Blips 6: Conspiracies! Street Brawls! Spaceships! Old Books?

Treachery in Beatdown City: nuchallenger.i... , store.steampow...
Is the President a Traitor?: store.steampow...
For the Warp: massivegalaxy.... , store.steampow...
Deathtrap Dungeon Trilogy: store.steampow... , www.nintendo.c...
Deathtrap Dungeon Interactive Video Adventure: store.steampow...
Support the show! / errantsignal

[@TheBloodswordsman]

"Remember the vote to acquit Trump? That was only in February. The last 35 years that have been March and April sure have been a thing huh?" I have yet to get over this part.

[@flyrefi]

I love that you found Deathtrap Dungeon by plucking a random game from Steam and it turned into a whole thing

[@Minihood31770]

One thing about the relative immersiveness of the Deathtrap Dungeon worms scenario that I think you skipped over is the sound design. The Deathtrap Dungeon trilogy game has ambient sounds which are fine, and suit the general tone. Creaking metal, dripping water, typical dungeon-y sounds. The Interactive Video Adventure has a bit of that, and a little more prominently the crackling of the fire in the room from which Eddie Marsan is reading to you. More importantly though, in the scene with the worms there is the gross sound of slimy writhing creatures that puts the cherry on top of the experience. I haven't played the game so I cannot speak for events other than the ones shown here, but if that sound design and foley work is put into most of the events then I think that would be a large element of the immersion that should not go unpraised.

[@alqaadi9858]

when he was describing the worm scene i was so into it and couldn't understand how it happened; i thought it was the voice acting but i didn't notice the ambient till you mentioned it.

[@rmeddy]

Apparently Open Mike Eagle is in Treachery in Beatdown city , so that's a buy for me

[@ty_teynium]

Somehow I'm surprised to see that name here. Then again Aesop R. Did a (pretty dope) soundtrack for a game. Edit: The game is Called Freedom Finger BTW Sidescroller 2D shooter. Not my thing, but I'd recommend.

[@j.b.aw.6968]

OME is mentioned and it gets 26 likes and Aesop becomes a theme in the discussion. I think I might love the Errant Signal audience.

[@InverseAgonist]

Listen to the track he did for it, it slaps

[@moeezS]

Awesome!

[@Metushalakh]

Speaking of Deathtrap Dungeon, a few of the later Fighting Fantasy books would probably benefit from more attention, since they were more mechanically engaging, non linear and fairer, say titles such as Night Dragon, Moon Runner or more recently Howl of the Werewolf. These books have never been reprinted either...

[@Bluecho4]

There's something to be said about a game that recreates the feeling of being run through a solo dungeon by a dungeon master in the 80s. It's simultaneously very cosy and very gripping, like telling stories by firelight.

[@cameronmarnoch5236]

20:50 Eddie Marsden was also one of The World's End's pub-crawlers and Mr Norrel in Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, if your tastes run more Pinewood and less Hollywood.

[@GrandHighGamer]

He's incredible in both of those too. Really good actor when he's not playing more ridiculous characters (i.e. the bankrobber in Hancock).

[@ashleyedwards3082]

The scene with the worms around the dagger reminds me so much of the Moonlight Greatsword in Demons souls surrounded by slugs.

[@ask5118]

God I love Blips I would say, the second game reminds me a little of Sid Meier's Covert Action, though that was a more explicit endorsement of the US empire. The procgen characters, the various ways to resolve conflict…and so on. Keep making these, I can't get enough

[@KillahMate]

Wow, a review of For the Warp that doesn't mention FTL at any point. I didn't think it could be done.

[@arthurjeannin3357]

It's better to review games without resorting to comparisons if you can!

[@KillahMate]

@@arthurjeannin3357 He compared it to like half a dozen titles - just not the completely obvious one that comes to mind first.

[@teratoma.]

because it has literally nothing in common besides the setting and the name

[@middaymeds]

FTW seems pretty obviously inspired by the card game Star Realms, it's worth a checking out if you want to dive a bit deeper into the deck builder genre.

[@KristofDE]

Yay for Dicey Dungeons, both the game and its soundtrack are great! For the Warp looks intriguing. I'll probably wait until they finish it though. Check out Nowhere Prophet for something similar but different :-)

[@karlholde6901]

23:18 I remember dying this exact death and rage quitting the book. It just felt so completely arbitrary.

[@iceoriental123]

If you look at the image, it clues you into which eye is the real one. See 19:40

[@terbowzone137]

Never heard of For the Warp, seems like a mix of Slay the Spire and FTL thanks for putting this on my radar.

[@RomanNardone]

yeah im surprised he didnt make the FTL connection

[@subprogram32]

Yes, I will be happy to check that out when it's out of early access!

[@teratoma.]

@@RomanNardone because gameplay wise it has literally nothing in common

[@RomanNardone]

@@teratoma.why are you named after the dermoid tumor

[@teratoma.]

@@RomanNardone cuz i like edgy aesthetics and sonically it sounds p good

[@Macieks300]

I just finished Deathtrap Dungeon for the first time. Thanks for the recommendation. Really nice idea for a game.

[@junebunchanumbers]

I associate Eddie Marsan most with his role in Tyrannosaur, which, uh...well I'm sure he's a lovely man in real life.

[@tomwilliams5273]

I mean, if you've seen him on twitter, I'd say no..

[@Geothesponge111]

20:46 I immediately recognised him from The World's End. Good actor!

[@krrrcht]

He's incredible. You should check him out in Happy-Go-Lucky!

[@yescommander2458]

Really great lineup. All of these seem really cool in their own way, and I might actually pick up FTW when it releases. I've really enjoyed me some Slay the Spire, but I tend to prefer scifi settings over swords & sorcery, so I hope it meets or exceeds what Spire achieved in terms of card variety, artifact bonuses, enemies, random events, etc.

[@SEGAClownboss]

I think I'd unironically love to play that 3D Deathtrap Dungeon. I'm really starting to love the Blips series, and I'm getting a bizarre kick of it now just because of what random thing is gonna turn up next around the corner.

[@92Karoola]

HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT ARE THEY GOING TO DO THE FMV THINGY FOR THE WHOLE FIGHTING FANTASY SERIES!? I STILL HAVE THE SAMURAI ONE AND THE MECHA ROBOT ONE AND OMG IMAGINE SIR PATRICK STEWART NARRATING THE SCI FI UPRISING ONE WHERE YOU GO TO THE 3 PLANETS AND DO SPACE COMBAT STUFF AND IF YOU FUCK UP WITH THE FINAL COMPUTER BIT IT PISSES LIQUID HELIUM ALL OVER YOUR LEGS WHICH SNAP OFF AT THE ANKLES.

[@GmodPlusWoW]

The 90's 3D version of Deathtrap Dungeon seems more like something Civvie would end up getting dragged into by his robot handlers. *"Pro Deathtrap Dungeon when, Civvie?"* -H4MMER on a grumpy day

[@erickschusterdeoliveira2662]

I’m pretty sure Blips is my favorite thing on KZbin right now.

[@COLDCHEMICALpresents]

This series is seriously fantastic.

[@SkipperWing]

On Treachery in Beatdown City's target audience (5:29) "Its for fans who want to revisit a more advanced River City Ransom, but not as a blown up modern triple A game." So... like, for fans of River City Girls? I'm surprised that comparison didn't come up....

[@vincentlance]

Man a new Blips! It has felt like forever, assuming KZbin didn't hide one from me.

[@lillywho]

I feel like KZbin only shows me videos from only 5% that I'm subscribed to.

[@lt_alenko]

That's what the subscription tab is for :)

[@GMTK]

Lilly Who The home page only shows you a handful of videos from your subscriptions, the subscriptions page shows them all.

[@lillywho]

@@GMTK That's the thing: My subscription page doesn't! That's why everyone keeps telling their viewers to ring the bell and such, but I don't want my phone buzzing every time someone uploads something. By the way, love your videos! Very insightful!

[@SnowTerebi]

I need to know the list of games you backed on Kickstarter!!! Also might be a good idea for you to introduce some Kickstarter games that's still during the funding period so they get a better chance to succeed.

[@tammy-0]

hey, deathtrap dungeon ! that's that game Ross Scott played on stream recently

[@DubiousConsumption]

Just bought Deathtrap Dungeon Interactive version. I remember playing the Gargoyle interactive VHS game when I was a kid. Can't wait to go into it.

[@meatrace]

Wow I am really impressed by FTW's art style. That's like 200% my jam.

[@amandagraven6195]

Was that Deathtrap Dungeon game made in the same engine as the Tomb Raider games? It looks weirdly similar in terms of mechanics and aesthetics

[@jodalsgaard5792]

I really enjoyed Inkle Studios' adaptations of some of the Livingstone/Fighting Fantasy books, with their Sorcery! series. The first one is very straightforward and a little simplistic but the game really opens up with the second one. They definitely take the books as a jumping off point, but lets the text adapt to player choices more directly. Their use of the old illustrations with new maps blend pretty seamlessly, and the art direction definitely conveys grand (and weird) adventure.

[@LazarheaD]

So much interesting stuff to check out! Thanks!

[@Personal_Chizo]

Had forgotten Eddie Marsan was English, thanks for the reminder, lol.

[@nexra0]

OK, now I'm looking forward to the release of For the Warp as well.

[@2close4missiles88]

You should take a look at RogueJack for IOS. It’s a rogue-like centered around playing blackjack as a form of combat. It is far from perfect but it seems like there is a serious lack of novel ideas in mobile gaming despite its low level of entry wide reach.

[@tsukasa0802]

FTW's aesthetic is that of Advanced Wars.

[@tombaker3731]

Love this series! Keep it up!

[@britishdantheman]

If you like deathtrap dungeon stuff, you would probably dig The Warlock of Firetop Mountain as well.

[@callumjohn6622]

Why did no-one tell me there was an FMV adaptation of Deathtrap Dungeon read by Peter Page from The World's End?

[@junkmail2223]

If you're checking out deckbuilders, the board game roots in Dominion are worth playing. IMO Dominion is completely unmatched in the genre and is the gold standard for depth, but it's not what i'd call a flavorful experience

[@Valcrist37]

OMG OMG OMG OMG I USED TO LOVE THIS TYPE OF BOOKS AS A KID, AND THIS THING LOOKS LIKE THE NEXT STEP???? Thank you thank you thank you thank you for bringing this to my attention. Off to enjoy some Deathtrap Dungeon.

[@Anka1610]

I'm so happy to see FTW on the list, I've been following the pixel art Massive Galaxy Studios has been putting out for a few years now! It's also great to hear it is an interesting game too - I feel I can a bit more excited about their upcoming space trading sim!

[@Atypical-Abbie]

Of all people to show up in a game book based game, Terry from Ray Donovan wasn't one of them, also that he is actually British was new to me.

[@beautifulbearinatutu4455]

Maybe there's something I'm missing, especially given I haven't played Dicey Dungeons (looks good though), and I don't want to take away from the fact that FTW seems like a really nice mix of Slay the Spire deckbuilding and FTL theming and map mechanics, but it's not clear to me what your criticism of Slay the Spire is? There's a sui generis mention of excesses and of how Dicey Dungeons' focus on dice rolling is... simpler and clearer? But if anything, I'd say that Slay the Spire's small numbers, simple arithmetics (for the most part) and very clearly communicated effects would seem to be instantly clearer than a system that uses dice as its fundamentals, and therefore requires a player to consider probability fairly often while playing. Anyway, really enjoy your looks at smallre games, wish I had the time and money to engage with this stuff more.

[@alexanderbrady5486]

Beautiful Bear in a Tutu as someone who has played and enjoyed both, it is a question of scope and complexity. STS runs take about an hour if you aren’t rushing, with decks that are often 30+ cards from a 100-ish card pool. You can get lucky with some simple strategies, but getting “good” requires a decent understanding of how the cards work together. In Dicey Dungeons, a run take ~20 minutes. You have just 4-6 equipment (“cards”). You will often do the same or similar thing on every turn. It is still a fun game, but the skill cap for most of the Dicey Dungeons characters is much lower. In principle the random dice rolls can be complex, but in practice you don’t have to know very much probability (except that each face has a 1/6 chance).

[@freddiekruger3339]

I think you're missing that it's not a criticism. Just that as a newcomer to the genre he hasn't played slay the spire, but dicey dungeons clicked with him. If you're a deck building elitist then that's his warning to take his opinions with a grain of salt because he liked the deck building equivalent of Halo as opposed to Quake/unreal... If that metaphor made any sense at all

[@metodoinstinto]

I'm a huge fan of the channel and have been following it for years, but I felt it was TOTALLY UNNECESSARY to talk shit about the 1998 game. Really, it has aged better than the first Tomb Raider and I bet it had a much lower budget. I never played too much of it, but I know people who feel really nostalgic about it. This, out of all superficial channels out there, is the last I would think would go and flat out say "it's bad". I felt a tiny bit of disrespect for the time it was made and the - probable - effort from the developers.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Deathtrap Dungeon looks great, just bought it. Thanks!

[@Top2323-n1b]

youre welcome

[@owlpellet81]

I think I would like the Lone Wolf books to get the FMV narration treatment. The 2014 game is not that great. One problem though is that there are like 20 of them...

[@Redingold]

Aw, Fighting Fantasy books, I had loads of them when I was a kid, they were great.

[@orijimi]

I remember Eddie Marsan as that psychotic hallucination in River. I think he will always be that guy in my mind now, no matter what he's in.

[@deciMae]

I didn't see much that is different in FTW compared to Slay the Spire, only the map and theme seems different. The special encounter with a non-boss enemy with a lot of health where you only need to survive an amount of turns is in STS as well, even. I get of course that it's hard to compare, but I still don't understand how FTW is anything more then STS in space with a different map.

[@subprogram32]

FTW is still in early access, so it has time to deviate from STS's bloodline hopefully.

[@deciMae]

@@subprogram32 that's true, I hope it does, I like STS a lot

[@EggBastion]

Sometimes a 'different coat a paint' is really all some folks want.

[@Enigma2Me]

6:28 *Looks at Trump's 2nd Impeachment and open inciting of a coup in January* Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

[@auratheva]

Shout-out to this video for introducing me to both ITPAT? and game books as a whole

[@nibblrrr7124]

24:40 oh no a spider vs. pouring sour milk over your cereal

[@iam9991000]

I tried Is the President a Traitor? for a few minutes and I have to say I wish it had a tutorial. You're jumped into the middle of the action with the timer ticking up with no idea of what to do.

[@joenathan7]

It looks like they have a pretty extensive guide on their steam page.

[@iam9991000]

@@joenathan7 Yeah, but all of that should really be in the game itself.

[@andhegames8669]

6:45 That's Gary Oldman.

[@rattenusrattoonus1880]

Tinman games also has an adaptation of the gamebook Warlock of firetop mountain if i recall

[@gardenhead92]

Now I want Marsan to narrate all my videogames.

[@plentyoflulu4694]

as someone with aphantasia : the deathtrap videogame is much better then the one read by that actor.

[@gsd4104]

Oh! I had no idea that Deathtrap Dungeon was a Livingstone book. I had Warlock of Firetop Mountain (2002 Print) when I was young and it was a huge part of my childhood.

[@lordcrispen]

Oh my god PLEASE don't ever stop making these. You and the Extra Credits crew (lol rip) were the only ones that gave me insight to games I'd normally never hear of on my own.

[@KeldNeedsCoffee]

Please keep doing these. I still pull up Errant Signal episodes much after they're posted to listen to and to appreciate. I want this to continue. In the mad world I can't directly support but I want to make keep happening. I hope we can support more of this. I want more mid-long form game essay well spoken videos. Also it literally is a comfort food for me and likely not just for me. Your voice is legit a happy place for some.

[@johnarmstrong5533]

FTW's combat being described as "like a Star Trek crew scrambling to put together engineering hacks on the fly" actually sounds really compelling.

[@kenkoopa7903]

"left-leaning but #Resistance-y" So left-liberals.

[@diegowushu]

Liberals in the US sense are not left.

[@xanaxodgrindcorelover9191]

neoliberalism

[@0Enigmatic0]

"You have to love America as a patriot, the power structures that are in place aren't broken, it's just bad eggs and foreign actors" sounds more right leaning than any thing to me. It's really just the "corrupt president," that seems otherwise.

[@Jake-vf3yp]

Liberals in any sense aren't left, heck social democracy is the left wing of fascism which still makes it pretty far right.

[@kenkoopa7903]

@@diegowushu tru

[@Dayglodaydreams]

I tried playing an Australian Football mobile game, and I thought I knew the rules of the game, but it felt totally different (and awkward) to play.

[@LuxurioMusic]

So it's an audiobook (videobook?) but for a game book?

[@ErrantSignal]

Pretty much, yeah!

[@Cooly1111]

I have a bunch of Ian Livingstone's books! In Danish, but still. I loved them as a kid, maybe I should revisit them some time.

[@MiguelAbd]

I missed your videos, man

[@cuentadeyoutube5903]

Hey, wouldn't it be great if Netflix released the FMV version of Deathtrap Dungeon?

[@lexman7179]

I seem to remember Deathtrap Dungeon wasn't particularly good when it launched in the 90's.

[@Doctor-Infinite]

Erent Signal Vs DOOM Eternal when?

[@JohnnyEscopeta]

Excellent as usual. Thanks Chris

[@ZoidbergForPresident]

Geez, I thought it was you in the thumbnail! XP

[@JohnnyEscopeta]

ZoidbergForPresident haha if you want to see him check his older videos. Epic

[@llauram3650]

There's a v good digital recreation of Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson's game 'The Warlock of Firetop Mountain' on switch & PC. This fmv one looks very fun though!

[@canadave87]

Inkle also did a pretty good adaptation of Steve Jackson's Sorcery! a few years back that's worth checking out.

[@barryherbers6090]

Comment for the algorithm

[@tsartomato]

beeep boop russian bot

[@Gamerman532]

For the warp seems like a big ripoff of FTL, just with cards

[@gnetkuji]

2:45 Whoever else the game pokes fun at, this is the one that seems most relevant right this minute.

[@rattenusrattoonus1880]

Interesting games!

[@ndb6ndk99]

8:00 "deep throat style covert factions"...?

[@jacobstone4070]

that actor is also the villain in the Hancock Film with Will Smith

[@fortunatesoul12]

Your love of videogames really cheers me up. Stay safe

[@Brian-tn4cd]

So for the warp is FTL+Slay the spire

[@Gonzakoable]

What's your opinion on gamejam games?

[@liamrichardson4619]

I love this show so much. It's s such a treat!