The Sword and Laser discussion

I'm not very far in to this yet but I'm loving it, and for some reason it feels like a video game to me. The first encounter Daiga almost feels like a combat tutorial? Especially with being introduced to the gun and what the different bullets do. I was almost seeing an inventory wheel in my head. Anyone else get similar vibes?

Well *now* I do.

I’m just at the halfway point (reading 3 books at once, as per usual), and aside from the interrogation framing device it does have a bit of a video game-like progression of escalating challenges. Although games really took that structure from books, so it’s hard to say where the inspiration comes from.

As I mentioned in the Names thread, it does feel more like a comic book, with echoes of Saga. The snarky attitude and interrogation scenes feel like they’re straight out of a Brian Michael Bendis comic. He’s used this exact set-up multiple times, from Powers to The Avengers to Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man.

I made it 53 pages. I love the premise, and some of Sam's other work, but the sentence construction, with all it's commas, just throws too many hurdles, in front of my eyes.


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I was worried I was the only one struggling with this pick. I'm pushing through the audiobook, but I keep finding my mind drifting off (which isn't a common problem for me). I feel like we spend too much time in Sal's head - even during the action parts she drifts off into recollections and thoughts, which pulls me out of the story.

I feel like it could be a kickass graphic novel, though. I keep expecting The Stalk to show up.

I hadn't thought of it as a video game, but I think I would enjoy playing a game set in this world.

It's the framing device which is taking me out of the story - I don't mind all the thoughts and recollections, but I don't believe Tretta would sit and listen to a story told in this style. I am enjoying it so far though, it's only a minor gripe and this might be addressed later in the book.

Lisa wrote: "I hadn't thought of it as a video game, but I think I would enjoy playing a game set in this world. "

Actually, parts of City of Heroes are remarkably like this game. I’ve even been toying with creating a character based on Sal the Cacophony in-game because the powersets are already there.

The Dual Pistols powerset has the ability to let you choose between cold, fire and slow effects (https://cityofheroes.fandom.com/wiki/...), which are essentially the three abilities the gun has in the book, and her outfit is easy to replicate.

I wonder if Sykes played CoH, because a couple of the other characters have powers that feel like they are straight out of the game.

Edit: video demonstrating Dual Pistols: https://youtu.be/pc0fez4Bpww

The longer you watch, the more over-the-top the gun-fu or gunkata moves become. I haven’t made a new pistols character since some folks brought the game back (you can play for free now) because the set used to be somewhat underpowered, but it was a hoot to watch.

You’re right. Sam has called SBiB his “love letter to Final Fantasy.”

Ken wrote: "You’re right. Sam has called SBiB his “love letter to Final Fantasy.”"

That makes a lot of sense. I got a major JRPG/anime vibe from it. Especially the series of colourful and broad antagonists whose power levels are all way above normal people, and the way spear-carriers and civilians are just slaughtered by the dozens in every major battle.

Well, that and the whole "giant birds instead of horses" thing.

Now that I've read this thread, I can't help but see it as a video game unfolding before me with levels and boss fights. Not a bad thing; I'm fully enjoying it. :)