The fables detailed in American McGee's Grimm can be divided into two camps: the ones everybody knows, and the ones with which only a few may be familiar. The former type is enjoyable due to arkening your favorite (or least favorite) characters with Grimm's pestilence, and the latter is enjoyable due to learning a new story. But the problem with all Grimm episodes regardless of their respective camps is that no matter new or old, each episode unfolds in almost exactly the same way. You watch the fairy tale unfold in one theater, then play through roughly six stages connecting the dots to a fairy tale you just observed, and then watch a dark theater that, in essence, provides a replay of everything you just finished doing.
American McGee's Grimm: The Pied Piper takes a slightly different approach: you view the fairy tale before beginning Grimm's filthy adventure, but the ending is intentionally omitted. While the gameplay mechanics are the same as any Grimm episode you've played before, the drive to learn what happens makes The Pied Piper a compelling download even for those who have tired of the series' repetitive antics.
The Pied Piper is the tale of a town plagued with rats. Fed up with the vermin, the mayor is propositioned by the Piper, a man who claims he can rid the town of its infestation. He does so by corralling the critters into a boat. When the Piper goes to the mayor for his payment, the mayor reneges on the deal. This causes the Piper to enact vengeance by gathering all of the town's children into a boat and taking them to destinations unknown. The fate that awaits them is unknown. In order to ascertain the fate of the tykes, you'll have to play through The Pied Piper's six stages, the last of which featured Grimm lending a helping hand to the vengeful Piper.
It is the curiosity to see what the Piper plans for his adolescent hostages that makes the titular character's episode an entertaining experience. Like most Grimm installments, Piper consists of only six stages, each of which is quite short and can typically be completed in under two minutes. This expedites the process of reaching the sixth level where one witnesses (and instigates) the Piper's revenge on the town's future -- its children.
One might suggest that the quickly completable stages, which are short even by Grimm standards, might make the experience less engrossing. This is not the case. The goal of this episode is to discover the ending of the fairy tale. It is a strategy that works well, one that I hope is employed again. Each of the stages presents a quick burst of fun with a few platforming challenges -- that for once aren't overly frustrating -- and a satisfactory amount of time spreading Grimm's corruption.
The Pied Piper isn't the best Grimm entry, but it is one of few episodes that deviates from its typical formula. Even those familiar with the tale will enjoy racing to the end to see what American McGee and his Spicy Horse cohorts have in store for the children, and those unfamiliar with the story will have even more reason to push forward.
It is the curiosity to see what the Piper plans for his adolescent hostages that makes the titular character's episode an entertaining experience. Like most Grimm installments, Piper consists of only six stages, each of which is quite short and can typically be completed in under two minutes. This expedites the process of reaching the sixth level where one witnesses (and instigates) the Piper's revenge on the town's future -- its children.
One might suggest that the quickly completable stages, which are short even by Grimm standards, might make the experience less engrossing. This is not the case. The goal of this episode is to discover the ending of the fairy tale. It is a strategy that works well, one that I hope is employed again. Each of the stages presents a quick burst of fun with a few platforming challenges -- that for once aren't overly frustrating -- and a satisfactory amount of time spreading Grimm's corruption.
The Pied Piper isn't the best Grimm entry, but it is one of few episodes that deviates from its typical formula. Even those familiar with the tale will enjoy racing to the end to see what American McGee and his Spicy Horse cohorts have in store for the children, and those unfamiliar with the story will have even more reason to push forward.
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