Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode One

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 97
  3. Negative: 6 out of 97

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  1. JoeT.
    May 24, 2008
    6
    I was hoping for a humorous and innovative take on the RPG & point-and-click conventions. Unfortunately, after the novelty of bygone era cartoon-inspired visuals wares off, it's a pretty run-of-the-mill game and nothing special. Despite its fairly inexpensive cost, I feel slightly cheated in the fact there are many more creative and enjoyable games available for free. (Regardless, I I was hoping for a humorous and innovative take on the RPG & point-and-click conventions. Unfortunately, after the novelty of bygone era cartoon-inspired visuals wares off, it's a pretty run-of-the-mill game and nothing special. Despite its fairly inexpensive cost, I feel slightly cheated in the fact there are many more creative and enjoyable games available for free. (Regardless, I recommend trying the free demo available before forking over any cash.) You might get something out of it if you're familiar with the online comic (which I am not), but otherwise... yawn....… Expand
  2. kuehnau
    May 26, 2012
    4
    I have always been a rather big fan of Penny Arcade the the views they have on the gaming industry, they have never been afraid to tell the industry and their fans how they felt about a certain game or events that were happening at the time. It has always been very refreshing to see this in a market clogged with fakers, idiots and sellouts.

    From the way they talk about games and their    I have always been a rather big fan of Penny Arcade the the views they have on the gaming industry, they have never been afraid to tell the industry and their fans how they felt about a certain game or events that were happening at the time. It has always been very refreshing to see this in a market clogged with fakers, idiots and sellouts.

    From the way they talk about games and their views and thoughts on the industry and how games are designed, I have always thought I'd see a much different game title then what they actually produced and I think that is why my disappointment is so much more here, then it would have been with any other title, simply because my expectations were so much higher.

    Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness really boils down to a J-RPG style of role playing game, which actually isn't very unique, nor is it very ambitious. It's very mediocre at best.

    The most difficult part of the entire game is learning to use it's system in order to be able to beat swarms of enemies. Like other rpgs in the past, the combat systems a level of interaction with the player in order to successfully win battles.

    By timing to win battles, you can decrease the amount of damage taken, but the game gives no indication wither or not timed keystrokes on attacks actually increase damage. It is integral that you take advantage of this system or you will never survive the game. The game features almost no currency to speak of, barely any character crafting or building and almost no equipment upgrading what so ever, in the end, it revolves around collecting parts to upgrade a single weapon for each playable character and leveling up. That's it.

    What's even more annoying is the sudden spike in difficulty. In the "normal" setting of the game, one moment you can be playing a nice, smooth RPG, in the next moment a area the game directly sends you to, the enemies can (and will) 1-HKO you, this sudden and unhelpful spike in enemy difficulty is not welcome in my opinion. In the end, it's one of the most basic, simple and some times annoying J-RPG style games I have played for the computer, all lacking the actual humor of Penny Arcade. I am glad I picked this up on sale, because had I paid full price for this title when it first came out, I would have been quite upset.    … Expand
  3. Bobbananas
    Jun 28, 2008
    1
    Piecee of crap, horrible game should not play even if you get it for free.
  4. PaulO
    Jul 12, 2008
    1
    If you are one of those annoying nerds who thinks Penny Arcade is a quality comic, you may enjoy this game. Otherwise, go play Sam&Max instead.
  5. MikeL.
    May 23, 2008
    1
    A shining example of what happens when gaming press try to make games. Avoid at all costs.
  6. JesseB.
    May 22, 2008
    9
    If you like the comic, you'll like the game. The PC version is a bit frustrating--using the mouse is kind of unusual for an RPG--but the dialogue is hilarious. In short, what were you expecting? If you hate Penny Arcade, don't give them twenty bucks just to hate them more.
  7. JacobB.
    May 30, 2008
    8
    Combat seems impossible at first but gets playable and fun....definitely addicting.
  8. Jake
    May 22, 2008
    10
    This game might not have the best innovations in gameplay. But it sure as hell ain't broken. And I don't see why you need to fix what isn't broken especially when it does such a good job conveying that good old penny arcade hummer.
  9. DavidF
    Sep 5, 2008
    10
    I liked the demo so far. I'm going to unlock the full version today. The game play has elements not found in other adventure games.
  10. JonesR
    Aug 19, 2011
    5
    It's like an interactive RPG comic book. The strong point is in the story which is on the wild and crazy side containing lots of fun and originality, but there is a little too much reading for my taste creating lots of dull moments. It's certainly something worth experiencing for the $1 sale price, but it's not something that is going to impress. Good time filler if you are looking forIt's like an interactive RPG comic book. The strong point is in the story which is on the wild and crazy side containing lots of fun and originality, but there is a little too much reading for my taste creating lots of dull moments. It's certainly something worth experiencing for the $1 sale price, but it's not something that is going to impress. Good time filler if you are looking for something different to play in between your regular games.… Expand
  11. HowardU.
    May 22, 2008
    10
    This game has amazing dialog and the combat system is good too. It feel like the gamer has a lot of choices that can affect teh outcome. Be wary of reviewers who intentionally bash this game because the PA crew haven't made a lot of friends in this area and they aren't like other publishers that can buy their reviews. Either way, pick up the demo and see for yourself. 20 bucks This game has amazing dialog and the combat system is good too. It feel like the gamer has a lot of choices that can affect teh outcome. Be wary of reviewers who intentionally bash this game because the PA crew haven't made a lot of friends in this area and they aren't like other publishers that can buy their reviews. Either way, pick up the demo and see for yourself. 20 bucks for 7 hours of quality gameplay isn't a bad deal. There are some full retail games that don't even have this much content.… Expand
  12. ArtV.
    May 22, 2008
    10
    Ignore the bad reviews! Just pick up the demo and see for yourself, there are a lot of reviewers that have it in for the PA crew. Personally, I have bought the game and just about finished it. The dialog is amazing, very funny. The gameplay is decent too. There is lots of things to do every fight and the gamer feels like they have a lot of choices.
  13. FedorP.
    May 23, 2008
    10
    For me, the key to liking this game was to not expect anything very particular from the gameplay and accept what it has to offer on its own terms. That attitude worked, plus the art is great and the humour classic Penny Arcade. Good fun for a reasonable price.
  14. JonathonH.
    May 27, 2008
    9
    Episodic games tend to do poorly in the traditional review system - 'too short' tends to be a common complaint, regardless of the fact that the games often contain four/five hours of content, which constitutes great value considering the price point they're sold at. On The Rain Slick looks great, plays well - including a combat system that's deeper than the demo would Episodic games tend to do poorly in the traditional review system - 'too short' tends to be a common complaint, regardless of the fact that the games often contain four/five hours of content, which constitutes great value considering the price point they're sold at. On The Rain Slick looks great, plays well - including a combat system that's deeper than the demo would have you believe - and contains the funniest writing in an adventure game this side of the millennium. I can't say how the game's setting and humor will stand up for players who haven't read the comic, but I suspect the appeal will be fairly universal, the M rating notwithstanding. I enjoyed Sam and Max, but On The Rain Slick was another level for me entirely. It's twenty dollars; avoid it at your peril.… Expand
  15. LutExIV
    Jul 8, 2008
    8
    Before commenting, I will preface my review with this little caveat; I had never read a Penny Arcade strip in my life. I downloaded the OTRSPOD demo because I like the premise, and thought I might enjoy the game. I enjoyed the demo so much, I bought the full game. The art style fits perfectly to the games comic strip feel. The writing is witty and fun, and made me literally laugh out loud Before commenting, I will preface my review with this little caveat; I had never read a Penny Arcade strip in my life. I downloaded the OTRSPOD demo because I like the premise, and thought I might enjoy the game. I enjoyed the demo so much, I bought the full game. The art style fits perfectly to the games comic strip feel. The writing is witty and fun, and made me literally laugh out loud at times. The combat is refreshingly shallow; it doesn… Expand
  16. MitchL.
    May 22, 2008
    9
    An excellent game with great humor. As some of the reviews mention, the gameplay isn't the deepest out there, but this is a minor shortcoming in an otherwise excellent experience. Reviewers who complain that it's too esoteric are missing the point - it's a game for Penny Arcade fans, and if they'd tried to appeal to a wider audience, it wouldn't be Penny Arcade.
  17. CameronR.
    May 22, 2008
    8
    The system grew on me, and the humour pulled me all the way through. It may not be quite Sam & Max, but it was close enough to leave me entertained and happy with the purchase. Definitely one for the fans, and there are a lot of them.
  18. StuartW.
    May 22, 2008
    10
    I don't understand the apprehension held by the various gamer reviewers for RSPD personally, as I after playing just a small portion of the game have seen what it has to offer. Both Mike and Jerry have played video games for the last 20 something years. If anyone was to know the inner working mechanics of a game in question, it would be these fine connoisseurs of the pulp video I don't understand the apprehension held by the various gamer reviewers for RSPD personally, as I after playing just a small portion of the game have seen what it has to offer. Both Mike and Jerry have played video games for the last 20 something years. If anyone was to know the inner working mechanics of a game in question, it would be these fine connoisseurs of the pulp video genre. Not even ten minutes into the game, minute attention to trivial detail is exhibited in your character's appearance right into the game, as well as the humorous nuances in the colorful dialog. If you take this game too seriously your game experience will tragically fail, but I personally expect more from this dynamic duo of PC/Console repertoire. That being said I give this game a 10, because I enjoy the paradoxical state of a "perfect game," yet rather I expect the best to come from this series of funny yet questionable adventures.… Expand
  19. JoeD.
    May 24, 2008
    9
    A welcome step away from the norm. Great dialog, graphics, enjoyable gameplay.
  20. TheCheezwhiz
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Awesome Game. Funny enough the PC Format and Edge magazine reviews were done by the same individual and managed to magically differ by 28 points - go figure.
  21. JesseS.
    May 28, 2008
    10
    Excellent gameplay, hilarious writing, crisp and colorful 2D/3D artwork. Everything a fan of Penny Arcade or Adventure RPGs could ask for.
  22. Master
    Jun 11, 2008
    8
    It' not a serious game, but its worth playing! As a break ,when playing serious game, its great!
  23. BrandonD.
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    Never has such a minimalistic game delivered so much pure joy. The writing was fast, witty, and as slick as the aforementioned precipice of darkness. After finally figuring out the block aspect of the game, around 10-20 min in, I was in awe of the storyline that's depth mirrors an iceberg. You think, clowns, have to punch them all, and then you get engrossed in a conflict versus the Never has such a minimalistic game delivered so much pure joy. The writing was fast, witty, and as slick as the aforementioned precipice of darkness. After finally figuring out the block aspect of the game, around 10-20 min in, I was in awe of the storyline that's depth mirrors an iceberg. You think, clowns, have to punch them all, and then you get engrossed in a conflict versus the Gods themselves. Flashy comic book style graphics, simple yet satisfying controls, and hilarious writing give this game all you need, even for a beginner. The only downfall is that its in episodic format so you only get about 6 hours worth of millage out of it. I for one will be spamming F5 to refresh their page so as not to miss episode 2.… Expand
  24. JamesS.
    Jun 15, 2008
    8
    Was a fun game took me 8 hours to beat the game with every secret found so if your looking for a solid 7-8 hours of gameplay I would buy this.
  25. EricE
    Jul 15, 2008
    8
    Not a bad little adventure game. I enjoyed it, only lasted about 5 hours though. The only thing I didn't like is the unnecessary swearing throughout. No real purpose for it other then to swear. Probably could have created a edited version with no problem. Anyway... Still a good short game.
  26. KevinZ
    Jul 16, 2008
    9
    A truly delightful and addicting game! I bought this not expecting much, but I was drawn in after only 15 minutes. There is a great deal of humor, and you don't really need to be familiar with the comic to get it. Combat, while simple, is very fun and I didn't get bored of it. Unfortunately, there are relatively few puzzles that require only brain power. However, great game and A truly delightful and addicting game! I bought this not expecting much, but I was drawn in after only 15 minutes. There is a great deal of humor, and you don't really need to be familiar with the comic to get it. Combat, while simple, is very fun and I didn't get bored of it. Unfortunately, there are relatively few puzzles that require only brain power. However, great game and well worth the 20 dollars and 6 hours required to play it!… Expand
  27. JamesC
    Aug 24, 2008
    9
    This is easily the best game I have played in a long time. The story is entertaining and humorous; the characters are detailed and likable; and the combat is simple, yet challenging. Though it was somewhat short for $20, every minute was enjoyable, making it the best 8 hours I've ever had for $20. My only complaints are that the controls weren't always intuitive (it took me This is easily the best game I have played in a long time. The story is entertaining and humorous; the characters are detailed and likable; and the combat is simple, yet challenging. Though it was somewhat short for $20, every minute was enjoyable, making it the best 8 hours I've ever had for $20. My only complaints are that the controls weren't always intuitive (it took me until half way through the game to realize when I should block) and the story-based nature doesn't lend itself to replay or exploration. I absolutely loved playing this game and can't wait for the next episode.… Expand
  28. RyanD
    Sep 5, 2008
    8
    This game was better than I expected. It looks exactly like the comic, especially when it comes to characters. Voice acting would have been appreciated but it is still a fun but short game.
  29. KevlnS.
    May 21, 2008
    8
    It's good fun, but short. Oozing with PA style, great characters, funny dialogue, and an active/turn based combat system that will quickly wear out your space bar. Guaranteed to please PA fans, but may not provide much for everyone else.
  30. CoryP.
    May 21, 2008
    10
    An absolute pleasure to play, finished it once in a single sitting and then begun another play through. Can't wait for Episode 2 so I can carry my awesome characters (max level, max abilities etc) across to it. A must play for PA fans and anyone who loves a laugh.
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Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best PC Game of 2008
37
#37 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
64
#64 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Edge Magazine
    40
    With the episodic development cycle all but demanding that structure and form be locked down in the first instalment, with content added thereafter, the series' future looks precarious at best. [June 2008, p.90]
  2. GamesRadar+
    80
    Of course, the real star of PAA isn’t the gameplay, but the humor. It’s a lot like playing a comic strip, and should be approached as such.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer UK
    78
    An excellent piece of fan-service, but the actual game part doesn't stand up to much dispassionate scrutiny. And now, if you're not a Penny Arcade fan, you can't criticize it for that. It's not for you. [June 2008, p.74]
    Read full review
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