Gameplay takes a unique spin on classic turn-based RPG combat. With an obvious throw-back to old paper-and-pencil RPGs, the beginning of each battle starts with the roll of a D20 dice to decide initiative. Whatever friend or foe gets the highest D20 roll, goes first. Once initiative has been decided, each character has a rechargeable action button for things like their basic attack, item usage and special attacks. The player with the highest number is able to attack with their basic attack immediately, but roll a 20 and you begin the battle with your special attack bar already charged. It’s the player’s job to manually select which character will move next, what they should do and when they should do it. Alternatively, there is a blocking/counterattack system that is put in place to further add challenge to the gameplay. During the course of a battle, a player will be tasked with selecting appropriate characters and action, selecting appropriate targets, minding incoming enemy attacks to watch for blocking and counterattack possibilities, which become very necessary early in the game, and item management for buff and de-buff opportunities. This system proves to be rather robust and enjoyable once the initial frantic learning phase passes. Players just starting out might find themselves becoming overwhelmed by the sheer interaction that is required of them. All in all however, the system works. It never seems to get old and works well with the feel of the game. Buffs are handled through items gathered throughout the game world and leveling up your character offers no customization, as any new skills or attribute points are already tallied for you at each new level.

Sound never gets boring in the game as they have added many chuckle inducing sound clips for some of the most innocuous of items. In Hobo Alley for example, examining a steamy pile on the road will conjure up sounds of flies buzzing as the description informs you that the small coils are much like a fly apartment complex. Background music is fitting, well done, and not overbearing. The attacks sound like they should and everything fits nicely. I didn’t notice anything jarring or out of place. To the contrary, I found myself enjoying most of the sounds that are produced during gameplay.

This game can easily be seen as a fan-only game. The humor and gameplay are spot on with what fans should expect from the comic and worth the $20 price tag. For gamers who aren’t fans of the comic or have never read their columns, a lot of the humor might be lost on you and you will walk away with a competent yet ultimately mediocre 10 hour RPG experience. Either way, gamers interested might want to checkout the demo available either on Xbox Live Arcade or Play Greenhouse.