Only play it if you're willing to be completely sickened and horrified (in a good way. Kind of.) Its about as twisted as twisted gets, from a psychological standpoint. AM may be the most disturbing character I've ever encountered in 25 years of reading anything I can get my hands on. And he's a computer.

Better yet, read the story first, THEN play the game. Your appreciation of it will be much heightened. But by all means, its worth playing. Anything that has the name Harlan Ellison on it is usually worth your time.

JRA wrote:

Isn't that like the title of a book or film?

Indeed.

http://www.amazon.com/Have-No-Mouth-Harlan-Ellison/dp/0441363954/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248153262&sr=8-1

username wrote:

so, i bought an Ellison book (Angry Candy) from bookmans last night, and i have yet to start reading it (its on my queue of books to read) but, back to my original question: anyone ever play this game before? yay or nay? or any input at all?

Good for you! It's a great book.

Btw, I guess I forgot to mention this in my original post, but my recommendation is based on the fact that I have actually played it lol. I forgot to note that. The game is awesome, I'm glad you're gonna give it a try! Let us know how it goes.

ReeperTheSeeker wrote:

I just look into both the game and books background, pretty crazy shit. To Hawk (spoiler): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_No_Mouth,_and_I_Must_Scream copy and past to read spoiler So wait if Ted, the last human, is now a blob, don't that mean he is no longer human therefore AM no longer has anything to hate? Is that the twist at the end and the ultimate goal to destroy AM accomplished, but not physical but 'spiritual' in a way? That's some messed up shit.

****WARNING: ahead thar be tonnes of spoilers**************












In all the times I have read that book, that interpretation of the ending never, ever crossed my mind. I'm sure Ellison, being the dark and depressing guy he is, never intended that. I'm guessing he would make the argument that Ted is still mentally human, and therefore still human, and that by AM making him immortal and torturing him eternally, AM is the ultimate victor in the story, especially since, whatever his physical form is, Tom is still able to suffer like a human. And human suffering is what AM ultimately thrives on.

I really, really like your take on it though, Reeper. Additionally, Tom basically sacrifices himself (albeit unintentionally, sort of) for the good of his friends--which may be the most nobly human act anyone can do. I guess in the end you could say that Tom wins something of a moral victory, although I'm not sure how much comfort to him that will be, under the circumstances lol. Not much I would think.

Still, you have my congratulations for finding a glimmer of light and hope in what might be the most relentlessly depressing ending in all of literature. Nice work.



****************end of spoilers*******************











I forgot that Ellison himself voices AM in the game. Seriously, how fucking awesome is that? Hearing him play that part, by the way, will give you just a bit of insight into just how awesomely twisted that man is. ...Let's just say he plays it a little *too* well, imho... *shudder*

Cameron wrote:

I read that exact same article, and I immediately wanted to play the game. However, I wanted to read the book before I played the game, so I've got the book coming in the mail.

You just made my English major heart so proud <3.

You won't be disappointed. Reading it first will really help you appreciate the game, although of course it isn't necessary.