Varyx

1. True story.

2. That's true, but I enjoyed the experience of walking around where I wanted. This wouldn't have worked as a movie for me, nor would it have worked as a novel. I've replayed it a couple of times because I like plot-based things. My friends who are more interested in gameplay, predictably, haven't really thought too much about the plot and just complained about everything else. It would have been nice to have some form of interaction with the environment (ie being able to pick things up, examine closer instead of just zooming.)

3. The story is made to be less clearly delineated to encourage thought. I didn't have trouble understanding it at all, if you remember it's from the perspective of an unreliable narrator you can assume that the "facts" are true, but the way he's telling them doesn't always make sense.

4. The meaning for me was exploration. I wouldn't want the entire game to be filled with areas of massive symbolism. I don't know what you mean about parts of the story - maybe you could expand further? The narrative in each part really helped me interpret the story, even if it was just by having a better understanding of the protagonist.

5. I pay $20 for books I like. I'm not opposed to paying $10 for a game, especially since it takes me longer to finish than many books due to being a speedreader. I'm sorry that you feel that way, though. I have very limited income, I just choose what to spend it on. Supporting artists is a nice thing.

6. If you look up you can see the time he spent doing DE. It's a lot. I don't think $10 is an unreasonable price for that amount of time. Nor do I think you would be pleased with a longer game, since you've already said you didn't enjoy the "gameplay".

7. Yes, there are ghosts everywhere. If I remember there's about 10 that I found by obsessively combing the map. The creepiest ones (for me) were standing behind the fence and reflected in the water, under a candle, when you're outside at night.

8. ? What would you prefer? A story of love and loss? It is a story of loss. And perhaps of love. Dragons? Bears? Huge machines fighting each other?

I'm currently doing an honours degree in performance-related pain. A vast percentage of professional musicians do have long-term injuries that come from the way they interact with their instrument, and I'm always interested to hear from musicians on the topic.

Do you suffer from any playing related injuries or finger/hand pain? Also, do you do any exercises to avoid/stave off injury, or limit your practise sessions?

8bbc is also one of my all time favourite podcasts. Great format, loose enough to keep it interesting and you all are the funniest thing out. The Sonic madlibs had me crying silently with laughter on a train.