jdq

writer and composer

I have come back to you as I left: a fool.

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in reply to @jdq's post:

I literally just started playing this game the other day, had some knowledge from watching playthroughs but that was mostly forgotten. There's a decent hint based guide on Steam that seems pretty non spoilery.

okay so this is one of my favorite games of all times

absolutely just start with no guidance and see what happens, that's the best way to play imo

but I have two recommendations beyond that:

  1. have means outside of the game with which to take notes
  2. recruit a hint poet

both are important but I cannot overstate how essential it is to have a friend or acquaintance who has played the game before gently guide you in the right direction when you're stuck, so you can still feel the endorphin rush of figuring out the puzzles yourself, it's the best part of this game ^^

I think it's possible to play with no foreknowledge whatsoever if you enjoy pain enough. I think the main thing I'd tell anyone playing it without a guide would simply be to read the game's pdf manual. It'll start you off in a good place.

That all said, I do want to note that LM is an incredibly uncompromising game and you shouldn't feel bad looking to hints while playing it. Everyone has a different style but the biggest risk is bouncing off because you just get too stuck in your own head. So, you know. Find a way that works for you based on your experiences.

(My fav way to play it has always been to do so simultaneously with a friend and compare notes, but that's obviously not aways feasible)

it's the type of game where you can get really deep into it without any hints, which is good fun, but bringing on a friend to point you towards things you've missed is useful when you start running up against walls

take notes and bring a friend. there's lots of bullshit puzzles (good) and a few bullshit puzzles (how did anyone ever figure this out) so having a Hint Bud or at least a second pair of eyes is a good idea. but also just play it. la mulana rocks is the thing

Understand that the original translation is bad too the point where a lot of the hints are straight up incorrect or misleading. Fans have been working on a better one, but I don't know what the status on that. Also that the game doesn't always give you feedback. Like you might have to do things multiple times before stuff will trigger or break.