Episode 642: Terry Pratchett's Discworld
Added 2024-09-30 12:00:13 +0000 UTCStuart: I make no secret in this episode of my Discworld ignorance. And you may ask why, you bald, bald man, why would you host an episode focusing on a subject of which you’ve very little knowledge. A good question, but easily answered. You see, I am interested in Discworld. It has always existed somewhat on the fringe of my obsession. I’ve read one or two of the books, yes, but most of my exposure has been to tie-ins. The animation, the graphic novels and–yes–the games.
In fact, the original Discworld game was a staple of my childhood. Getting in trouble for printing out entire, lengthy walkthroughs on my mum’s old Canon inkjet. Asking around my mates how in Christ’s name anyone is expected to capture the imp. It was my foremost adventure game; no LucasArts nonsense for me! So I had to cover it and in order to do so properly I had to bring in a Squad, a group of people who actually knew things about Discworld. So I did. I got me an Al Kennedy, host of Desert Island Discworld and the excellent comics podcast House to Astonish. I also roped in Dave Bulmer because he was trying to steal copper wire and this was the only way to coax him off the roof.
Freely I admit to you that this is less of a gaming podcast than a tribute to and primer of the British cultural force that was (and still is) Terry Pratchett, and I hope that this does not bother you and that if it does, you will forgive me. I also hope you will forgive the fact that some manner of outstanding mouth pain has rendered me sounding like Billy Quizboy throughout. You will be pleased to know my gob is now “better” and I will sound less shockingly drunk off my arse in future episodes.
I WOULDN’T WORRY. IT’S JUST A JOB, ISN’T IT. YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE THE COMPLAINTS I GET.
Oh, hullo mate. You’re not here for me, are you?
NO, NO. JUST AFFORDABLE RETROGAMING IN GENERAL.
Bloody hell, you took your time. Have you seen the state of CEX lately?
Art by Salem Sloane. Edits by Greg Leahy.
16:29 - Eric Coates: "By the Sleepy Lagoon" | Theme from Truckers (1992)
23:42 - Discworld (PC, CD): World Map
36:09 - Theme from Wyrd Sisters
44:06 - Terry Pratchett: Facing Extinction: Credits
53:37 - Discworld (PC, CD): Edge of the World
1:05:55 - Discworld (PC, CD): Town Square/Street
1:13:24 - The Rutles: "Ouch!" | Discworld II: Missing Presumed...!? (PC): Sailing
1:22:22 - Discworld II: Missing Presumed...!? (PC): That's Death
1:37:13 - Discworld Noir (PC): Saturn
Closing - "We Can Rule You Wholesale" (The Ankh-Morpork National Anthem)
Comments
I'm late to the party with this comment, so forgive me. As an American, I was hoping that this episode would start with a primer and history on Discworld since I've always been interested the series, but never dipped my toes. I was pretty excited to see this episode on my feed, but stopped midway since I didn't have any context for what was being talked about. Can we have a follow up episode that covers the basics for those that don't know much about the series?
Christopher McDougall
2025-02-14 18:14:16 +0000 UTCAmerican accents? Yes please!
Jason Lew
2024-10-11 23:49:58 +0000 UTCDos Boot
Craig
2024-10-03 17:57:47 +0000 UTCMy first encounter with Discworld was also Feet of Clay, based on a friend’s recommendation, and I had a similar experience—I had real trouble following it. A few of the jokes landed well enough that I was willing to give the series more of a try, and I’m so glad I did. But I did start at the beginning (against all advice), and when I got to Feet of Clay in the read through, it made much much more sense. While each Discworld novel is generally standalone, I think there are enough internal references and nods to continuity that it’s a lot easier to follow if you know what’s come before. Thanks for a great episode about one of my favorite series. Now I need to play the games.
Shel Freezes Over
2024-10-02 21:48:50 +0000 UTCI think it's ultimately a reference to John Cleese's eulogy to fellow Monty Python member Graham Chapman- 'I could hear him whispering in my ear last night as I was writing this: “Alright, Cleese, you’re very proud of being the first person to ever say ‘sh**’ on television. If this service is really for me, just for starters, I want you to be the first person ever at a British memorial service to say ‘f***’!”'
CitizenMeh
2024-10-02 19:20:56 +0000 UTCI met Sir Terry a couple of times at signings, very charming guy. I personally think "Mort" is the best starting point, as it's the first book that holds together as a great story, rather than a bunch of fantasy parodies amusingly strung together. I agree most of the adaptations are rubbish, but "Going Postal" is surprisingly good, hammy fun.
CitizenMeh
2024-10-02 18:41:34 +0000 UTCYeah, definitely an oversight on the Rhianna Pratchett front. Should have been better there, sorry.
Stuart Gipp
2024-10-02 09:55:37 +0000 UTCI learned Terry Pratchett would tell you how to get out of the dungeon without using the wizard key. what a great guy
Riley Hall
2024-10-01 23:17:27 +0000 UTCLoved this episode! You brought back a deluge of memories of my favorite author and my favorite fantasy realm. I was surprised that none of the hosts mentioned the author’s daughter, Rhianna Pratchett, considering she is a pretty well known video game writer. Otherwise, this was an excellent discussion —keep up the good work!
Devon Dale
2024-10-01 23:13:45 +0000 UTCHah I figured as much that it was a reference to the books or games. I just found the intro amusing.
Michael and Titania Skidmore-Malone
2024-10-01 13:11:54 +0000 UTCIt’s a reference to an Eric Idle ‘bit’ that happens in the first two games. Is it accurate? Probably not. But it was certainly the first time I’d heard it in a game.
Phil Cobley
2024-10-01 10:56:35 +0000 UTCWOW the first host to drop an f bomb in an intro. So edgy, congrats on breaking new ground.
Michael and Titania Skidmore-Malone
2024-10-01 03:01:33 +0000 UTCI always get up for a Gipper/Bulmeister joint
Craig
2024-10-01 02:17:18 +0000 UTCFun episode! Discworld Noir has run fine for me (on Windows 10 at least) using this patch: https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Discworld_Noir (I think I changed the EXE properties to run 640x480, but that was the only issue I had). The PS1 version runs on PS1-3. There’s a couple of lines that skip, and seem to on all consoles, but otherwise run fine. They kept an impressive amount of the game intact, considering it was a single disc. You can tell the graphical shortcomings on both versions and one animation routine in particular is maddening, but it’s still one of my all time favourite adventure games.
Phil Cobley
2024-09-30 20:20:48 +0000 UTC
