Part 2: The Ghosts

Update 2 - The Ghosts



MUSIC: Act 1









I wish I could get out of bed like that in the morning.





This is our Bard's home! Like most adventurer's homes, we won't be coming back here for a while.

Anyway, let's follow that arrow and head out the door.






MUSIC: Sunrise












MUSIC: The Bard


Ah! What a lovely day here in Langtree! Since there isn't a formal tutorial, let me show off the main mechanic now while we have a chance.





As with the sword, if we hold the mouse button, it brings up this radial wheel. Each slice of the color wheel is a different musical note. The lowest note is the pink color in the NNW direction, and the highest note is the red in the North direction.

I assume these notes translate to Do-Re-Me-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do. As well as the mouse button, you can press any of the number keys to also get a note you want, without having to use the mouse. I found the mouse to be much easier to use, so I only used to number pad to try it out and then never again.







If we hold the mouse button and push in a direction, we don't just sing that note, we also sing in that direction! Directional singing will come into play later on.





Lastly, this isn't really a mechanic, but is awesome to do, so I'm going to show it off.





Singing can effect the colors or parts of the background! If we also sing in some areas, parts of the map will start to jump around a little bit as if it's dancing! This doesn't really come into play in terms of gameplay, but is just cute and I love it :3







After turning the flowers purple, we head off towards the right. The left side doesn't have anything of interest for now.





We can sing to this squirrel and have it follow us around for a time. I wonder if it likes its new color of turquoise?





It's our good friend, Mask. How are you doing buddy?




How were your dreams last night?

I... don't remember!

They can be so easy to lose, can't they. Well, no worries. It's a beautiful morning... The birds are singing... What about you? Going to see the ghosts?

...Ghosts?

A crowd of spirits took over town, everyone's freaking out... it's pretty funny.


Not only is this dude super casual about ghosts just flying around, but he's also enjoying people being upset about this paranormal development. I like him!


With all these ghosts around... I'm really feelin the spookvibes. Think I might go hang out in a graveyard. If you come find me there... Then... something special is sure to happen.


I'm not sure I want to be an accomplice to whatever Mask has planning, but he also seems pretty cool. Let's keep an eye out for a graveyard to visit.





Moving to our right, is an unreachable ledge and a bird. The bird seems to be humming a tune though...





That green mark correlates with our own green mark on the radial dial! If we bring it up and hold towards the appropriate direction, then...





We nab a bird! What can we do with a bird you ask?





Why jump of course! Taking this screenshot made me realize it looks like we are jumping off the bird, which is not how it's supposed to be intended.







With the ledge now climbed, we can continue on to Langtree Village.





Every new location is marked with an arrow. It's helpful, in case you want to stay in an area to search for secrets or people.









We meet a new bird, but this avian has a new tune to sing.









This is the gameplay getting a little bit more complicated. I never feel like any part of the gameplay or eventual puzzles (spoilers: there are puzzles in this indie game) are designed to make you feel stumped or super challenged. It's designed to be just challenging enough to provide satisfaction upon completion, but never to the point of locking off the game to anyone no matter their skill.





Moving forward a bit, and we find ourselves encumbered by another platform too high to reach. The solution?





We can still reach the bird from up here! This little bit is actually quite important to remember for future puzzle solving.







We have arrived on the outskirts of the village! There even seems to be someone here! Let's talk to them and see what they have to say:




Are you from around here?

Yeah!

Do you know the Overseer's song?




Just as a LP note, words in bold will have that shaking quality about them in the text box, while words in italics will have a wavy quality to them. They are both neat little effects that the game likes to use to pepper up the sometimes mundanity of reading text.


I swear to Eya, this whole town... A few ghosts and everyone's useless!!! I don't have time to talk to you. The world is ending!!!

!

That sounds familiar...



Tuh... Yes? But don't you worry, I'm taking care of it. Or I would...



SFX: Miriam Angry





I love Miriam's angry noises just so much. Despite there being 680 (!) clips of audio and SFX in the game files, I couldn't find her angry shriek. Shame, that.




I don't have time to talk to you about this.


No matter how much we continue to pester her, she refuses to budge. Oh well, let's continue on with our song...



VIDEO: Singing with Miriam






Miriam, may have a role to play in this story. But for now, let's head up past her. The village with the shrieking ghosts can wait just a little longer.





After all, with a name like the Tree of Slumber, who could resist going this way!?







Something that may seem minor right now - is the use of perspective. When we jump to higher elevations, they come in to focus and the platform we were on gets a bit desaturated and fuzzy. It's a very neat visual effect.





This bird doesn't do anything in terms of puzzles, but it does do something regardless.





It joins us in song









Oh hey, our buddy Mask is here napping. He seems out cold, and doesn't respond to us. But what if we sing?




Well hey now, wanderer... Do you know this place? It's called the Tree of Slumber. A pretty magic little spot... Just being around here makes me...




Singing him awake, will just have him fall right back asleep again. There's nothing else going on here, so let's finally head towards the village and see about helping out with that ghost problem.








MUSIC: Langtree











We get a nice panning shot of most of the village. Seems like everyone's standing outside, that makes it easier for us to talk to them about what's up with these ghosts! Let's start with this short fellow right here.



MUSIC: Langtree Spooky





As soon as we get close, the area turns blue and feels kinda... spooky.




Golly GEE!! Meeee oh MYYY!!!

What's going on??

In my home right here... There's a real life, bona fide GHOST!!!

What!!! I kind of want to see...









It's the end of Langtree as we know it!!! Nobody else in town could possibly replace the mayor! This could be the end of Langtree!!


Surely Clyde is exaggerating. We'll check this out for ourselves.











... Huh, there is a ghost. Ok, well has the broom been working Ms Mayor?





I guess that's a no.


THINK YA CAN MESS WITH MY TOWN? Watch out, kiddo!! Leave this one to THE MAYOR!


The mayor, as you can imagine, does not manage to sweep away the ghost. So I guess it's up to... us? The bard?? To stop it????



VIDEO: Ghost Fight





MUSIC: It's a Ghost











This is, basically, a miniboss. I say basically, because there's no real punishment if you fail. You don't even have to keep to the same beat for most of these. As for the gameplay itself, it's "Simon Says". As before, it's not challenging, but it is engaging enough to keep you going. There's some interesting wiggles later on, but for now - it's Simon Says.









We match the ghost in beat and manage to shrink it a bit!









The ghost continues to sing a song, and so we match it again.









The ghost continues with another pattern to match. It's not complicated at all, so let's skip to the part where we beat it.











Ghost language is very beautiful, but uh I can't read what this is saying. If you got your degree in paranormal languages, I'm sure you're finally proud to let everyone know, as your expertise is needed!





After telling us something in ghost, it fades away. Off to haunt something else, I presume.


Well I'll be! Guess yer singin actually did something for once!

Yeah!

You're a good kiddo. But we're still up to our necks in ghosts today, so...






The mayor has left, leaving us alone in Clyde's home. There is literally nothing here to check out, as Clyde is a boring man who gets dunked on by the more interesting middle aged men with warhammer figurines in their bedroom.

Let's carry on.



MUSIC: Langtree





Hmm, it seems the color has returned to this area! I guess the ghost is truly gone.


Stupendous! Fantastic!! My home is safe again! When the mayor went in there... I have to admit, I was worried... But of course it was no problem for her!


Hey we helped through singing! All she did was chuck a broom at it.


Just why are these ghosts here? Have we angered a higher power?? Being the only doctor in town is stressful enough! It's all too much... too much, I say!


That's all Clyde has to say, no thank you for our wonderful songs. At least he's ok though!







Heading west of Clyde's house and towards the rest of the village, brings us to the center of the village. First, let's check out that house.





Those seem like nice names! Surely they won't mind if we barge into their home?






I've been hiding here from all the ghosts... If I wait long enough, mayhaps they'll go away. What are you doing?




This is our first dialogue option! As with most game's dialogue options, these don't change anything besides maybe one or two lines. There are some fun options though, and are sometimes better just by having an option. As well, seeing more than one option a playthrough is... difficult to say the least. The game doesn't have save files, but instead saves to the map file after EVERY conversation/action. This is really great for regular people playing the game, and awful for people doing LPs.

Anyway, let's go with "Singing!"





A cute little note, you have to select a different beat for every syllable. Which does make it actually sound like he's singing out his response! I say cute now, but later this gets kinda tedious.


I can see that! Business as usual, then. That's just how I like it!


Marley is a pretty cool character. I do like that they establish the Bard as knowing all these people and being friends with them. They don't act like they just met or start regurgitating backstory.


Between the old mayor's passing, and now this... It's such a crisis for our little Langtree! But don't you worry. You didn't grow up here, like the rest of us. So you may not know... But, we've been through worse. And we always weather the storm.


So the Bard moved out here? Interesting...


Have you seen Francine? She's visiting Ruby just beyond town. Ever since Ron passed... Everyone's been doing their part to help poor old Ruby. We aren't much, but we always stick together. That's what I love about Langtree!... I really wish I had her here with me, though.


Aww. It's nice to see them sticking together. We need to go visit Ruby anyway, so maybe we'll see Francine there too.


Seeing you makes me feel a smidge better! Your youthful attitude is so infectious. Come to think of it... How old are you?










While you're choosing your option, the Bard is kinda shaking a bit nervously. It's wonderful.


Well, still a child at heart, surely. Nothing wrong with that! You're like a songbird, bringing smiles wherever you go. Pleasure chatting with you, little bird.


Marley is great, so hopefully we get a chance to talk to her again. For now, there's nothing else going on in her house.





We ignored her to go have a chat with Marley, but let's see what the mayor is up to now that her trusty broom is no longer needed.




Sure'd be nice for someone to conveniently sing 'em all away. Yep... that'd be nice.


That would be nice... Oh well, wherever would we find a Bard at this hour?


Langtree needs a mayor they can trust in. After all that broom-swingin I gotta rest my arms... But then I'll get right back to it!


Don't rest too long or Clyde will be by to ask if he can help massage your swingin arm.

The mayor's home is to our left, but has nothing of interest going on. So let's head east!








MUSIC: Langtree Spooky





Seems there's another ghost here! We'll have to help these guys out, but let's see how they're doing first.


Aye! If it isn't the bardling! Watch yeself today. The ghosts around town are proving quite a problem. I tried scaring off the one in our house with my axe... But it wasn't very afraid of axes. Hopefully the mayor can sort it soon.


This is Bronson, a Scottish lumberjack who somehow made his way here. He's also got nothing else to say until we take care of his ghost problem. Right next to him is his son Woody.


...I... ...I'm scared...


Aww, poor kid. Well, let's go sing away this ghost.











A new wrinkle for this "fight", is that the directions are shown, but not the colors. It can make it a bit harder to memorize, but is otherwise still simple. There is still no penalty for failing, so you can take as long as you need.











This ghost has been sung away, same as the first we encountered. It also tried to tell us something in its language. Hopefully it's not an important message!

As with the other houses, there's nothing of note in them after the ghosts are beaten. So, let's head outside.



MUSIC: Langtree




Maybe it's as Mary used to tell me... Instead of only training my muscles, I should train... my heart.



I miss her...


Oh... that was a bit of a whiplash Bronson. Maybe you should see a therapist? Wait, it wouldn't be Clyde would it? Err, maybe belay that then.


Your jolly demeanor keeps my spirits up, at least. But experience hardens the soul. I hope tragedy doesn't befall you as it has us. I'm glad my boy is at least still with me! He's much tougher than me! I could learn a thing or two from him.


Aww, Bronson you're an alright dude. Let's check in with his tough son.


Ummm... ...hi...


Hi!

Thats... all he has to say.

Anyway, we've still got to check out those ghosts coming from the right side.







Ah, so this is the last place to go then. Let's go help poor Ruby out!







Oh hey! We found Francine!


Bardlet! Oh, goodness... A dark spirit appeared in Ruby's house... I tried to get her out, but... Well, you know how stubborn she can be... She's such a sweet, sweet old girl! If something happened to her, I... I thought about getting help, but... What if something happens while I'm gone? I'm so terrified, I can't move! I'm so embarrassed...


Well now we definitely need to help! Not just for Ruby and Francine's sake, but Marley's too!





There's definitely a ghost here! Let's head inside!





But first... there's something over on this side.















Mask!? You were behind all this!?!? How could you scare the townspeople like this?


Hey now, wanderer. This is the graveyard... spooky, huh? I love soaking in the spookvibes... ... I have something to show you.


Oh God! He knows we know! Quick, Bard run away!


I know you know all about music. But how much do you know... About... DANCE?


... Alright, you've intrigued me.


I wanna teach you some moves. Wait, no... I wanna unlock the moves that are already waiting inside you... Cause you got a dancing spirit, wanderer. I'll just help you find it.



VIDEO: The First Dance




Beautiful dance, wanderer. But this is only the beginning... Of your journey into DANCE. I hope we'll meet again, in a place where DANCE calls out to us.




Sure, let's go ahead and get the explanation (because it's kinda great).


Alright, I want you to close your eyes, and picture something called a "Keyboard" ... Do you see it? On that "Keyboard"... You gotta hold something called the "alt key" to DANCE. Then, while you're dancin', Use E, R, X, or C to change your dance. You can sing at the same time too. And some dances you can do even while movin' around. Don't be afraid to express yourself, wanderer.


I want to emphasis this, there is a dedicated dance button that you can use at any time! Even during some cutscenes, conversations, and while moving! You can ruin touching moments by dancing, you can make silly moments sillier by dancing. It's such a small thing, but super cute and I love it. There's a good amount of dances too! So we're going to find all of them and show em off. Some are... easier to find than others.

Now that our new DANCE has been unlocked, let's go help Ruby!







We will get there quicker thanks to our new DANCE





Here's our other dance. It's a cute dance, but the spinning dance is better.







Right, Ruby needs help. Got it!







Don't worry Ruby! We'll spin over and help you!






Leave me be.


Oh... well, uh, we're already here so I guess we can just sing away the ghost.





This time, the ghost goes invisible as well. Which makes it a tad bit easier honestly. Sometimes the animation made it seem like the ghost goes in a different direction, so just showing the direction makes it easier to match in my opinion.





Just showing off the dancing, while singing, in a miniboss fight. This game is awesome, in case you couldn't tell.







Another ghost gone, but more ghostly dialogue. What are they trying to tell us?




YUP! Good thing it's out of your hair, huh?

No. It wasn't bothering me. Do you just run singing into everyone's home?

...


We... actually do just do that, huh?


Well. Thanks for coming into my home and making a racket. You can leave now. Are you leaving yet?


Sure thing Ruby! We'll get out of your hair! Nice seeing you! _{Mean old coot.}






And here I thought bards weren't worth a thing!

Ha ha! Yeah!

I got a favor to ask ya. Ya got time to perform more miracles?




The top two options lead to her saying "That sounds like a yes to me!" It's fun when railroading is made explicit! Our choice is going to be "HECK YEAH!"


Langtree's got a spirit protector called the Overseer, he could tell us what's what with the ghosts here. To visit him you just gotta learn his song.

Do you know the song?

Well, yeah...

Can you sing it to me?

... That wasn't what I had in mind. I ain't a great singer.




"You can do it!"


Yeah, I really ain't so sure about that.




"Just do your best!" There's no way you're that bad!


...Alright. Get ready ta sing along with me!



VIDEO: The Mayor's Song




Ok, so here's our first Overseer song. To learn the song we need to-






Yeah, that ain't gonna work.


My ears agree, sadly. The bard's pained expression is great, by the way.


That's okay!! But... is there anyone who could sing the song for me?

Yeah, one other. Heckuva singer, too.

Who???

Ruby.

The grumpy old lady?

Yep.

And she's the ONLY other one who knows it?

Darn tootin'. Ruby acts rough but I swear she's got a kind old heart in there... Just ask nicely.


Hopefully she didn't hear me call her a mean old coot.


I'd go to Ruby's house right here. She's an old coot, but she can help ya.


We will, but we need to check on Francine first!


Well? Is Ruby alright??

...

She's great.

Thank goodness! You really are a hero, bardlet. Ruby's just so kind and gentle... A sweet woman like her doesn't deserve to be haunted!

...


I love Bard's subtle jabs here. The bard is kinda a... simple fellow. So for even him to be dancing around saying he doesn't particularly care for someone, means a lot.


Thank you for helping Ruby, bardlet... I wonder what a nasty spirit like that could want with the poor old girl...


I guess it can't be avoided any longer, let's go see Ruby... again... after she told us to leave and not come back.




...

I want to learn the song of the Overseer... Do you know anything about it?







And I've about had it

with you

coming into my house

with your demands

Ruby!

!



You really don't remember the Overseer song?

No.

REALLY???

That song you sang ALL THE TIME? Y'know... back in the day? With, Ron? And at the gatherins around the big old tree? The song that was YOUR job to sing for that? EVERY year? Ya REALLY don't remember that one?

...

Oh yes... that song. I may remember it.

!

Can you sing it??

I'll only do it once.



VIDEO: Ruby's Song







As with the ghosts, the gameplay part of the song is just following along. There is no penalty or reward, outside of keeping with the beat and thus the song sounding better. This song is handled a bit weird, because we have to learn the song and then play it at the Tree of Slumber. So you end up doing the same thing about 5 minutes later in a different location. Other songs are handled much better, but the repitition is pointless since there's no reward. Though the scene before was absolutely amazing, and is what I consider the true reward to be.

Next time, we'll head back into the village, and see about singing the overseer's song.