1213

[Chroelle]

Well it is Ben Yahtzee once more with a game we haven't presented here yet. 1213 is about a test-subject trying to figure out why he is where he is, and ... Well I will let the developer speak:

A Psychological Adventure by Ben 'Yahtzee' Croshaw

A man lies in a darkened cell, consumed by pain and sickness. He does not know where he is. He does not know how he came to be there. He does not even know his own name. All he knows is that he is being tortured by a bizarre, bespectacled man, who addresses him only as a number - Twelve-Thirteen.

Every day, Twelve-Thirteen is taken out of his cell and goaded into running a dangerous hazard course, apparently for the sole amusement of the bespectacled man. Today seems to be no different. But while Twelve-Thirteen sits brooding in his darkened prison, the door suddenly falls open with no apparent cause. To discover the answers to all of his questions, Twelve-Thirteen must adventure into the unknown world beyond the cell...

Download from CWF: http://www.curlysworldoffreeware.com/games/view/368

and of course Yathzees site: http://www.fullyramblomatic.com/1213/
Year: ?
License: Pretty sure it is free for hosting

Game is made up of three episodes. I say we try all three out in one go as a single game. We should also collect them in one download, as people will most likely not mind.

[Pater Alf]

It's always interesting what people can do if they use the AGS engine for non-point-and-click-adventure-games. In this case Yahtzee created a platform game that contains several elements from puzzle and adventure games as well.

It's certainly not one of the best games in this genre, but again Yahtzee is a master when it comes to story, character development and atmosphere.

So far I played two of the three episodes (and the prequel episode from the special edition) and it didn't get boring. In fact I'm pretty anxious to see where the story is going and if there is some bigger connection to the John DeFoe series.

[Pater Alf]

Ok, no connection to the John DeFoe series. But instead there is a great ending. It got me out of a sudden as I didn't see it coming at all. Once more Yahtzee proved that he is a real master of storytelling!

[Chroelle]

I have some idea that it has something to do with the opening. Am I right? (Nah...dont tell...it might ruin it for some)
I started playing it yesterday, and it is indeed good. It reminds me of Prince of Persia and other similar games.

[eMTe]

Looks like prototype for Art of Theft.

[Pater Alf]

Yes, in a certain way it is one. Many features from "The Art of Theft" are already shining through, but they are still very unpolished. I think it was a first try of Yahtzee to find out what the AGS engine could be used for (instead of making the "normal" adventures).

[eMTe]

One of the few games I played recently which plays better than it looks and seems to play. Really captivating. It's a pity Yahtzee stopped making games, at least for now. On the other hand, good that he hadnt gone commercial like Dave Gilbert and didnt produce such pitiful excuses for a game like Emerald City Confidential or Gemini Rue.

[Chroelle]

And now this is also available for download from CWF: http://www.curlysworldoffreeware.com/games/view/368