SECURITY BREACH which turned out to have been in the making for YEARS. And then the pirate guy came back and nearly enslaved me. I had to blow up his ship and exorcise him from this world. And AFTER all of that, I was finally sent to Blackmoor, where I met YOU, and also saw a bunch of people marginally related to me die from a cause we still don’t have any answers for. *DEEP INHALE*

Aisling: Okay, so your point is.... MD: My POINT is.... out of ALL the sane and wholesome people in the world who don’t have ANY BAGGAGE whatsoever, why do I, the Master Detective, have to be the one to save the world here-- Charles: Hello. MD: *SCREEEEEEECH*

CHARLES IT’S BEEN FOREVER-- wait, you’re not here to serve the divorce papers are you? Charles: Of course not. I’m asking MD to come back home with me. MD: WHAT?! Charles: Where else would I welcome you back to? *Evil cackle* ......... 8D8D8D8D8D8D8D8D Aisling: ........... :| :| :| :| :| :| :| :| :| MD: .................D:< D:< D:< D:< D:< D:< D:< MD: Aisling, hand that energy over, I’ve a WORLD TO BURN.

I have to point this out... the last time we saw Charles IN THE FLESH in game, was Escape from Ravenhearst, which was NINE YEARS AGO, likely TEN by the time Crossfade comes out. Happy Tenth Anniversary of your wedding, Master Detective? 8D

MD: AS IF.

[kittymaverick]

It’s that time of the year again! MCF Moths to a Flame commentary-- Wait, MCF 20 is also in the works????!!!!

Once again, I’m relying on Pazu for the content, so excuse anything I miss in the process. Spoilers below the cut!

1. From the title alone I feel like the MD is... well... taking a certain leap of faith here that they’ll survive. 2. Dang, that elevator ride... if this is the MD agency headquarters, can I say you guys are in desperate need of a full-office renovation? MD: Ever wondered why I drive a buggy? It’s because they don’t have the funds for that, let alone pay me enough for my suffering. 3. “Not a secret passage”. OPEN IT. MD: No. It doesn’t have a lock! OPEN-- MD: How about... this spooky looking archive instead? .....This where they put all your reports of shame? MD: ...Yes. *sobs* 4. Hey, hey guy? Not smoking in the archives is sort of a common sense rule! MD: Hush, our line of work is stressful, alright? 5. I like how you guys just scribble out the FAIL stamps with pencil. Also, did you put up that cut out of the news clipping about Ravenhearst destroyed? MD: My proudest accomplishment... *wipes a tear* Huh, and also mentions of Huxley boarding house-- MD: I’m so sad I didn’t get to burn that place down. 6. ...This wall looks a bit creepy... You happen to have a stalker coworker, MD? MD: I already work with creepy clients and adversaries. Please don’t make my life already harder than it is. Huh, more blueprints... What is it with you and guys that love to make blueprints, huh? MD: ...I attract a certain type-- *NEON LETTERS OF YOU WILL ALL PAY SHOW UP* *ME SCREECHING* 7. Hey MD, just making sure... that guy wasn’t you, right? MD:.... ....Master Detective?.... MD: I can neither confirm nor deny such a speculation. Guys, I TOLD you that MD needed a therapy dog! 8. I swear, television head mannequin has turned into the new MCF mascot. MD: They grow on you after a while, like mold. 9. Omg, there’s an entire cabinet of your cases. MD: Every time I look at that bookcase, I feel like I need another holiday-- So you can get assigned an overseas case! :D MD: ...What has my life come to... 10. ...Wait, only NOW are we getting the intro? Also, ehehe, I see you still got crows following you. MD: A murder is forever following my footsteps, great. 11. “Several top secret files have gone missing from the agency--” MD: Oh, OH... NO ONE ROBS US AND GETS AWAY WITH IT. “To keep a low-profile, we’re sending you alone.” MD: Wait, that’s not... how... I’m getting no back up? RIP Master Detective, you will be sorely missed. :) MD: Is this because we’re not making enough money to pay for two?! LOOK I’LL TAKE THIS PRO BONO LET ME HAVE A PARTNER TO WATCH MY BACK OKAY-- 12. “We have reliable information that the files at are the Zenith Museum of Oddities--” MD: Okay, first, if you know where the files are going, WHY ARE YOU NOT CALLING THE POLICE THAT IS PROBABLY IN CAHOOTS WITH US AND WILL JUST HAND THEM BACK TO US ANYWAY? Second, IT’S A MUSEUM OF ODDITIES AND YOU THINK SENDING ME IS A GREAT IDEA? Third, if it’s some of our top secret files that might be related to oddities, HOW LIKELY IS IT THAT THIS HEIST MIGHT HAVE BEEN ENTIRELY DONE TO DRAW ME TO THE MUSEUM, AND I’M LITERALLY WALKING INTO A DEATH TRAP? ...MD, you keep up that paranoia, and we’re not gonna get a game. MD: I JUST WANT MY SANITY, OKAY. MY HEALTH INSURANCE DOESN’T COVER THAT MUCH THERAPY. 13. “...The museum is abandoned--” Really? MD: Are you sure? Are you absolutely absolutely sure? MD: If the files are there, HOW can it be abandoned? “...You want to lose your badge, detective, cause you’re this darn close.” MD: ............. “The Queen sure do love reading your reports.” MD: I will remember this, director....... *shakes fists* 14. “It’s okay, we’re going to give you a MAC, reserved for the very best--” MD: You’re getting me a Macbook?! 8D “No... it means Mechanical automated companion.” MD: ...But, Mac, Book... It’s okay, MD, it’s okay. Trust me, you don’t want Macs on an important mission where they could just break... That said, I swear, Elf from Mystery Trackers had like a basket of puppies, why couldn’t we have gotten one?! “Can Elf do this?” *Badge transformer* MD: !!!!!!!! ...Okay, you know what, THIS? WAY COOLER. 15. MD: It found something! This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship-- Ah yes, they gave you a companion cube JUST SO THEY CAN TAKE IT AWAY LATER. >8D MD: Can’t you let me have my happiness for just one, bloody, second?! 16. Hm, a car in the ravine. MAC can’t get inside. If we aim a rock carefully, maybe we can pop the trunk open-- MD: *chucks rock at back window, shattering it* UM, REALLY? MD: Vandalism, a step down from arson, but just as cathartic. 17. Hm, a bike. MD: *eyes shining* Um, MD???? MD: *vibrating on spot* UM. NO YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMMIT GRAND THEFT AUTO. MD: dammit. 18. One Chloe Waston... ring any bells? MD: Nope. Right, filing down one NPC as a possible rescue target, if not a body, if not an adversary. MD: The three categories of people I meet on my cases... 19. A place for all great but misunderstood things. MD: Sounds like something a certain family would say about themselves. Mmhmm... 20. Puzzles so far in the first 15 minutes don’t look sketchy. I almost miss the nonsensical ones that scream “Hi, I was built by a madman!” MD: I’m not sure if I should feel safer, or less safe about having an adversary that might actually be sane for once. 21. MD: Place could use a garderner. Victor was a pretty good garderner-- MD: Can you not please Sorry, force of habit. 22. Pazu: Can you see the robot television man? Really? Oh boy that doesn’t bode well-- *Another robot falls from the above* AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH MD: WHERE IS MY BUGGY LET ME OUT OF HERE. 23. TV head: Welcome to the Zenith Museum-- MD: WHY DO YOU SOUND LIKE THE TV MAN FROM ALL THE OTHER PLACES??? Maybe they mass produce them-- MD: YOU TELLING ME CHARLES HAS A FACTORY FOR BUILDING THEM SOMEWHERE??? If so, hey at least that’s one more place for you to indulge in being a pyromaniac. 24. I just realized, all those people probably came here for the missing case files. If so, um, MD, you guys honestly have got to have the worst kept secret files ever in history. MD: I mean, when entire buildings are burning down, it’s hard to keep people from talking... 25. This letter to open the door screams TRAP, MD. MD: Look, if I quit now, my pension’s done for, so I might as well die trying. ...You have a pension? MD: ...No, I’m just making up excuses for why I’m entering the building of a murderer... You could just say you have a murderer to stop... 26. Ah, found the files, obvious in a mysterious box-- Um, MD. MD: ..... They... those three were also.... Master Detectives....... MD: *cracks knuckles* Ohhhhhhhhhh fuck they’ve done it, they’ve really pissed the MD off... 27. MD: That outline, it’s like the letter I got from the Queen-- *FOOL* MD: ....................................... Wow, I mean, it’s refreshing that someone just outright calls you an idiot for once. Um, please tell me you brought your immortality feather. MD: Oh bloody hell no, this is mortal combat, just you and me, pal! ...maybe the insult MIGHT be right in some ways... 28. MD: Hey MAC, what’s up? *RED ALERT, TV HEAD ATTACK* MD: I KNEW YOU GUYS WOULD TURN ON ME ONE DAY. TV head: Hey, maybe I can help you. Two heads is better than one! MD: Given that you JUST attacked me, how about GO GET GUILLOTINED BY THE DOOR. 29. MD: *picks up head* You, TALK. TV head: I don’t know what happened! MD: Oh, REALLY? If you want to punch the screen out, I’m not against it, for once. 30. Um, MD, I have to point out... MD: What? ...Mac disappeared. Like, YOUR BADGE literally disappeared. MD: ...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO I’m sure you’ll find it later, when you need it the most-- MD: HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO STAB A HOROCRUX WITH SILVER IF I DON’T HAVE MY BADGE. If it’s any consolation, at least you have the other badges, though they are a bit fused together, and huh, this statue here says badges only-- *Contraptions swallows up badge* *Spits out.... Dalimar portrait chain.* ... MD: ... MD: *TURNS TO BANG ON DOOR FUTILELY* LET US OUT OF HERE, EIPEX WE WANT OFF THIS RIDE LET US OUT PLEASE MD: I FORGOT MY FEATHER PLEASE LET ME GO GET IT AT LEAST SO I CAN CHEAT MY WAY OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!

[To be continued in part two...]

[kittymaverick]

MCF Moths to a Flame Extra Gameplay commentary and game critique, MCF Black Crown beta commentary

 Spoilers below the cut! Game critique up here though: I’ll be honest, Eipex did REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WELL on the main game this time. Even though it was basically a MCF nostalgia fest, it was done right, had a plot of its own that stands on its own feet, the puzzles were the right difficulties, and the story was entertaining with it’s own twist at the end. Like, I’m legit sad I can’t buy this game right now and play it myself! It feels like how Fate’s Carnival felt when THAT was released.

1. “I can’t believe someone from the agency did this.” I’ll be honest, considering how much supernatural stuff you guys stumble on and deal with... MD: This is.. sort of an... only a matter of time thing. That and it’s about time we did some backstabbing in the agency. Like, 19 games already guys, that plot was way overdue. 2. “Hey, where did this come from?” *BUG ATTACK* “SOMEONE CALL MASTER DETECTIVE.” MD: Excuse me, but do I look like an insect exterminator? Well, you HAVE been an opponent exterminator for a while now, if we must be counting-- MD: That was a rhetorical question also how dare you say yes. 3. So the trash building is confirmed to be the agency. Wow. MD: We REALLY NEED that renovation. 4. Hey, hey did you see that slogan before you walked through the elevator? Hello, player to MD? MD: if I didn’t pretend I did, and if I did, pretend I didn’t. Sounds like something dirty is going on in your agency, just SAYING. 5. Pazu: That is... THAT IS NOT A BREATHING MASK. ME: Look, the slogan SAID you HAVE to see it through MAC’S eyes. MD: Don’t actually do drugs kids. It’s bad for your health. 6. MD: The archives is... smaller than I expected. Explains why your agency is in disrepair. Like, How many GOOD paying cases do you guys even get? MD: I’m starting to have the feeling that I’m literally the only one bringing in money, and only SOMETIMES. 7. MD: Wow, that’s, a lot of rejection forms. Oooooh so those were agent application forms. And yeah, wow, that’s... that’s A LOT. MD: 8. “Lure him into a trap” The Archivist REALLY didn’t get your gender right, did he? MD: I swear, of all the secrets this world can keep, why did it have to be this one? 9. MD: Hm, so the elevator MAC thing simply redirects power from the elevator to the locked door-- Um, HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO GET UP THERE NOW IN AN EMERGENCY? MD: ...My sense of self preservation has been a bit out the window since the beginning of this game, okay? I dare say it’s been out the window SINCE YOU STARTED WORKING AS THE MD! 10. Archivist recording: I KNEW YOU WOULD GET TRAPPED AGAIN! THIS IS MY PLAN B! ENJOY THE SURPRISE! Pazu: Yeah, your plan A failed big time. MD: Honestly, I’m a little too dead inside for surprises. Yeah, not to mention chances are, it’s probably a Darlimar, a bomb, some magic stuff that can trap you, or something that breaks that magic feather of yours... I mean, it’s pretty forseeable. MD: Oh it’s something I’m simply going to react with a dull surprise to. 11. WE GET TO GO IN THE NOT A SECRET PASSAGE! YEAAAA-- Oh, it’s a laundry room. MD: With MORE SECRET PASSAGE YEAAAAAHHHH-- this is gonna lead to Ravenhearst or the Blackpool asylum, I swear...

12. ???: HELP I’M LOCKED IN HERE GET ME OUT PLEASE! Pazu: Who, ARE you? Me: BET YOU IT’S A RECORDING DON’T OPEN IT. MD: ...I’m so tempted to do that, to be honest, but duty calls. Me: NO LOOK THAT IS TOTALLY A TV HEAD YOU CAN JUST TELL. MD: OH LOOK WHERE DID MY BRAIN CELLS GO GOTTA RESCUE FOLKS BYE. 13. Pazu: It’s a dummy. I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT TOO! MD: I DID KNOW IT BUT THE PLOT DEMANDS I DON’T! Archivist: AHAHA! YOU FELL FOR THE TRAP! YOU ARE THE FINAL HOSTAGE. ENJOY THE BOMB, SOON-TO-BE-NOT-MASTER-DETECTIVE! See, I said it was a bomb. MD: I KNOW. 14. MD: OOOOOooooookay, bomb defused. Archivist status: unknown. I THINK I deserve a holiday-- Queen: Oh hi MD, um, somethings... strange over at Manchestor Asylum that I think you should take a look. If you would be so kind, can you get on this mission for me again? Thanks and toddle-loos! MD: ..........Alright, who is it this time? Queen: Um, a... Phineas Crown? MD: Oh, the Pirate from 13 skulls-- *Kitty experiences her skull phobia flashback* NOPE MD: Actually, I’m up for this-- NOOOOOOOOOOOOO ANYTHING BUT THE SKULLS!!!!! *Dragged away* 15. Urgh, why, why does it have to be skulls. MD: Wow, patient is NOT a Dalimar, from the looks of it. So at least that’s new, maybe. Hm. 16. Dr. Norton: You might not remember me-- MD: Actually, in this case, I DO remember you. It’s a bit HARD to not forget what happened that had me running out of here, doc... Dr. Norton: Oh, btw, it’s just a formality, but please sign here to access the patient-- MD: You’re making me sign a form to get me institutionalized, aren’t you? Dr. Norton: Dammit there’s no getting by you, is there? 17. MD: Hi? ???: Hi? ...Hello, can you confirm for me whether this story’s plot is the evil Dr. Norton imprisoning the both of us here so he can get Phineas Crown’s treasure? MD: Really, you’re just going to go ahead and figure the plot out? Look, when I can’t solve the game itself, I start solving the plot, okay? And my conspiracy theory says DR. NORTON IS BAD NEWS. 18. MD: Bring you back to life-- Can we NOT bring that pirate back to life, please? It won’t be the first time someone gets brought back to life... 19. ???: Last piece of the puzzle. Thanks. MD: ...Can someone for once just NOT use my head for solving puzzles??? Dr. Norton: Oh, you can leave now, btw. MD: I can... actually leave? We all swear you were going to get locked in there. 20. MD: Phew, alright, driving to the estate-- AAAAAHHH PAPER!!!! MASTER DETECTIVE NOOOOOOOO NOT THE CLIFF!!!!!!! MD: MY BUGGY!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, okay, I’m still fine-- I’M NOT FINE NOPE! You know if a Raven caused this, I would be WAY MORE UNDERSTANDING, but a POSTCARD? MD: STOP DISSING MY DRIVING SKILLS AND GET ME OUT OF HERE! 21. MD: ...Your breaks are broken-- WHO TOUCHED MY BUGGY?????? Oh, they touched the car. They are so dead....Also, YES DRIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE AGAIN! 22. They... they’ve officially killed buggy. I’m... I’m... I’m so sad. MD: *sobs* good bye old friend. I’ll miss your cup of teas in the glove compartment. *sobs* *In the Arms of the Angel plays in background* 23. Um, a dog. Are you a dog person, Detective? MD: Nope. *Puts dog in cage* Oh you-- YOU ARE EVIL. MD: I HAD TO OKAY. And shortly after, the beta ended. It’s... looking promising so far. I look forward to the actual game, whenever it comes out!

[kittymaverick]

MCF Moths to a Flame commentary part 2...

I really heavily underestimated how much jumping I was gonna do watching the gameplay alone... So, Eipex, good job on making me scared for the MD’s life... MD: LEMME OUT. If this weren’t so entertaining, I would honestly be screaming the same still...

1. Pazu: I remember these people Who doesn’t? MD: I wish I don’t! 2. Oh, THEY MOVED THE ENTIRE DOOR HERE??? MD: ...Okay, next time, I’m not just bringing a lighter. I’m bringing lighter, and gasoline, and kerosene, and napalm, AND A TONNE OF TNT JUST TO BE SURE NOTHING OF THAT MANOR EVER SURVIVES AGAIN. 3. MD: this room, it’s like all the Ravenhearst cases in one-- I’m gonna go pass out in the corner. Eipex, when I asked for Ravenhearst, I don’t think I meant like... give the MD a full room of it... Or maybe I did... MD: I knew this case was bad before we started whyyyyyyyyy did I come whyyyyyyyyyyy *sobbing* 4. There’s even a shrine-- wait, why does Gwen’s nest have... eggs... MD, which one of the twins was it that survived? MD: Um, let me check your posts... Okay, apparently, it was Charlotte. ...Are we absolutely, 100%ly, without any doubt whatsoever, certainty beyond all reasonable speculations that Gwen LEGIT DIED WHEN ALISTAIR STABBED HER? MD: ...Look, I checked her body, OKAY? RANSACKED IT EVEN. THE DALIMARS DON’T EXACTLY STAY DEAD THOUGH IF YOU HAVEN’T EXACTLY NOTICED. (Meanwhile, probably elsewhere in this museum, maybe... Dalimars: The Master Detective sure likes arguing with themselves nowadays... they’re never going to get to the end of this game at this rate...) 5. MD: I probably shouldn’t go into a fireplace that just showed up, but... I’m too curious-- Oh, good to know you’re just like a cat like me! Which life are you on now? MD: ...Considering Ankou gave me the feather, negative 2? 6. Complex puzzles actually seem doable and logical this time! Though it is hella creepy. 7. “All the cases are too easy! I’m gonna look into some of the Master Detective cases next. Maybe there’ll be a challenge in there.“ MD: I’m second hand embarrassed about this man’s ego. And other than the security breach your agency has, can I say... Your cases don’t so much have challenges in them as so much as loose ends that never tie up... MD: Look, I REALLY try with the fire, okay??? 8. Shoot all the evil ducks. If you shoot a wrong one, you’ll have to start again! MD: THIS IS THE NEW WHACK-A-TROLL I SWEAR. Pazu: I got this. *100% it* MD: See, in the hands of a good player, I still got it. ...First, how dare you diss me. Second, You do realize your adversary now know your shooting skills, right? MD: Shut up and let me have my small victories will you? 9. Hm, Raven badge, crystal badge... wonder if the last one is going to be death badge.... MD: If the Dalimars and that Scottish guy teamed up, I’m as good as dead... 10. ...is that... is that? MD: ...ISIS??? PLEASE LET US KEEP HER AS A PET. MD: Wait, HOW DID YOU GET CAUGHT? YOU’RE BASICALLY A GHOST CAT. Isis: *innocent kitty eyes* 11. Gargoyle chest with... Madame Fate’s Crystal Ball. MD: Please tell me that’s not the real thing because if it is, I’m breaking it right here and now. I think the pieces are under lock and key because they have Charles’ soul fragments in them right now, right? MD: EXACTLY MY POINT. 12. Video guy assumes you’re a guy. MD: I’m glad as least one part of my identity has been kept secret more than anything else... (Note: MD’s voice acting in this game suggests they are feminine) 13. And the final badge is revealed to be... the cog badge? Wha? (Even Pazu is confused lol.) ((I also just realized, we’re still in the Beta segment of the videos...I’m gonna cry in act 2 and 3, aren’t I?)) 14. MD: Should I be scared or honored that someone made rooms out of my old cases? Do you really want me to answer the obvious? MD: ...Okay, VERY SCARED. FREAKED OUT SCARED. ...BUT THEN YOU KEEP ON DOING THOSE PUZZLES. MD: I CAN’T HELP IT OKAY IT’S MY OCCUPATIONAL HABIT AT THIS POINT. 15. Cheating with weights on the hammer, MD? MD: Look, I walk around a lot solving cases, but that doesn’t exactly leave me time to work out, okay? 16. Oh, so MAC... was constructed by this guy-- MD: ARE YOU SAYING MY BADGE LITERALLY BETRAYED ME??? Well... MD: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT I CAN’T EVEN TRUST MY BADGE IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE. WHERE IS THE NEAREST CLIFF I’M GONNA YEET MYSELF OFF OF IT. (...I did say they were gonna give us a companion cube just to take it away, didn’t I?...) 17. MD, considering how well you know the queen... um, why didn’t you check before coming here whether it was fake or not? MD: ... Well? MD: Look, UK’s going through Brexit right now okay, I don’t think she wants to be disturbed when her country is in a crisis. 18. Okay, past the spire staircases! And behind door number three is-- OH NO. MD: OH THANK GOD THEY ARE ALIVE. NO THAT’S NOT GOOD WE HAVE HOSTAGES. REPEAT WE HAVE HOSTAGES! 19. Chloe: Thanks for freeing me-- MD: Okay, can I first say, how could you fall for this? Um, pot calling the kettle black here? MD: ...OKAY OKAY I’LL RESCUE YOU THREE THEN WE’LL REEVALUATE OUR METHODS, TOGETHER. Aiden: Make that Archivist pay for what he did to us! Blake: ...No pressure? MD: *sobbing* 20. MD: OKAY I GOT EVERYTHING, AND THIS IS... an apprentice badge? Archivist: Yo. Wassup? *Springs trap* MD: I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT WE KNEW IT WE KNEW IT WE KNEW IT Other detectives: Um, oops, sorry? Archivist: Really, though, how could you fall for that? And you call yourself a Master-- MD: I AM GOING TO GET OUT OF HERE AND HURT YOU SO BAD YOU WILL WISH YOU WERE DUMBER. Archivist: Um... that wasn’t... on the script-- Me and MD: SHUT UP WE HAVE A LOT OF FRUSTRATIONS AND PARANOIA BUILT UP OVER THE YEARS TO VENT OKAY. MD: And YOU just happen to be on the receiving end of it. Archivist: *drops trap several stories down* MD: DAMN YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-- [Here endith the Beta section!] 21. Hey, we awake? MD: Yeah... awake, ish. OW. Need, to, break, out, somehow. How convenient this guy left sharp objects in the cabinet here for us to use... MD: ...How did the glass not break from the fall? ...Hey, I’m supposed to be playing captain obvious here, not you! MD: Oh right, sorry. Anyway, to vandalism! 22. Archivist: You’re sloppy, aren’t you? MD: Says the guy who left sharp objects for me to break out of here with. Probably because he WANTS you to break out. Archivist: Remember Broken Hours, detective? Tick tock-- MD: I can’t believe I preferred the Dalimars as the villains. Me neither. At least they had some competence in their madness, minus Victor. 23. Blake: Take this Detective! Quick, I’m almost out of time-- OKAY WE ACTUALLY HAVE A HOSTAGE SITUATION HURRY UP! MD: If we take back the incompetence comment, will you give us more time? Archivist: No, of course not. MD: I thought so, you incompetent bastard. Archivist: You little...! Um, PUZZLES AND LIVES TO SAVE PLEASE??? 24. MD: Solving books puzzles gives me more books? Really now, that’s real creative-- Um... is that what I think it is? MD: It’s... It’s nitroglycerin. I’m... I’m so moved. Finally someone understands me. *sobs* Might I remind you this guy has your colleagues HOSTAGE??? 25. There are literally so many references to past games that I’m like overwhelmed with joy. MD: And I’m overwhelmed with HORROR. 26. Pazu: He’s going to get squashed. THAT’S WHAT I’M SAYING. MD: Nah, he’s gonna be fine. I hope. I wish. I mean, I usually turn out fine, right? Right??? ...I’m starting to think your agency is so broke because of all the health bills you guys need to get reimbursed afterwards. 27. Archivist: You fall into my traps again and again-- Let’s be honest, that’s just an MD thing, okay? The rest of the MCF crew-- well, actually... Okay, you know what MD, the Archivist is kind of right here. It’s like you guys are literally DRAWN to traps. MD: I’m sorry for being a bad role model and starting the trend? 28. Huh, this room, looks REALLY familiar. MD: I GET IT. THIS GUY, HE’S A COPYCAT. LITERALLY NONE OF HIS THINGS ORIGINATE FROM HIM. HE’S BEEN STEALING THEM FROM EVERYWHERE AND FRANKENSTEINING THEM TOGETHER. It’s almost kind of impressive in a very disturbing way... 29. MD: Oh hey, Parker, coming with? ...I think the reason why you didn’t get a partner for this mission now is because... they all got kidnapped. MD: Yeah, I’m starting to see that now. We REALLY need better security... 30. MD: Found the center of the mechanism! Now to stop it-- WAIT, THINK, THIS IS A TRAP? MD: Gosh I hate that I have to do that for everything now... 31. Pazu: what is this obsession with badges? Someone clearly didn’t get one and is salty. MD: Gods, all four of us agents are going to need new badges after this, aren’t we. Oh gods that’s gonna come out of our pay too, I’m sure... Speaking of badges, look! You get an agent badge! MD: Can’t believe I’m saying this but I really, really, really, much prefer solving the case involving STAIN as well as about the Hope Diamond to get my qualifications than this... massive puzzle tower... Wasn’t Huntsville how you got start on the whole MD path to begin with? And solving the Hope Diamond got the queen asking you to go to Ravenhearst? MD: ...*sighs* yes, this is a trip down memory lane in the worst way possible, I swear... 32. Um, someone’s calling. You gonna pick up? MD: You know, the least you could do is fix broken things after bringing them over, Archivist? Archivist: But if I did that, where’s the SURPRISE? MD: The last group of people that tried to surprise me got their asses kicked, you know. 33. MD: Draining people of their mind force, huh? I believe the Dalimars have officially been outranked on delusions of grandeur. If this note doesn’t scream trap, I don’t know WHAT does. MD: Honestly, considering how dumbly I fall into traps... I’ll like to see the guy try to drain my brain and see what he gets out of it. 34. Is that... THE PATH TO RAVENHEARST MANOR REPLICATED INDOORS? MD: I’m both impressed, and also feeling Charles’ jealousy emitting from whereever he is sealed. Let’s just hope this guy doesn’t propose at the end too. You have all of our blessings to defenestrate him if he does. 35. Awwww he didn’t have time to finish the rest of the manor. Only got up to the gate. MD: It’s like watching someone give up half way on their ambitious project. HEY GUY, AT LEAST ALISTER AND CHARLES FINISHED THEIR PROJECTS. DID YOU? Archivist: Did they build traps like these? *Trap Chloe* MD: ....You are rising up my shit list with record speed and that doesn’t happen often. ALSO CHLOE SERIOUSLY! 36. Archivist: Too bad for your companion, she paid the price. MD: ...I KNEW I should have kept some of that nitroglycerin! Oh hey look he even has a cable car ride for you! Don’t think we’ve seen that since Return or Escape from Ravenhearst? Archivist: If you want to get to the end of the ride, take a seat, NOW. MD: Oh I’ll seat, but only because I WANT TO. Also, your chair aren’t even replicas. 37. MD: Okay the box now... let’s open it-- Oh come ON! IT’S WHACK-A-TROLL!!!!!!! 8D MD: *Smash emergency exit button* Now ladies and gentlemen, please exit the ride into the next insane area. We hope you’ve enjoy the trip BECAUSE I SURE HAVE NOT-- Really? AN AMUSEMENT PARK NEXT? You did say you weren’t having fun... 38. Aiden: HEEEEEELP! MD: ...as much as I feel sorry for the old guy, I’m also glad I’m not the one stuck in that rocket ride... 40. Oh hey, it’s whack-a... detective. AND IT’S MORE FRUSTRATING THAN WHACK-A-TROLL. REALLY EIPEX? REALLY??? MD: ...Can’t believe this, but now, I miss Whack-a-troll. 41. Archivist: Can’t believe you made it this far without realizing I was one of the missing people? MD: ... Actually... Me: That makes sense, like, I was expecting it, honestly. There WERE four missing posters and we only found three. I was wondering WHEN that was going to come up. MD: See, some of the players don’t go through 19 cases and NOT develop SOME sense of paranoia that you’re going to be betrayed. 42. Archivist: Why don’t you step through the door to claim your prize? Me: How about, no? MD: No here as well. Aiden: Also no here. LET ME GO THROUGH INSTEAD! Archivist: WAIT NO THAT’S NOT HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO GO-- Me: ...Aaaand we’re out of the illusion. I KNEW IT! WHEN EVERYTHING WENT MISTY I KNEW SOMETHING WENT WRONG! MD: Okay, instead of celebrating you seeing this coming HOW ABOUT YOU GET ME OUT OF THIS CONTRAPTION THANK YOU. 43. Hey, you got your badge back. MD: I know. And it’s stabby. MD: I KNOW. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS? MD: IT’S VANDALISM TIME! 44. Chloe: Hello? Anyone there? Blake: Um, same here? Aiden: AHA! Knew there was something fishy. MD: Okay, since we’re all awake, let’s do what we Master Detectives are great at doing. MDs: solving freakishly complicated puzzle panels. *sighs collectively* 45. Archivist: TOO MUCH BRAIN POWER! NOOOOO *Poofs* MD: THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR PLAYING GAMES WITH US-- Um, who, is, that? Basically everyone who remembers the sole survivor of the Dalimars: CHARLOTTE! [To be continue!]

[kittymaverick]

So happy to find another HOPA fan on tumblr! I recently got into MCF games and finally finished Black Veil and I'm super confused. What did Richard mean when he talked about him being the architect of the detective's life? Is he related to the defective somehow? I'm no HOPA veteran and I'm so lost lol. Have a great day!

Hi, fellow HOPA fan! Always great to have another Master Detective join our super silent but definitely still there fandom. :PIt’s been a while since I finished Black Veil, and I had to go look the part up from YouGibs’ Lets Play (One of the few Letsplayers who play HOPA games) as well as my own “review notes” on tumblr. Richard being “the architect of” the MD’s life is actually something that the MD themself said, not Richard. From my notes, I explicitly said it wasn’t made clear HOW Richard knew so much about the MD’s detective career, just that he IS aware of the details. YouGibs’ interpretation is that Richard has had more than enough time to have orchestrated the MD’s career path, and thus their many heroic deeds. This is a pretty plausible theory. If Richard did his research pretty early on, or was, er… magically gifted the knowledge of the weight of souls and such because something possessed him, he could have been keeping an eye out for potential candidates to act as a “soul anchor” since 1920s. And for the most part, it seems the MD became his number one choice at some point.This means that many of the cases the MD has solved so far, especially the Ravenhearst saga, may have been brought to the Queen or agency’s attention by Richard. If this was the case, it WOULD also explain why he was privvy to details such as the MD’s rank, education, and name. In fact, he probably had his eye on the MD since BEFORE they became a detective, and might have even played a part in them becoming one in the first place.This is a theory only, though. Like I said in my original post, we don’t have enough concrete evidence in game to support that. It does look like it was a fleeting epiphany that the MD had as they were at death’s door at the very least, that Richard may have orchestrated many events in their life, leading them to where they were today. It certainly explains why the MD described him as fatherly.…Now that I think about it, MD has a serious case of screwed-up pretend family figures. A father who grooms your virtue only so he can use you as a sacrifice, a husband who is so obsessed with you that he is willing to use the soul of the dead to keep you and him (and his other wives and children!) alive for all of eternity, a father in law who wants you dead more than anything else because… because he wants you dead, step children twins who end up being just as insane as their parent and grandparent and totally did their part in trying to kill you–Hey Eipex, can we get the MD a therapy dog? Like how the guy in Mystery Trackers has Elf the adorable chihuahua?

[kittymaverick]

It’s that time of the year again! A Mystery Case Files: The Black Veil commentary

Spoilers as usual under the cut. Also, this is mostly from memory, so there might be some errors in time order.

1. That opening is epic. Definitely the most epic I’ve seen of Eipex’s MCF so far. (And this is coming from someone who is ultra critical of Eipex. How far they’ve come.) 2. REPORTER PEOPLE ARE RUNNING FROM TOWN. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN. THIS IS HOW WE GET PROBLEMS. 3. Queen: ...the ”unbelievable” is what you deal with. MD: I’d rather not, but it’s not like I have a choice. 4. Mysterious figure running off, fine. Car crashes into another car. Medieval town wholesomely preserved... yeah, this is totally going to be fine. 5. Reporter: Help me Detective! MD: You totally put yourself in this situation, so no. Me: Uh.... MD: Okay, fine! 6. Alison: Hi detective! Remember me from Dire Grove? MD: ...YOU... Alison: It’s like you’re my guardian angel-- MD: I’D RATHER NOT BE. ALSO, DID YOU LEARN NOTHING FROM BEING IN DIRE GROVE ABOUT RUNNING STRAIGHT INTO-- Alison: *Smiling happily* MD: Hrgh, you know what never mind. 7. Yeah, go talk to the guy at the big house with lots of money. Like that’s totally going to turn out fine. 8. Richard: Someone’s breaking into my house! MD: You know, for a moment there, I was actually afraid for you. Just...for a split moment. 9. Huh, big house, pretty normal for once actually-- *GIANT STATUE OF WOMAN* *THREE SHRINES TO DEATH* Okay, I said that too soon. 10. Richard: Hi there! I’m scottish! And welcoming! MD: ...Okay, I think this guy can be trusted, for once. Me: Um... Richard: Snooping around? That’s fine! Why don’t you seat down for a drink with me? MD: Yeah, he’s a fine person. Me: Hey, MD-- Richard: So Henry’s being a little arsehole, so can you tell him to stop it? Also, can you go activate that totally not evil and eldritch device in the center of town for me? MD: Sure! ME: SERIOUSLY?! 11. Henry can’t speak. Me: ....Did they ran out of budget for a child voice actor? 12. MD: Alright, let’s activate this device-- SHITSHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT! Me: WHAT DID I TELL YOU? WHAT DID I SAY???!!! Alison: I’m not feeling too well... Me: SEE WHAT I MEAN??!! MD: Note taken: Just because he’s Scottish doesn’t mean he is trustworthy. 13. Alison: Hey! You’re okay! It must be the feather that protected you. MD: Yes, hold onto the totally mysterious magical item that I have no idea what it does. This is totally going to be fine. Me: Seriously, MD, not from a chicken, peacock, or duck? MD: Hey, I had to make some educated guesses. 14. Alison: Okay I’m off to investigate! MD and Me: WAIT NO ALISON THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT RESULTED IN DIRE GROVE-- Tip: “Alison’s still a bit sensitive about Dire Grove. Be cautious not to bring the subject up.” MD and ME: SHUT UP. 15. Richard: *Villainous slow clap* MD: Please don’t. Richard: Death is an old friend of yours! It’s like we’re kindred. MD: (It’s Alister or Charles, definitely.)...Did he happen to mention how many times I killed him? 16. MD: Oh, great, another immortal on our hands. I seem to be very good at killing those, so you won’t be immortal SOON. 17. Guard: Stop! MD: Okay. Guard: You won’t go any further. MD: I didn’t intend to-- HOLY SHIT HE’S SHOOTING AT ME FOR REAL! 18. Richard: Hey detective. Wanna see something awesome? MD: Not really. Richard: Look what happens when I kill someone! A pretty lady shows up! MD: ...................Which part of NOT REALLY did you not hear? 19. Alison: Great! We found evidence! Richard: You’ve also set off my trap! MD: SHIT. Alison: Oh no, how do I avoid-- *swivels through hidden door* MD: ARE YOU FOR REAL AND DID YOU JUST....urgh. 19.5. Me: WHY IS THIS DOOR NOT OPENING. IS THIS A BUG??? MD: You forgot to power it. Me: ...Oh. MD: ...It was kind of obvious-- Me: I blame bad game design! 20. Richard: AHAHAHA! I have a captive now! You can’t leave! MD: You...Ass. Richard: Well, I’ll save you the trouble of looking for notes and tell you how I got here. MD: Thank you, but you’re still an ass. Richard: So why don’t you enjoy what I’ve prepared for you? MD: YOU...YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LAST GUYS THAT PREPARED STUFF FOR ME? 21. MD: Oh thank gods he’s obsessed with Ankou instead of me this time. Me: Well....... MD: Just let me have that thought for once, okay? 22. Me: Aw...Henry’s just like any little kid. Being mischievous, climbing trees. MD: *Knocks tree down* Me: HOLY SHIT! HENRY! MD: OOPS...HE’s okay! He also totally won’t step into the minefield. *Henry steps into a tube instead* Me and MD: OH COME ON. Richard: *Laughs* 23. MD: Okay, so the more that someone’s soul weighs, the only she gets to stay. And weight is increased by one’s virtue. Me: ...This is fucked up. On the other hand, at least you’re not the prisoner. MD: This is still as fucked up as all the guys before. Me: So you’ve gone from saving ghosts, to saving people, to saving gods now? I’d say that’s an improvement. MD: ...Shut up. Also, this guy has shitty record tastes. 24. Alison: Thank you! Now you’re Henry’s guardian angel too. MD: I won’t need to be anyone’s angel IF YOU’D ALL JUST STAY OUT OF TROUBLE 25. MD: Shiiiiiiit that’s an underground complex alright. Me: Jealous? MD: I’ve had my fill of underground complexes as offerings. No thank you. Richard: Technically, this is also a gift for you though. MD: Oh DAMN YOU. 26. Richard: Alright! Here’s a man who may or may not be guilty. Will you sentence him for his crimes or will you forgive him? MD: ...WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU EVEN THE DALIMARS DIDN’T REACH THIS LEVEL OF FUCKERY. Alister: What?! Charles: Excuse me?! Victor: Father will be displeased! MD: NOT an invitation. 27. MD: ALRIGHT RICHARD ENOUGH OF THIS-- where is he? Richard: Hi. *brandish knife* MD: Shit. Me: Alright! Get ready for final combat-- *Richard OUT RIGHT STABS MD IN THE HEART* MD: CRAP! ME: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! 28. Me: HE STABBED YOU. ACTUALLY STABBED YOU. TO KILL. MD: Yeah, can we-- Me: HE ACTUALLY WENT FOR IT. MD: Hey-- Me: AND YOU’RE DYING FOR REAL THIS TIME. HOLY SHIT WHAT DO I-- MD: WALK ME TOWARDS THE FUCKING LIGHT WILL YOU YOU NITWIT. 29. Me: Oh look, it’s Dire Grove. MD: Nope. Me: Now it’s Ravenhearst. MD: NOPE. Me: Hi madame fate! MD: NOPE NOPE. Me: Hm...this looks like the chamber where Charles was gonna-- MD: AAAAAAAHHHHHHH *runs* Me: ...You know, you’re not so much walking towards the light as so much as running from the dark... 30. MD: Oh hi Ankou. Gonna send me to death? Me: Um.... MD: ...Oh thanks! A feather. Guess I’m going to live. AND TEAR THIS FUCKING THING DOWN. Richard: NO! YOU WERE ONLY MEANT TO BE A KEY! MD: WHY DON’T YOU ASK THE DALIMAR TWINS HOW THAT WENT LAST TIME! Me: Answer, not well. :D MD: The explosion is always so satisfying. Me: Um...should we...get out? MD: Oh yeah-- AAAAAHHHHHH. 31. Henry: ...I want to be like you when you grow up. MD: Trust me, you really don’t-- Wait DID YOU JUST SPOKE??? 32. MD: Alison’s back to normal, Dread whatever the town name actually is has been saved. I’m alive despite being stabbed in the heart. The embodiment of Death has been saved. Eh. Pretty good and done for once. Me: ...You realize you might be immortal now, right? MD: Yeah, but what’s the worst that can come from that? Charles: :D MD: OH NO WAIT FUCK YOU-- Conclusion: As much as the basic plot line is like a lighter version of Escape from Ravenhearst, I did enjoy it. It’s not like Broken Hours where the story was very distant from the MD’s past. This story DID indeed use the MD’s past experience a valid plot point. Except for WHY Richard knows so much about the MD. That just...honestly wasn’t explained clearly, even in the extra gameplay. I think the extra game actually made it more confusing? Now it seems that was part of the intention, but I’m not certain that it contributed to the game as a result. That said, congrats on reaching the 15th game in the MCF series! The MD has come so far. ;u; MD: Can I have a proper vacation now? For once?