WALKTHROUGH!! Wheeee...

Mateusz and crew once again delivers the goods in a hilarious, albeit sadly short, room escape.

Gotta admit, I cracked up at the point where

This one is extremely short and not, in my opinion, worth calling "Episode 2." I am very disappointed.

Whoaaaa offensive caricature ahoy. I sense culture clash.

(ShuDog, who managed to get signed out in the course of commenting... pw recovery impossible, *sigh*)

[Edit: Check your email address, ShuDog. I sent information about your account to you. Let me know if you need further help, and I can reset your password manually if necessary. -Jay]

very short, I don't think it was worth the wait since the last episode.

Cute! I loved the knocked-out pirates draped all over the place, and the unnecessary items were a fun diversion. The minstrel-style cook made me do a triple-take, but before you judge, remember that Skutnik and team are Polish, not American.

I will say, though, that I'm ready for another of Skutnik's more adult games next--the gnomes and pirates are cute, but it's been too long since the last Daymare Town or Submachine, and those remain (in my eyes) his best and most innovative work. Here's to hoping the next Pastel Game we see is a truly meaty escape!

I enjoyed the first episode, but this one was ruined by the offensive/racist character. It was like something out of the 1920s.

Theres gotta be some use for those OTHER ITEMS!

I'm with Kate -- what was up with that?

I played the first one, enjoyed it and was excited to see the sequel. However, it appears that the game designer meant to depict the character based on a historically offensive stereotype: extremely dark skin, large red lips and gapped tooth, kinky hair and a big stomach (standing in a position of servitude, nonetheless). Collectively, it implies this was intentional. I'm not unreasonably sensitive but how could I enjoy the game after seeing this?

Uh...to each their own I guess. Is the fact that she knocked out a white man any consolation to you?
Geeze.

Anyway, I'm stuck, as always! :)

What's up with the

Great graphics as usual, for a Mateusz series game, and a to a decent story line. It was a little short for my liking, but at least I got though it quickly, and without using the walk through... perhaps a first for one of my plays at a Mateusz game. :)

hi
it never crossed my mind that this image would be offensive. But I do live on the other side of the world you know. And its not my game - I didnt draw it, I didnt create the scenario. But now seeing that from your perspective - you're right. it is offensive. The author was asked to re-do that image and a new, racially correct version should be online at mosttomorrow.

thanks for your comments
mateusz skutnik

Protip: If you decide to make the most annoying sound in the world the background sound, and you put it on a constant loop, give me a way to mute it. That creaking sound ruined what was otherwise a decent game.

Personally I found the cariacture funny, you should just post a "PC" version and keep this version available.

Retardo was funnier.

I must have missed the caricature. Where was it?

Mateusz, thank you for posting your comment, sending me an email and having the image redesigned. Necroarkher, regardless of your ethnicity you should ask yourself why you found it "funny" and why you decided to post that you found it funny - it is a historically offensive and hurtful stereotype and Mateusz responded in a way that shows it was unintentional. The depiction contributed nothing to the game, in fact, clearly it detracted from it.

A few of the comments show that some people will never understand racially sensitive issues or empathize with those who are affected, even in subtle ways such as in a game. If you really didn't notice it, that's perhaps one thing. If you saw it but you "don't get" why it's offensive then you should just quietly observe or do some research instead of posting insensitive or flippant comments. Anyway, I'm looking forward to playing the revised Tortuga 2 and other games by Pastel Games. Thanks.

Big thumbs up to Mateusz for getting rid of the offensive caricature. I applaud him for listening honestly to the feedback and doing something about it.

The game was OK but much too short. I agree with the pp that I'd love to see a new installment of Submachine or Daymare Town.

Honestly, I would rather wait a year for a Daymare Town or a Submachine with no games in between than to go more than a year with little games like this that frankly, in my opinion, aren't up to the same quality standards.

Hmmm I feel it lacked something, in fact lots of somethings. This game wasn't like what we have come to expect from Mateusz Skutnik. It was, I felt, nothing more than a 'find this and use it there' kind of escape. Very little challenge. Sorry for being so negative about a beautiful looking game but in all honesty I was a bit disappointed with it considering the team that made it. That said, I can see the good points in it too and would still recommend having a play through. Just don't bother getting out the trusty notepad and pen.
Regarding the caricature, I didn't find it at all offensive nor did it cross my mind that anyone might find it in bad taste while I was playing so I can see Mateusz's point of view and I don't think him or any of the team should be viewed in bad light because of a simple misjudgement.

I gotta say, I'm disappointed about the upcoming change. Sure, the caricature harkens back to a time of inherent racism in media, minstrel plays and all, but I feel a change dampens the maker's creative input. Should not art push the limits of what is acceptable? Have we all become so PC that we will take whatever attempts we can to cover up history like it never happened? Additionally, though potentially offensive, the caricature seems to fit in well with the rest of the outlandish "cartoony" characters, not to mention the implied time period. Might as well pass itself off as a social statement. I wish I were so free of worries in life to get upset over such a design. I suppose I just don't think stepping on free speech is worth it.
Anyway, I have to agree with the rest of the folks, too darned short, and the red herring with the key seemed unnecessary considering the length. But I always enjoy the wacky things Pastel Games comes out with, so keep up the good work guys!

Everyone's talking about this offensive caricature and I don't know if I missed it, it got deleted already or I simply didn't find anything offensive, but just to satisfy my curiosity what exactly was this offensive character??

As for the game itself, it was really short, but pretty straightforward and simple. Good for a lunch break!

Say, mudkipz:

Mateusz, thanks so much for responding to the concerns about the character. Art does need to push boundaries and challenge the viewer, but art also requires context and knowledge of the "rules" before they are broken.

Since Mateusz admits that this was unintentional, this isn't an issue of free speech or covering up history. There might be an idea for a game somewhere in which the image would be acceptable, but Tortuga 2 is not that game.

Something I noticed from the first game to this one. At the end of the previous game, I have 11 coins. But at the start of this game, which ostensibly picks up right where the other left off, I only have 5.

For those who aren't aware of what a black caricature is, please visit Ferris university's Jim Crow museum online.

The black caricature depicted in this game makes me think of the 'Tom' caricature (link below)

http://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/tom/

I'm a little disillusioned that quite a few people didn't pick up on the stereotype, however, I hope they'll use this opportunity to get some background on it and why it's offensive.

If the designer is willing to replace the offensive character and the game play would otherwise remain the same, then complaining that you'd RATHER HIM LEAVE IT reflects something disturbing about YOU. Anyway, THANKS SHAN for providing a practical way for us all to learn more about this subject! And on to more games...

what's the blue pirate medal for?

Great game, Mateusz. And please don't worry about the negative comments; some people will go to extraordinary lengths to be offended! I guess they've got too much time on their hands or something.

Thanks Shan for your comment and link. The reason I didn't notice it is, well, not being from the USA or familiar with the issue I basically didn't catch the reference. I thought I might have something to do with that, but I didn't want to guess.

I hate the way the cook was drawn. So racially insensitive. I can't even play that game. Glad the author is going to redraw the character. Thanks.

To queen-of-diamonds and others who were unsure whether the image has already changed: as of right now (midnight EST, 3-5-09) it hasn't. If you're seeing a literally-black face with bright red lips, it's the original image.

iMacGirl33, while we both recognize that the image unintentionally draws direct reference to offensive historical caricatures of Africans and African-Americans, you should realize that a LOT of people are unfamiliar with that image and what it represents. It's not fair to criticize somebody for finding the image humorous--after all, it's a goofy image, and that's part of why it was so popular--if they don't know what they're looking at. Most American history classes do not teach this facet of history. (Yes, Jim Crow. No, Tom and Mammy.) Non-Americans are even more unlikely to learn about it in a general history class. It is fair to educate; it's not fair to mistake a gap in cultural history knowledge for racism.

I saw it, considered it, and then decided, why should it matter? If it was meant to offend, then fine, it seems it worked.

At least it makes you think about these things. You're all trying to run away from the issue, denying it, hiding it and pretending it never existed and should be shoved back under the carpet.

Everyone needs to be offended sometimes.

That is like if you saw an "oriental" game character with slanty eyes, a rice paddy hat, pig-tail, and mustache - then you would want to complain to the game designers that they depicted a "racial" image. believe it or not, but african americans did enjoy cooking back then and even if the job was on a ship, it was a job. in the game here, the cook is telling you he needs 4 eggs. how are you to assume that he was a slave?

i sent the game to some of my black friends and they thought it was funny - AND they didn't even know that mateusz was foreign. but once they did, they comprehended that not all cultures are aware of american history. it's not a matter of being insensitive to racism, it's a matter of ethnocentrism.

this is a gaming forum. let's keep the ambiance light. these forums are to bring people together, not apart.

I was gonna write a statement about what I think is misinterpretation of a fictional character that is meant to represent a picturesque scene in a fictional situation/game. But then I realised I need the spare time to find the forth egg and trade with the cook.
Missparaguay1991

Christine, it is not the caricature itself that poses the problem, it is its continued use by white society to demoralize and marginalize African Americans. There is some debate about what is acceptable in caricature because certain races have physical features. When these features are emphasized emphatically and negatively, we get a stereotype. The fact that blackface and "tom" figures are taboo in the US is unavoidable, just as a Swastika is taboo, despite its prior use as a symbol of luck. There is no need to use a symbol of such divisive nature unless you WANT to discuss the issue in your art or games, which the author clearly did not. Therefore, the caricature is unintentionally offensive to many and there's no need for it.

I like these games but are way too short. My favorite part is your first encounter with the mouse. He comes right at you doesn't he, I about jumped.

The part where I actually did jump is when I opened the kitchen door, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. At first I couldn't believe my eyes, then it cracked me up. It took a few minutes to sink in what I was looking at.

I think what made me laugh is understanding the ignorance of the developer to this kind of thing. It couldn't have been intentional.

@Shan- Don't be disillusioned to people's ignorance towards this, I'd say it's a GOOD thing. It signifies that people of our generation don't think along those lines. They have no comparison with which to view this as offensive. It's a step forward. And Mateusz, try not to feel to bad, it's an honest mistake and non-uptight folks will take it in stride.

Anyway, can't wait for the next one, hope its longer.

hi

new version is available through tortuga website:

www.tortugaescape.com/02.html

to my surprize armorgames decided not to change their version

0_o

ms

[Edit: I just had an email exchange with Armor Games and the game has been updated there as well. -Jay]

Mateusz Skutnik lives on the other side of the world from a country that dehumanized black people and turned them into targets of mockery. Why should he care?

Because he knows prejudice exists -- Jews and other racial groups received the same treatment under the Nazis. And because he's a great human being who cares.

Thanks, Mateusz.

I should mention as of just now, I just played Tortuga 2 for the first time (so no cache issues) and the link to armor games still leads to the original 'caricature'.

[Edit: You might want to try right-click and reload. The file has indeed changed in my browser. -Jay]

yeah, we're on the other side of the world - cut us some slack - not only the racial factor slipped away, but I also misunderstood armorgames decision about the replacement. They did in fact change their version, not quite sure why I'd imply otherwise. Maybe it was just timing factor. I should better shut up already on this matter :/

I've seen racist stereotyping in Pastel Games games before... I don't think it was unintentional. Racism hurts everybody, we shouldn't perpetuate it.

Keep up the good work Mateusz. You by far are my favorite game designer. You're a genius, man. Whenever I see a game and the words Mateusz Skutnik and Pastel Games I instantly think Right on a new one, let's play. Love your games.
Hope you're working on a new Daymare (my fav).
Your work is brilliant.

I love these games! They're well put together, not that difficult, and long enough to keep my attention without boring me by being too long winded and complicated. Well done, can't wait for the next!

It seems to me a lot of people are getting worked up because they're conflating a racial image with a racist image. A racial image is not inherently racist. A racial image can be used in a racist manner, but I'm not seeing that here. Yes, the USA has a history of using racial caricatures in racist propaganda, and so in the USA we tend to equate the two, but this is not the case in the rest of the world. It does nobody any good to project your cultural assumptions onto others.

Cute.. but I'm sick of these kids games. He can do much better as he proved before. So, what's up with all this? Continue the good games, submarine, cover front, wierdvill whatever, or make more "dark" cool games, but stop making these.

Would a caricature of a "white redneck hillbilly type" be also considered racist? Or how about frequent depiction of Eastern European folks in American movies - would you believe all Eastern Europeans actually aren't bearded guys with ear-gritting accent and questionable hygienic habits?

Man, how I adore hypocrisy.

As for the game is concerned, I got one item I didn't get to use at all:

Anyone know what it's for?

Uh lol, I guess baba44713 doesn't know the meaning of hypocrisy, as this isn't a site featuring movies with racist caricatures in the first place.

Man, how I adore logical fallacies.

By the way, the second key can be found in the stairway screen, in the top step.

However, the exit is useless anyway, as 3 pirates guard it.