Discworld

The Good
What I liked most about this game was the graphical representation of Terry Pratchett's Discworld. Having been a fan of the novels, I enjoyed visiting Unseen University, quibbling with CMOD, and calling the librarian a monkey.

I thought Idle did a great job voicing Rincewind, although the game lacked the dry wit and timing of Python. Also the controls were very good and the game was stable. And um... well it's a game, isn't it? yup.

The Bad
When Discworld is funny, it is very funny. When it isn't, it's grating. Some of the puzzles are illogical in a Discworldian way. Some are just nonsensical for the sake of being nonsensical. As the game progressed, I became further and further indebted to a walkthrough. This was not because the game increased in difficulty, but rather obscurity.

There were also specific gameplay issues that were annoying. Characters (sprites) would flicker and disappear, sound would drop in and out, dialogue would be repeated- shown in subtitles and then spoken- or shown only in subtitles such as the ever illuminating "--------?".

Finally, Eric Idle has a distinctive voice. Apparently additional dialogue was needed and Idle wasn't available so sometimes Rincewind's voice changes drastically.

The Bottom Line
Discworld follows the Campbellian hero quest of Rincewind the Wizard (voiced by Eric Idle) as he attempts to defeat (or at least circumvent) a dragon. The town of Ankh-Morpork is the setting for this quest and Rincewind must explore many colorful locations in his attempt to avoid Death (who seems rather lonely).

The Good
This game successfully brought the magic of Terry Pratchett's "Discworld" to the computer game format. The plot is similar to "Guards! Guards!", although Rincewind is cast as the protagonist this time around.

Eric Idle does a fantastic job as the voice of Rincewind, and the other actors' performances are also well done.

Several concepts from the Discworld novels are translated into interesting game mechanics, most noticeably the use of "L-Space". Using L-Space, you are able to travel back to the previous night, which is necessary to perform a few crucial actions and change history a tiny bit.

The music is catchy and engaging, and serves as a nice complement to the graphics. The graphics themselves are drawn in an attractive cartoon-ish style that seems to draw inspiration from Josh Kirby's famed Discworld illustrations.

The entire game is quite immersive. I certainly felt as if I were wandering the streets of Ankh-Morpork. The game looked, sounded, and felt pretty much how I imagined Discworld to be like while reading the novels, and the patent humor was still present.

The Bad
Sometimes, the solutions to the puzzles were rather outlandish, as one might expect. I had to seek help on some of the more illogical ones.

Other than that, I have no complaints.

The Bottom Line
A must-play game for fans of the Discworld series, and highly recommended for adventure gamers with a sense of humor. Don't be embarrassed to look for hints or solutions to some of the more outlandish puzzles.

The Good
Terry Pratchet writes some of the funniest dialogue in any computer game. A highlight is the conversation with the court jester. The puzzles are true to the book series, and the solutions make sense (at least if you've read the books). The graphics are rather cartoony, but well done.

The Bad
The biggest problem with this game is it's awkward interface. Often, you spend as much time trying to get the character to do what you want as you do deciding what you want him to do. Also, there are occasional problems with graphics distorting and making it difficult to play.

The Bottom Line
A very original game, extremely enjoyable, but with some technical problems which interfere with gameplay.

The Good
Why is this game so under-rated?

Discworld is, after all, a traditional quest game. There is a protagonist, which is an inept pathetic wizard, there is an inventory, and what you do throughout the game is collecting items, taking quests, and make your pace through this lovely game. The only thing which is a bit bizarre is that your inventory has legs and it's following you wherever you go like a dog, maybe it's just because Discworld is far away from being an ordinary world?

As one who read the two first novel in Rincewind series, by Terry Pratchett, I think that the creators of the game made a perfect job in capturing the atmosphere and the humor of Discworld series, and thus, Discworld is a hilarious game. This is one of it's great virtues. This game is so funny, that you just want to make a progress to meet more odd characters and to be exposed to more crazy humor and irony of Discworld. The dialogues are perfect and witty and Rincewind's remarks about things are hilarious. The discussions with DEATH, the swift visits in L-Space... For Terry Pratchett fans, this game is like living in one of the books, fantastic.

After all, this game is not to be considered as one big joke. Discworld is very well designed and is pretty challenging. You will have to find all sorts of unconventional ways to solve the problems, but once you get the idea, the game flows quite good. One way or another, you will be drawn by this game, you will never want to stop playing. From scene to scene, dialogue to dialogue, it all gets better the more you advance.

The voice acting is also great. Eric Idle makes as a wonderful voice for the game, while the music is very unique, colorful, and diversified. I even have most of it on MIDI format.

The Bad
Nothing, really.

The Bottom Line
Discworld is really a fun journey through a charming world, and a great and unique quest. A quest that anyone needs in his repertoire. You must give it a try, you won't regret it!

The Good
The graphics are good, the plot is great (but would you expect anything different from Pratchett?). The game is funny, and the elaborations (librarian, luggage) are simply hillarious.

The Bad
The animations aren't very good, and the game gets rather dull after a while. I haven't completed it though.

The Bottom Line
Solid. You'll probably like it if you like ths style.