Screaming Penguin

So the Penny Arcade game dropped. Really, give them the $20. If for no other reason than dropping for Mac and Linux at the same time they did for Windows and XB360 is something people should support. As for the game itself, it is hard to say anything that hasn't already been said dozens of times about it. The gameplay it engaging, and really, if you are a regular reader of P-A it is pretty much just what you would expect them to design. When I first played through the game, I found it to be a good challenge. Honestly, though, I completely missed the Block/Counterattack mechanic in combat, so I was just taking full damage through the whole game. I think this kind of made it *better* for me, as going back through and playing with block, I found the game maybe too easy. There is about 4-6 hours of play for your $20, if you don't spend time looking for the easter eggs. That makes it a little pricey, but not bad, really. It is certainly funny as hell, and I am truely amazed by how well the 2D/3D mixing comes across. It definitely has the feel of an old school game -- the classic Lucas Arts games, or even InfoComs magnum opus "Nord and Bert Couldn't Make Head nor Tail of It" come to mind. I certainly am looking forward to Episode two. 4.5 out of 5.2 penguin heads.