Precipice of Darkness, Episode One Reviews

good game

On the Rain‑Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One is an eccentric, darkly comic adventure‑RPG from Hothead Games and the creators of Penny Arcade. Set in an alternate 1920s‑style steampunk city plagued by bizarre supernatural events, the game drops you into the role of a custom‑created protagonist whose home is destroyed by a giant steampunk robot. From there, you’re recruited by Tycho Brahe and Johnathan Gabriel - two paranormal investigators with wildly contrasting personalities - to unravel a series of absurd and grisly mysteries. The game’s most distinctive asset is its writing. Jerry Holkins’ trademark wit drips from every line of dialogue, blending sardonic humor with grotesque imagery in a way few games dare attempt. Conversations are snappy, self‑aware, and often laugh‑out‑loud funny, skewering both pulp detective fiction and RPG tropes. The hand‑drawn art style perfectly captures Mike Krahulik’s distinctive cartoon aesthetic, while the voice acting - though limited - brings key moments to life with deadpan delivery. Gameplay combines point‑and‑click exploration with a turn‑based combat system reminiscent of Final Fantasy’s Active Time Battle. While fights are straightforward early on, they demand increasing timing precision as special attacks and blocks come into play; this keeps battles from feeling like mere filler, though the limited enemy variety can make encounters feel repetitive after a few hours. Episode One is relatively short - 6/8 hours - but its brisk pacing ensures it doesn’t overstay its welcome. The episodic format works well for the quirky narrative, leaving enough unanswered questions to pull you toward the sequel. Overall, On the Rain‑Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One succeeds as a strange, stylish blend of humor, mystery and light RPG mechanics. It’s not a deep or lengthy experience, but for fans of Penny Arcade’s offbeat sensibilities - or anyone craving a game that’s genuinely weird - it’s an easy recommendation.