Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One embraces the classic turn-based RPG formula while injecting the irreverent humor and satirical edge of Penny Arcade. Players create a custom protagonist and immediately find themselves in an unexpected whirlwind of pulpy horror and detective work. Combat unfolds in a straightforward menu-driven system, where you can attack, use items, cast spells, or summon allies like Gabe, Tycho, and other familiar faces. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to jump into battles without a steep learning curve.

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A standout feature is the ability to summon characters during combat. Each ally brings unique skills: Tycho’s ranged magic attacks, Gabe’s brute force strikes, or even more eccentric abilities unlocked later in the story. These summons aren’t merely cosmetic; they’re carefully balanced to encourage experimentation and strategic play. Combining character abilities against wave after wave of zombies, mimes, and the infamous Fruit Fuckers can feel deeply satisfying, especially when you discover synergies that turn a near-defeat into a thrilling victory.

Between fights, item management and character progression keep you engaged. Weapons and armor can be bought or found in hidden corners of this 1922 pulp world, and upgrading gear becomes essential as enemies grow tougher. Experience points unlock new spells, status effects, and skills, giving each playthrough a sense of growth and discovery. The pacing ensures you’re never overwhelmed by too many mechanics at once, yet veteran RPG fans will appreciate the depth lurking beneath the simple menus.

Graphics

The visual presentation of On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One captures the spirit of the Penny Arcade webcomic through its bold, stylized art direction. Character portraits during dialogue appear as hand-drawn comic panels, lending personality and humor to every interaction. Backgrounds and environment art reveal a monochromatic, pulp-inspired palette punctuated by splashes of color, perfectly evoking the moody 1920s horror era.

In-battle animations lean into retro charm, with simple but effective sprite work that highlights each character’s unique quirks. The robot that demolishes your home looks ominous yet cartoonish, setting the tone for the game’s blend of serious stakes and tongue-in-cheek comedy. Explosions, magic spells, and summoned creatures all have crisp pixel-art effects that pop against darker backgrounds, ensuring that combat never feels visually stale.

Cutscenes and comic-strip panels are where the game truly shines. Conversations are presented in multi-pane layouts akin to Penny Arcade strips, complete with witty speech bubbles and timely punchlines. These static panels are unexpectedly engaging, as they break up the RPG routine and immerse you in the story’s humor and mystery. While modern gamers might expect fully animated cutscenes, the minimalist approach here feels deliberate and fitting, preserving the webcomic’s original charm.

Story

Set in a wonderfully bizarre 1922 pulp horror landscape, the narrative kicks off when your unsuspecting character has their home reduced to rubble by a giant robot during a mundane leaf-raking session. Determined to solve the mystery—and find a new place to live—you stumble upon the Startling Developments Detective Agency, run by none other than Penny Arcade’s protagonists, Gabe and Tycho. This setup combines classic detective tropes with absurd humor, providing a fresh twist on both genres.

Storytelling unfolds through multiple-choice dialogue trees, where your decisions can lead to helpful clues, unexpected alliances, or hilarious insults delivered in true Penny Arcade style. You might coax information out of a suspicious mime or debate ethics with a mad scientist, each choice shaping the plot’s direction. The branching conversations add replay value, as different approaches unlock alternate lines, side quests, or character banter that deepen the narrative.

Along the way, you encounter a cast of eccentric characters drawn straight from the comic strip—zombies haunting the local cemetery, street-dwelling misfits in search of shelter, and the shockingly named Fruit Fuckers gang menacing the town. The story balances horror, comedy, and genuine intrigue, culminating in revelations that set up the next episodes. Fans of Penny Arcade will relish the in-jokes and cameos, while newcomers will find enough narrative hooks to stay invested.

Overall Experience

On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One offers a compelling blend of old-school RPG mechanics and sharp webcomic wit. Its approachable gameplay systems, strategic depth through summons and item management, and episodic structure make it ideal for both casual and devoted gamers. Combat remains challenging without feeling punishing, and the progression system encourages you to explore every side quest to beef up your party before major story battles.

While the graphics rely on minimalist comic panels and sprite work, this aesthetic choice complements the game’s humor and pulp atmosphere. The story-driven dialogue trees and voice-acted snippets add layers of immersion, making each investigation feel dynamic. Although some players might yearn for more expansive environments or faster-paced action, the deliberate pacing suits the narrative’s detective roots.

For fans of Penny Arcade, this debut adventure RPG is a must-play, delivering all the trademark sarcasm and cultural references that define Gabe and Tycho. RPG enthusiasts will appreciate the turn-based combat and character customization, while newcomers will be drawn in by the offbeat storyline and memorable characters. Overall, Episode One lays a solid foundation for the trilogy, promising even grander escapades in Episodes Two and Three. If you enjoy humor-laden mysteries with a pulp twist, this game offers an engaging, entertaining journey well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10