Penny Arcade: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 3 Review

With the development trouble from Hothead Games driving this one into the hands of Zeboyd, then taking a seemingly drastic development turn into 16-bit territory, it was unanimous the concern that fans of the previous two episodes should create some caution around this third release. But worry not! Your fears are unfounded:

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 3 trades in the cel-shaded graphics of the first two games for 16-bit sprites. This retro look is easy on the eyes and a great change of pace that the series honestly needed.

The old-school graphics means the eyes are less involved, which leaves the brain to digest dialogue between Tycho and Gabe: the bubbling molten core of humor throughout the entire odyssey. Zeboyd, the developer for this installation of the series, was also provided their own opportunity to inject a Zeboyd brand of humor, pretty dependent on drawing parallels with classic RPG humor that seasoned gamers will recognize.

The retro sprites, however incredibly cool, are misleading. Battle system concepts are borrowed from Grandia and Final Fantasy VI, but with a modernity that lends some resemblance to elements of Final Fantasy XIII as well. Dying isn’t punished harshly – you only have to restart the battle – and health isn’t a concern either as your characters will be healed after every battle.

Combat in the game has some tactics to it: an action bar illustrates when characters and enemies will attack (Grandia anyone?). By activating the right techniques at the right time, your party can interrupt or delay enemy attacks. Doing so is not essential to every battle, however.

And worry not, the game doesn’t house any of the tiresome writing or molasses pacing of Final Fantasy XIII. The Penny Arcade duo ends up electrifying key moments throughout the 10 or 15 hours of gameplay provided. No time for dragging the storyline’s feet!

Fans of the Penny Arcade comic will be pleased, and fans of the previous two episodes as well. The usual appeal of interacting with popular figures of gaming like Gabe and Tycho in the game is present, if you’re longing for some contact with the dynamic duo see as PAX Prime is still months away. Sardonic wit is in full supply.

Apart from the traditional class roles one would find in a 16-bit RPG, some classes offer unusual abilities. Apocalypts can cast Prophecies which are delayed, stacked spells that unleash in a torrent once the timer on the queue is up. Some other perks to certain classes: growing gardens that provide buffs every turn, or transforming into a dinosaur, or inflicting hoboism on your enemies. The action with a full party is non-stop during battle.

Mixing classical RPG design, like the similarities in job system customization from Final Fantasy V, or newer concepts introduced by Final Fantasy XIII, proves to benefit the gameplay. This game is a wonderful example of how a tight storyline and dialogue can be combined with dated graphics and modern design elements that streamline gameplay for the end user’s maximum enjoyment to create a thoroughly rollicking game.

Extra bonus: it’s only $5. What are you waiting for?!