-
Ever wanted an RSS feed of all your favorite gaming news sites? Go check out our new Gaming Headlines feed! Read more about it here.
The Council |OT| How I Lost My Mother
- Thread starter Maxime
- Start date
Finally started it! Still really early on, didn't even leave the first area, so it's hard to give an opinion on pretty much anything.
The performance on PC is kind of disappointing, and there are some weird graphical glitches at anything above Low settings, but I can deal with that. The dialogue seems to be the weakest link of the game's narrative, but the story and setting are actually quite interesting, as is the whole RPG angle it's taking compared to other similar games. Definitely intrigued.
The performance on PC is kind of disappointing, and there are some weird graphical glitches at anything above Low settings, but I can deal with that. The dialogue seems to be the weakest link of the game's narrative, but the story and setting are actually quite interesting, as is the whole RPG angle it's taking compared to other similar games. Definitely intrigued.
OP
OP
Also to note, the framerate on the PS4 pro is all over the place at times. It's really inconsistent. It's nothing too bad, but it's really odd.
There's definitely something going on with their framerate cap. The game is incredibly demanding on PC, I just gave up trying to reach 60, but the in-game 30fps cap just refuses to work a lot of the time. If I do a bunch of stuff I can get it to activate, but it'll randomly stop working if I look a certain direction, and the framerate will go wild until I turn my camera.
I just used Nvidia Inspector to force a 30fps cap, half-refresh rate vsync and set the maximum amount of prerendered frames to 1 and it has been really smooth (for 30fps) so far. Better than dealing with the inconsistencies. They should probably fix their 30fps cap, at least on consoles, assuming it's unlocked.
Yeah I can't really pin it down on console that will make the framerate drop so suddenly. Sometimes it's in a conversation, sometimes it's when I interact with something or just when I turn the opposite direction. Like I said though, it's nothing gamebreaking for sure. It's just an annoyance.
I'm certainly interested in this thing, but I prefer being able to continue the story at will, rather than waiting months between episodes, so I'll be holding off until the final episode's ready.
Can you share the reason why one can't buy separate episodes on Steam?
It's been like that since 2012 when The Walking Dead was released. Has something to do with the way games are distributed on Steam.
Weird. Valve should fix that. Valve should do a lot of things they're not doing. It's annoying how Valve is super rich and does so little.
You could buy Hitman episodes piecemeal though?
I think it's because the episodes were released as DLC or something like it with the individual store page was solely for the first episode/prologue. Then again I am not an expert on how Steam works lol
Finished the first episode. Some thoughts:
Negative (some of it is quite nitpicky):
Positive:
Even though my list of negatives is longer than my list of positives, all in all, I quite like the first episode. It's not perfect, it's a bit rough around the edges but it does some new, interesting and unusual things, takes creative risks and, most importantly, it's fun.
Negative (some of it is quite nitpicky):
- Voice acting can be a bit weak at times but it's mostly okay. Got used to it quite quickly and it didn't really distract from the overall experience.
- Facial animations could be better (especially the mouth movements) but again, I got used to it relatively quickly.
- Emily's outfit feels a bit too sexed up compared to the other characters'. It doesn't look like sth people back then would've worn, plus I'm seriously questioning how the hell it's even staying on.
- Louis speaking in an American accent doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I'm assuming all the characters are supposed to be conversing in English, since they're being hosted by an Englishman on an English island (though it would be cool to have some of the characters converse in other languages among themselves - like Von Wöllner and the Cardinal speaking in Spanish or German or Latin) so it would make sense for Louis to have a French accent.
- Movement controls feel kind of janky and turning can look a bit choppy, too. Feels like they could've done better there.
- The puzzles could be a bit trickier. If you've unlocked the right skills, Louis will practically just tell you the solution.
- Some of the in-game UI can be a bit too in-your-face. Especially the big fat line of text at the end of confrontations. That could perhaps do with being a bit smaller... and a bit less green :p.
- I didn't like that, at one or two points, it felt like the game was almost pushing me a bit into flirting with a certain female character. Ideally, if there's going to be flirting/romantic stuff in a game like this (which, I don't know if there actually are full-on romance arcs?), I'd like there to be a same-sex option but I get that that's not always possible (either because the dev doesn't have the resources to add it in or because the protagonist is too much of a predefined character). However, in that case I'd at least like the game to not make the assumption that I would definitely want my protagonist to get into a female character's pants. The instances of this that I've encountered in the first episode were relatively subtle so it's not a huge deal. I just hope there won't be more of it in the upcoming episodes.
- It's a bit of a shame that you cannot walk freely around the mansion without loading screens or stuff being blocked off. I get doors being locked or servants not letting me through but not being able to walk down an empty, perfectly accessible set of stairs just because the game doesn't want me to at that point in the story seems a bit silly.
Positive:
- The story, world and characters are quite intriguing so far.
- It really does feel like a classic adventure game but without the (IMO) annoying point-and-click controls. (Well, and it's also a good bit easier, I guess.)
- The skill system is interesting and I like how they've implemented it into a narrative adventure.
- There can be a real sense of urgency and uncertainty when making choices which is pretty fun.
- It's overall quite entertaining and gripping.
Even though my list of negatives is longer than my list of positives, all in all, I quite like the first episode. It's not perfect, it's a bit rough around the edges but it does some new, interesting and unusual things, takes creative risks and, most importantly, it's fun.
I can't in specificity, but I can say that it's a business-related reason.
I've kept an eye on this one, but am still on the fence. I'm not normally into movies set in this period.
The reviews have been pretty good, though.
The reviews have been pretty good, though.
I don't think so yet, but I bet it will take a full year maybe a bit more to release all the episodes
Holy shit at how easy it is to skip the second quest.
I honestly didn't see that coming and I'm super surprised at just how open and varied the game is. This is a pleasant surprise.
I'll have to check and see how much actually differs but it seems like it quickly opens up alternate paths and they're radically different.
I honestly didn't see that coming and I'm super surprised at just how open and varied the game is. This is a pleasant surprise.
I'll have to check and see how much actually differs but it seems like it quickly opens up alternate paths and they're radically different.
Yeah, it's wild.
If it doesn't change that much, then the game is really good at giving the illusion.
And the dialogue system is actually quite intense, they do manage to sort of bring that rush you'd normally miss from a game with no fighting system, without relying on QTEs for action sequences or whatever. A timed answer isn't only to make you choose under pressure without time to think about the moral implications of each decision, it's a race against the clock to use your consumables and pass the skill check in time. Confrontations do feel like battles, haha.
It's so much better than TT's system. It kind of reminds of the backtalk feature in Life is Strange: Beyond the Storm. The dialogue choices aren't as obvious either. No indication for character's remembering or anything; feels a lot more natural.
How far are you? I just started quest 4. The game is a decent length.
Finished it last night, was also surprised at how long this first episode was.
It's a really good first impression. Hopefully the episodes release regularly. Do you happen to remember how many chapters there are? I feel like I'm close
I didn't like it. I like choosing my answer during conversations but there's too much emphasis on complex mechanics and unlockables. Dialogue is unconvincing, graphics and animations suck, and the story is very hard to follow. There's no real introduction to speak of.
The dialogue mechanics aren't that complex. You find out their vulnerabilities and immunities through trial and error during conversations or by investigating. The rest is like fallout with locked dialogue trees depending on skills.
It's just more in depth and actually game like.
Just finished it! There seems to be three different paths, but
do you still get placed at Elizabeth's death? What happens if you never go to her room or drink with her?
Very surprised by this game. Shame it's flying under radars.
OP
OP
Bigger update on Episode 2: Out on May 17th (May 15th if you own the Season Pass / Complete Season).
https://forums.focus-home.com/topic/6434/announcing-the-council-episode-2-hide-and-seek
https://forums.focus-home.com/topic/6434/announcing-the-council-episode-2-hide-and-seek
Episode two of The Council, a narrative adventure game that redefines the genre with RPG mechanics and consequences for every choice, will release on May 17th. Hide and Seek continues the story of Louis de Richet as he deals with the dramatic results of his actions in episode one, released to press and player acclaim earlier this year.
He must continue his investigation into the disappearance of his mother, Sarah, while dealing with the newly-arrived Spanish head of state, the finally-revealed Lord Mortimer, and the quickly-forming factions on the island.
In the first screenshots for episode two, get a glimpse of brand new areas of the mansion to explore, along with new characters who bring dire news and shocking revelations to the island. Who will you side with? Who can you trust? And how will you find Sarah de Richet? The choices are yours in The Council episode two, Hide and Seek.
Hide and Seek releases on May 17 on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Steam. Complete Season owners on Steam and Season Pass owners on consoles will receive a two-day headstart, with all of episode two being playable from May 15, as well as providing access to all future episodes. Episode one, The Mad Ones, is required to run episode two.
The Council is a narrative adventure game that seduced players and journalists alike with a deep and captivating story featuring intricate characters and smart writing. The innovative concept brings the Narrative Adventure genre beyond its boundaries and allows for meaningful choices with impactful consequences.
The Council episode two, Hide and Seek, releases May 17th on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. The complete season will include a total of five episodes, with new episodes releasing regularly in 2018.
Playing Chapter 2 and they haven't fix the readability of text in some scenes. Very disappointed in that
Edit: I unlocked the suspect trait, however the description is in French. Seems to be an error, just like how the 'honnest' trait has two 'n's in it but its a shame that slipped through QA.
Edit: I unlocked the suspect trait, however the description is in French. Seems to be an error, just like how the 'honnest' trait has two 'n's in it but its a shame that slipped through QA.
Last edited:
Am I just spoiled by playing too much God of War or are the production values a little lower for this episode? Maybe a reflection of lower than expected sales? It seems like this game really went under the radar.
Well, I started Chapter 2, so far still enjoying it, very intrigued about Sarah, there's a Laura Palmer thing going on where the more you get to know about her, the more you realize how little you knew her. Which is interesting, because we really don't know anything about her, but it still manages to feel surprising, like I assume it has been for Louis.
And I'm glad they're starting to tie the prologue to the current story, this is really welcome, as I couldn't shake off the feeling of "I'd rather play something more like the prologue than this story" during Episode 1. So knowing it's actually relevant to the plot is cool.
Well, I started Chapter 2, so far still enjoying it, very intrigued about Sarah, there's a Laura Palmer thing going on where the more you get to know about her, the more you realize how little you knew her. Which is interesting, because we really don't know anything about her, but it still manages to feel surprising, like I assume it has been for Louis.
And I'm glad they're starting to tie the prologue to the current story, this is really welcome, as I couldn't shake off the feeling of "I'd rather play something more like the prologue than this story" during Episode 1. So knowing it's actually relevant to the plot is cool.
Didn't enjoy this episode as much as the first, but there are three to go so plenty of time to prop back up ;) Also loving the constant saving to prevent save scumming and punishing the player for making mistakes, stuffed up a puzzle and now have a permanant stat penalty as a result, made a poor choice with a character and killed a plot line because of it. This is keeping the urgency and stakes in the game really high. Kudos for the developer not compromising on this.
I thought this episode felt shorter than the first, I still enjoyed it though all the same. Some tricky puzzles as well. I'm playing a more Detective character and in the first episode I found it handy enough to succeed, but this one leaned more towards Occultist and Diplomat which was good as I could see things I was missing out on encouraging alternative playthroughs.
Also spoiler if you haven't played the episode
Also spoiler if you haven't played the episode
I can't imagine a reason why you wouldn't eavesdrop on the conversation in the hallway (Piaggi and Von Woellner) before looking for your mother. To me finding your mother is an end objective which you were going to reach anyway.
OP
OP
Nice, thanks for the update. I hope its better than episode 3.
But i hope it stays good, really love that a game with such a unique setting exists.
It lost me a little bit with all that demon talk and that strange biblical riddle in the cave. Normaly i don't look up things for this game, but that was to crazy to find out yourself.
But i hope it stays good, really love that a game with such a unique setting exists.
Last edited:
I keep hearing conflicting opinions about this game. Any innovation to the Telltale formula is welcome, but I'm wary of them bungling historical characters ala Assassin's Creed, and the voicework has sounded all over the place. Not to mention the protagonist seems as boring as a pile of rocks. I'm pretty much waiting for the season to finish though to decide whether or not to dive in. Since there isn't a way to try the episodes individually, it seems like the right option to pick.
If Assassin's Creed was going too far for you, as far as historical figures go, I don't think you'll enjoy this.
I see episode 4 is out next week. What's ERAs thoughts on the game so far? Thinking about giving it a shot because it seems like a more in depth Telltale game, where conversations themselves are like puzzles.
Just finished off ep 3, eh... really not liking the direction this is going with the plot, I hope the development in ep 3 is a misdirect because if true I'm probably not going to have a good time moving forward. Still enjoying how punishing the game is being though and there were some nice callbacks to choices made way back in ep 1 in this one which was cool. Roll on ep 4?
OP
OP
I finished it just today. Overall very enjoyable and an interesting take on the adventure / evolution of the point & click genre. The rpg elements are a good addition, puzzles are decent enough and I liked the story (not for everyone though).
I'll keep an eye out on their projects going forward.
I'll keep an eye out on their projects going forward.
Sorry for the bump, but episode 1 is on sale now for like 3 bucks.
I didn't see the rest of the series on sale. Has the whole thing been on sale yet and should wait for that?
Any impressions appreciated.
I didn't see the rest of the series on sale. Has the whole thing been on sale yet and should wait for that?
Any impressions appreciated.
Completed all the episodes of this a little while back and really enjoyed it. Yeah, the story takes some iffy (and icky) twists, there are some technical issues, and traversing the same areas over and over gets a bit tiresome but the core of the game is very enjoyable. The RPG nature of your abilities definitely makes for a unique experience, choices can have immediate and severe consequences, and each conversation can play out in many different ways. Really intrigued as to what this studio does next and how it will build upon the base they have created here.
I just bought this in the PSN sale and played through the whole thing, based on the fact that the next game they're developing is Vampire the Masquerade game. I think it's a real flawed gem, which I guess is pretty standard with good AA games.
I thought I'd start with the negatives: there's some weird budgetary stuff going on, and sometimes you can't read the option text because of the background it's against, the system they've put in place encourages you to get every skill as fast as possible rather than specialise (because higher levels in skills only reduce cost, rather than unlocking new options), and IMO the game focuses too much on puzzles versus the character interactions and confrontations, which is clearly where it shines.
But on the positive side: the story is really interesting (and the conversation you have with Mortimer after SPOILERS 100% convinced me that they have the chops to pull off a VtM game), the characters are well fleshed out and they're not afraid to go pretty horrifying places with them, the RPG systems really make your character feel compentent at the things you've unlocked (with the observations in addition to be able to use them in dialogue/interactions), and it seems like it could have gone massively differently than it did for me (i.e. good C&C).
My hopes going forward for the next game if they're using the same set-up. 1. Make higher levels of each skill unlock harder interactions rather than making the interactions possible for everyone, but expensive (combined with the item that makes the next thing free it means that the benefits aren't particularly large). 2. Show where everyone you can interact with is on the map, I wasted a huge amount of time going to someone's room to try to speak to them, only to find out they weren't actually there, then hunted around the mansion for them, only to find that they weren't available to talk to during that quest at all. 3. Related, fast travel. Let me warp to rooms I've been to before, there's too much dead time running through corridors. 4. Fewer obscure puzzles, more dialogue.
That said, I do think peoeple should play this game if they like narrative RPGs or Telltale style games. It did things I've never seen before.
I thought I'd start with the negatives: there's some weird budgetary stuff going on, and sometimes you can't read the option text because of the background it's against, the system they've put in place encourages you to get every skill as fast as possible rather than specialise (because higher levels in skills only reduce cost, rather than unlocking new options), and IMO the game focuses too much on puzzles versus the character interactions and confrontations, which is clearly where it shines.
But on the positive side: the story is really interesting (and the conversation you have with Mortimer after SPOILERS 100% convinced me that they have the chops to pull off a VtM game), the characters are well fleshed out and they're not afraid to go pretty horrifying places with them, the RPG systems really make your character feel compentent at the things you've unlocked (with the observations in addition to be able to use them in dialogue/interactions), and it seems like it could have gone massively differently than it did for me (i.e. good C&C).
My hopes going forward for the next game if they're using the same set-up. 1. Make higher levels of each skill unlock harder interactions rather than making the interactions possible for everyone, but expensive (combined with the item that makes the next thing free it means that the benefits aren't particularly large). 2. Show where everyone you can interact with is on the map, I wasted a huge amount of time going to someone's room to try to speak to them, only to find out they weren't actually there, then hunted around the mansion for them, only to find that they weren't available to talk to during that quest at all. 3. Related, fast travel. Let me warp to rooms I've been to before, there's too much dead time running through corridors. 4. Fewer obscure puzzles, more dialogue.
That said, I do think peoeple should play this game if they like narrative RPGs or Telltale style games. It did things I've never seen before.