Poll "Small Universe Syndrome" - Yay Or Nay?

[fireproof78]

See, I find small-universe doesn't bother me so much in games, because it is a game and I somewhat expect it. This is especially true in RPGs, where there is foreshadowing certain important someones that you get to meet up with later during the game, and I find that depending on the game and the backstory, this can actually be quite effective.

Well, in games, as you say, it is expected. That's part of the base concept. You're the protagonist, the mover of the story. It's part of what interests me in the story. In a TV universe or film that is a little bit different. It can work on the same rules, but there is also a sense of a living, breathing, world. Well, if you create this large world, but then constantly have people knowing everyone else it strains belief to a degree.

It can be very effective in a game, but distracting in a film series.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Again, depends on the game, and I think there are some games that create a great backstory that then feels natural in meeting up with certain characters. But yeah, overall, I think I agree.

 

[fireproof78]

Again, depends on the game, and I think there are some games that create a great backstory that then feels natural in meeting up with certain characters. But yeah, overall, I think I agree.

But, again, a game is not a movie. A game is making the player the main character. Films can do this, with the avatar style everyman stereotype, but that can't last long.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Agreed, which is why it's much easier to accept it via a game versus when it happens in a movie. In a movie, as you point out, it would become extremely tiring if the character ended up knowing every so and so. It would actually be an interesting study. In a game, it can add to the worldbuilding, in a movie, not always the case.

 

[eschaton]

Agreed, which is why it's much easier to accept it via a game versus when it happens in a movie. In a movie, as you point out, it would become extremely tiring if the character ended up knowing every so and so. It would actually be an interesting study. In a game, it can add to the worldbuilding, in a movie, not always the case.

Generally speaking, CRPG players hate things like timed quests which allow sections of the story to move forward even if you aren't present. Most game series that implemented them ended up removing them in sequels.

Obviously open-world games are a different matter, but they tend not to be focused on story, and attract a different kind of player.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Generally speaking, CRPG players hate things like timed quests which allow sections of the story to move forward even if you aren't present. Most game series that implemented them ended up removing them in sequels.

Interesting, I don't think I've ever come across that. Theoretically, I suppose it should give the world some depth, but I could see how people wouldn't like it in that they'd feel like they're missing out on something if they're not present. I think the only reference to something of a timed nature was with the first Fallout.

 

[fireproof78]

Agreed, which is why it's much easier to accept it via a game versus when it happens in a movie. In a movie, as you point out, it would become extremely tiring if the character ended up knowing every so and so. It would actually be an interesting study. In a game, it can add to the worldbuilding, in a movie, not always the case.

Basically, yes. I mean, the other side is that in a game a lot of time is put in to appealing to a large variety of players, some of whom will invest in that lore, and others who will just engage because of the combat or story. In a film, it comes across as well only the main character is important and the only way things could happen. If that makes sense.

Interesting, I don't think I've ever come across that. Theoretically, I suppose it should give the world some depth, but I could see how people wouldn't like it in that they'd feel like they're missing out on something if they're not present. I think the only reference to something of a timed nature was with the first Fallout.

I believe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask was also timed. And annoying.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Come to think of it, I think I've come across time-based questing in most recent version of Prey, where you have a certain amount of time to find needed medical supplies and return to the person who needs them, and if you don't return to them in time, the quest fails. It's a minor quest, but I found it rather interesting in that it's entirely in the player's freedom.

 

[fireproof78]

Come to think of it, I think I've come across time-based questing in most recent version of Prey, where you have a certain amount of time to find needed medical supplies and return to the person who needs them, and if you don't return to them in time, the quest fails. It's a minor quest, but I found it rather interesting in that it's entirely in the player's freedom.

Honestly, I do find such quests very interesting, if only because they appeal to that more real world sensibility. I think Fallout has played with that a little in recent games, but I wouldn't mind at least some options within that. Possibly a "Survival" type mode, similar to that Prey quest, where if you don't get the supplies to a wounded NPC in time they die. Probably not for everyone, but still would be interesting mechanic.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Yeah, they do in certain cases make their world feel more alive. I'm currently playing through Tyranny, and that game has a great worldbuilding method where the choices you make really do affect the outcomes in the world, and at the same time, it has it built-into the story that you're someone with big connections rising to the top.