So, I was trying to think of other games with narrative that I'd like to emulate. Cookson showed a really great one to us in class that has yet to be released, called Bastion:
It's a brilliant idea. A narrator divulges the story as you play, so that gameplay and narrative are completely immersed. No cut-scenes interrupting your combat (though to be honest, as a gamer this never really bothered me, but I see the flaw in it), no weird plot holes or literary devices used to cover them up. The only downside to this is that it seems the narrator sometimes narrates generalized actions, such as picking up a potion. So every time the player picks up a potion he says the same thing? I'm not sure yet, since it hasn't been released, but if that's the case, then it's probably going to get pretty old, pretty quick. Still, it gave me the idea to use voice-overs to compensate for a lack of cut-scenes. This will really help me set up the relationship between the husband and wife when the mod starts.
Another game I drew inspiration from is Ico. Ico and Yorda hardly speak to each other at all throughout the entire game, yet through game mechanics you grow attached to her and develop a relationship. Their co-dependency is established from the beginning: Yorda needs Ico to defend her, and Ico needs Yorda to escape the castle.
The professor had a great idea to have a scene in my mod, in the beginning, where the man's wife saves him in battle. This will be hard to do "cinematically", but there's where the voice-acting will come in. Luckily, my brother has a Master's in Theatre!
Another great reference (which I believe you know about already, but still) is Shadow of the Colossus. The hero's deep, deep love for the woman is implied through the incredible lengths he goes for her -- and they don't even have to speak!
ReplyDeleteNow if only his running animation wasn't so gaudy, I'd actually be able to finish that game.