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.
