Walkthrough :
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.
