Friday 4 September 2015

Planescape Torment



Planescape Torment is the kind of computer RPG that any fan of media and art, digital or otherwise, should experience.

A personal, genuinely complex RPG whose brilliance outshines its bugs and foibles.

 

I just finished the game. Wow. It was an excellent game with the most authentic role-playing I have seen. Role-playing, story and dialogue are the most important parts of an RPG game for me, and this game has it in abundance. The story line deals with issues regarding acceptance of oneself, fate, free-will and morality.

There are choices that influence alignment, many ability checks in conversation, and very enjoyable conversations. This game had full companion banter and conversation, and had done it better than any other game to date. Companions interject in conversations, talk to each other, and you can also talk to them. Each companion has extensive dialogue trees, and by learning more about them and conversing with them skillfully, you unlock new dialogue trees, experience and abilities. I was astonished to how well this was implemented several times, one notable example being when I talked to a companion about Morte, revealing more information about him. Confronting Morte with this new information earned me new dialogue options. Every attribute has an impact on gameplay, even a fighter can use intelligence, wisdom and charisma. This allows you to roleplay any kind of Nameless One.

There are flaws, though. The system was designed for dialogue, and thus is unwieldy in combat. But combat is inevitable in some areas that feature mobs of enemies that you cannot talk to, therefore you are forced to deal with the weird combat system. Although the cities are superb, some dungeons are badly designed, mostly consisting of getting swarmed by large numbers of enemies of the same type, although the boss fights are better. They should have gone all the way with the role-playing focus and reduced the combat to a bare minimum, or made more effort with the combat design.

It would be nice if the game had more customization, but being focused on a set character, that is inevitable. It seems like some options are a bit overpowered. Although this doesn't matter too much in a game that focuses on character growth, not being able to access the most awesome equipment if one is not lawful good is a bit of a bummer, and some character building choices are clearly superior to others.

There were a lot of bugs in the game, a huge amount. Even with the official patch, items would disappear for no reason, quests would be closed off because of faulty scripts, and there were major graphical bugs involving spell use which took a while to learn how to fix. There was also massive slowdown in some areas, with signs of lag and memory leakage. This tended to spring up after playing for a long time, in some cases whenever I scrolled the screen it would take two seconds of freezing for the game to respond. The game works perfectly fast when this bug does not rear its ugly head, and my computer is relatively new, so it definitely should have no problems with the game. The developers said the patch fixed the lag issue, but it did not completely fix it. I realize there is a community patch which is said to be very, very, good, but I always play a game pure my first time and there should not be this many bugs.

I realized that, even though dialogue, story and role-playing are the most important things in an RPG, they are not enough. Convenient interface, smooth gameplay and level design does have a huge impact, since it is a game being played and not a book being read. Planescape's torments flaws are minor compared to its brilliance, the journey left me revitalized as a fantasy-fan and avid reader and lover or stories. 'Wow' is the best word to describe my feelings after seeing the credits roll. It does not dethrone BG2 for me as the no.1 RPG, but is a very, very close second.

9.5/10

Monday 5 August 2013

'The Shard of Palrinah' Giveaway


Laurie at Lauries' Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews has been kind enough to host my Remus Rothwyn Books! I appreciate it, and the information looks great! There is also a giveaway being hosted there, for two eBook copies of Shard!

http://lauriethoughts-reviews.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/the-shard-of-palrinah-book-2-of-remus.html
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday 29 July 2013

Apple Supreme Court Antitrust Case

The Supreme Court Antitrust Case is based on collusion between Apple and other book retailers to collectively make deals with publishers, wherein publishers set minimum prices for books, and the retailers take a share of profits. This was done to resist Amazon's $9.99 pricing model for new paperbacks, which made it difficult for competitors to offer an attractive pricing proposition to consumers- because, as publishers claimed, $9.99 was not enough to cover costs.

This type of collusion does seem to be a clear Antitrust case, but it is not so. Some claim that the Court is going after the wrong party. After all, Apple, Nook and the other defendants were reacting to a predatory move by monolith Amazon, and thus spurring competition in the industry- resulting in lower prices overall. Why were the scrappy newcomers being charged for trying to compete with an overbearing industry heavyweight?

On the other hand, Amazon has risen to dominance due to its convenient interface and vast product offering. Perhaps this collusion is just as much as publishers trying to retain importance, as it is new eBook sellers trying to gain a foothold.

Source: http://business.time.com/2012/07/23/should-justice-drop-the-apple-ebook-lawsuit/

Thursday 6 June 2013

All Books, Including New 'The Shard Of Palrinah'!

Here's a list of all my books so far, including the newly released 'The Shard of Palrinah', sequel to 'Steel, Magick and Faith!'

 

 

Books

1) Steel, Magick and Faith: Book 1 of The Remus Rothwyn Chronicles

Buy Link:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Magick-Rothwyn-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007P0UI3M

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/steel-magick-and-faith-tp-grish/1114304487

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/275856 

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/steel-magick-and-faith/id595743785?mt=11 

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Steel-Magick-Faith-Book-The/book-QjJ5IuL1h0KBE-5aDOA0VA/page1.html

Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/t-p-grish/steel-magick-and-faith-book-1-of-the-remus-rothwyn-chronicles/_/R-400000000000000955265

Diesel: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000275856/Grish-T.-P.-Steel-Magick-and-Faith-Book-1-of-The-Remus-Rothwyn-Chronicles/1.html

Description:

In the ancient and wild world of Glenryth, Fey creatures and a nascent humanity have come into conflict, the motives of each other mutually unfathomable and alien.

Technological cults and Monotheistic religions are worshipped, any suspicion of pagan or Fey magickal taint is reviled. Prophets spread far and wide, offering hope and comfort to the beleaguered masses. Mankind is not totally separate from the energies that suffuse Glenryth, as an unfortunate few are born as Touched.

When local dwarves put a curse upon the town of High Peaks, Remus, the aloof and irritable woodcutter and sage, must try and ebb the tide of xenophobic anger that could engulf himself and any other folk that are labelled as outcasts. But when a caravan of technocrat pilgrims fails to arrive, and the body of a local child is found in the woodlands, Remus, along with the capricious Touched Elaina, must try to understand the nature of morality in a world cloaked in suspicion and fear, and, ultimately, to prevent a brewing war that could send the region spiraling into chaos and destruction.

Author's Note:

This book is a work that has been years in the making, and it was finished in a feverish few months. It is a dark fantasy with more greys than blacks or whites, and themes of the nature of belief systems, and the consequences of individual power.


2) The Shard of Palrinah: Book 2 of The Remus Rothwyn Chronicles


Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Shard-Palrinah-Rothwyn-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00D3XJ1AQ

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/321438


Description:

After saving High Peaks from a devastating war between Humankind and Fey, Remus and Elaina head to the grand city of Yondern to continue their adventures, yearning for excitement and the chance to do good.

However, the long-brewing political conflict between the Steelwielders and Paragonites has erupted into open war, and try as they might, the travelers cannot escape the eye of suspicious factions. Once-friendly factions have turned wary, and they find themselves allying with those who they would least expect.

An old friend, the bard Perfidian, confronts them with troubling information, hinting at a deeper objective to the brewing war, and possibly to an object of power that could wreak devastation upon the land in the hands of the power-hungry.

The three friends must discover what the Steelwielder technocrats and Paragonite monks are truly seeking in a remote corner of Glenryth, in a deadly game of cat and mouse involving dark and sinister forces, both Human and otherwise.

This is the sequel to Book 1, Steel, Magick and Faith!

Author's Note:

The Shard of Palrinah is the dark fantasy sequel to Steel, Magick and Faith. The full-length novel is the result of a lot of love and sweat, and I am excited about it being out!
  
 3) Maldives Malady: A Tropical Adventure


Buy Link:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Maldives-Malady-Tropical-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00A96KUQE

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Maldives-Malady-A-Tropical-Adventure/book-MWd96LT6SUW9xRHh1w02vQ/page1.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/286903

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maldives-malady-tp-grish/1114675938

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/maldives-malady-tropical-adventure/id606569584 

Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/t-p-grish/maldives-malady-a-tropical-adventure/_/R-400000000000000966592

Diesel: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000286903/Grish-T.-P.-Maldives-Malady-A-Tropical-Adventure/1.html

Description:

Dominic is an average University student who feels his life is stuck in a rut. Although he has a job, good grades and friends, he feels like his life is passing him by without him really living, or doing anything outside the mundane and mainstream.

A trip to a seemingly unknown island in the Maldives is the perfect opportunity for him to have a unique and personal experience, so Dom sets off, alone. However he finds that it is not so easy to escape the grasp of mediocrity and uniformity that has enveloped his world, and he must reevaluate his feelings about life, self-worth, and what makes an individual.

This is a fictional short story with light drama and humour. It is set in a fictional version of the real world, in which a mysterious island called Goljaban exists among the Maldives islands.

Author's Note:

 A short story I started writing whilst in University, and polished off recently. I like to think it has a dry wit, and light drama elements. I hope you enjoy it.


4) Betrayal: Opheria Tales 1


Buy Link:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Opheria-Tales-1-ebook/dp/B00AZNONR8

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/smashwords-book-273366-tp-grish/1115338418 

Nook: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Betrayal-Opheria-Tales-1/book-_DATdQ5-lEO9qpbKqV8Mjg/page1.html

Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/t-p-grish/betrayal-opheria-tales-1/_/R-400000000000001034379

Diesel: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000273366/Grish-T.-P.-Betrayal-Opheria-Tales-1/1.html

 Description:

In this debut fantasy / noir series, investigators Tomis and Oath travel Opheria, a world in turmoil, seeking paid work from a variety of clients.

Traveling the roads, they come across a town called GrandOak. The town has seen better days, and has recently been annexed by the powerful Magisterium. Tomis and Oath are contracted by a mysterious woman to investigate the murder of her fiance, a well-respected townsman.

The world of Opheria is a dangerous and immoral place, and in their quest to find the truth about the murder, the duo will have to face mortal danger, and unravel a web of lies and betrayal.

Author's Note:

A short story series with a hard-boiled noir / crime plot, set in a medieval fantasy universe.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Please Join Author T.P. Grish's Mailing List

Fantasy Author T.P. Grish has a mailing list, it will keep you up to date with new releases and sales! It will not be used for any other purpose! Sign up now!





powered by TinyLetter

https://tinyletter.com/TPGrish

Look out for the epic, dark fantasy ebooks of Goodreads-rated author T.P. Grish at: http://booksoftpgrish.blogspot.com.au/    

Thursday 7 February 2013

FREE Book Promotion on Amazon Kindle Store!!

Only ONE day till Betrayal: Opheria Tales 1 is going to be FREE on Amazon Kindle. It will be free from Friday 8th February, to Sunday 10th February. Please help me spread the word and share this post!

Opheria Tales is a noir crime series set in a gritty, medieval fantasy world. Opheria used to be a world ruled by decadent, wealthy and corrupt empires, but massive rebellions rocked and shattered the world, resulting in the Post-Rebellion world of many isolated towns and crumbling cities, and factions grasping for power. The perfect setting for mismatched investigators-for-hire to make a living.

Betrayal: Opheria Tales 1

Traveling the roads, investigators-for-hire Tomis and Oath come across a town called GrandOak. The town has seen better days, and has recently been annexed by the powerful Magisterium.

Tomis and Oath are contracted by a mysterious woman to investigate the murder of her fiance, a well-respected townsman. The world of Opheria is a dangerous and immoral place, and in their quest to find the truth about the murder, the duo will have to face mortal danger, and unravel a web of lies and betrayal.

Can Tomis and Oath solve the case for their client, the enigmatic and seductive Lyrissa, before the murderer decides to end the investigation... for good?

http://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Opheria-Tales-1-ebook/dp/B00AZNONR8

If you enjoy it, please consider taking a peek at Steel, Magick and Faith!

http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Magick-Rothwyn-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007P0UI3M


Look out for the epic, dark fantasy ebooks of Goodreads-rated author T.P. Grish at: http://booksoftpgrish.blogspot.com.au/   

Update About Book Writing

Just thought I'd share some info about books I'm working on.

I am about halfway done with The Shard of Palrinah: Book 2 of The Remus Rothwyn Chronicles, it is the second preview on my author page preview section: http://booksoftpgrish.blogspot.com.au/p/free-extracts-previews-and-goodies.html.

The novel sees the different human, and perhaps Fey, factions of Glenryth fighting vociferously over an ancient artifact that holds the promise of glory and power. Remus, Elaina and Perfidian must concoct a plan to get to the artifact first, so the entire region doesn't suffer being used as pawns on a chessboard. However, acquiring the tempting and powerful artifact will not be the end of their problems.

I am also started on Torn Minds: Opheria Tales 2, a brand new fantasy noir mystery involving hypnotism and mind control, and a corrupt conspiracy Tomis and Oath must unravel. There are no extracts of this yet:

The author page link above, also gives extra previews of existing novels, beyond what is found on the Amazon page.



Look out for the epic, dark fantasy ebooks of Goodreads-rated author T.P. Grish at: http://booksoftpgrish.blogspot.com.au/