Bad Day on the Midway
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.
