Got Scratches Director's Cut Today

Hi everyone. The doorbell just rang and it was the UPS guy with my Scratch's Director's Cut. I'm so glad it finally got here...I ordered it nearly two months ago and I was wondering when it would arrive!

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to play it yet but when I do I'll pop back in to talk about the game and how it's different from the original. I'm looking forward to seeing what new goodies they've put in!

Cat

Ohhhhhhhhhh Cat nice..

I was going to order it...

But I figured I try & get it on a Trade
Being I have so Many Good New Games to Trade..

Have Fun !!!! Also Please Let us know what you think..

Well please don't spend any more time writing until you've loaded and played the game. I too have been waiting for months, but mine didn't come today and I am really curious. Be sure to let us (OK, me!)know what you think.

This just showed up in my mailbox this morning along with Penumbra Overture; InteractCD comes through again! (Thank you, Dave!)

I don't know how soon I will be getting to Scratches Director's Cut but will let you know when I do (and I will be following this thread).

Got mine too! What a nice surprise.

So happy for you (all)... looks like a good one! And to think that all this time, I missed out on a good game because I judged Scratches (the original release) by its title alone... not even bothering to actually read about it. Because of the title, I simply avoided it.

Confession:
I never got Scratches because I thought it had to do with hurting cats... with the ghosts of cats who'd long ago been maltreated, then, had come back to haunt & terrorize... scratching current-day visitors. Don't like the idea of cats being vilified (even the black cat thing at Halloween).

Well. I know now that I should've read about the game first... not one mention of a cat. Yeah, I admit ... dumb!

The only question that remains: "Am I ready to enter Blackwood Manor?"

I love it. Really?

Confession:

I avoided Amerzone at first because I thought it had something do to with epic battles in an alternate future in the Americas.

Oh Becks! Got mine as well today ---- Loading it up now.
inferno

I hope you have your Camembert and Brie and Merlot at the ready, inferno!! Let us know what you think.

I do --- From what is can see at first glance --- This version is Vista Ready -- Contains a New Chapter -- The Last Visit --> The Original Ending (which was not in the First Isuue)--> An eerier soundtrack and updated Graphics ---

and oh yes --- Here in FT Worth (Land of Thunderstorms) we are having one now --- how lovely --- playing Scratches by Lightening and Thunder --- wonder how long the power will last.



inferno

Okay, folks (and inferno, I hope your power stays on!), I just installed the game and looked at the manual. For those of you who are undecided as to whether this director's cut version is different enough to make playing/paying again for the game worthwhile, here are some details:

1. An exclusive new chapter to the story with dramatic sequences that will stay with you forever! Six years have passed and Blackstone Manor is on the brink of being demolished; a reporter is asked to sneak inside the house and gather clues about the mystery that was never solved.....but he will find an unexpected and terrifying surprise inside!

2. Higher resolution and completely revamped graphics.

3. An alternate control system for the game--you can now control the game with fixed mouse movement if you wish.

4. Witness the shocking and never revealed before alternate ending, giving a whole new meaning to the story---but will you be able to perform all the necessary steps to trigger it?

5. Read the missing Michael's journal--Michael writes and ponders about anything of importance.

6. See the breathtaking new climatic effects.

7. Find the hidden Easter eggs--far more are included, along with an ending game score that will give you hints as to what you missed.

8. Hear the improved original soundtrack.

9. A revised script, with enhanced and more dramatic situations.

I'm very glad that I purchased this; it sounds great!!

More later!

Nice.....Marian

Thanks For the Details

Ahaa! First mysterious happening..... The Front door.
it now holds a rather strange way of opening it --- beware, Marian....



inferno

Becky, I too passed up Amerzone the first time I saw it because I thought it was a futuristic war game in a third-world country.
Then I took a closer look and read the blurbs - live and learn!

Inferno, I didn't look at your spoiler, but the front door has definitely given me pause. I have already opened it in the conventional way, so it would appear that I have overlooked something very interesting. Hmmmm....(!)

I received my game today as well. I actually traded the first one before finishing it because I didn't give it a chance. And look now I bought it again. Although this is supposed to be different? right? So does it play pretty much like the first one. In the beginning you pick which game to play. I'm thinking Director's Cut is the full game and the Last Visit is just the new chapter? Please correct me if I'm wrong. I picked the Director's Cut and it pretty much plays like the first but I will say I can see alot better than I could with the first game. It was really dark...this is dark, but you can get around much better...I think anyway. Will there be a walkthrough for this one or only for the Last Chapter? Just wondering!

The game was too dark for me until I went into the setup screen and changed the gamma correction setting to medium; it's now perfect. It still has the gloomy atmosphere but it's easy to see everything.

I would imagine that a new/revised/additional walkthrough will need to be written for this game, not only for the new chapter but also a new walkthrough for the base game, as apparently new puzzles have been added (among other things).

It's my understanding that the new chapter "The Last Visit" takes place six years after the events of the main game; so, yes, that section of the game should be played last. Have fun!!

Wjere are you, Marian --- I'm on the second day... Playing in the dark here --- while snacking on a nice Valpollicello with a small anti pasto --- lovely.

inferno

I'm still on the first day, Inferno; I'm taking my time and soaking up the atmosphere. The dark and your food selection sound like just the thing.

I don't have to work tomorrow so I will have plenty of time to play. And I can stay up late tonight, as well.

I've just started day 3. 000 Such a super game.

inferno


-----------------------------------------------


Eureka!!! Found me an Easter Egg I didn't see in the original.
Look in the

The music is indeed far more wicked than the original version --
really puts you on edge.

inferno

So is it worth getting if you played & loved the original? Are there enough differences to justify buying it again?

I ditto this question. I just loved the original Scratches but are there enough differences to spend the money to play it? Not that I hestitate to buys all games but I don't much want to just replay something...thanks for info.

Happy Gamer

Hi boomers!

Regarding the front door bug, we're not sure what happened with it, but we're investigating what the problem is. In the meantime, if you can't open the front door, please download this patch:

http://www.nucleosys.com/files/scratches-dc-patch.exe

It's very quick to download and install. I suggest you apply it, even if you found the way to open the door!


We're sorry about this problem - we do hope that you enjoy all the features we included, especially the new chapter with some shocking revelations!

Do you like the new control method?

Thanks, Rael for the fast support for the new game and also for updating us here.

No problem MaG! Of course, we will keep everyone updated as to what happened here (we are a bit surprised about this bug, which is obviously very notorious)

Hi Rael -- thanks for your help!

I installed the game and have a question. When starting a new game, it has 2 choices, Director's cut or The last visit. Is the director's cut, the full game with the new chapter and the last visit, is just the new chapter? If the answer to this is in the manual, I must have overlooked it. Thanks.

The Director's Cut is the full game of the original, with some new puzzles and enhancements. The Last Visit is the new chapter, which takes place about six years later after the events of the original game. So, if you want to replay the entire game again, you should start with the Director's Cut section first and then play Last Visit.

Thanks Marian.

Thanks Rael

I can't wait to get My Hands On The Game..

I just Loved the First one...

Inferno,

"Playing Scratches by lightening and thunder." Reminds me of playing Dark Fall 1 at 3 am in the morning with ALL of the house's lights off!

I'm going to have to order this!

Hi Inferno,

I've been all over and can't find the Easter egg. Can you give me a hint to where it is, please.

I just bought mine at Best Buy. I hope its different then the first one.

Geez Louise, Rael! I all this time I thought that you did that on purpose!!! heeheeheeehe. I love the enhanced music --- controls are terrific, sweetie.

inferno

========================================================



Oh well ---- OK




inferno

Thanks, Inferno. I guess I need to move the cursor a little slower from now on.

Mine was shipped already, but being in Italy I guess will take more than 2 weeks to arrive...can't wait to play!

I've played the first part of the game. It plays exactly like the first game. I'm kinda disappointed. I'm on the final chapter.
The graphics do look better than the first one tho.

I agree, I played the first one as well and I didn't find any difference in game play. The graphics were better, much better than the first and the music was good, but I didn't run into anything new, at least I don't think I did. I'm on the final chapter, but haven't gotten very far yet. You know with it being Mom's day and all, kind of hard to tell the family I'm busy if you know what I mean? : )

Hi Guys........

I got my game Today as a Mothers Day Gift...

I will let you know what I think..After I played it Awhile.

I noticed many differnces ---

Enhanced graphics
The 360 degree world has far less wobblines and more direction
The music and sounds have been enhanced as well
Michael has a self updating journal.

Far more easter eggs than before.

And there is supposed to be an alternative ending which still escapes me.

inferno

ohhhhhhhhhhh...Inferno

This Game is Supposed to Be The Best Game Of This Year !!!

I can't Tell You Yet........But I will after I play It

So far I've found over 25 Easter Eggs in both Scratches DC and the extended Chapter. --- Still the Alternative ending escapes me.

inferno

Hi Inferno!

I've tried various combinations, but the alternative ending is also eluding me. I've also not been able to find the ending points for the game.

Have you had any luck finding your ending points?

"Q"

The alternative ending trigger is not just one event. It is doing an action several times each day.
Rael is working on a patch to change the accessibility of the alternative ending.

Points?

Thanks MaG, I guess I'll wait for the patch.

Points - I meant the scoring system that was mentioned in the game manual. Maybe Rael could also give us a pointer about where and how to use the scoring system.

"Q"



Message from Agustin from Nucleosys Forum

Ok Guys...

I am 5 minutes into the game...

Question...I hope this game is different then
the first...Hope I am not playing the same thing all
over again...

Thanks

Director Cut --- means that it is the original adventure but enhancements set in to it --- just as many Movies have "Director's Cut" versions. This issoes has an alternative ending which the first issue did not, and an added chapter, a fixed mouse while 360 degree panning --- and enhanced sound and graphics. There have been more Easter eggs included in this issue. If you play the game exactly as you played the original you will miss much of the enhancements.

The scoring system did not work well and therefore has been scraped. I'm hoping a patch will some day be added for it.

inferno

Hi All!



Easter eggs might be fun to find, but they are not why I buy a game. Actually I'm surprised at the number of technical problems with the game. I have the patch installed, and am still having a lot of random crashes.

Personally, I'd be happier with less Easter eggs and a game that runs smoother. Hopefully, with the next patch, they will have resolved some of these problems. It's a little disheartening to be at a choice scary part of the game, and have it crash to the desktop.

"Q"

So far...the game is playing A-Ok for me..

The first game also played Great...The Graphics are Better
and the Music is EERIE ...with this version

I'm glad, and I hope it continues to do so for you. Because in my opinion it's a great game. For some reason, I'm having a random crashing problem. Hopefully, it's limited to just me.

"Q"

Just a clarification, Scratches is different from Scratches:Director's Cut right?

It's the same game with technical modifications and add ons.
So if you played the original, you have played the major game. There is an additional chapter at the end.

Ah, thanks i wasn't quite sure cause i hadn't played the original and i thought it was part II or a sequel, thanks for the info.

Hi guys. I'm enjoying playing Scratches again (I like the new music but haven't seen the Easter eggs and other new goodies yet), and last night I got out of the main game and played some of the new chapter. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't played it yet, so I'll just say it's a little creepy and I have chills! I'm hoping that it's long and that I'll find more stuff as I move along, but even if I don't, what I just saw was scary enough to warrant my buying this version!

Cat, who was scared by just the atmosphere of the first one, and is now scared by more than that...

I LOVE this game !!!!!

The easter eggs are very funny --- Thanks for the music box music elsewhere in the house, Rael

---- you know how that affects me. :shudder: :shudder:

inferno

Hi Inferno....

Can You Cheat & Post some spoilers For me...

I haven't found one easter Egg

Thanks Hun

Darleen --- CYE

inferno

Inferno,

Can you email me the Easter Eggs too? Please. Like Darleen, I'm not finding any either.

Ohhhhhhhh

Thanks a Bunch Inferno

Luv Ya

First post in over a year, and of course it's about Scratches!


Interesting... I'm still clueless about this alternate ending to tell the truth, or most of the new Easter eggs for that matter. Hope a full guide to the DC additions shows up eventually.

I'm on day three of my re-play. Love the new control, always wanted that with the original. The changing sky graphics are very nice. And hey, I'll take any excuse to re-visit a great game.

The new chapter was fun while it lasted, though that was all of about an hour for me after getting past a serious crash bug. Still cool to see the house six years on, though, and startling revelations indeed!

Not thrilled about the bugs and overall laggy performance compared to the original, but I know Rael's on the case to squash such issues.

So far then an interesting albeit flawed addition to an already stellar game.

Thanks Snatcher42

For the Post...

The Easter eggs are the from the Book Titles --- to comments made
by Micheal -- when certain objects are examined --- sometimes normally and sometimes when certain inventory objects are used.

Some where in the original --- some aren't. I only managed to find the book titles in the original. The rest I found playing the Sratches DC --- These are unofficial --- and just what i've been able to find.

The Books



There are two more which directly pertain to Robin --- and that is all I'm going to say.


In the original game as well as DC there is an interesting Dialogue tree from the this is accessed by doing something just before you at .


These are comments made by Micheal --- can you find them?





I have a feeling that there are more --- just haven't found them yet --- but then that's parrt of the fun of it --- isn't it?


inferno


===================================================

These are from the demo:

"Locked again... probably because this was only a preview version of the game." --- Where could these be.. in the demo?
"Bloody developers... locked!"
"The preview is getting on my nerves!"


------------------------------------------------------



Here's a hint --- recall what Michael is by profession and act accordingly --

Ok.......Maybe I am Stupid or something....

But What am I Looking for? An Actual EGG?

In all my years of playing games I have never found anything remotely looking like an egg....<Geezzz>

Do I need to do certain things...What will I see..An egg...That looks like an Easter Egg?

There is one in there Inferno that nearly made me fall off my chair laughing when it sunk in my thick skull. Thanks for the chuckle.


Darleen...this should help you: Easter Eggs

Ana

No --- An Easter Egg--- in a computer program is mostly and "inside joke" or reference. It can be an audio cue or graphic or an alternate sequence. It is a "suprise" as it "steps outside of the game" and therefore is known as an Easter Egg.
The term is figurative and not literal.

Case in point --- In the dining room (this "easter egg" is also in the original)

Now, where was I? Oh yes, I remember --->

In the Dining Room during the Scratches Game --- if Michael examines the liquor cabinet carefully --- he will remark on a reference to Johnathan Boakes and Dark Fall. --- To get this click on the dark brown Liquor bottle.

When you are in the Crypt ---> Use the stethoscope on the corpse.
and you will read a funny one.


inferno

Oh My

What a Stupid....Blah Blah Blah I am...

Thanks Inferno & Ana...


Oh WoW...Its a Message.Nothing More then that...

Ummm.....Amazing

GOing through it again ---This time that Alternate ending will be mine! MWuahhahahahahahaa!

inferno

Go for it Inferno!!

I'm on my third try, still no luck.

I keep marching Michael to his typewriter, but he has more excuses for not working - then I do.

Maybe the third time will be the charm. I love this game.

"Q"

Can anyone tell me when it will be released in the UK??

Hi old lady -- I haven't seen any news about a U.K. release. (At least, I don't think I have.)

oldlady, it is available for reasonable shipping to the UK through InteractCD, which can be accessed from the top of this page (the yellow highlight)

Ana

Well, just finished playing the Director's Cut for my first time. No alternate ending in sight yet...

Anyone get the alternate ending yet?

inferno

Hi Inferno!

The third time I played, I definetly got different dialogue than the first two times. I'm not sure if it was just a normal feature of the game cause I played it in a different style than the first two times, or if I triggered something.

However, the very end point from going down the fireplace grate was exactly the same. I guess I'm a little confused cause I'm not sure how 'alternate' the alternate ending is supposed to be.

Hopefully more information will be forthcoming from Nucleosys. More importantly, how goes your quest for the alternate ending?

"Q"

Hmm, care to be more specific? Not so much what it said, but where, so I can narrow my hunt?

Snatcher,

Check the spoiler posted here for the alternative way to get different dialogues.

First and foremost - I'm in no way saying I got the 'alternate' ending.

I just played the game differently than I normally would - and some places that I can remember getting different responses were when attempting to get Michael to write, when Michael was going to leave in his car, and also in Michael's journal. There might have been others, but I don't recall them right now.

Like I said, I would love to know how 'alternate' the alternate ending actually is. It would be really funny if we had actually seen it without knowing.

"Q"

Well I did do that as much as I think I could, but I'm still not sure where these "different dialogues" are supposed to be... maybe confounded by the fact that I don't really remember every specific detail about what was or wasn't said in the original. I could have heard new stuff and not even noticed it. Though I'm sure I would if it adds anything significant to the plot...?

In the alternate ending --- Michael speaks of something he left behind and tears in his eyes. --

I still haven't reached the alternate ending although the dialogues where writing his book was addtitional.

---OK trying it again

I think the mistake might have been throwing caution to the wind here and using the Typewriter every hour

inferno

I'm confused.

Shouldn't talk of the alternate ending be in the hints forum section?

I just received my copy, and for me at least knowing the alternate ending is a spoiler.

Thanks for listening!

ces...Discussions is the correct place to discuss the ending. The real spoilers are in spoiler tags and the rest of the conversations are not real spoilers.

Hope you enjoy the game.

Ana

Did you actually get that dialogue? I didn't get that dialogue, so that must mean I need try number 4. Yikes!

I must have done the required action too often. Boy, I hope the patch makes getting the alternate ending easier.

---Edit---
No matter how often I march Michael to the typewriter, I have only been able to get him to write one page for his book. Here's a question for anyone playing the game - Has anyone been able to get Michael to write more than one page for his book?

"Q"

no --- Well, yes.

:Let me check.

inferno


============================================

ok --

One seems to be that Micheal is

Another

inferno

Interesting. I've got the same number of pages, but definitely haven't heard the "left behind" dialogue yet... Back to searching I guess!

Thanks Inferno.

I'm getting the same pages that you are. So that means so far we all are getting Michael to write the same amount of book.

Hmmmmm - my error must lie elsewhere.

Has anyone actually seen the alternate ending - beside the game developers?

"Q"

Yes --- I have

I got the alternative ending from following hints on the developers forum - and belive me it is well worth seeing. I think it's an even better ending than the original

I got the "Alternate ending" a while ago and must respectfully disagree with Old Lady. The alternate is a more definitely 'done' ending, but it doesn't go very well with the "The Last Visit" or with any additions that are rumored for the future. I really liked the vagueness and ambivalence of all the other endings.

It isn't supposed to. This was the original ending before the first release of Scratches. It was offered in the DC version only as an alternative, so that fans could see it. It has nothing to do with the published final version of the Scrathces game or the DC version. And so --- nothing to do with the Last Visit.

Many times -- directors will place alternate endings in motion picture DVD's ... Think of it as a huge Easter Egg.

I loved it.

inferno