Parallels with other games (possible spoilers)

[Gealach]

First of all, thank you for another wonderful game. I think I'm becoming a fan of this studio.

While playing this game, I've noticed, of course, references to Half-Life and Fallout, but what intrigued me more were some parallels with Planescape: Torment. I mean, the protagonist doesn't remember his past but has several previous 'versions' of him. And he has a floating companion who loves to make witty remarks.

All in all, the reference to PS:T is much more deep and subtle than the other ones, so my question to the authors is: was it intentional?

[MarkYohalem]

The short answer is "Yes."  The longer answer is here: http://www.rpgcodex.net/content.php?id=8584

There are lots and lots of inspirations for this game -- different ones for me (the writer) and Vic (the artist).  Vic drew more on BASS than I did, I drew more on PS:T than he did.  That's why I'm always kind of perplexed at reviewers saying that Crispin is clearly inspired by Joey, when I barely remember Joey at all but have Morte seared into my memory!

[Gealach]

Thank you for such a quick reply!

I've never played Beneath a Steel Sky (maybe I should now), but I love Fallout and PS:T, so I really enjoyed discovering those references in the game. And yes, Morte immediately came to mind when I saw (and heard!) Crispin.

[MarkYohalem]

BASS is free (on GOG.com) and widely regarded as a classic, so there's no reason not to give it a spin!

Another rather obscure, and I believe also free on GOG.com, adventure game that had more influence on me than BASS did is Dragonsphere.  Unlike Primordia, you can die and get permanently stuck in Dragonsphere.  And there's a lot that's ridiculous and terrible about DS.  But there are a few really great parts of it.

[InspectorMustache]

Isn't there also a direct reference to PST in the game, where Crispin says something to Horatio about the supposed writing on his back...? Could be I'm just remembering that wrong though...

[MarkYohalem]

You're correct!