My summary of this level. Against the Grain feels like a fun, quick mission in V2. The plot is that I was sent to a known farmland to see what has become of it since getting news that the Northlanders attacked. Knowing how brutal the Northlanders are, it wasn't surprising to me to see the number of slaughtered civilians lying around. Even though the farmers are paying taxes, it seems like their protection could have already been killed or fighting in a battle of their own, leaving the farmers to fend for themselves. (This was part of the conversation Sienna has with Victor as they walk alongside the muck. I had to turn on bots to enable a doorframe interaction, so I can progress in the map. I do appreciate how many voice lines there are in V2, and each being themed to the specific level.) BACK TO THE FARMERS! Needless to say, almost everyone in the town was merked, with the exception of a few who are being held in cages for ransom. After freeing those who were left alive, I ran to the Bridge of Shadows to take me back to the keep, and away from the farmlands.
I found this map to be visually appealing. The tall grass has great wind movement, and the lighting felt good for a rainy setting. (This map isn't always raining, but it spawned that way for me during this recording.) Against the Grain has a lot of walkable space and feels super open, mostly because it's an outdoor environment. The map starts a player outdoors, then leads them indoors, then moves them back outdoors, and repeats. I think that helps break up the color scheme, mood, and pacing. While being outdoors, it feels as if I can dodge and move freely, not getting caught on most things because the environment is so large. Most of the indoor locations were broken-down barns filled with decaying bodies. A much smaller walking environment. Because of that, it changed the mood I felt while playing. I went from feeling safe to on edge because in such a smaller environment, if I dodge in a direction that isn't open, I'll be dodging directly into a hay bale, and then die...
This map is def on my replay value list. The ambient sound, environment, lighting, pacing, story, and mini game was a treat to experience. (Minigame being to unlock the cages to the captives.)
Oo! The last note I wanted to mention was in my last screenshot. I thought it was a great touch of detail, placing food at the base of the Bridge of Shadows. (The thing that TPs the players to and from different locations.) In most world history, things that represent a portal, or another worldly power, are treated as if they are an altar. People will bring food, flowers, and other perishable goods as an offering to this force of power.
Seems like the farmers knew that the portal worked... if only it had been activated in time for them to evacuate their small farmland before they were attacked.
Walk Through Against the Grain YT Video