Games developed by Andrew Spencer Studios
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Ečstatica
Ecstatica is one of the most unique and engaging action adventures ever made, but also one of the most controversial due to its nonchalant depiction of violence and nudity.
You are a lone traveler who stops to pick up new supplies in Tirich, a small 10th century village, only to discover that a demon has been unleashed, and is going on a killing spree. The local sorcerer's maiden, Ecstatica, lies in a deep trance possessed by the demon. A few survivors give you some clues as to what has been happening and how to rescue the maiden. You have the option of playing as either a male or female character, although the choice of female character is obviously an afterthought, as you will be referred to as 'he' throughout the game and will be pursued by well-endowed women. Ecstatica uses novel 'ellipsoid' technology to animate the characters, resulting in very realistic movements that are a step up from the polygonal characters of Alone in The Dark. One of the game's strengths is the powerful enemy AI. The monsters are surprisingly intelligent: they will seek you out, ambush you and try to subdue or kill you. There are several weapons you can use, but you'll die frequently because the combat controls take some getting used to, and the monsters are smart enough to group together. Although its emphasis is clearly on action, Ecstatica is at heart an adventure game in that there are puzzles you must solve to progress, even if they are physical, such as figuring out a way to get to a door that is just out of your reach. Unlike Alone in The Dark, you can only carry one inventory item at a time, so you'll have to wander around town, trying to find a use for the item in your hand before picking up another (though you can drop it). What makes Ecstatica controversial is the depiction of some sacrilegious, vulgar and violent scenes. For example, you will have to steal a holy relic from a church, and monks may die in the course of the game. Your male character will also take some opportunities to urinate, and will witness scenes of torture and frontal nudity. However, since these characters are ellipsoid, their nudity shouldn't offend anyone too much, although parental guidance is definitely advised if you want children to watch this game. I really enjoyed Ecstatica while it lasted, but I can see why it's a mixed bag. As Tim Chown accurately describes one reviewer's dilemma: 'Ecstatica is an unusual game, no doubt. Whether it appeals to you or not depends on how much you tolerate some of the poorer aspects of the gameplay while appreciating the finer points of the animations and storyline. It's a subjective opinion, and it's quite possible that someone else won't care about the viewpoint and timing issues. My heart wants me to recommend Ecstatica, but my head says no'. If you're not offended by the scenes I've described, then feel free to give it a try. The game isn't a must-play by any stretch of the imagination, but I was disappointed by its ending. Despite its short length, there are plenty of delightful animations and novel gameplay elements to please action adventure fans. Recommended, with a few caveats.
Ecstatica II
Ecstatica II is a DOS game that was released in 1997 by Andrew Spencer Studios. It is a sequel to the original Ecstatica game, which was released in 1994. The game takes place in the mythical world of Tirich, a realm filled with supernatural creatures and dark magic. Ecstatica II is a survival horror game that transports players into a foreboding and unnerving world where danger lurks around every corner.
The game follows the story of a young monk named Peloche, who is on a mission to stop the resurrection of a powerful demon known as "The Redeemer." Peloche must navigate through dark and treacherous environments, battling terrifying creatures and solving puzzles in order to reach his ultimate goal. The game's graphics, although dated by today's standards, were groundbreaking at the time of its release. The use of motion capture technology brought a level of realism to the game that was rarely seen in computer games of that era.
One of the most unique features of Ecstatica II is its dynamic camera system. The game utilizes a "chase cam," which follows Peloche's movements and provides a real-time view of his surroundings. This not only adds to the immersion of the game, but it also creates a sense of tension and urgency as the camera shifts with the player's movements, giving the impression that danger could be lurking just out of sight.
In addition to its impressive graphics and camera system, Ecstatica II also boasts a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack. The eerie and foreboding music sets the tone for the game and adds to the overall sense of dread that permeates throughout. The sound effects are equally eerie, with the growls and screams of monsters sending chills down the player's spine.
The gameplay in Ecstatica II is a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The game's combat system is unique, as it allows players to target specific body parts of enemies. This adds a layer of strategy to the combat, as players must decide whether to aim for weak spots or go for a more direct approach. The puzzles in the game are challenging but not overly frustrating, and they add to the overall sense of immersion and immersion.
One of the standout features of Ecstatica II is its non-linear storytelling. The game's narrative is not presented in a linear fashion, and players must piece together information from various sources to fully understand the story. This makes the game feel more like a journey of discovery rather than a scripted experience.
