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10 + 20 Minute Infinite

  • Dr-iHawk
  • 02/22/2015 09:53 AM
  • 1335 views
Preface
This is one of my first reviews, so I'd like to quickly explain my rating system. I consider each star to be worth 4 points. I consider each category of what makes a good game (i.e. gameplay, story, graphics/mapping, sound, and overall atmosphere) to be worth 4 points, but with each category also having 2 extra points available for only the outstanding. I then round up to the nearest half star and of course the scale maxes out at 5 stars. This preface will be included in all my early reviews.

Introduction
This game is undeniably weird and not the closet-conformist kind of weird. The game parodies everything about the typical RPG. In this game there is no time for lallygagging. There is a clear and present danger and you must accomplish the most bizarre and insane tasks to be able to face that danger.

Story- 3/4
The story doesn't really matter much in this game. There is a demon lord about to destroy the world and you have 10 minutes to stop it. There isn't any time for an epic quest or storyline. However, there is a lot of dialogue and most of it is incredibly hilarious, absurd, and bizarre. Yet despite this, the game manages to have a coherent plot for those who can overcome the anxiety of the clock. The parody runs deep from the very beginning. At the beginning the game asks for a name input and after the player stresses over picking a name, the narrator decides it doesn't matter. It immediate throws convention and tradition back into the players face. At first it may seem to be an annoyance, but then as the game progresses the contrary nature of the game revealed.

Gameplay - 5/4
There are two phases of this game.
The unorthodox style of leveling in the first phase is outstanding. The rush of having to accomplish a boatload of tasks in such a small time frame for the sole sake of gaining large amounts of time is appealing. The first 10 minutes of this game are pure ecstasy. There is no real, immediate challenge in this first phase as the consequences are only apparent at a later date. The player is left unburdened in blissful naivety.
The second phase of the game is the complete opposite... long, drawn out, challenging, and initially frustrating. If the first phase of the game is indeed ecstasy, the second phase is withdrawal. The second phase is a puzzle of a different kind. Instead of rushing through various disconnected tasks, the second phase is a labyrinth with a discrete path. This second puzzle takes at least 20 minutes and I found that to be ultimately satirical. The clear and present danger, the call to action, is now thrown asunder with a mildly sadistic smile. The two phases of gameplay compliment each other perfectly.
The battle scenes aren't special, but that is a gladly overlooked detail as this game's focus is not on the battle.

There is a major flaw in the gameplay- the intro can't be skipped. For those trying to reach lvl. 99, it would be nice to just be able to start when the countdown starts.

Graphics & Mapping- 3/4
The mapping actually often looks awful, but they match the entire attitude of the game perfectly. The one flaw would be that the map of the second phase, which is too confusing. The use of the RTP graphics and the unkempt, amateurish style of some of the maps is entirely a benefit for this game. Some maps are well made and showcase good mapping ability.

Sound & Music - 2/4
There were no musical miracles worked in the game. The sounds are typical RTP. They work adequately, but not amazingly. While some of the tunes fit the mood perfectly, not all of them do. In many instances the music is too peaceful and calm compared to the hectic nature of the game. In other times, such as while under the casket, the music seems far too out of place.

Atmosphere - 3/4
The atmosphere has been previously described as hectic in the first phase and labyrinth in the second phase. The atmosphere for both is well kept, with only a few flaws. There are no serious over tones in the purely comedic work. The parody is never ending.

Conclusion - 16/20 or 4/5
The game suffers from a few flaws, but the good outweighs the bad... a lot. This is a premiere comedy game. It's unorthodox methods really stand their ground and highlight this game as being a satirical counterpoint against rehashing the same old mechanics.

Posts

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First off, I thank you graciously for the review; I am always happy to see when I get some feedback on my stuff. It relieves me to get some verification that the writing and meaning of 10 Minute Infinite are not lost on the player. I admit battles are not my strong suit, but since I was working alone, it could not be helped. It at least served as practice for me in the long run. The unskippable intro is definitely a problem I never considered until your review. Should I find more things to improve, I will fix that in an update. It pleases me to know that you got as much out of the game as you did.

One question, however: Why is gameplay rated 5/4? Was that perhaps a typo?
No, the 5/4 rating is not a typo. Gameplay recieved 1 of 2 available merit points which boosed it above the 4/4 rating. It is a method I use to balance my rating system because I have to convert my rating style into the 5-star format. It doesn't affect the final rating... in this case... but it does highlight the gameplay category.
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