Remember that this game is designed with a probability-based variable
character interaction element. This means that if you follow the
exact same path as you did in a previous game, you'll most likely
meet new characters, discover new story lines, etc. As each character
has his/her own agenda, you may begin the game unveiling the problems/
goals of one particular character, then switch characters and discover
an entirely different set of problems. The characters' stories are
intertwined to one degree or another, so only by playing many times
does one begin to discover the many subplots involved in the game.
So, let me attempt to offer a few tips on viewing some of the different
areas/attractions/characters:
You enter the game as the sweet, innocent Timmy. His face is in the
crystal ball, indicating which character you are currently assuming.
His thoughts trail along the bottom of the screen. The thoughts are
location based ("Wow! A shooting gallery"), character based ("That guy
sure looks tired"), and random ("That reminds me of the time Thomas
stepped on a nail and it went all the way through his foot!"). Madame
Mandrake is the first attraction you see upon entering the midway.
She serves as a sort of help function. In times of great need, she
may offer some great advice (or not). At other times, she does a
great job of inventing beautifully twisted words of wisdom.
To begin, you may want to visit with Dixie. Facing Madame Mandrake,
turn to the left and proceed to the first attraction, the Kill-A-Commie
Shooting Gallery. Facing the Gallery, Dixie will very likely appear
(she didn't in two consecutive games I recently played) and greet
Timmy. After she speaks, notice that the cursor, placed on Dixie,
turns into an eye. This allows you to become Dixie. In this case
remain as Timmy. Enter the shooting gallery and turn to the right.
Approach the gun on the right and watch artist Steve Cerio's
interpretation of this crazy attraction. Proceed to the room in
the back of the gallery. Approach the man in bed and click on him to
watch his "coma dream." After the dream, turn to the right and, if
Dixie is in the room, listen to her story.
If you decide to become Dixie.....Wander the Midway and speak to as
many characters as possible. Around 4 pm, you'll probably run into
the IRS Man, who will inform you that he's giving you two hours to
find all of the Midway's tax records for the past 5 years. Where
did Ike (the midway owner now in a coma) hide them? This is one of
the subplots. For more details of Dixie's dilemma, head to the room
above the Three-Headed Abominable Snowman Skeleton exhibit. Watch the
survelliance camera tapes and, if Jocko appears, enjoy the plot as
it thickens beyond any Twin Peaks episode ever written.
If you continue your journey as Timmy.... a trip thru Lottie the Human
Log's cabin is fun (her story is hilarious - click on the screen at
the back of the room to launch the tale). Note that the room in the
back is Ted's realm (Nice butterfly collection). As Timmy, scoot over
to the Warehouse (across from the Shooting Gallery) and wander about.
You may meet Ted who will tell you about his disturbing upbringing
(visually interpreted by Dave McKean, cover artist for Neil Gaiman's
graphic novels "Sandman" and "Mr. Punch." Entering the warehouse as
any other character could result in quite unpleasant circumstances!
At this point, I'll stop. The narratives get so complex that I could
fill many a page.
A few final fun tips:
- Briefly, several other subplots include:
- Otto loses his prized only friend, Oscar the Racing Rat, and must
find him before Oscar takes out his revenge on the human race (see his
story for background)....
- Become Oscar the Racing Rat to experience, as the Inscape crew
describes it, "Rat-Cam." (Watch out for Oscar's bite - it could result
in a very ugly reaction).
- If odd story lines pop up unexpectedly (i.e. characters start dying
for unexplained reasons), remember that much is happening around the
midway that you can only discover by jumping around from character
to character in order to unravel the subplots. Eventually, it will all
make sense.
- Save your game often. You never know what outcome or bizarre story
line lies around the bend.
- To see each character's story without searching for each in the
midway, exit to the credits and click on the characters on the border.
