Grimbeard - Signalis (PC) - Review 

This channel feels like (unfortunately) one of the best kept secrets on this platform. It's almost criminal to think there's so many people missing out on this excellent content.

My patience has been rewarded

"Things have learned to walk that ought to crawl" is honestly one of the hardest lines I've read in a long time. It's a perfect way to describe a humanity that played god, too much and too long.

Finished this a couple days ago and throughout I was thinking "Goth Daddy needs to play this". And here we are. Thank you, Goth Daddy.

You can't trick me this time beard man - I already played this through in a heaving feverish single sitting coma on the day it came out. Great stuff as ever.

You consistently produce some of the highest quality video essays I've seen on YT. Thanks for all your hard work.

So, regarding the significance of the King In Yellow, I think it may be largely informed by the way that book and entity figure into the Call of Cthulhu role-playing game, which is supposedly really big in Germany. There are a few different interpretations and characterizations, but Signalis in particular seemed to fit in with the "Hastur Mythos" version depicted in the works of Dennis Detwiller. Basically, Hastur as a Lovecraftian entity is a personification of entropy (think of what Adler said about reality breaking down). The King in Yellow as a being is either an avatar of Hastur, or a human who becomes a vector through which Hastur spreads. The King in Yellow spreads its influence through a play with the same name which Signalis references multiple times. "Along the shore the cloud waves break, the twin suns sink behind the lake..." Reading the text of the play "drives the reader mad", but that's typically interpreted as a sort of corruption or consumption. Depending on the interpretation, some depictions have those who read the play become aware of a secret reality which underpins our own, manifesting what seem to be delusions of grandeur about their own importance in the royal bloodline. Falke units are imprints of the Great Revolutionary -> Royal bloodline. Hastur is entropy -> Breakdown of reality The King In Yellow (being) serves as a vector for Hastur to spread -> Ariane's bioresonant powers are causing reality to fracture and break. Along the shores the cloud waves break, the shadows lengthen in Carcosa -> The shoreline visions Mysterious entity/the red eye -> Hastur (my opinion, though there's not a lot of backing to that) I haven't figured out all of the possible connections, but I think that Ariane is effectively acting as The King in Yellow (being). Also, holy shit, someone NEEDS to get Grimbo into a Delta Green: Impossible Landscapes campaign.

The series of paintings that keeps appearing in visions is a real one, called "Isle of the Dead" by Arnold Böcklin. There are five variations of it, but all of them depict Charon, the ferryman of Greek myth, leading a dead soul to an isolated island somewhere in the River Styx. The painting you show at 38:12 is quite literally one of those paintings with the devs' own imagery put over the top for thematic purposes.

I owe you so much for introducing me to this game. It is beautiful in a way that I cannot concisely express. Thank you.

I watched the entire spoiler section and I could recite everything that was said in that section and yet I feel I have learned absolutely nothing except for the fact that I definitely need to play this game. Thanks

This guy is the embodiment of a certain vibe and as a result it draws like minded people to his channel. One of my favourite channels on RU-vid and it's more because of him than anything he even reviews. I loved watching his supernatural recaps even though I would never in a million years actually want to watch supernatural. Guy just has powerful charisma.

The "alien island" painting you mention is "The Isle of the Dead" by Arnold Boecklin. What makes this really interesting is that Rachmaninoff made a symphony by the same name based on the painting, but it wasn't actually based on the original form of the painting. What he saw was a black-and-white reproduction of the painting which, as far as he knew, was what the original looked like. Later on, he saw the full-color original and said: "If I had seen first the original, I, probably, would have not written my Isle of the Dead." This seems to strongly relate to the themes of the game with copies of copies and existential angst and so on.

I was hoping one of the "big cool youtube guys" would make a long form analysis of this game after it tore me to shreds mentally, but I'm much more happy that I found this video instead. You really did it justice, and I love your brand of humor. New sub for you, keep up the good work.

Idk how RU-vid led me down a rabbit hole that ended up here, but damn do i love a quirky, well articulated, informative, and unique video essay. Earned yourself a subscriber

For those wondering about the relevance of the book "The king in yellow " in the game, I believe that is much more thematic than lore or wiki-wise. The book, just like the game, is a collection of stories that are as much about horror as they are about love. That dichotomy of love/horror engulfs both the game and the characters within. And the short story - an inhabitant of carcosa - that served as inspiration for some aspects of the book has basically the same plot structure as signalis

Man. I am blown away by how fast you can pump these out and have them be at such a consistent quality (even your old ones).

Your content is my favorite RU-vid channel, by a LONG shot. Great game choice, intelligent opinion and research, funny of beat, constructive criticism, high and low culture references... all around just great entertainment. You're awesome, Grim.

Notification squad

Love your videos, you always put so much style into them and you bring to light lot of the the black-sheep we might never know about.

I just got done playing this game last week. Possibly the best SURVIVIAL horror game I've playing since REmake. It scratches the Silent Hill / Resident Evil itch like no other game I can think of.

The story sounds like something I would really enjoy, but man... I'm not in the kind of headspace right now where I could devote hours to this sort of thing. Thanks for another great video

Art sir this channel is art. To call this “content” is criminal.

I patiently waited to watch this video upon finishing the game. Watching Mr. Beard’s synopsis of the story was an excitement all its own, until I reached the ending. I realized his ending was not the one I received, which compelled me to start another play through. This game is now easily in my top ten game stories of all time (especially in a time of unfinished and horribly monetized games). Also, yeah, grimbeard my man, I’ve bought your merch and two of your albums (and will continue to do so) to support the absolutely excellent and quality content you bring to all of us on two fronts. You’re awesome. Also please listen to his music because it rocks your entire face off.

The intro is honestly one of the best I’ve seen on the platform

My feller I don't know how you did it, but I absolutely adore your content. Thankyou for continuing your work.

A new grimbeard video published at the same time as a luner eclipse? This is feeling like a very Goth gamer evening.

I have only found your channel in the last few days.. But I love your content, your style, the way you vibe! I've been bingeing the hell outta your videos! Keep up the great work

you're the first person where I absolutely will take your word on the spoiler warning and come back here when i finish it, whenever that may be. Thank you. Found you recently and been trying to recommend you to folks, you do awersome

Thanks for making these vids. Thanks for letting me take a peek into these darker gaming experiences I'm not emotionally stable enough to experience first hand. That little quip about roomba with googly eyes falling over, I really felt that.

I sincerely hope Signalis gets more attention, because it deserves the success. I'm worried people will be put off by the anime cutscenes and miss the best attempt at a classic playstation survival horror we've seen in years. The endings I've got still haunt me, and I'm convinced the ones I'm yet to see will be just as gut wrenching.

In my gameplay, I only used thermite flare for enemies that are close to the safe room or main corridor. Though the enemies might get up, I found it would take longer if you just walked around them (don't run, don't turn the flashlight on, and don't walk over the downed enemy)

excellent review. Loved Signalis and I very much appreciated the finer details they took the time to add to the game such as the sound effects when changing menus, and I also appreciated how you clearly appreciated those details too, enough to give them some focus in this review. Well done sir. subbed.

You are the only channel I'd ever reccomend A House of many Doors. It doesn't look like much at first. But it goes deep. You seem like the type. And I will check out Signalis!

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 13 mins of your Signalis review. Stopped there due to your spoiler warning (thank you, btw.) Will return after completing the game. Subscribed!

Was hoping to see you cover this. Hyped af

Another excellent video. Thanks for making my work day go by a little faster, Grim.

That odd screamo-synthwave hybrid at the end is a whole vibe I didn't know I needed in my life.

This was a FANTASTIC video, thank you so much for all the love and work that went into making it. I immediately finished watching a playthrough (I wish I had been able to play it, but alas, I am poor and lack the means) and hopped onto RU-vid and Reddit because I needed to dive deeper--and I'm SO happy this was the first video I stumbled onto. It helped me solidify my own thoughts while pointing out other nuances and wonderful things about it, and, hey! I got a few laughs along the way, too. Thank you again!!!

Grim thank you for being what I watch while I wait in line to vote, more than generous timing

You uploading always makes me smile

this is one of those games that to understand you have to play more than once, doing things like going frame by frame in segments or translating the bits of german help it to make a lot more sense, absolute masterpiece of a game

Ive been on RU-vid since the beginning and Ive got to say, YOUR INTRO IS QUITE LITERALLY THE BEST INTRO ON RU-vid HANDS DOWN

Loving the honesty of your feelings toward games and how it makes you feel. I also find it comforting when I find something new in a game that brings me back to my childhood. I'm not completely dead inside yet.

Love this channel. Keep up the excellent work, Grim!

Thank you for introducing me to this phenomenal art piece!

Grim you never miss my man, the best reviews.

Loving the new outro! ❤️

I tried watching other reviews and they didn't work for me. But you always come true. Keep it up man.

First video I've seen from you and man I loved it so much

That's the best analysis I've seen ead of the game. The moment I started playing I knew you're gonna do a video about this game. You're the best GB!

Having played this game, I was happily surprised to see that you had reviewed it. Your analysis of this game resonated with me a lot since I came to a lot of the same conclusions as you when it came to plot and gameplay. This game's story isn't totally conclusive and maybe even frustratingly vague with some aspects, but the fact that I'm content with what the game showed me is indicative of just how amazing this game is. I really look forward to your next review. Keep up the good work!

This chanel is one of the best gaming/(lets be honest, also comedy)/ chanels on the internet. I watched nearly every single one of them and every time the 1-2 hours pass by like a minute. I learn a lot from them, because your research is excellent, i laugh (the 9pm joke killed me xD) and i have this cosy nighty night, dark, isolation, endlessness feeling, when i watch them, like when i watch a good horror movie in space. Your voice also comforts this. The editing and writing of the script is on another level too. You sir, deserve waaaaay more recognition. Thanks for the continuously good work. Greets from goth austria!

Thanks dude. I really needed this today!

Best foley work ever. Please never stop with the quality work dude. NEVER STOP

What I find really interesting is after you have to "continue" the game from trying to open the ship and you are back in the ship if you turn on the radio and channel surf you can find emergency messages telling you the ship has crashed while this is before you even have.

Subscribed to your channel a long time ago, but never bothered watching your videos. Played this game recently and noticed this video in my subscription box. Just like to say for the long format type videos that are popular these days, you do a very good job that sets you above the competition, good commentary combined with some pretty funny comedic timing. I wish your channel great success and I'm glad we both played this game.

You have no idea how much I've been waiting on this review, specifically yours. the lack of the rat roundup was particularly disappointing though. Definitely looks like a winner We need ParaPug merch.

Loved Signalis and was looking for any content on it and that led me to this excellent video. Very funny stuff!

Your videos are the only time i think to myself "here we go again" and do so completely and totally excited

Subbed in the first 12 minutes, it's a serious talent to be able to deliver such a well structured, articulate, and just plain deep hour and sixteen minute long video without it just turning into spaghetti. Sadly I have to return after I'm done with my playthrough, I'll give you a muted full video play tomorrow though.

Love this game, that bit you did with the door was perfect

This is a great review, but to you, viewer who didn't play Signalis and watched the whole thing, don't think that the game was spoiled for you. Grimbeard skipped a bunch and only showed one of several endings. Depending on your interpretations of the documents and events, there are many ways you could make sense of the story. You very much still have a shot at experiencing the game on your own and coming to new conclusions, so do it!

THE AMOUNT OF EFFORT AND THE VIEWS HE GETS PER VIDEO IS INSANE. Like the effort to view ratio is fucked up. how does he not have 1 million views.

Man this is so good, one of my favorites yet. I love hearing your analysis of esoteric vague stories like this, idk if you've ever played killer7 but I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on it because when I played it I saw a lot of Twin Peaks and that sort of dream logic. Great stuff man keep up the good work

I spit water at the “what about Barbara” part. Your editing just perfectly matches your tone man. Love it.

Can we please be friends?

Not notified, just not sleeping. So excited to watch, and by excited I mean staring dully at my phone but still interested

What a great video (as usual) shining light onto this game I would have never looked at otherwise

consistently just my favorite youtuber for the last 5 years

I really appreciate how soon into discussing the title you state that the game plays "in the key of other games" (absolutely amazing way to put that too) but is not a hollow facsimile of them. I think that's part of what makes the game so instantly recognizably amazing. It doesn't hide the fact that it's inspired, the fact that it's inspired means very blatantly that it's impassioned. It doesn't ruminate on the past, it just isn't afraid to be upfront on who taught it to dance. Also i'm happy to have stumbled across your channel through this. A new subscriber; I have become!

this might be a silly comment to make, but it's getting close (ish) to a year now since signalis released, and i really wanted to drop a thank you somewhere here for introducing me to this game. it was (and still is!) an incredible experience and i don't know if i would have ever picked it up if it wasn't for this video.

Your conclusion about signalis being it's own thing was very apt. I found signalis through a steam curator that recommends games with lesbian couples in them, and that was my only frame of reference for this game, and I absolutely loved it. Never had touched og survival horror or anything if that type. Signalis stands on its own without the genre to hold it up, and for that, I think it's excellent

LETS GO GRIMBO I AM AWAKE AT AN UNUSUAL HOUR AND FUCKING MISERABLE MUST BE TIME FOR ANOTHER ABSOLUTE RIPPER

I'm really glad to have found this channel. I find the humor and analysis to be in a great balance and I'm looking forward to watching all the videos and future ones as well! On the matter of Signalis itself, me not being the biggest fan of horror games (being a scaredy cat sometimes, while also running like a bull into danger and ruin the experience and atmosphere at times), I find Signalis kept me interested the whole way through. It's one of the few games that actually made me want to replay it not just to experience the other endings but also to try and understand the story better (it didn't, but fuck it, I love it all the same).

Finally finished this game, was following it for a year and noticed it dropped on my birthday! It was an amazing experience, and honestly I never thought a survival horror game like this could get so much emotion and all out of me. Great video as always Grim, I definitely love the analysis of the story and won't go further because spoilers. But I believe that the theories presented so far are really close to what the true story is. I'm excited definitely to see more videos come out that explain the lore behind it further, but such an atmospheric and amazing game. Only made by two people. Absolutely brilliant

First video and i like what I'm seeing here. Signalis was something special and you did her right!

Best channel. I can't wait to tell my friends I was following before 100k, when you get to millions of followers

These videos are getting better and better funnier and better written i feel this channel will hit a spike in viewership soon

Hell yeah! I was wondering when you’d cover Signalis!

I knew you'd get your hands on this one. My belief is that the whole game takes place inside the dying dreams of Ariane, that due to her bioresonance powers became more real than dreams usually are. Real enough for its denizens to be sentient people, at the same time remaining functions of the dream and personifications of people from the waking world. The red eye is Ariane's own, and as she lies in cryosleep, consumed by radiation sickness, the dream twists, perverts and becomes more and more nightmarish, time collapses, invasive memories and personalities creep in, and the malignant flesh consumes it. That's what Falke saw under the mines, and the knowledge infected her. Adler understood it, and it drew him insane. Ariane is an elder god of her own small world, she longs to wake, and when she does, the world-dream will end.

Thanks for this Grim! I've been putting off signalis. I'll watch until the spoilers section and then go finish the game so I can watch the rest of the vid.

It's a difficult day today and your video helped take my mind off of feeling like shit for a while. Thank you

You are the only RU-vidr who I watch the patreon reads for

Have been thinking about playing the game, but when i saw you created a video on it. I instantly downloaded it and played it in a day. Thank a you for ze gud content

Wow that was a thoroughly entertaining intro

Another day another wonderfully gruesome vid from grimbeard. I’m at work right now but I will definitely be back to watch! NOTIFICATION SQUAD!! 🙌🏼

Bought and played this game because you told us to on Twitter, Grim. Really enjoyed it and here's the promised review!

These vids really helped me through a tough time in life. Been a while since I was able to watch one. Glad to see you’re still going GB!

I haven't watched this video yet but I am very excited you did a review on this game.

YEAH BOI I just finished this yesterday. Perfect timing.

Great work. You made me buy this and I don't regret it. Watching your complete review now :) Also I'm stoked for TheSphereHunter's and RagnarRox takes on this (if they make any video/essay)!

I just found you and subbed immediately. Great stuff!

Excellent video essay as always!

Great video! I've been obsessing over Signalis lately. I loved the demo, but was content to wait for a sale until I saw 90% of it was made by two people. Then I couldn't pull my wallet out fast enough. Best $20 I've spent all year. I'm really glad I'm not the only one who had this game stuck in my brain. I beat it about a week ago, and can't stop thinking about it. There was just so much to process after the credits rolled. I got the same ending as you, but replayed the end and got another (better?) one after seeing some spoilers online. It was still brutally depressing, but maybe a little more satisfying. I was very surprised how a game with such little dialogue really made me feel. The cutscenes and music were amazing, and some of those damaged journal entries at the end just hit way too close to home. Honestly, I'd LOVE to see another game in this universe. The world building was excellent, and adding in a little cosmic horror with dark sci fi felt like this was made for me. I'm also a MASSIVE fan of the retro futuristic style. Why doesn't my computer sound like MU/TH/UR from Alien?! Why is my smart phone a touch screen and not a Pip-Boy?! The tech in our timeline isn't nearly as cool.

Thank you for making good videos about good games!

OMG the fact that you're reviewing this ... The most underrated RU-vid channel reviewing the most underrated game

i need to play this game. it looks amazing, aaa!! amazing review as always, Grim Beard!

“A sports commentator communicating through a ouji board”. God DAMN that’s some writing right there.

Thanks for delivering the existentially crushing goods!

Subbed. Loved your review, I just reviewed this game myself and came across your channel in my recommendations. I really like how comprehensive your review was without spoilers, keep up the good work!