Scar of David (The)
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- Author(s): Mike Snyder
- Categories: D-Mod, Romp
- Downloads: 157
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The Scar of David is an interesting one.
On one hand, it seems to be the first non-RTSoft D-Mod ever released (at least according to COTPATD), has some funny moments, and a secret. It also has a sort-of unique aspect, using the tiles as ground that were made for cave walls in the original Dink. And it features two new graphics (though they don't seem to be useful for other D-Mods).
"Why the low rating then?" - you might say.
Despite having some cool aspects, the D-Mod itself is very short, containing very few combat and puzzle sections. The puzzles are not what I'd call logical either. The secret and the ending are also quite unsatisfying.
As a proof of concept, the D-Mod is pretty good. As a playable experience, it falls short.
I'd recommend this if you are intrested in how things started for D-Mods, or maybe if you ran out of D-Mods to play.
Otherwise, there are better options to play.
On one hand, it seems to be the first non-RTSoft D-Mod ever released (at least according to COTPATD), has some funny moments, and a secret. It also has a sort-of unique aspect, using the tiles as ground that were made for cave walls in the original Dink. And it features two new graphics (though they don't seem to be useful for other D-Mods).
"Why the low rating then?" - you might say.
Despite having some cool aspects, the D-Mod itself is very short, containing very few combat and puzzle sections. The puzzles are not what I'd call logical either. The secret and the ending are also quite unsatisfying.
As a proof of concept, the D-Mod is pretty good. As a playable experience, it falls short.
I'd recommend this if you are intrested in how things started for D-Mods, or maybe if you ran out of D-Mods to play.
Otherwise, there are better options to play.
Just about everything about this dmod has been summed up already by previous review-ists, except for two issues. First, I really liked the music. Almost every change of music is funny and a bit over-the-top at times.
Second, and more important to me, this is a very good example of a feature that makes Dink stand out in the universe of RPG: the way the game tends to 'transcend' the boundaries of the game and interact as it were to the outside world (the dmod-author, the player, etc).
There are examples, of course, of Dink or one of his fellow characters addressing the dmod-author or the player. In this dmod that principle is taken one step further: you don't get to know the secret ending (which is of course every gamers' ultimate goal) until you reach the normal ending, hear the duck out (I killed it before it could spill it's guts, my first time around...), and then restart or reload.
At that time, Dink cannot do anything from inside the game; you as a player have to cross the fence, take a hand and then startup again to let Dink do his thing.
It's either trivial or very profound; to me it's the latter and I really like this one for it.
Second, and more important to me, this is a very good example of a feature that makes Dink stand out in the universe of RPG: the way the game tends to 'transcend' the boundaries of the game and interact as it were to the outside world (the dmod-author, the player, etc).
There are examples, of course, of Dink or one of his fellow characters addressing the dmod-author or the player. In this dmod that principle is taken one step further: you don't get to know the secret ending (which is of course every gamers' ultimate goal) until you reach the normal ending, hear the duck out (I killed it before it could spill it's guts, my first time around...), and then restart or reload.
At that time, Dink cannot do anything from inside the game; you as a player have to cross the fence, take a hand and then startup again to let Dink do his thing.
It's either trivial or very profound; to me it's the latter and I really like this one for it.
The other 3 reviews have summed up the plot quite well (scratcher, dinkmega, Binirit reviews).
One of the best things for me about this DMOD is that is was the first non-RtSoft DMOD to be released. Which was back in March 1998. Considering this is now Jan 2004, it's nearly over 6 years old.
There is very little to do... except find out about the "Scar of David". There is one secret area, but it doesn't offer much other than the chance to talk to the guard there.
The graphical design is good. Sets a good mood.
I didn't like the pillbugs that appear/disappear after being killed - not sure why the scripts for these enemies were set up this way. (Having peaked into the script, it seems Mike used the "die" procedure to check if the blocker to the stairs needed to be removed or not)
There is humour... and it is in the same vain as the original. That is: silly with double entendres mixed with downright crudity. You may not get to all the silly dialogue, it depends on how many times you hit people before and after talking to them.
If this DMOD was released today it would only rate about a 5 for me for it is too short and doesn't have enough to do, but considering its place in the history of Dink I give it a 7, and an extra point for the humour style (which I like) so that makes it an 8.
(Oh and if you ever "decompile" the scripts you can see how well written in terms of programming they are. Mike uses the busy() function to check on Dink's status, which reminded me I should be more thorough in my own scripts. So, I learnt something by looking at the scripts which are nearly 6 years old... just forgive me, Mike, for uncompressing them
)
One of the best things for me about this DMOD is that is was the first non-RtSoft DMOD to be released. Which was back in March 1998. Considering this is now Jan 2004, it's nearly over 6 years old.
There is very little to do... except find out about the "Scar of David". There is one secret area, but it doesn't offer much other than the chance to talk to the guard there.
The graphical design is good. Sets a good mood.
I didn't like the pillbugs that appear/disappear after being killed - not sure why the scripts for these enemies were set up this way. (Having peaked into the script, it seems Mike used the "die" procedure to check if the blocker to the stairs needed to be removed or not)
There is humour... and it is in the same vain as the original. That is: silly with double entendres mixed with downright crudity. You may not get to all the silly dialogue, it depends on how many times you hit people before and after talking to them.
If this DMOD was released today it would only rate about a 5 for me for it is too short and doesn't have enough to do, but considering its place in the history of Dink I give it a 7, and an extra point for the humour style (which I like) so that makes it an 8.
(Oh and if you ever "decompile" the scripts you can see how well written in terms of programming they are. Mike uses the busy() function to check on Dink's status, which reminded me I should be more thorough in my own scripts. So, I learnt something by looking at the scripts which are nearly 6 years old... just forgive me, Mike, for uncompressing them
)
Ah, scar of david, made by good old Mike Snyder, not part of the Dink Network anymore. Scar of David, the small stupid D-MOD. Well, to be truthful I thought that scar of David, was good fun. Why? Read what I think the strengths and weaknesses are to find out...
Strengths
--------------
Mike Snyders tile set is included in this D-MOD, so I am going to say that Scar Of David has new graphics. The tile set can be used in many different ways. In it, it has water tiles, inside tiles, many good rock floor tiles, and some strange purple tech tiles. Now, the game itself. Seeing as it was Mike Snyders first D-MOD it isn't too bad, and I liked the way the ending thingy flashed up at the end. I think that the storyline was good, although it was extremely short. The introduction screen isn't too bad, an I liked the music it had.
Weaknesses
-------------------
One of the main weaknesses was probably the size of this D-MOD. It was terribly short, and doesn't deserve a high mark. I feel that even though it was his first D-MOD, it was terrible in size. The amount of storyline to it, was also, very bad. I couldn't understand the ending, until I found out I had to wait until you hear about the scarf. I thought that this would have been better made to be an "example" D-MOD to show how D-MODS can easily be made. I also found some hardness errors, and a strange goblin hut to the north, which you could not enter. I do not understand why this is here, or if it is meant to be part of the D-MOD. I did not like this D-MOD and I have stated many bad points to show why. I thought that S.O.D 2 would have been better, but thats another story...
Overall
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I found this D-MOD to be very short, un-exciting, and really not worth the download. If you like short D-MODS then maybe there can be an exception, but for serious gamers, take my advice and do NOT download Scar Of David
Total 2.0
Grade D-
End comment "Terribly short, not worth the time"
Strengths
--------------
Mike Snyders tile set is included in this D-MOD, so I am going to say that Scar Of David has new graphics. The tile set can be used in many different ways. In it, it has water tiles, inside tiles, many good rock floor tiles, and some strange purple tech tiles. Now, the game itself. Seeing as it was Mike Snyders first D-MOD it isn't too bad, and I liked the way the ending thingy flashed up at the end. I think that the storyline was good, although it was extremely short. The introduction screen isn't too bad, an I liked the music it had.
Weaknesses
-------------------
One of the main weaknesses was probably the size of this D-MOD. It was terribly short, and doesn't deserve a high mark. I feel that even though it was his first D-MOD, it was terrible in size. The amount of storyline to it, was also, very bad. I couldn't understand the ending, until I found out I had to wait until you hear about the scarf. I thought that this would have been better made to be an "example" D-MOD to show how D-MODS can easily be made. I also found some hardness errors, and a strange goblin hut to the north, which you could not enter. I do not understand why this is here, or if it is meant to be part of the D-MOD. I did not like this D-MOD and I have stated many bad points to show why. I thought that S.O.D 2 would have been better, but thats another story...
Overall
----------
I found this D-MOD to be very short, un-exciting, and really not worth the download. If you like short D-MODS then maybe there can be an exception, but for serious gamers, take my advice and do NOT download Scar Of David
Total 2.0
Grade D-
End comment "Terribly short, not worth the time"
This short D-mod is about Dink having to hit a pizza guy, namely Papa Georgio, in order for David and his mother to be reunited.
There is not much of a storyline, or a plot. Some nice things have been done with the graphics; stones as a fence, and a forest with all dead trees. The humour used in this D-mod you will either like or not; it is not much to my liking. Some things are humorous, though, like the remark on the Terminator.
Overall this is a not well worked out D-mod.
There is not much of a storyline, or a plot. Some nice things have been done with the graphics; stones as a fence, and a forest with all dead trees. The humour used in this D-mod you will either like or not; it is not much to my liking. Some things are humorous, though, like the remark on the Terminator.
Overall this is a not well worked out D-mod.
