16 votes

Simon plays The Witness

58 comments

  1. culturedleftfoot
    (edited )
    Link
    This has been so good to watch. Beyond the sheer wholesomeness of Simon's demeanor, it's been really amazing to see him fly through the puzzles, yet generally ignore everything else lol. I...

    This has been so good to watch. Beyond the sheer wholesomeness of Simon's demeanor, it's been really amazing to see him fly through the puzzles, yet generally ignore everything else lol. I remember Jonathan Blow mentioning the challenge that the game necessarily face would be to go up against the expectations of most gamers, in terms of them often looking for rewards for completing puzzles. Then here we have someone who has so far only focused on getting to the next puzzle and more or less dismissed the stuff in between, the audiologs, and the video clips. Now that he has discovered the thing, I wonder if/how he will reassess his experience.

    6 votes
  2. [10]
    kfwyre
    Link
    I watched a couple of minutes of this, and it gave me the most odd feeling. It was like homesickness, but for a game? Like, I simultaneously want to go back and play The Witness again, but I also...

    I watched a couple of minutes of this, and it gave me the most odd feeling. It was like homesickness, but for a game? Like, I simultaneously want to go back and play The Witness again, but I also know going back won't ever be the same because it's impossible to truly "revisit" it. Seeing someone else experiencing it for the first time did make me happy though, but it had very bittersweet overtones for me.

    Also, on a meta note: I love the little fanclub we have here on Tildes for The Witness.

    6 votes
    1. [9]
      Apos
      Link Parent
      I noticed the same thing with the game Outer Wilds when watching streamers play it. For The Witness, I had only played it a little bit, but I didn't really like it. I enjoy it way more with Simon...

      I noticed the same thing with the game Outer Wilds when watching streamers play it.

      For The Witness, I had only played it a little bit, but I didn't really like it. I enjoy it way more with Simon playing it.

      2 votes
      1. [4]
        kfwyre
        (edited )
        Link Parent
        I tried The Outer Wilds for a little bit but couldn’t handle the flight portion. Would watching it give me a similar appreciation for the game, or is it something that has to be played? I’ve...

        I tried The Outer Wilds for a little bit but couldn’t handle the flight portion. Would watching it give me a similar appreciation for the game, or is it something that has to be played?

        I’ve avoided learning anything about it since everyone who’s played it is simultaneously overflowing with praise but also hyper-guarded to revealing anything about it. As such I’m deeply curious, but I also don’t want to ruin anything for myself.

        4 votes
        1. Adys
          Link Parent
          Check out PlayFrame's playthrough of Outer Wilds. I unfortunately didn't play the game, I only got to watch it, but I am glad I did so via this channel. But, i would advise you to play it for...

          Check out PlayFrame's playthrough of Outer Wilds. I unfortunately didn't play the game, I only got to watch it, but I am glad I did so via this channel.

          But, i would advise you to play it for yourself if you can. Watch it if you've made a conscious decision not to.

          https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvFQJa1XAXzyU52YIvG26lHSd-XDpERK8

          5 votes
        2. Apos
          Link Parent
          If you watch someone playing for the first time, it should be pretty similar. Preferably someone that takes their time reading the lore.

          If you watch someone playing for the first time, it should be pretty similar. Preferably someone that takes their time reading the lore.

          4 votes
        3. MimicSquid
          Link Parent
          That's exactly where I was with it. Exploring? Great. Flying? Absolutely not.

          That's exactly where I was with it. Exploring? Great. Flying? Absolutely not.

          3 votes
      2. [4]
        culturedleftfoot
        Link Parent
        I would love to hear some more detail about your experience watching this.

        I would love to hear some more detail about your experience watching this.

        2 votes
        1. [3]
          Apos
          Link Parent
          I usually like puzzle games, but The Witness didn't grab my attention, I thought the puzzles were too easy. I could understand why people like it, but I wish it was less open world. I can...

          I usually like puzzle games, but The Witness didn't grab my attention, I thought the puzzles were too easy. I could understand why people like it, but I wish it was less open world. I can appreciate the subtle nuances between all the similar puzzles much better with Simon playing it. The way he plays it, the game looks a lot more guided, or it looks like it has a narrative direction that I just couldn't appreciate on my own.

          3 votes
          1. [2]
            culturedleftfoot
            Link Parent
            Wow, it's definitely the first time I've heard the criticism that the game's puzzles were too easy. I guess you would have just experienced the very start of the learning curve though.

            Wow, it's definitely the first time I've heard the criticism that the game's puzzles were too easy. I guess you would have just experienced the very start of the learning curve though.

            5 votes
            1. Apos
              Link Parent
              I don't think I got too far in the game. It's been a pretty long time.

              I don't think I got too far in the game. It's been a pretty long time.

  3. [8]
    Adys
    Link
    Part 5 is live in a couple of minutes. https://youtu.be/rupQR_tRpQc Anyone else as excited as I am? I've been looking forward to this for days. Haven't felt that way about a streamer or a game in...

    Part 5 is live in a couple of minutes. https://youtu.be/rupQR_tRpQc

    Anyone else as excited as I am? I've been looking forward to this for days. Haven't felt that way about a streamer or a game in a while haha.

    5 votes
    1. MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      I'm so ready. He's special, as is this playthrough.

      I'm so ready. He's special, as is this playthrough.

      5 votes
    2. [6]
      culturedleftfoot
      Link Parent
      With every video, I'm jealous, in awe, and sincerely chuffed all at the same time. So far it's been the perfect way to re-experience this masterpiece. I doubt very many others would have kept me...

      With every video, I'm jealous, in awe, and sincerely chuffed all at the same time. So far it's been the perfect way to re-experience this masterpiece. I doubt very many others would have kept me as interested.

      4 votes
      1. [3]
        cfabbro
        (edited )
        Link Parent
        Ditto. Simon constantly worrying about how slow he is going, and how boring it must be for everyone as a result, is so endearing too. I remember it taking me way way longer to solve a lot of the...

        Ditto. Simon constantly worrying about how slow he is going, and how boring it must be for everyone as a result, is so endearing too. I remember it taking me way way longer to solve a lot of the puzzles he has just breezed through. His lack of navigation skills and unfamiliarity with where to look for things in the game is a bit frustrating though, lol.

        3 votes
        1. [2]
          Apos
          (edited )
          Link Parent
          I really liked that Mark was there in the latest video. I think it made the playthrough even better. It helped a lot with the navigation since Simon didn't need to worry as much about the chat and...

          I really liked that Mark was there in the latest video. I think it made the playthrough even better. It helped a lot with the navigation since Simon didn't need to worry as much about the chat and spoilers.

          3 votes
          1. cfabbro
            Link Parent
            Yeah, that definitely helped a lot for sure. Chat poking fun at Mark for screwing up the currency names was hilarious too. :P

            Yeah, that definitely helped a lot for sure. Chat poking fun at Mark for screwing up the currency names was hilarious too. :P

            3 votes
      2. [2]
        MimicSquid
        Link Parent
        I was a little frustrated with him this time, as when he's stuck he doesn't talk about it. Sometimes he'd pause, right before solving it and say "No, that won't work.", and then undo his solve...

        I was a little frustrated with him this time, as when he's stuck he doesn't talk about it. Sometimes he'd pause, right before solving it and say "No, that won't work.", and then undo his solve without saying why he thought it wouldn't work. I just wish I knew where his ruleset went awry.

        1 vote
        1. Adys
          Link Parent
          Hah that didn't frustrate me as much because I almost always saw what he was seeing. But i can imagine. It's awesome actually seeing in his eyes when things click, when you know he just understood...

          Hah that didn't frustrate me as much because I almost always saw what he was seeing. But i can imagine.

          It's awesome actually seeing in his eyes when things click, when you know he just understood what he has to do.

          3 votes
  4. [4]
    MimicSquid
    Link
    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 7, Scheduled for Sep 13, 2021.

    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 7, Scheduled for Sep 13, 2021.

    5 votes
    1. culturedleftfoot
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Spoiler He finally noticed the river from on top of the mountain!! 😄 He has made remarkably fast progress on the first layer of the game... yet in watching him sprint from area to area, I am...
      Spoiler

      He finally noticed the river from on top of the mountain!! 😄

      He has made remarkably fast progress on the first layer of the game... yet in watching him sprint from area to area, I am reminded of how so many of us hustle and bustle everyday without stopping to smell the roses. I am watching every episode hoping that he has a moment that really makes him want to.

      4 votes
    2. MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      That's in about 15 minutes from time of posting, for anyone interested.

      That's in about 15 minutes from time of posting, for anyone interested.

      3 votes
    3. Apos
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      This one is my favorite of the run so far. He is getting into areas I've never seen. It's so cool when games have "in world" world building. You can see how the island got architected. Also the...

      This one is my favorite of the run so far. He is getting into areas I've never seen. It's so cool when games have "in world" world building. You can see how the island got architected.

      Also the puzzles are getting really interesting, for example that big pool room with all the trash and the bridge that gets created as you draw. There are so many ways to draw the bridge and get a working solution, but because of the trash, not all are valid solutions. (But there's also a trash shortcut which enables some bridges.)

      Or just to enter the mountain, you have to find the angle while looking at the people standing, it does some sort of weird 2D / 3D puzzles that couldn't be represented on paper. And combines a lot of previous mechanics. And it has to be solved in 3 separate ways. You have to admire the 3D modelers for this game. Every details in how the people are standing are deliberate to allow for the line to pass.

      3 votes
  5. Wes
    (edited )
    Link
    Apologies for the bump, but I just watched through this series this weekend. That was quite a fast completion. I spent at least 30 hours before reaching the ending. Compared to his, what, 14? And...

    Apologies for the bump, but I just watched through this series this weekend. That was quite a fast completion. I spent at least 30 hours before reaching the ending. Compared to his, what, 14? And that was with almost all areas complete.

    I must say, I'd forgotten just how beautiful The Witness is. The puzzle design is so elegant. Outside of the menus and audio logs, there's not even any text or dialogue. No instructions, no manuals, and yet the player is capable of solving very complex puzzles by the end of each section. Jonathan Blow is a phenomenal game designer.

    Simon seems like an enjoyable narrator. It doesn't have any of the usual streamer guff that turns me off to live streaming, with the possible exception of reading out so many of the comments. But his lack of experience with this sort of thing almost seemed like a positive. No gamer expectations that needed to be subverted; just a pure take on the experience.

    I'd like to see him attempt the final challenge. I have to admit I never finished it myself. I always intended to, but I got distracted and never came back to it. Maybe I'll finally give it another go...


    edit: Five years later, I've completed the challenge. Found it much easier to turn off the music, as otherwise I tended to panic. Only took about 45 minutes, but watching this series offered a much-needed refresher on the puzzle mechanics.

    5 votes
  6. [3]
    Apos
    Link
    Simon Plays The Witness Part 2
    4 votes
    1. [3]
      Comment deleted by author
      Link Parent
      1. trobertson
        Link Parent
        It may take a lot longer than Part 3. In sudokus, he's known for missing the easy stuff for ages while he finds the hard things immediately. He frequently expects the audience to be yelling at...

        It may take a lot longer than Part 3. In sudokus, he's known for missing the easy stuff for ages while he finds the hard things immediately. He frequently expects the audience to be yelling at their screens at him (in a fun way). Though I'm not sure how I'd classify this...

        3 votes
      2. culturedleftfoot
        Link Parent
        I could not stop laughing when he did it again in part three. He did say his observational skills weren't the best, but it was most definitely staring him in the face, lol.

        I could not stop laughing when he did it again in part three. He did say his observational skills weren't the best, but it was most definitely staring him in the face, lol.

        3 votes
  7. [4]
    Apos
    (edited )
    Link
    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 4
    4 votes
    1. Adys
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      "I fear I might have missed the whole point of this game." :D Edit: oh gosh he's breaking out the guitar. Even i did not go that far. Edit 2: i can't get over how the Tetris tutorial is the best...

      "I fear I might have missed the whole point of this game." :D

      Edit: oh gosh he's breaking out the guitar. Even i did not go that far.

      Edit 2: i can't get over how the Tetris tutorial is the best tutorial in video game design ever.

      I feel like this is as close as I'll ever get to playing the best game I've ever played once again.

      5 votes
    2. nothis
      Link Parent
      Oh, wow it's streaming live right now! Never saw these live!

      Oh, wow it's streaming live right now! Never saw these live!

      4 votes
    3. MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      I continue to be impressed by his focus. He's been solving an area per hour, just blazing through the first layer of the game. The second layer, though...

      I continue to be impressed by his focus. He's been solving an area per hour, just blazing through the first layer of the game. The second layer, though...

      2 votes
  8. [2]
    Apos
    (edited )
    Link
    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 6
    4 votes
    1. Adys
      Link Parent
      It's just so good. The way his eyes light up the moment things click. I absolutely love the Village area. The way all the puzzles are designed to challenge you just a little bit more… it's...

      It's just so good.

      The way his eyes light up the moment things click.

      I absolutely love the Village area. The way all the puzzles are designed to challenge you just a little bit more… it's everything you've seen before, so you get the mechanics, but do you get the game now? A frickin' masterpiece of game design this game is.

      And he found his first obelisk! Loved seeing his realization at how much environmental shit is out there. Wait until he finds out how many obelisks there are…

      4 votes
  9. [3]
    moocow1452
    Link
    Looks like next episode of the live stream involves Baba is You. https://youtu.be/oQGBgeIcEyM

    Looks like next episode of the live stream involves Baba is You.

    https://youtu.be/oQGBgeIcEyM

    4 votes
    1. Apos
      Link Parent
      Nice! We could probably split off the post when it starts.

      Nice! We could probably split off the post when it starts.

      5 votes
    2. cfabbro
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Nice! And it looks like Mark will be more than just moderating this time too, and instead actually playing the game along with Simon, which is awesome... Especially since Mark's language-puzzle...

      Nice! And it looks like Mark will be more than just moderating this time too, and instead actually playing the game along with Simon, which is awesome... Especially since Mark's language-puzzle skills are top notch, and should be a huge asset in getting through Baba is You.

      3 votes
  10. [3]
    Adys
    Link
    You know it, you love it. Simon is taking on the timed Challenge Area in the Witness, Thursday, 23:00 CET! https://youtu.be/HClxzvx1DQs

    You know it, you love it. Simon is taking on the timed Challenge Area in the Witness, Thursday, 23:00 CET!

    https://youtu.be/HClxzvx1DQs

    4 votes
    1. Wes
      Link Parent
      That's great. I hope Simon also takes a stroll around the island, just to take in design of the world. He hopped so quickly from puzzle to puzzle that there was a ton he missed.

      That's great. I hope Simon also takes a stroll around the island, just to take in design of the world. He hopped so quickly from puzzle to puzzle that there was a ton he missed.

      3 votes
    2. cfabbro
      Link Parent
      Wooo! I'm really glad they haven't totally given up on The Witness. There is still so much for Simon to see in it.

      Wooo! I'm really glad they haven't totally given up on The Witness. There is still so much for Simon to see in it.

      2 votes
  11. [4]
    nothis
    Link
    Oh, it's Sudoku guy! And my favorite game! That could be interesting.

    Oh, it's Sudoku guy! And my favorite game! That could be interesting.

    3 votes
    1. [3]
      Adys
      Link Parent
      Yes!!! Same here! Thank you @apos for posting this, I'm so looking forward to watching it.

      Yes!!! Same here! Thank you @apos for posting this, I'm so looking forward to watching it.

      4 votes
      1. cfabbro
        Link Parent
        Ditto... I haven't been watching Cracking the Cryptic as religiously as I did during lockdown, so had no idea Simon was streaming his playing of The Witness now. Thanks for sharing this, @Apos!

        Ditto... I haven't been watching Cracking the Cryptic as religiously as I did during lockdown, so had no idea Simon was streaming his playing of The Witness now. Thanks for sharing this, @Apos!

        2 votes
      2. Apos
        Link Parent
        Funnily enough, it does look like he was a big gamer before his Sudoku time. He'll often reference other games while talking during his solves such as StarCraft.

        Funnily enough, it does look like he was a big gamer before his Sudoku time. He'll often reference other games while talking during his solves such as StarCraft.

        2 votes
  12. [4]
    MimicSquid
    Link
    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 3 Watch all the way to the end, as that's when he discovers the real game.

    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 3

    Watch all the way to the end, as that's when he discovers the real game.

    3 votes
    1. Apos
      Link Parent
      It's like we're seeing the neurons connect, but it's not quite there yet. So close! Also he figures out the hard stuff so much faster than the easy stuff, just like when he does Sudoku solves.

      It's like we're seeing the neurons connect, but it's not quite there yet. So close! Also he figures out the hard stuff so much faster than the easy stuff, just like when he does Sudoku solves.

      4 votes
    2. [2]
      Adys
      Link Parent
      This game was MADE for this guy.

      This game was MADE for this guy.

      3 votes
      1. MimicSquid
        Link Parent
        Right? The way he touched at the marker, trying to figure out the environmental puzzle so perfectly matched the behavior of the person you see in the video at the end of the game. It was as close...

        Right? The way he touched at the marker, trying to figure out the environmental puzzle so perfectly matched the behavior of the person you see in the video at the end of the game. It was as close to the delight of experiencing it for the first time as I'm likely to get.

        3 votes
  13. [3]
    Protected
    Link
    Is there any rhyme or reason to when these happen? I haven't been able to catch these live yet, or found a schedule anywhere.

    Is there any rhyme or reason to when these happen? I haven't been able to catch these live yet, or found a schedule anywhere.

    3 votes
    1. Apos
      Link Parent
      I don't think there's a regular schedule, but if you subscribe to their YouTube, the streams are announced multiple days before the event. The next one doesn't seem to be announced yet (part 7).

      I don't think there's a regular schedule, but if you subscribe to their YouTube, the streams are announced multiple days before the event. The next one doesn't seem to be announced yet (part 7).

      2 votes
    2. MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      "When" is late evening UK time, something like 10 to midnight GMT. It seems to be whenever Simon can fit it in, though Sunday nights have been common. If you follow Cracking the Cryptic on...

      "When" is late evening UK time, something like 10 to midnight GMT. It seems to be whenever Simon can fit it in, though Sunday nights have been common. If you follow Cracking the Cryptic on Youtube, the streams are announced a few days in advance there; also check their twitter feed, it might be mentioned there.

      2 votes
  14. [6]
    MimicSquid
    Link
    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 8 live 3 hours from the time of posting. He may reach the first ending today!

    Sudoku Expert Plays The Witness Part 8 live 3 hours from the time of posting. He may reach the first ending today!

    3 votes
    1. [5]
      Adys
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      I’ve been on holiday and I am now catching up. Still loving this. I am amazed how unbelievably fast he is. He figured out the back and forth dual lines so fast, and then the floor patterns in...

      I’ve been on holiday and I am now catching up. Still loving this.

      I am amazed how unbelievably fast he is. He figured out the back and forth dual lines so fast, and then the floor patterns in what, 10 maybe 15 minutes? These together took me hours… with breaks in between.

      There is no greater testament to what a professional puzzle solver looks like. This is it.

      Edit: I will never get tired how hilarious it is that the witness ends by closing itself. Every time I see the end of the game, I weep a little.

      Jonathan Blow may or may not be remembered hundreds of years from now as an artist beyond his time.

      Also dude what. Finished in 15 hours. I hope he realises how skilled he is.

      3 votes
      1. [4]
        MimicSquid
        Link Parent
        Right? I'm hoping that he'll really get into the environmental puzzles, because it'd be a bit of a shame if he just reached the first ending and stopped. That said, if he went on to play Return of...

        Right? I'm hoping that he'll really get into the environmental puzzles, because it'd be a bit of a shame if he just reached the first ending and stopped. That said, if he went on to play Return of the Obra Dinn or Baba is You, I wouldn't be half sad.

        2 votes
        1. [3]
          cfabbro
          (edited )
          Link Parent
          I'm really hoping he plays Baba is You next since that game broke my brain, and I would love to finally be able to see the solutions to all the puzzles I was unable to solve myself, and map...

          I'm really hoping he plays Baba is You next since that game broke my brain, and I would love to finally be able to see the solutions to all the puzzles I was unable to solve myself, and map regions I didn't manage to unlock.

          1 vote
          1. [2]
            Apos
            Link Parent
            I'm also hoping that's the next game for next stream. The environment puzzles in The Witness aren't really the same types of puzzles he usually solves so I'm fine if he doesn't get to them.

            I'm also hoping that's the next game for next stream. The environment puzzles in The Witness aren't really the same types of puzzles he usually solves so I'm fine if he doesn't get to them.

            1 vote
            1. Adys
              Link Parent
              I would like to see him do the challenge area, it's definitely going to be his thing. Baba is You is an excellent game for him i would think. Obra Dinn, as fantastic as it is, I'm not so sure.

              I would like to see him do the challenge area, it's definitely going to be his thing.

              Baba is You is an excellent game for him i would think. Obra Dinn, as fantastic as it is, I'm not so sure.

              1 vote
  15. cfabbro
    Link
    Posting this here since it's CtC related so people here might also find it interesting, but it's probably not worth a topic on its own. Mark just made an appearance on Tom Scott's second channel:...

    Posting this here since it's CtC related so people here might also find it interesting, but it's probably not worth a topic on its own.

    Mark just made an appearance on Tom Scott's second channel:
    non-extreme, entirely normal $0,000 game of Skull

    3 votes