Introduction
Let's Play Anodyne [VLP]
About the Game
Anodyne is a 16-bit styled game by Sean Hogan and Jonathan Kittaka. Very much influenced by the SNES games of old and notably the gameplay of Zelda games, Link's Awakening in particular. Another notable influence is freeware game Yume Nikki*.
It was released to little fanfare in the spring of 2013, but this game quickly earned its place as one of my favorite games of all time.
There's another thing about Anodyne that I absolutely love, but is hard to put into words. You know how some games have pixel art, but don't actually follow the idea of a pixel based grid, instead having sprites float willy nilly along without a care in their happy rounded world? Well Anodyne doesn't do that, things move along the tiny grid created by the pixels as if they actually have some meaning. It might be a subtle or maybe, to some, an unimportant detail. But to me it goes a long way in solidifying its existence as an SNES style game through and through.
Set in a magical land with a lot of mysterious things going on, our goal is to save The Briar from The Darkness. Sounds vague enough to set us on our way!
*You can download the flash versions of the videos from the polsy pages (thanks Nuclear Pizza).
About Not the Game
This is going to be a subtitled LP, because I want to preserve the atmosphere the sound and music provides. I will be going for a 100% run, so all the upgrades and all of the cards will be found. There are also a few secret items after you finish the game. I will
Regarding spoilers: please DON'T! None at all, not even in spoiler tags. There's some pretty cool stuff to see and it's best to experience the story as it unfolds.
However, the story is pretty unclear and open to interpretation at points and is perfect for analyzing. So please do have discussions about what you think certain things might mean, but ONLY after we get to them in the videos. I've got my own ideas and I'd love to hear what you guys think!
Want to Play Yourself?
Anodyne is available for Android/iOS and PC on Steam, GoG, GamersGate, Desura and it's own website, or you can pick it up from the Humble Store. The soundtrack is also fantastic. Composed by Sean Hogan, it is available here, or by purchasing the game from their site. There's a remix album as well.
Desura has a demo so you can try that if you're not quite sure you want to buy it.
There's also pretty awesome Japanese and Korean translations included in-game if you're into that or are Japanese or Korean.
Lastly, Sean and Jon are working on a new game called Even the Ocean right now, so check it out!
Videos
Cube King Monologues
There's some audio desync in this episode, sorry!)
Cheat Codes!