Questions for Mike Stemmle? Post 'em here!

[ttg_Stemmle]

Originally Posted by OzzieMonkey

Hey Mike!
I know that the fourth episode is called "The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood", so would that have anything to do with the goodsoups and/or blood island? Also, if you were able to fix any plot holes that were in EMI with TMI, what would you fix? I guess for me i would probably fix the herman story, but thats just my opinion

No Goodsoups currently planned in Ep 4, just a good old fashioned pirate-y trial and execution for Guybrushs's various crimes.

As for plot holes, my preferred modus operandi is navigate around them rather than fill them. These stories are short enough as it is without wasting a heckuvalotta time on continuity smoothing. That said, if I can retcon a really bad idea (particularly one of mine) away with a single line of funny dialog, I'll jump at the chance.

Note the complete lack of an actual answer there,
Mike

[Toothless Gibbon]

Originally Posted by ttg_Stemmle

Hey guys, sorry I've been away so long, but we've been bolting down the press build for Chapter 1

Is it worrying that the thought of the press playing Episode 1 before me makes me feel physically sick?

[Gryffalio]

Originally Posted by Toothless Gibbon

Is it worrying that the thought of the press playing Episode 1 before me makes me feel physically sick?

Don't worry, it's probably just swine flu.

[OzzieMonkey]

Originally Posted by ttg_Stemmle

No Goodsoups currently planned in Ep 4, just a good old fashioned pirate-y trial and execution for Guybrushs's various crimes.

As for plot holes, my preferred modus operandi is navigate around them rather than fill them. These stories are short enough as it is without wasting a heckuvalotta time on continuity smoothing. That said, if I can retcon a really bad idea (particularly one of mine) away with a single line of funny dialog, I'll jump at the chance.

Note the complete lack of an actual answer there,
Mike

actually, that answered my question perfectly, thanks!

[OzzieMonkey]

Originally Posted by nadir

I think what 'The Tingler' says makes sense. While not very obvious or logical the puzzle relies on LeChuck having identical/similar reaction animations to the monkey's who at some point do hit themselves over the head during Monkey Kombat. I don't recall exactly if that animation plays only after drawing or after 3 draws, but if it does then I think that pretty much confirms that is the logic behind the puzzle for defeating Ozzie.

I know it looks a bit like he is attacking Ozzie but I think that was just played up for dramatic purposes. Notice LeChuck's expression remains unchanged and he does not say anything that would make it clear that he has regained control like "take this Ozzie." I'm convinced he is just hitting himself on the head like the Monkeys do.

If you have a better theory that explains how exactly 3 draws in Monkey Kombat allows LeChuck to regain control I'd like to hear it.

If only there was someone on this thread who could settle this dispute once and for all...

Well,if I remember correctly, Father Elegro Resputin tells Guybrush that to reverse a voodoo curse, you need a bigger voodoo curse, and that's what the whole ending battle was about. The draw caused Lechuck to destroy the ultimate insult, because maybe also to reverse the effects of the ultimate insult, you need to destroy it during monkey kombat, im not sure, but that's what i thought anyway.

[nadir]

Originally Posted by ttg_Stemmle

No Goodsoups currently planned in Ep 4, just a good old fashioned pirate-y trial and execution for Guybrushs's various crimes.

As for plot holes, my preferred modus operandi is navigate around them rather than fill them. These stories are short enough as it is without wasting a heckuvalotta time on continuity smoothing. That said, if I can retcon a really bad idea (particularly one of mine) away with a single line of funny dialog, I'll jump at the chance.

Note the complete lack of an actual answer there,
Mike

haha, I can already imagine Guybrush trying to find an escape while someone is reading out the never ending list of stolen items and other crimes Guybrush has comitted.

I agree with your MO. Focusing on the characters and jokes, making Tales the best game it can be rather than getting tied up in the back story is probably the best way forward.

[darknessofheart]

Hey Mike! First, I just want to say thank you so much for all your hard work on this project. Making alot of people happy. My question has to do with the character of LeChuck. Will his role be that of the classic cold and main villain or is there gonna to be another main villain?

[The Tingler]

Originally Posted by Toothless Gibbon

Is it worrying that the thought of the press playing Episode 1 before me makes me feel physically sick?

I wasn't going to mention it, but the thought of me making Toothless Gibbon physically sick gives me a warm feeling... although it could just be the sick on my feet.

Ok, next question for Mike, I can't remember if this has been asked yet - Will you be Project Lead for all the episodes, or will it mix (n' mojo) up like other Telltale games?

[Junaid]

Soooo mr Stemmle... or can I say Mike? I'll just say Mike.

Allright Captain Loogie, in the gameplay movie, Elaine says that they will die... again
Is she referring to:
1) the fact that they already had a big adventure in which all sorts of crazy stuff happened we'll never find out?
2) the beginning of EFMI, where they are declared dead
c) the many times they were in great danger

[The Tingler]

I thought it was 1), but now you've reminded me of 2), it could well be!

[ttg_Stemmle]

Originally Posted by Junaid

Soooo mr Stemmle... or can I say Mike? I'll just say Mike.

Allright Captain Loogie, in the gameplay movie, Elaine says that they will die... again
Is she referring to:
1) the fact that they already had a big adventure in which all sorts of crazy stuff happened we'll never find out?
2) the beginning of EFMI, where they are declared dead
c) the many times they were in great danger

For people who've never played a Monkey Island game, it's 1)

For people who've played EFMI, it's 1) and 2)

Crushing bugs like Linda Blair at the end of Exorcist II,
Mike

[Junaid]

Hehe okay, thanks for the answer

I hope to see more of these references to the never-seen adventures of Guybrush and Elaine. In fact, I hope we never find out LeChuck's plan with the monkeys (finding out their secret??), much more funnier that way

[ttg_Stemmle]

Originally Posted by Toothless Gibbon

Is it worrying that the thought of the press playing Episode 1 before me makes me feel physically sick?

If it makes you feel better, the version the press got had a few unamusing bugs that you, the adoring public, will never get the pleasure of enduring.

Of course, the fact that the press saw those bugs makes ME physically sick

Mike

[Gryffalio]

Originally Posted by ttg_Stemmle

Of course, the fact that the press saw those bugs makes ME physically sick

I don't think games reviewers have any credibility left after Empire: Total War.

[Threepwood4Life]

Hi Mike,

Once an episode is released how long after will details emerge about the next episode would it be at least a week or two after?

Is there also a possibility of those who've pre-ordered to have early access to the episodes just like what happened with Sam & Max when a couple of episodes were sent out a day or two early to all pre-order subscribers?

[nadir]

Originally Posted by ttg_Stemmle

If it makes you feel better, the version the press got had a few unamusing bugs that you, the adoring public, will never get the pleasure of enduring.

Of course, the fact that the press saw those bugs makes ME physically sick

Mike

Hi Mike,

As long as they are well informed that these bugs will be squashed it shouldn't be too bad... Hopefully.

Here are my questions:
1. Who are your heroes, both in and outside of the games industry.

2. I realise this is a very important franchise with a lot of fans to please. For many this will be their first episodic adventure game, so it's got to make a good impression. I was wondering if a longer production cylce or a larger team has been allocated for TMI than previous telltale games, in order to help meet fan expectations.

3. Will forum goers get more opportunities to suggest book tiltes and the like for later episodes. I am concerned I may have put in my suggestions a little late.

4. You mentioned you like Zelda before. Which is your favourite Zelda game? I think Mines probably Majora's Mask, but it's a close call though.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us on this thread, and good luck getting everything finished for Tuesday

[thatdude98]

heyz, if I repeat others, sorry. I didn't read the eight pages of Q&A...

1) Can I have an E3 button?
2) Can I have a E3 button?
3) The most important one of all: Are us preorderers going to get to help with stuff like book titles and the like? (yeah, I think I just repeated someone...)
4) Can I have an E3 button? (boy, that gets annoying to type)

[martymcfly]

Hi Mike.

Thanks for taking the time to reply in this forum.

My questions with regards to game design is:

1. Do you ever worry that the episodes won't retain the feel of the full length games that came before? Is this even an issue or is it good to be different?
2. Do the constant deadlines help or hinder?
3. Is the overall story planned well in advance, or do major changes take place even towards the final episodes?
4. Would the games have been made if Dominic wasn't available? Or would that have been a major deterrant?

Thanks!

[Silverwolfpet]

I wonder how do they manage with all this pressure?

[werpu]

Having recently played CMI with its 3d acceleration button, wouldn´t it be nice to get a 2d acceleration button in TMI?