Google has been ramping ups its gaming presence steadily this year, with plans to make Chrome a viable gaming destination. Those efforts got a significant shot in the arm last night with the reveal of Bastion, formerly an XBLA/PC title, now playable in Google's browser.
The game's prologue can be installed and played for free, while it'll cost $14.99 to unlock the entire RPG experience. Note that gamepad support isn't included, otherwise it runs just like the original version did.
It's funny. When I reviewed Bastion I said that it felt more like a browser-based RPG rather than a full-fledged experience. A few people got really upset with me for saying that. Well ... enjoy your browser-based RPG, folks.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
8:00 AM on 12.09.2011 | 
The fact that this is even possible is a testament to this, and it does not mean Bastion is in the same category of Newgrounds tripe or Java applets from the 90s.
I guess he's a bit of both, and I like it that way.
It's easily my GOTY and if for some convoluted reason you can only play Bastion in a browser, then for the love of god, do it anyway. If nothing else, it can serve as an easily accessible demo.
Yes, you can see that the narration is somewhat stiff. Who cares? The combat was simple and yet effective and varied. The story was actually intriguing in the way it was told. In fact, I'd say I was moved by it and the ending choice was damned difficult to make.
Browser game on the level of a flash title or something? Complete tripe.
I can't focus on stuff that isn't there.
I am not comparing Bastion to a Newgrounds title. I said it played like the kind of browser-based RPG you see marketed via banner ads on blogs like this one. And it does. Nothing to do with its visual/sound design -- as a game, that's how it plays -- generally decent, but nothing special. The fact it now IS available on a browser is something I just found quite fitting.
Fair enough. Just wanted to make sure we all understand that playable in a browser is no longer an indication of game quality. Not just graphically and sound-wise - the sheer processing power and resource management capabilities of web browsers these days are quite advanced.
The combat was clunky, the story was mediocre and the art style, while colourful, lacked any real punch and actually merely emphasised how repetative the game was. The narration, which plenty of people seem to adore, did nothing for me either. The context based comments where nowhere close to being as amazing as some people seem to believe and the style and tone of the narration seemed entirely out of place. I'm sure that many people found that it contrasted with the bright colours and cartoon presentation to make a unique game, but I just found it jarring.
But hey! How cares, as long as you enjoyed it. I'll never understand why people want consensus instead of honest opinions. If you want everyone to agree with you, just stop speaking to anyone other than yourself.
If anything, people underestimate browser RPGs when they get upset at what I said. I wasn't saying all browser RPGs are shitty Newgrounds games. I was saying that, of the current crop of browser games we have, Bastion isn't all that special in comparison.
Basically, I should of paid more attention to Jim.
I mostly have agreed with your assessment of the game.
I thought it was good, definitely a well crafted and well polished experience...but I just didn't enjoy the gameplay a whole lot.
Basically, I should of paid more attention to Jim.
The combat wasn't anywhere close to clunky though. And for Jim, a man who love's Dynasty Warriors (of which I'm guilty as well) it's hard to imagine how he could find this combat somehow more repetitive and boring.
Also, the context based comments were the least interesting aspect of the story. What made the story so enjoyable was how refreshingly simple and poignant it was. In a market that tries to over compensate with set pieces and other over the top nonsense Bastion offered up something different and in a good way.
So, why some people think, app games, flash games, and etc consider this games like lower games?
Mayne because ``PORTABLErr COSNZOLE PC FULL GAMEZ MASTER RAIyCEEEEEE!!1111onze´´
But, about Bastion.
I realy loved Bastion, but i don´t blame Jim for don´t consider ``THe gotzzy of yearrtty´´, opinions differ and bla bla bla :3
You first.
I didn't care much for Bastion after playing the demo, but I bought it for five bucks on Steam anyway. I am weak. However, if Google decides to partner with Steam and not charge me money for a game I already paid for, we can talk about using Chrome for gaming.
*Jim Sterling once again shits all over a game that is easily one of the best games of the year*
Oh look, more Jim Sterling click-bait.
Sigh. I miss Nick Chester.
*longs for the olden days of Dtoid*
I will not be playing this mediocre game a second time.
I found the combat to be clunky, that obviously wasn't your experience, but that's what I took away from it. And I wasn't speaking for Jim, so his love of Dynasty Warriors doesn't really have any bearing on this.
The narrator was a selling point for the game and it was something that was emphasised time and time again, you didn't think it was important but it's clear lots of fans and the devs thought it was and I thought that it left a lot to be desired. There's nothing unique about a game that tells a story in a simple fasion unless you only play massive AAA releases that use set pieces and convuluted plots as a crutch, there is a whole plethora of games that do not do that and many of them are better than Bastion.
It's great that lots of people managed to get some enjoyment out of Bastion, since in the end that's what we are all trying to do when we play games. But does that really mean everyone has to like it? We're not talking about facts here, we are talking about things that are entirely subjective.
Even his technical problems with the title just seem like complaints from someone who couldn't figure out how to play the game well. I even played with an Xbox controller, same as him. In fact, I think this game is actually BETTER when played with a controller, so keep that in mind.
It's gorgeous, the narrating is fun, the upgrades are plentiful and worthwhile (in most cases), and there are so many combinations of weapons that you'll be able to find one that fits basically any style of play.
I don't really care about the "dynamic narration," but the writing is good, and the story is pretty good as well. Oh, and the music is VERY good.
So anyway, you should buy this game. Though I'd purchase it from somewhere where you can use a controller for it.
Sorry if that equates to "shitting all over it" for you dramatic types.
/opinions
Also not a very demanding game, even though it's very pretty. My HP Mini 311 netbook can run it at 30fps/720p. It has a 1.6ghz single-core Atom processor (crap) and Nvidia Ion graphics (decent). Probably a low processor load as there isn't much going on with AI etc. in the game. So I can totally see it running in-browser on most systems just fine. And probably on portable devices as well.
Unless you can't run it for some reason, though, I'd get the regular version and play full-screen on your pc or console to really get immersed and enjoy the artwork and everything. It's not just a game, it's an experience.
Jim told ya so didn't he? get butthurt, stay butthurt.
My theory is (not set in stone, mind): if it's a good story, you should be able to tell it verbally or in writing, and the awesome should come across to some degree. With Bastion's, there's not that much to be said. Can anyone summarize Bastion's story so that I can see in what way it's good?
The narrator had a good voice and delivery, but I got annoyed with how he was "talking a lot but saying nothing". Every time I would bring back an item to him so that he could give me a new part of the story, he'd say something like: "In [Whateverplace], the dark mines were used for collecting metal, but [Whatever-his-name] knew that metal wasn't the only thing you could find in those mines". At first I was like: "OK...I'll find out later as the story progresses", but something similar would happen with basically EVERY DAMN ITEM I'd bring to the guy! And do you think the game later unraveled anything about these things? It mostly didn't. I wish I could find all the quotes - fck playing the game again! - so I could show you what I mean. They disappear from the game once you've heard them once, for some reason. I started to suspect that the game was writing checks it couldn't cash. It only managed to create an illusion of having a deep story. To me, it felt like the developers were trying to bullsh*t me, and I didn't much appreciate the feeling. You find out a little more in the end, but it's too little and too late.
Now, a story doesn't have to be deep to be good, but what do you guys specifically think was good about it, or the gameplay in general?
Gameplay-wise, nothing in the combat or gameplay design blew my mind.
As for the characters: I never got to know them enough to care. Too many key figures (Zulf and Zia ) were shrouded in too much mystery to form the emotional bond the game needed to leverage my emotions. That's a pet peeve of mine, when developers throw so many story-related question marks at you that the distance between the game and you increases. Killer 7 had that (1st playthrough, at least), but then again NOTHING made sense in Killer 7, so it fit.
The floating world in Bastion never felt like a world. Not because it was afloat, but because it wasn't that big and you couldn't go anywhere you so pleased. It felt like a place in a game where you were supposed to fight baddies. Other games that limit where you can go at least provide the illusion of a bigger world by the use of backgrounds ("I see a house on a hill over there but there's no way to reach it"), but in Bastion, only the parts where you set foot even appear. It's a system of corridors and slightly more open (battle) spaces with little illusion of anything else.
The precious Bastion itself was a bunch of "shops". Profound.
Some music tracks (Terminal march, Zulf's theme and Zia's song) were brilliant, no question.
To nitpick, my Steam version was stuttery because the camera was tied very closely to the main character's stuttery movements, so regardless of the actual frame rate the whole world would stutter along (when moving) as if the game was producing - I don't know - 20 fps. So there.
Not a bad game, not good enough to be great. I'm with Jim.
Some people are just he most melodramatic butthurt princesses about reviews, sometimes.
Some people are just the most melodramatic butthurt princesses about reviews, sometimes.
the controls are very good (on console, at least. not sure about PC).
the game is quite long for a downloadable title. in my first playthrough (finishing all Proving Grounds and Vigils, and breaking pretty much everything i could), it took me over 15 hours to beat the game.
the narration is fantastic, and its something ive never really seen in a game.
the art style is gorgeous. this is definitely one of those games you should use in an argument for "Why Video Games are Art"
the soundtrack is incredible. seriously, look up some of the songs on youtube. i recommend these songs: Build That Wall (Zia's Theme) / Mother / I'm Here / Setting Sail / Coming Home / Spike in a Rail / Brusher's Patrol / In Case of Trouble / Terminal March. its easily the best soundtrack ive heard in a game.
there is a large selection of weapons, and aside from the pistols (dont use them, theyre pretty crappy) they are all very good, and it just comes down to personal preference. i went with the Brusher's Pike and Fang Repeater for most of the game. the distillery also offers many different potion combinations to suit your style.
the game offers extra challenges through the Proving Grounds, Vigils, and Who Knows Where.
seriously guys, the only complaint i have about this game is that some of the Proving Grounds are too difficult. other than that, its one of the best games ive played this year, and IS the best XBLA game ive played. (and i have quite a few)
also, i didnt download the game when it came out because i didnt think i would like it. i only downloaded it a couple of weeks ago after hearing so many good things about it, and i decided to buy it after like ten minutes of playing the trial. once i beat it, i started over the next day and beat it another day later in New Game Plus.
this is just a game Jim shouldnt have reviewed. its not his cup of tea. there are plenty of fantastic games that i wasnt into. Fallout 3, for example, is loved by pretty much everyone who played it. i just couldnt get into it. i still acknowledge that it is a great game, and i wouldnt complain about it or assign a score to it just because it wasnt my thing.
please, give it a try.
the controls are very good (on console, at least. not sure about PC).
the game is quite long for a downloadable title. in my first playthrough (finishing all Proving Grounds and Vigils, and breaking pretty much everything i could), it took me over 15 hours to beat the game.
the narration is fantastic, and its something ive never really seen in a game.
the art style is gorgeous. this is definitely one of those games you should use in an argument for "Why Video Games are Art"
the soundtrack is incredible. seriously, look up some of the songs on youtube. i recommend these songs: Build That Wall (Zia's Theme) / Mother / I'm Here / Setting Sail / Coming Home / Spike in a Rail / Brusher's Patrol / In Case of Trouble / Terminal March. its easily the best soundtrack ive heard in a game.
there is a large selection of weapons, and aside from the pistols (dont use them, theyre pretty crappy) they are all very good, and it just comes down to personal preference. i went with the Brusher's Pike and Fang Repeater for most of the game. the distillery also offers many different potion combinations to suit your style.
the game offers extra challenges through the Proving Grounds, Vigils, and Who Knows Where.
seriously guys, the only complaint i have about this game is that some of the Proving Grounds are too difficult. other than that, its one of the best games ive played this year, and IS the best XBLA game ive played. (and i have quite a few)
also, i didnt download the game when it came out because i didnt think i would like it. i only downloaded it a couple of weeks ago after hearing so many good things about it, and i decided to buy it after like ten minutes of playing the trial. once i beat it, i started over the next day and beat it another day later in New Game Plus.
this is just a game Jim shouldnt have reviewed. its not his cup of tea. there are plenty of fantastic games that i wasnt into. Fallout 3, for example, is loved by pretty much everyone who played it. i just couldnt get into it. i still acknowledge that it is a great game, and i wouldnt complain about it or assign a score to it just because it wasnt my thing.
please, give it a try.