A Gentleman's Game

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puggsoy's picture
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Joined: 11/20/2012 - 04:25
A Gentleman's Game

I just started playing Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure, and thought I may as well post that here since Kyle (Gray) made it. So far I've only just completed the tutorial, but it's already pretty great. I think it's a really unique use of the dual screens, and the humour is also really nice. I literally laughed pretty loudly (something games rarely make me do) the first time Hatsworth spoke, those voice sounds are priceless.

Has anyone else played the game? For those who don't know it's a Nintendo DS game, a 2D platformer in the top screen and a block puzzler in the bottom (i.e. you need to link same-coloured blocks). I've wanted to play it for a while now but only managed to now.

Daxar's picture
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Joined: 11/18/2012 - 14:09

Cool! Not having a DS myself, I've been wondering what the game is like. I should probably watch some YouTube videos or something of it; it looks pretty cool. Let us know what else about the game you like.

puggsoy's picture
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Joined: 11/20/2012 - 04:25

Warning: Mini-review ahead. May resemble a wall of text.

So I've almost finished the first world, and I'm really having a blast. Having to manage the puzzle while adventuring is intimidating at first, and initially enemies kept popping out of the bottom screen (they can be really annoying). But once you get the hang of it it's quite simple, you just have to keep an eye on it and regularly destroy enemies (or at least move them lower down in the puzzle). Going into puzzle mode pauses the top screen, but you have a "puzzle bar" that depletes and kicks you out if you stay too long. You can power it back up by destroying blocks in the puzzle or killing enemies in the adventure (I think it slowly refills if you wait though).

The actual puzzle itself is pretty neat, it takes getting used to but once you've got the hang of it it's quite fun. You can only move blocks horizontally (with the exception of falling if there's nothing beneath them), but they can link horizontally and vertically, so it can sometimes be a bit tricky. But over time you figure out techniques and get quicker at linking the blocks you want. Plus you also get lucky sometimes, and can start a small chain reaction.
The best part is that not only is the puzzle where the enemies go, but powerups can also appear which can help in both the puzzle and the adventure. For example there's a "lightning" block, if you activate that it not only destroys all blocks of that colour, but when you go back to the adventure it also shocks (which I think kills) all enemies on the screen. Plus, every time you destroy blocks they add to your "special bar" (some more than others), which can help you in the adventure in multiple ways.

I don't want to explain the whole game and I've already said a lot, but honestly it's just really awesome. The adventure and the puzzle go hand-in-hand really well, and you frequently switch between the two, giving a truly unique experience. You have to avoid and kill enemies, while at the same time destroy blocks not only to permanently get rid of enemies, but also for health, lives, powerups, and the all-important special bar which can really be a lifesaver at times. I won't spoil for those who haven't played, but "Tea Time" is honestly the coolest thing ever.

Probably one of the most fun games I've played on the DS, and I'm not just saying that because Kyle made it. I highly recommend to play it if you get the chance.

kirdneh's picture
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Joined: 12/22/2012 - 14:01

I think I will buy this for my 3DS. Where can I buy it?

puggsoy's picture
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Joined: 11/20/2012 - 04:25

A game store probably ; )

It's not really that new, it was released in 2009, so you might need to get it second-hand. eBay maybe, or something like GameStop/EB Games that sells second-hand copies. You might be able to find a mint-condition one somewhere like Amazon (they sell games right?) but I wouldn't count on it.

Daxar's picture
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Joined: 11/18/2012 - 14:09

It is indeed on Amazon. It generally takes a while for games to stop being manufactured. Shoot, last I checked on Amazon, you could still buy a brand-new Gameboy Color...

EDIT: Haha, you still can. A brand-new GBC for $200. I guess it's a collector's item in that case.

puggsoy's picture
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Joined: 11/20/2012 - 04:25

Oh wow, that's pretty sweet then. I've never used Amazon before so I wouldn't know, but yeah if you want a brand new one you can probably get it there then. Second hand should suffice though, unless you don't mind spending some extra money for an untouched copy.