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Giant Bombcast - 05/12/15
- Thread starter daydream
- Start date
I'm actually struggling to think of an example where I cared a lot about branching narrative choice in games (at least in the 'one big change' style of thing). For one thing, developers tend to put it at the very end of the game where making a choice doesn't actually result in any in-game change, but just changes the narrative coda a little. For another thing, by the time I've slogged there, I often care very little about what happens to the world afterwards - I'm not going to experience it, after all, so who gives a shit? See Human Revolution for instance, though of course they were somewhat hamstrung by being a prequel.
One alternative is making the player constantly choose options and then have a sum-up at the end of the game; the Fallout method. Mass Effect tried but the devs went nuts or something and instead of cumulative decision-making over the course of three games, well, we all know how that turned out. That's an alright way, though somewhat flat.
In terms of 'narrative' choice I've gotten a lot more into emergent systems-based choices with narrative flavouring a la Dwarf Fortress and other more systems-heavy games. But that's not really narrative in the same sense.
It's probably just unfeasible without a truly ridiculous amount of resources. Of course, that doesn't mean we should write it off as a failed experiment.
One alternative is making the player constantly choose options and then have a sum-up at the end of the game; the Fallout method. Mass Effect tried but the devs went nuts or something and instead of cumulative decision-making over the course of three games, well, we all know how that turned out. That's an alright way, though somewhat flat.
In terms of 'narrative' choice I've gotten a lot more into emergent systems-based choices with narrative flavouring a la Dwarf Fortress and other more systems-heavy games. But that's not really narrative in the same sense.
It's probably just unfeasible without a truly ridiculous amount of resources. Of course, that doesn't mean we should write it off as a failed experiment.
Basileus777
Member
These aren't a very effective use of spoiler tags. It's pretty obvious what's behind them.
I'm just getting to the e-mail section of this week's podcast (been a busy week) and I'm pretty sure I heard Brad mention hole 1496 is the algorithmatically impossible hole.
Yeah it was definitely 1496 I heard. Because that's where I am and 74 shots later I am right where I started. Basically soft locked. Impossible. Formalized perfect ismorophic inductive proof.
Sorry to break it to you but...
Never played Persona 4. No idea what is behind the spoiler tag.
Never mind, I was looking at what you quoted, not the original post.
Basileus777
Member
Yeah, the Desert Golfing talk was nonsense. Even Danny, who they talked about, is further in
https://twitter.com/dannyodwyer/status/595087322238099456
ScottSullivan
Member
Jeff on the bombcast uttering the phrase "Stealth Figs" made me laugh
petethepanda
Member
I can't express how happy it makes me when someone drops an unexpected "Forget it, [name], it's Chinatown."
SatelliteOfLove
Member
Jeff's talked at times about writing a book about the video game media biz once he's out fully. I will kickstart the shit out of that thing.
And yeah, don't bet against Jeff's takes on the industry. It's often partial, and he doesn't like to admit these unless pressed (either out of humility or fear it's wrong), but it's right far more often than wrong and when he's talking current events, it's virtually a lock.
Once his kids reach 5 it's multiplayer and vicarious time for V-Dogg, hopefully.
Glass Shark
Banned
Kirkhope's style is so distinctive that it seems crazy to me that someone couldn't identify it.
WrenchNinja
Member
Couldn't help but chuckle that Jason was finding it difficult to identify with a kid raised in the U.S. Who had parents from a fake Indian based country but connected with the mighty whitey dudebro named Jason from the last game
Sort of reminds me of the cast not understanding why the Ajay pronounciation was different with different characters
Ubisoft really did make a game for me, I need to pick up Far cry 4
Sort of reminds me of the cast not understanding why the Ajay pronounciation was different with different characters
Ubisoft really did make a game for me, I need to pick up Far cry 4