4 ms·

I just spent two hours hammering away at a handful of thorny puzzles in this game. I broke out a graphical editor (Monodraw, you're awesome) to prototype ideas.

I just spent two hours hammering away at a handful of thorny puzzles in this game. I broke out a graphical editor (Monodraw, you're awesome) to prototype ideas. I took many, many photos with my phone. I drew intricate diagrams in a paper notebook. And after each puzzle was successfully checked, I was far less motivated by the audio "ding" than I was by the satisfaction of making the right connections and drawing the correct inferences from all possible sources of available information. Mr. Blow often talks about "unethical" player motivation in game design, and rightfully draws some skepticism when he does so. But he has absolutely delivered one compelling alternative in The Witness.

phodo 11y ago
Brilliant game. My initial reaction was: incredible graphics / environment, ... BUT a bit disappointed in the puzzles (first few puzzles) - "really, that's it?!". However, after taking a break and coming back to it, and discovering more of the game, and solving some of the more challenging puzzles, and seeing the world open up... WOW... I think this is turning out to be one of those amazing, memorable games you think about long after you're done with it. It is a work of art aesthetically - just love that polish, and Jon's attention to detail in those puzzles and overall gameplay, plus talent as a game designer is evident. The whole team is talented. I watched the GDC talk by the artist and follow handmade hero's blog where he talked about some of the behind the scenes testing / development. It's all linked from The Witness blog, and worth reading.
hrnnnnnn 11y ago
Also been drawing and taking photos. I've even got the pieces from the tetris-piece-style puzzles cut out so I can play with different configurations.
justifier 11y ago
your review reminded me of a favourite article: http://tevisthompson.com/saving-zelda/ http://tevisthompson.com/saving-zelda/
- progressive_dad 11y ago
  "Insanity is an inability to come to terms with reality. Don Quixote was definitely insane, because he couldn't come to terms. But there was a reason: the reality in which Don Quixote lived was a sordid and ugly reality … Don Quixote didn't want that. He wanted to live in a world where there was truth, and human dignity, and, yes, love.… Instead of giving up on it, he imposed his reality onto the real world. Where other people saw a filthy country hostel, he saw a castle! Where other people saw a flock of sheep, he saw a mighty army! Where other people saw a windmill, he saw a dragon. Yes, Don Quixote was a crazy old fool. But, you know, he was more honest about his dream than most people, and for that, I honor him.” ― Chris Crawford
- anonbanker 11y ago
  Thank you for this. This has spoken everything I was feeling inside since Zelda II.

phodo 11y ago

Brilliant game. My initial reaction was: incredible graphics / environment, ... BUT a bit disappointed in the puzzles (first few puzzles) - "really, that's it?!". However, after taking a break and coming back to it, and discovering more of the game, and solving some of the more challenging puzzles, and seeing the world open up... WOW... I think this is turning out to be one of those amazing, memorable games you think about long after you're done with it. It is a work of art aesthetically - just love that polish, and Jon's attention to detail in those puzzles and overall gameplay, plus talent as a game designer is evident. The whole team is talented. I watched the GDC talk by the artist and follow handmade hero's blog where he talked about some of the behind the scenes testing / development. It's all linked from The Witness blog, and worth reading.

hrnnnnnn 11y ago

Also been drawing and taking photos. I've even got the pieces from the tetris-piece-style puzzles cut out so I can play with different configurations.

justifier 11y ago

your review reminded me of a favourite article: http://tevisthompson.com/saving-zelda/ http://tevisthompson.com/saving-zelda/

progressive_dad 11y ago
"Insanity is an inability to come to terms with reality. Don Quixote was definitely insane, because he couldn't come to terms. But there was a reason: the reality in which Don Quixote lived was a sordid and ugly reality … Don Quixote didn't want that. He wanted to live in a world where there was truth, and human dignity, and, yes, love.… Instead of giving up on it, he imposed his reality onto the real world. Where other people saw a filthy country hostel, he saw a castle! Where other people saw a flock of sheep, he saw a mighty army! Where other people saw a windmill, he saw a dragon. Yes, Don Quixote was a crazy old fool. But, you know, he was more honest about his dream than most people, and for that, I honor him.” ― Chris Crawford
anonbanker 11y ago
Thank you for this. This has spoken everything I was feeling inside since Zelda II.