The Way EP 1

@ Active Forums and Downloads can be found here: www.crestfallen.us
@ Check the Forums for the unbelievable list of theories that have been circulated for the past 4 years.
@ Also when starting games, There are four options. It is recommended to play the game Normally, starting from Episode 1 with plunge and battle cheats off.
@ HUGE Walkthrough by Jabbo
http://www.geocities.com/jabbo_kaldra/way_faq.txt
@ This download is just for Episode One, look for other entries for other episodes.
@ EP 2 gets MUCHx3 better.

The Way, created over a 4-year period, is an epic tale that spans six episodes and contains a
minimum of 20 hours of gameplay. It is highly cinematic for a 2D RPG with hundreds of carefully
scripted cut scenes that progress the story. Don't expect to see characters standing around just yammering; The Way's cut scenes emphasize action and make use of a wide range of brilliant
special effects and animations.

HIGHLIGHTS
-It's a complete, finished game (divided into 6 episodes)
-won Game of the Year at the 2003 and 2004 Misao Awards (episodes 4 and 5 were released in 2004)
-winner of over 25 different Misao Awards
-20+ mini-games
-A one-on-one dueling system
-Branching storyline dependent on player's choices
-3 different endings
-Hundreds of action packed cut scenes
-Hundreds of character animations
-Over 50 unique faces with lots of different expressions
-Hundreds of custom character graphics
-20+ optional side quests
-Unique XL magic system
-Unique Aura system for attack and defense
-Hundreds of secret items


BRANCHING STORYLINE
As you wander the way, you will face many choices of what to do or say at certain junctures. These decisions, in total, will have far reaching effects and perceptibly alter certain events as the game progresses and culminates in 3 different endings.

LOTS OF EXTRAS
The Way is a game of many mysteries and many secrets. The curious and clever will both reap great rewards.


PLAY IT YOUR WAY
The Way is a game that allows players to play the way they want. Don't be confused, it's really quite simple: Both puzzles and battles can be turned on or off at any save point in the game. When battles are off, players can instantly defeat any foes they come across. Thus, they can quickly build levels if they so wish. The only catch is that skipping certain battles and
puzzles prevents some special bonuses from being bestowed.

GRAPHICS
The Way features many custom graphics, including a plethora of facesets. The hero, Rhue, has nearly 50 different expressions, making him one of the most expressive heroes in RPG history. While the style used in The Way is similar to Rm2k's default graphics, the majority of the graphics are original works. Most notably, The Way makes use of lush environments rendered in Bryce 3D. If you think most Rm2k games look the same, it's time to look again. There is nothing quite like The Way.

THE PLUNGE SYSTEM
In The Way, rivals often duke it out in a one-on-one duel. Participating in such a duel is known as "taking the plunge." The Plunge operates on a distinct set of attributes and skills, which the player can improve in many ways to create the perfect warrior. There's much to be won and lost by taking the plunge, whether the battle rages in a quiet valley or with a wild
fan-packed arena, complete with a roaring crowd and sensational entrances.


THE AURA SYSTEM
You will never find yourself equipping new armor or a new sword in The Way, at least not in the typical sense. Instead, The Way uses auras to help players improve their attack and defensive powers. By defeating foes with various aura's "equipped" you will improve an aura's stats and learn new specialized skills. Additionally, players who find out which aura an enemy is weak to will be able to cause extra damage.

THE NOTCH SYSTEM
The Notch System is another way to increase abilities in The Way. During the course of the game, players will come across items which can be set into a notch on the hero's sword. By absorbing these items, the hero will acquire new skills and increase various attributes. Absorption is accomplished by defeating foes and gaining specialized points. Given the number of notch items in the game, it is largely the player's decision as to what skills or attributes they want to increase.


AWARDS
2003 Misao Awards: The Way (Episodes 1-3)
-Best game of the year
-Best Dungeons
-Best Individual Character - Rhue


2004 Misao Awards: The Way (Episodes 4-5)
Best game of the year
Best cast
Best CMS
Best character
Best graphics
Best dialogue
Best game series
Best minigame, 2004
Best music, 2004
Best plot, 2004
Best coded game
Best villain
Best supporting character
Most mysterious character
Most technically advanced game


2005 Misao Awards: The Way (Episode 6)
-Most promising story
-Darkest story
-Most dramatic way
-Best opening sequence
-Best non-clichéd game
-Best pacing game
-Best dialogue
-Game that Best Plays with Your Emotions
-Best story, 2005
-Most mysterious character

EPISODE 1's STORY
The Way follows the story of Rhue of Landorin, a young wanderer on a quest to regain a piece of his past. He's been searching the Way for many years already as Episode 1 begins. With his hopes diminishing further and further each day, he is setting a frantic pace for himself, desperate for a simple clue that might help guide him to that which he lost so many years ago. However, his situation and that of many others is about to become quite deadly as a shadow killer begins a murderous spree of destruction along the Way.