So I wanted to share my thoughts on a game I got recently titled Sequence created by indie developer Iridium Studios. Now I'll briefly summarize: Sequence is a cross between RPG, DDR, and sarcasm. Attention should now be mine. Alright. Sequence is a game for PC via steam and (for a while now) XBLA. However, I would recommend playing with a controller no matter which console you're on. You can play on the PC with a wireless 360 controller if you have the adapter or with a wired controller if you download this: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/xbox-360-controller-for-windows. It's free and should work fine.
-random interesting interlude!-
If you DO have a controller hooked up to your computer you can do a TON with it! I have a set up using a program called XPadder that allows me to control the mouse(and all three main buttons), zoom functions, fullscreen(f11), control netflix with enter and escape, the arrow keys, volume, switch tabs and windows, back and forward (browser functions), and page refresh all on one controller with easy use. I love it and I use it to watch netflix, browse websites, and read things on my computer. Such as Brandon Sanderson's Warbreaker - a full book you can download off of his website for free.
-end interlude!-
So Sequence is easier with a controller because it is rather hectic and just feels more smooth on a controller.
Here's how gameplay works. You have a circle in the bottom center of the screen. This is your Spell selection. You start with only two and quickly move up to 3 then 4. eventually you get up to 6(I think). You can choose what these spells are from direct damage, healing, altering spells (such as one that makes the next spell more powerful or sacrifices HP for mana etc.), and siphoning spells. I can't say what they all are as I don't have them. You select a spell with the left or right thumbstick and cast with the right bumper (this is default. Sadly, you Cannot switch as freely as I'd like. Not yet anyway). These spells all take different times to refresh and have varying powers and mana costs. On either side of the spell ring are two health pools, the left is yours and the right your opponent's.
The action takes place on three screens above the previously mentions circular shapes. These three screens rotate by pressing the triggers on the controller. One screen is red; this is where opponent's attacks come. Another is blue and you regain mana here. The last is green and it is where you cast spells. Just like in DDR, arrows come down in the screens. When they come down the red screen you have to switch to it and hit the arrows or you take damage. Sometimes, it's worth taking some damage to finish casting a spell. Speaking of which, casting is done by hitting the arrows that come down the green field. These don't come down on their own; they are triggered by casting the spell. If you miss an arrow when casting the spell, you lose all the mana put into it and nothing happens. The last area, blue, is a fairly constant steam of arrows that replenish mana when hit. You lose nothing from letting the arrows pass. So combine that with occasional effects from the bosses and things get hectic quickly.
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| Hecticy-ness |
In addition to the battles there is an inventory and crafting system. One of my favorite things about the game is the humor throughout. In the inventory, each item has a ridiculous description! a few examples are "Goblet: A small younger goblin. His name is Billy.", "Copper Wire: a listening device, worn by cops.", and "Bottomless Pit: A topless pit would have been much sexier.". Seriously, if the humor in this game doesn't get to you, I may not be able to be friends with you. The voice acting can sometime fall a bit flat in my opinion, like the delivery is just a bit off, but the dialogue is great overall and I find myself laughing more often than not.
Overall it's really a great game and on Steam a measly 5 dollars! It's completely worth that price and with any luck, there will be more content released in the future. personally, I'm hoping for a type of versus! I mean, it could work close to the same but when you cast spells, the damage is then spread out over arrows in the defense field based on the spell. Anywho, I highly recommend it!
-Brilliant Baritone
