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Cutscenes - No Longer Necessary?
#1
ThatNickGuy
ThatNickGuy
Since I returned to less casual gaming last year with a PS3, I think I've changed how I feel about games and the ones I enjoy. Part of it also may be due to listening to Yahtzee and his opinions on games, as well. The one thing that I've realized is just how bored I am with cutscenes.
You look at games like Half-Life 2, its episodes, Portal and other Valve games (Left 4 Dead, I assume, but haven't played it) and they incorporate its game mechanics right into the story. There's no cutscenes. There are points where they essentially lock you in a room until the characters stop talking, but you still have full control. There's even a few console games like Dead Space, where you're in control the entire time.
But I think about how there are games like, say, Dragon Age II, which hypes 30+ hours of gameplay; or the debacle known as Final Fantasy XIII; or most especially Metal Gear Solid 4. I used to be floored by cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid or Final Fantasy. But now? I'm bored.
Basically, a game to me is something that you play. If there's a long period where the controller is laying at my side and I'm resting my chin in my fist? That's not playing. That's watching. A game is meant to be played. There have been multiple times (especially in Metal Gear) where I'll be sitting there, watching it and thinking "Boy, this would be a fun scene to play" while the main character does all sorts of cool stuff. Devil May Cry is another example of something like that.
Uncharted and Uncharted 2, while having some cutscenes, incorporates most of the story with gameplay (especially 2). They reward your hard work through a level with a cutscene or space out the action with a puzzle or exploration.
I guess my point is: why are cutscenes even necessary anymore? Are games not detailed enough now that they can just incorporate the story into the gameplay? Character's mouths can now move while you're still in control. Speech can be placed in games at certain key points. Part of what makes Valve's game so great is that they incorporate the story and even background information into the game. They show rather than tell.
What do you guys think? Am I just becoming picky about my games or is there something to this argument?
You look at games like Half-Life 2, its episodes, Portal and other Valve games (Left 4 Dead, I assume, but haven't played it) and they incorporate its game mechanics right into the story. There's no cutscenes. There are points where they essentially lock you in a room until the characters stop talking, but you still have full control. There's even a few console games like Dead Space, where you're in control the entire time.
But I think about how there are games like, say, Dragon Age II, which hypes 30+ hours of gameplay; or the debacle known as Final Fantasy XIII; or most especially Metal Gear Solid 4. I used to be floored by cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid or Final Fantasy. But now? I'm bored.
Basically, a game to me is something that you play. If there's a long period where the controller is laying at my side and I'm resting my chin in my fist? That's not playing. That's watching. A game is meant to be played. There have been multiple times (especially in Metal Gear) where I'll be sitting there, watching it and thinking "Boy, this would be a fun scene to play" while the main character does all sorts of cool stuff. Devil May Cry is another example of something like that.
Uncharted and Uncharted 2, while having some cutscenes, incorporates most of the story with gameplay (especially 2). They reward your hard work through a level with a cutscene or space out the action with a puzzle or exploration.
I guess my point is: why are cutscenes even necessary anymore? Are games not detailed enough now that they can just incorporate the story into the gameplay? Character's mouths can now move while you're still in control. Speech can be placed in games at certain key points. Part of what makes Valve's game so great is that they incorporate the story and even background information into the game. They show rather than tell.
What do you guys think? Am I just becoming picky about my games or is there something to this argument?
#2
Gusto
Gusto
This is a pretty simple division actually.
Japanese games revel in their cutscenes.
Western games do not, at least not as much.
Japanese games revel in their cutscenes.
Western games do not, at least not as much.
#3
Frankie Williamson
Frankie Williamson
When done well, they're fine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSysCag2BIk
When done poorly, well, not so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyUFPNTUevs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSysCag2BIk
When done poorly, well, not so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyUFPNTUevs
#4
strawman
strawman
It's a stylistic choice. Some game producers feel that playing a game is ok, playing playing a game within a movie is better
Valve is pretty straightforward with the idea that you are the character you are playing, whereas many games allow you to control the character, but the cutscenes and so forth make it plainly obvious that you are not that character. I think this is one of the reasons Valve shies away from cutscenes - it removes you from the character you are playing.
Valve is pretty straightforward with the idea that you are the character you are playing, whereas many games allow you to control the character, but the cutscenes and so forth make it plainly obvious that you are not that character. I think this is one of the reasons Valve shies away from cutscenes - it removes you from the character you are playing.
#5
Jay
Jay
I love cutscenes and would cut off your balls if they would read what you typed and incorporated this stupid opinion. Quite frankly, if you're bored due to whatever ADD you have during the cutscenes then perhaps it's just you. I pay games to be rewarded by great cutscenes and to be able to move my character around is not a feature, it takes AWAY from the storyline. In Dead Space, it was their choice and fit into the genre of its gaming type. I definitely don't want to see this in games like Mass Effect 3 or Dragon Age 2.
"This game sucks because I can't make Shepard crouch spam behind Miranda while Councilor Anderson is telling me the fate of my species, GOOD GOD I'M SO BORED... DAMN... DEAD SPACE WAS BETTAH"
Lastly, console gamers shouldn't be entitled to an opinion. That's my take. Cause threads like these get made and make me facepalm hard.
"This game sucks because I can't make Shepard crouch spam behind Miranda while Councilor Anderson is telling me the fate of my species, GOOD GOD I'M SO BORED... DAMN... DEAD SPACE WAS BETTAH"
Lastly, console gamers shouldn't be entitled to an opinion. That's my take. Cause threads like these get made and make me facepalm hard.
#6
Adammon
Adammon
Bayonetta is terrible for this. The first fucking half of the game seemed to be me staring at the screen wishing that a non-sensical cutscene would end so I could go back to playing the game.
#7
Allen who is Quiet
Allen who is Quiet
They're telling a story. Sometimes exposition is necessary. Gameplay can cause distractions, so it's disadvantageous to put important exposition in the middle of gameplay.
Also, cut scenes serve as a little break. In a game like Devil May Cry, you probably just fought through quite a few rooms and then had an encounter with a fairly difficult boss. It's time for you to collect yourself and relax for a bit. Let any accumulated gameplay fatigue eke out. Cutscenes are as much a matter of flow as they are story.
Also, cut scenes serve as a little break. In a game like Devil May Cry, you probably just fought through quite a few rooms and then had an encounter with a fairly difficult boss. It's time for you to collect yourself and relax for a bit. Let any accumulated gameplay fatigue eke out. Cutscenes are as much a matter of flow as they are story.
#8
Piotyr
Piotyr
I like any cutscene that doesn't include a "Press X to not die" sequence.
#9
Allen who is Quiet
One big problem with these is that the player is looking for the button to press rather than paying attention to story, so any important exposition may get lost (see: the knife fight in RE4). There is a time and a place for quick time events, and it isn't in something that appears to be a cutscene.
Allen who is Quiet
This goes hand in hand with what I mean by using cutscenes as a break. The quicktime events tend to assume that you are remaining in an active state, rather than calming yourself down and getting re-energized for the next gameplay segment.I like any cutscene that doesn't include a "Press X to not die" sequence.
One big problem with these is that the player is looking for the button to press rather than paying attention to story, so any important exposition may get lost (see: the knife fight in RE4). There is a time and a place for quick time events, and it isn't in something that appears to be a cutscene.
#10
ThatNickGuy
But yeah, I'm not 100% against cutscenes. I didn't mind them in Dragon Age, to be honest, since there was more gameplay than cutscenes. But it's games most especially like MGS4 or Final Fantasy XIII that make me facepalm.
ThatNickGuy
Sooooo...what're ya tryin' to say there, man?I love cutscenes and would cut off your balls if they would read what you typed and incorporated this stupid opinion. Quite frankly, if you're bored due to whatever ADD you have during the cutscenes then perhaps it's just you. I pay games to be rewarded by great cutscenes and to be able to move my character around is not a feature, it takes AWAY from the storyline. In Dead Space, it was their choice and fit into the genre of its gaming type. I definitely don't want to see this in games like Mass Effect 3 or Dragon Age 2.
"This game sucks because I can't make Shepard crouch spam behind Miranda while Councilor Anderson is telling me the fate of my species, GOOD GOD I'M SO BORED... DAMN... DEAD SPACE WAS BETTAH"
Lastly, console gamers shouldn't be entitled to an opinion. That's my take. Cause threads like these get made and make me facepalm hard.
But yeah, I'm not 100% against cutscenes. I didn't mind them in Dragon Age, to be honest, since there was more gameplay than cutscenes. But it's games most especially like MGS4 or Final Fantasy XIII that make me facepalm.
#11
Disconnected
Disconnected
I play consoles and I like my cut-scenes.
#12
MindDetective
MindDetective
Not if it is a well-told story! And in general, I think cut scenes are poorly produced, and THAT is why they should be dropped. If the cut scene is paced well, adds to the story, grabs your attention, and isn't so long that you miss playing the game, then it is fine. There are FAR too many games that fail to produce good cut-scenes, though.They're telling a story. Sometimes exposition is necessary.
#13
sixpackshaker
sixpackshaker
The cut scenes in the Cataclysm Xpac work really well. They either need to expound on the story or do something cool that can not normally be done in game.
#14
Allen who is Quiet
Allen who is Quiet
I said "sometimes". Not "all the time". No exposition is preferable to exposition, but if exposition has to happen, put it in a cutscene.Not if it is a well-told story! And in general, I think cut scenes are poorly produced, and THAT is why they should be dropped. If the cut scene is paced well, adds to the story, grabs your attention, and isn't so long that you miss playing the game, then it is fine. There are FAR too many games that fail to produce good cut-scenes, though.
#15
MindDetective
MindDetective
In good writing, it never has to happen. That's right, I'm using absolutes, baby!
#16
Allen who is Quiet
Allen who is Quiet
Yeah, but it's a pity that game writing and good writing don't always intersect
#17
figmentPez
figmentPez
Not all cut-scenes are exposition, though. At least not in the literary sense. Consider the cut-scenes that open campaigns in Left 4 Dead, or in the Zelda games when entering dungeons. They're short, quick and set the scene before the players take control of their characters. I guess they could be considered non-verbal exposition, of a sort.
#18
Jiarn
Jiarn
Simple fix. Give all cut-scenes a skip button. Tada, everyone's happy.
#19
strawman
strawman
It's. A. Game. It requires neither story nor plot, and if there is one it had better well not get in the way of me playing my game.
Portal and WoW are two great examples. You can play the game without caring about the stories created for the world and the stories don't stop you and say, "Hold still while we convey some information which we feel will make your gaming experience at least 1000x better which really has no bearing on the actions you are taking or going to take." Alternately, particularly in WoW, you can immerse yourself in the stories and choose to take that route.
Would you go to a movie where it was paused for 5 minutes every 20 minutes so the writers and directors can "Move the plot forward"? No - you expect them to integrate it into the movie.
Cutscenes are used when the writers are too inept to integrate the plot into the game.
Portal and WoW are two great examples. You can play the game without caring about the stories created for the world and the stories don't stop you and say, "Hold still while we convey some information which we feel will make your gaming experience at least 1000x better which really has no bearing on the actions you are taking or going to take." Alternately, particularly in WoW, you can immerse yourself in the stories and choose to take that route.
Would you go to a movie where it was paused for 5 minutes every 20 minutes so the writers and directors can "Move the plot forward"? No - you expect them to integrate it into the movie.
Cutscenes are used when the writers are too inept to integrate the plot into the game.
#20
Azurephoenix
Azurephoenix
Just because you don't want an engaging story doesn't mean others don't want one either. Mass effect 2 and Dragon Age Origins would have been pretty shit-tastic without their cutscenes.Stuff
#21
strawman
strawman
You say that as though you cannot have an engaging story without cutscenes.Just because you don't want an engaging story doesn't mean others don't want one either. Mass effect 2 and Dragon Age Origins would have been pretty shit-tastic without their cutscenes.
#22
sixpackshaker
sixpackshaker
How is a story told well in a first person shooter?
Find the enemy's orders wrapped around a clip of ammunition? also to you have to read the letter while in combat?
Find the enemy's orders wrapped around a clip of ammunition? also to you have to read the letter while in combat?
#23
Azurephoenix
Azurephoenix
Have you even played those two games FLP? How would you have represented all the cut scenes in game?
I LIKE seeing the story develop with small cutscenes (I'm not talking the epic stupid ones from games like Metal Gear).
I LIKE seeing the story develop with small cutscenes (I'm not talking the epic stupid ones from games like Metal Gear).
#24
strawman
Video games are a canvas just as much as movies, books, etc are, and a good designer can put the story into the game without having to switch mediums.
strawman
How is a story told well in a first person shooter?
You wouldn't dream of reading a book, and having to stop reading so you can play a video game just to "move the plot forward", nor watching a movie, and having to pause it so you can read a booklet that came with it so you can "move the plot forward".Portal and WoW are two great examples.
Video games are a canvas just as much as movies, books, etc are, and a good designer can put the story into the game without having to switch mediums.
#25
sixpackshaker
sixpackshaker
A cut scene is still the same medium. You are still hooked to a computer.
#26
figmentPez
figmentPez
Video games are a mixed medium. You may not like games that mix gameplay with video or text, but many of us do. Planescape: Torment is still one of my favorite games of all time, and it involves a boat-load of reading. Far more reading than combat, though the conversations in the game are part of the gameplay.Video games are a canvas just as much as movies, books, etc are, and a good designer can put the story into the game without having to switch mediums.
#27
strawman
strawman
Video games can be a mixed medium. But when the story becomes more important than the gameplay, I'd rather read a book.
In other words, I find that either the plot is the point, and the gameplay is terrible, or the game is the point, and someone slapped on a plot because, hey, that's what you do.
I have yet to find a game where the plot is good enough that it would make an outstanding book, and the gameplay is good enough that it would make and outstanding game sans plot, and the two together are significantly better integrated than they would be separate.
It seems like a lot of good "plot oriented" games are really just using video games as a medium to tell a story, and even if the story is meh to good, the gameplay is an afterthough.
So I'm trying to figure out why people so vociferously defend cutscenes.
In other words, I find that either the plot is the point, and the gameplay is terrible, or the game is the point, and someone slapped on a plot because, hey, that's what you do.
I have yet to find a game where the plot is good enough that it would make an outstanding book, and the gameplay is good enough that it would make and outstanding game sans plot, and the two together are significantly better integrated than they would be separate.
It seems like a lot of good "plot oriented" games are really just using video games as a medium to tell a story, and even if the story is meh to good, the gameplay is an afterthough.
So I'm trying to figure out why people so vociferously defend cutscenes.
#28
sixpackshaker
sixpackshaker
It is just computer games have moved beyond Pac-man and Tetris.
Added at: 22:34
Wait, Pac-Man had cut scenes too.
Added at: 22:34
Wait, Pac-Man had cut scenes too.
#29
Azurephoenix
You also never answered my question as to whether you've played Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2 as I feel both games have excellent gameplay as well as an excellent story.
Azurephoenix
Cutscenes offer the same tools as movies. Sweeping camera angles, dramatic zooms, camera effects, knowledge of what's happening in places other than where the character is... some people like their game to unfold via such devices. It's personal preference. Not everyone wants to play a game like portal or WoW (I personally find them both dull).So I'm trying to figure out why people so vociferously defend cutscenes.
You also never answered my question as to whether you've played Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2 as I feel both games have excellent gameplay as well as an excellent story.
#30
figmentPez
Consider that many of the games coming out today won't be remembered at all in 70-80 years. Only the best of the best will have a lasting impression, and will likely be viewed as many as unplayable "classics" (even as many don't care for the Marx Brothers). Video game designers are still learning how to use the medium to tell a story through gameplay, rather than just putting story and gameplay alongside each other, as the Marx Brothers put plot, comedy, romance and music together, sometimes melding, sometimes just existing in the same movie.
figmentPez
You've got some pretty high expectations for such a young medium. Seriously, games haven't been around that long. I think video games have been around about as long as film had when the Marx Brothers were making classics like "Duck Soup" and "The Cocoanuts". As good as those movies are, they're not well integrated. Musical numbers were often shoe-horned in, romantic plots were kind of parallel to the Marx brother's comedic plot (often with very little intersect), the pacing was awkward at times and overall they show just how much still had to be learned about film-making. They were brilliant works of art, but they show the youth of the medium in which they were made.I have yet to find a game where the plot is good enough that it would make an outstanding book, and the gameplay is good enough that it would make and outstanding game sans plot, and the two together are significantly better integrated than they would be separate.
Consider that many of the games coming out today won't be remembered at all in 70-80 years. Only the best of the best will have a lasting impression, and will likely be viewed as many as unplayable "classics" (even as many don't care for the Marx Brothers). Video game designers are still learning how to use the medium to tell a story through gameplay, rather than just putting story and gameplay alongside each other, as the Marx Brothers put plot, comedy, romance and music together, sometimes melding, sometimes just existing in the same movie.
#31
strawman
strawman
I have not played those games.You also never answered my question as to whether you've played Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2 as I feel both games have excellent gameplay as well as an excellent story.
#32
Azurephoenix
Azurephoenix
That's too bad as I feel they have good examples of gameplay and storytelling through cutscenes. If you ever get a chance I would recommend them.I have not played those games.
#33
Biannoshufu
Biannoshufu
Dude, TNG, why on earth would you play FFXIII if you hated cutscenes? I had to lol. It's not like the Final Fantasy series format (interactive movie) is a sudden surprise or anything. It's pretty much been the standard story telling element for 14 games now. That's like walking into a waterbed store expecting to buy hammocks. You call that a debacle, I call that a bad purchasing decision.
Read reviews before you commit, maybe?
Read reviews before you commit, maybe?
#34
Gusto
Gusto
If you wanna play great western games without cutscenes, go Valve.
If you wanna play great western games with cutscenes, go Bioware.
If you wanna play great western games with minimal cutscenes, go Blizzard.
If you play Japanese games, you're gonna get a frustrating amount of cutscenes.
If you wanna play great western games with cutscenes, go Bioware.
If you wanna play great western games with minimal cutscenes, go Blizzard.
If you play Japanese games, you're gonna get a frustrating amount of cutscenes.
#35
Biannoshufu
Biannoshufu
FTFYIf you wanna play great western games without cutscenes, go Valve.
If you wanna play great western games with cutscenes, go Bioware.
If you wanna play great western games with minimal cutscenes, go Blizzard.
If you play Japanese games, you're gonna get a AWESOME amount of cutscenes.
#36
D
Dubyamn
D
Dubyamn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yACjCmT313g
Cutscenes have their purpose. I mean if they tried something like this with any of the RTS engines it wouldn't have at all the same impact. I definately don't think something like this would have at all the same impact no mater what kind of engine or gameplay there was. The scene at the end of episode 2 was amazing but in most cases I think it would be absolute BS for your character to be frozen for the cutscene.
Course all this has inspired me to fire up my Orange Box and crank out episodes 1 and 2
Cutscenes have their purpose. I mean if they tried something like this with any of the RTS engines it wouldn't have at all the same impact. I definately don't think something like this would have at all the same impact no mater what kind of engine or gameplay there was. The scene at the end of episode 2 was amazing but in most cases I think it would be absolute BS for your character to be frozen for the cutscene.
Course all this has inspired me to fire up my Orange Box and crank out episodes 1 and 2
#38
ThatNickGuy
But I was literally holding the controller with one hand, moving my character around. If there was a battle, I'd just hit X over and over (pretty much). My chin was rested on my fist for ridiculously longer times than I was holding the controller.
And as I've said, I have to partly agree that Dragon Age (and I would assume Mass Effect) are good examples of the ratio between cutscenes and action. But then you look at, say, Fallout 3, where you're in control the whole time (I think; I didn't get far when I had to return it).
I think a smarter designer can incorporate the story into their game without needing cutscenes. Look at Bioshock, for example. It had a short cutscene and then boom, you're there.
I'm all for short cutscenes, say, at the end of a level, especially the tough ones. As I said with Uncharted 1 & 2, I felt rewarded with a cutscene when I reached the end.
ThatNickGuy
XIII was ridiculously bad for that, though. Admittedly, I rented it from work, so didn't have to pay for it. But as a long-time FF fan (of the earlier ones, pretty much up to VI), I felt I should at least give it an honest chance.Dude, TNG, why on earth would you play FFXIII if you hated cutscenes? I had to lol. It's not like the Final Fantasy series format (interactive movie) is a sudden surprise or anything. It's pretty much been the standard story telling element for 14 games now. That's like walking into a waterbed store expecting to buy hammocks. You call that a debacle, I call that a bad purchasing decision.
Read reviews before you commit, maybe?
But I was literally holding the controller with one hand, moving my character around. If there was a battle, I'd just hit X over and over (pretty much). My chin was rested on my fist for ridiculously longer times than I was holding the controller.
And as I've said, I have to partly agree that Dragon Age (and I would assume Mass Effect) are good examples of the ratio between cutscenes and action. But then you look at, say, Fallout 3, where you're in control the whole time (I think; I didn't get far when I had to return it).
I think a smarter designer can incorporate the story into their game without needing cutscenes. Look at Bioshock, for example. It had a short cutscene and then boom, you're there.
I'm all for short cutscenes, say, at the end of a level, especially the tough ones. As I said with Uncharted 1 & 2, I felt rewarded with a cutscene when I reached the end.
#39
Biannoshufu
Added at: 15:55
Biannoshufu
Thank you for taking the time to register your rebuttal. Please expect an official response within 7-14 weeks. Rest assured that here at Internet Forum Corp, your opinion is always valued.
Added at: 15:55
Whose fault is this? 7,8,9,10-12,12x2 were all pretty much in the format 13 was. It's not like reviews were scarce or anything. But here, to save you some time, don't play 13x2 or 15 when it comes out, because it will contain moar cutscenes.XIII was ridiculously bad for that, though. Admittedly, I rented it from work, so didn't have to pay for it. But as a long-time FF fan (of the earlier ones, pretty much up to VI), I felt I should at least give it an honest chance.
#40
ThatNickGuy
ThatNickGuy
Oh, I'm sure they will. Which is why I honestly haven't cared about the FF series since about 10.
Added at: 18:04
Anyway, my point (like First Lady said, in a way), is that it's a game, first. You incorporate the story into the game. If I have to ask "Am I playing this?" and the answer is no? Then it's a problem.
I should restate my argument, though. EXCESSIVE cutscenes should be done away with, like FF13 and MGS4.
Added at: 18:04
Anyway, my point (like First Lady said, in a way), is that it's a game, first. You incorporate the story into the game. If I have to ask "Am I playing this?" and the answer is no? Then it's a problem.
I should restate my argument, though. EXCESSIVE cutscenes should be done away with, like FF13 and MGS4.
#41
Biannoshufu
Biannoshufu
Or you know, not, for the audience that likes them. (ie: Japan and Japanese RPG gamers, and not you) That's my point. There's a wide variety of games out there that suit many tastes, go find ones you like, and play them, instead of demanding he waterbed store sell hammocks. You'll do more to influence game trends by spending $ playing games you do like than complaining about games you hate.
#42
strawman
strawman
All of reality must conform to my tastes and preferences!
#43
Ravenpoe
Ravenpoe
Those are two of my favorite games. They're awesomely awesome. I recommend them.I have not played those games.
#44
Biannoshufu
Biannoshufu
Or you can go this route too.All of reality must conform to my tastes and preferences!
#45
Jay
Jay
FF13 lots of cutscenes? Who would have known?
#46
fade
fade
My favorite games are the ones that tell stories. Scratch that. The ones that tell stories AND have good gameplay. The best games are the ones where the gameplay IS part of the story. In fact, there are so many games where the story and the gameplay are in direct contradiction. Let me give you an example. I just played Bioshock. The story was the chief selling point of that game, but the gameplay was folded into the story. The city was crumbling because of the very plasmids that you use in the gameplay. Then again, you get direct contradictions, too. At least three different audio diaries say that the Little Sisters are essentially immortal because any damage is immediately repaired. Except of course when you have to protect one. Then, magically, that doesn't work. That was one of the few games that could stand as a story on its own, too. Partly because of the effort in developing the audio diaries. That and the complete lack of infodumping.
#47
R
Raemon777
R
Raemon777
I like games with stories for completely different reasons than I like games without stories, and both are valid.
My general take is that if I am playing a game where I have one particular avatar, I prefer to remain in control of that avatar during cutscenes that are mostly about that avatar doing something. Why would want to watch myself do something when I could be actually doing it? Bioshock is the single greatest example of this, with an intro that is incredibly cinematic but all the more heart pounding because you're in control.
But I was raised on Blizzard games, so I also have appreciation for cutscenes that are extremely splashy "rewards" for having completed a section of the game.
Having said all that, I agree with the general sentiment that if you bought a Final Fantasy and are upset that you had to watch cutscenes, that's your fault, not Final Fantasy's.
My general take is that if I am playing a game where I have one particular avatar, I prefer to remain in control of that avatar during cutscenes that are mostly about that avatar doing something. Why would want to watch myself do something when I could be actually doing it? Bioshock is the single greatest example of this, with an intro that is incredibly cinematic but all the more heart pounding because you're in control.
But I was raised on Blizzard games, so I also have appreciation for cutscenes that are extremely splashy "rewards" for having completed a section of the game.
Having said all that, I agree with the general sentiment that if you bought a Final Fantasy and are upset that you had to watch cutscenes, that's your fault, not Final Fantasy's.
#48
Silver Jelly
Silver Jelly
I like cutscenes, but that's probably because I'm not much of a gamer.
#49
Gusto
Gusto
Fair enough. I'm not great at video games, so while I enjoy gameplay, the story is ultimately why I play one game over another. Story through gameplay is still my golden ideal (ie. the Mass Effect and Half Life series').
#50
Terrik
Terrik
I'm playing through FF XIII now and I love the cutscenes. That's what I fully expected and wanted when I purchased the game.
Also, I agree with the notion about importance of story in a game. I play a game or continue playing a game because of story. I want to see what happens next. If that isn't that, I lose interest. Sure in FF XIII only the harder battles really require my full attention, but that's not why I'm playing. I like the characters and the story and I'm gonna finish it to the end.
I'm not looking forward to Dragon Age 2 or ME 3 because of gameplay either. Although the gameplay is good and gameplay enchances an experience---I'm not interested in seeing the Paragon/Renegade choices, interactions with crewmates, and whether or not there's going to be any more gay elfs for some reason.
Also, I agree with the notion about importance of story in a game. I play a game or continue playing a game because of story. I want to see what happens next. If that isn't that, I lose interest. Sure in FF XIII only the harder battles really require my full attention, but that's not why I'm playing. I like the characters and the story and I'm gonna finish it to the end.
I'm not looking forward to Dragon Age 2 or ME 3 because of gameplay either. Although the gameplay is good and gameplay enchances an experience---I'm not interested in seeing the Paragon/Renegade choices, interactions with crewmates, and whether or not there's going to be any more gay elfs for some reason.
#52
@Li3n
@Li3n
Cutscenes are fine, the problem is when it breaks up the gameplay in annoying way, and when you can't skip them (ME2 has bloody unskipable intro credits, so annoying).
Someone hasn't played Starcraft 2 i see...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yACjCmT313g
Cutscenes have their purpose. I mean if they tried something like this with any of the RTS engines it wouldn't have at all the same impact.