Narrated sequences instead of cutscenes (let's use our imagination again).

[Karranthain]

Am I the only person missing narrated sequences such as these?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6hPHtzrfCQ

 

They were used to emulate the Pen and Paper experience, with the narrator substituting the Gamemaster.

The aim was to let our imagination work, and I must say it worked rather brilliantly. This technique was used very effectively by Obsidian in MotB (much better VA certainly enhanced the feeling) :

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-huTFB57yEc

 

Most importantly, such method is fairly cheap and quick. Hence why it was used in the older titles, but I believe it's a viable artistic choice.

On that note, bring back Rodger Bumpass back!

[WorstUsernameEver]

I loved the narration in Mask of the Betrayer, but I'd prefer to see it coupled with stylized art/stills rather than in-game graphics, especially since they're going with an isometric perspective this time around.

[Karranthain]

I loved the narration in Mask of the Betrayer, but I'd prefer to see it coupled with stylized art/stills rather than in-game graphics, especially since they're going with an isometric perspective this time around.

 

Yeah, agreed. I'd be fine even with only one still used, especially if it was very detailed. Could be a series of sketches too.

Edited September 19, 2012 by Karranthain

[Pangur]

Yes, I miss the narration too. Would be great to have it back.

[Karranthain]

Yes, I miss the narration too. Would be great to have it back.

 

Yeah, nowadays it's just EXPLOSIONS and BLOOD, coupled with Marilyn Manson music.

[C2B]

I loved the narration in Mask of the Betrayer, but I'd prefer to see it coupled with stylized art/stills rather than in-game graphics, especially since they're going with an isometric perspective this time around.

 

Yeah, agreed. I'd be fine even with only one still used, especially if it was very detailed. Could be a series of sketches too.

 

Again, I really like DSIII's stills. Looks cool and they seem cheap and fast enough to produce.

[Tale]

I definitely want to see more narrated sequences.

 

That said, I still generally object to sequences that take control away from the player. Narration is good for introductions, describing a region, just general setting of the table. Or even dramatic dream sequences, as Baldur's Gate did.

[Karranthain]

I definitely want to see more narrated sequences.

 

That said, I still generally object to sequences that take control away from the player. Narration is good for introductions, describing a region, just general setting of the table. Or even dramatic dream sequences, as Baldur's Gate did.

 

It'd very nice if every region you visit would get a small narrated sequence, describing the general feel of the area. Some between chapters would be nice as well.

Edited September 19, 2012 by Karranthain

[Monkcrab]

I would love narrated sequences so much. It lets you give as much oomph and/or gravitas as you want, which due to my preferences being wonky, new 'cinematic' cutscenes never got right. And it'd be cheaper, too.

 

Still need to think of the times, though. Obviously you can't do much in terms of animation with isometric, but if the game is to be successful it should also be something that is not too alienating to younger players. So I'm guessing, narrated sequences in moderation?

[aluminiumtrioxid]

I definitely want to see more narrated sequences.

 

That said, I still generally object to sequences that take control away from the player. Narration is good for introductions, describing a region, just general setting of the table. Or even dramatic dream sequences, as Baldur's Gate did.

 

It'd very nice if every region you visit would get a small narrated sequence, describing the general feel of the area. Some between chapters would be nice as well.

 

BG2, I'm looking at you. (And I like what I see. Very much.)

Edited September 19, 2012 by aluminiumtrioxid

[Monte Carlo]

I'm Monte Carlo, and I support this message.

[^Rayne^]

My all time favorite introduction to a game was the beginning of Icewind Dale. Most of it was a series of images to tell as story, and superb narration, coupled with great music. To this day it was the most memorable cutscene or movie in a game for me and I have seen a lot of these in-game cut scenes.

 

I would really rather see a series of beautiful still drawings and/or paintings coupled with superb narration to fill in these gaps. It's an artistic choice that I really appreciate and relies more on the player's imagination to fill in the gaps. I think that is one of the reasons I still remember it so well and like it so much.

[Karranthain]

Allow me to paint you an image.

 

The sequence starts, you see this :

 

 

And then you hear Kelemvor (Rodger Bumpass) narrating.

 

I can just imagine how good it'd be.

Edited September 19, 2012 by Karranthain

[Romiras]

The best narration I EVER saw in the computer game was in "Bastion" (from http://supergiantgames.com/) and believe me I saw A LOT of computer games in my life. Simply nothing compares to the way that Stranger comments your story in Bastion.

 

I haven't been THAT immersed in the game for years!

Edited September 19, 2012 by Romiras

[Concerned Reader]

If they can get the narrator from Bastion to do it I don't know if I'd be mad that they pandered, or happy because it's ****ing Logan Cunningham's amazing voice.

[OldRPG'sAreGood]

I prefer narrated, and hopefully the narration would come with a nice drawn or painted or etc. art picture instead of a "screenshott-y" picture.

[SqueakyCat]

I always enjoyed the narrations in BG and IWD and would love to see them included in this IP.

 

Taking advantage of a player's imagination is a greatly underutilized tool in modern games and would love to see a resurgence.

[Aedelric]

Agreed, narration is perfect for a game like this. But the voice actor has to be very, very well chosen, a dodgy voice would utterly ruin it.

[J.E. Sawyer]

I enjoy narration and illustration a great deal and loved what Justin Sweet did for us in the IWD and IWD2 intros. I am also fond of the Darklands style of special interactions where even one loose, static illustration with text helps pull the viewer/reader into a more "imaginary" mode of thought.

[Karranthain]

Great to hear Imagination is vastly underused nowadays.

[Romiras]

I enjoy narration and illustration a great deal and loved what Justin Sweet did for us in the IWD and IWD2 intros. I am also fond of the Darklands style of special interactions where even one loose, static illustration with text helps pull the viewer/reader into a more "imaginary" mode of thought.

 

Please, please play Bastion. I'm not asking for anything else, just give it a try! (if you haven't already)

[molarBear]

i would like this kinda narration:

 

[Baudolino05]

I enjoy narration and illustration a great deal and loved what Justin Sweet did for us in the IWD and IWD2 intros. I am also fond of the Darklands style of special interactions where even one loose, static illustration with text helps pull the viewer/reader into a more "imaginary" mode of thought.

 

I've always been pretty sure that someone inside Obsidian was fond of Darklands. And having the Microprose masterpiece perpetually installed in my hard drive, I totally agree ...

Edited September 19, 2012 by Baudolino05

[Jozape]

Narration just doesn't do it for me. Especially Bastion style narration. I don't know why it's so amazing to listen to someone talk about how you're smashing crates, as funny as it is. I guess I'd be fine with narrated sequences like Baldur's Gate though.

[Lucas]

I really enjoy narration and how it went along with some sort of "fiabesque" vibe in IWD, for example (but I also enjoy audio narration, along with the written one),

 

On the other hand, IMO we've reached a tech level in games that also allows for a "show, don't tell" approach...But what about making use of both in a tasteful and pleasing way? That would be nice

Edited September 19, 2012 by Lucas