Grim Fandango Puzzle Document (1996) [pdf]

fredrikholm an hour ago | parent | next [-]

I found Grim Fandango in a pile of discounted games as a tween in the 2000s. There was a cool skeleton in a suit on the front cover, so I bought it based on that.

Even though I didn't understand most references and sarcasm, few games have grabbed my attention as Grim Fandango did. The art work, the music, the writing. The whole game oozes of style that I've never seen replicated.

Even some 20+ years later I can almost recite most of Act I from heart. If you haven't played this game and like adventure games, this is one of the best.

Thank you for linking OP, this made my morning.

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tialaramex 28 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

I have never played through Grim Fandangoo in full, but in my peer group memes from this game permeated so thoroughly that when I see a pigeon I will too often end up shouting at it, "Run you pigeons! It's Robert Frost".

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Gareth321 30 minutes ago | parent | prev [-]

I played the demo and it's been at the top of my "to play" list for decades. For one reason or another, I just never have yet. Majora's Mask is also at the top.

	▲	sersi a minute ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Well worth playing the remastered version. It makes the control a bit more bearable but otherwise feels like the original.
	▲	jimbob45 8 minutes ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Not to be a downer about a masterpiece game but…the demo ends right before the game starts proffering anti-logic puzzles.

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vbernat an hour ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Maybe a better URL could be: http://gameshelf.jmac.org/2008/11/grim-fandango-puzzle-desig...

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gyomu 10 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Ahha, this document came to my attention last night from this video [0] that bubbled in my YouTube recs - I don't know if it's the same for OP or just a coincidence, but I highly recommend it too:

GDC Talk: "One Page Designs", by Stone Librande

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9_wLks1kAg

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leokennis 15 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

The small square box at the very end of the document, with accompanying text, is just delightful:

> To protect this document, please restrict your fallen tears of joy to this box. Thank you! → [__]

All over the document, you can see Tim Schafer "wasted his time" by adding personality (jokes, graphics, asides) to what is basically an internal document.

I think in 2026 a document lovingly crafted like this would be deemed a great waste of time, lack of efficiency and an affront to shareholder value.

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Bayard_ne 12 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Always fascinating to peek behind the curtain at how these classics were built. Grim Fandango had some truly brilliant, and occasionally maddening, puzzles.

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snickerer 43 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Is this a walkthrough or a game design document?

As a walkthrough, it is nice. But as the foundation for the game designers, it would be a fun because it is so lighthearted.

	▲	cyxxon 28 minutes ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Design document, from the page that links this pdf (http://gameshelf.jmac.org/2008/11/grim-fandango-puzzle-desig...): "Tim Schafer at Double Fine has posted the puzzle design spec for his classic adventure game, Grim Fandango. It is that game's tenth anniversary; it was released on the Day of the Dead, 1998."
	▲	PetitPrince 34 minutes ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		Looks like Tom Schafer style; I find him whimsical and funny in all of his communication. I don't think it's a stretch that this aspect extends to nom-public communications.
	▲	wodenokoto 26 minutes ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		It's a game design document. My guess is it is kinda like a first draft that some higher ups approve and budgets and then dialogue and game development and puzzle testing can begin.

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N_Lens 39 minutes ago | parent | prev [-]

This game is iconic!

	▲	hnarayanan 33 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		Yes. Literally one of the best.