Does A Good Game Need A Good Story? - Guest Blog With Mohammed Hasan
/"No amount of great animation will save a bad story.
John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar
As a '90s kid, growing up with the Nintendo 64 encompassed a fountain of endless fun and impeccable classics. Super Mario 64, Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Brothers and much more! However, as time progressed, the video game industry changed its focus to immersive storytelling. This paradigm shift begs the question: Do video games make the story or does the story make the video game?
Let's look at Naughty Dog, the lucrative company that prides itself on character-driven narrative with the Uncharted series and The Last of Us. Their studio philosophy and award winning titles redefined the emotional connection gamers have with their characters, while aiming to set the narrative gold standard. "I want studios that make story-based games to start taking their stories more seriously...[with] an in-house writer that sits next to the designer, helping them make their levels," Neil Druckmann beckons. While this meticulous standpoint cemented Naughty Dog's legacy in the industry, other companies etched their name in a different way.
Arguably, Nintendo is the root of the video game tree. Its mega influence stretches worldwide and at the forefront of that triumph is the Mario franchise. Despite its earth-shattering sales, it’s unlikely that the average gamer recognizes the Mario series based on its storytelling. Getting entangled with the enthralling Super Mario 64 levels overshadowed the basic goal of rescuing Peach, who happened to make a delicious cake and left it at the castle. I highly doubt gamers mouths’ watered as they heroically strived to obtain that cake with every collected star, ability cap and crushed Goomba. In this case, Nintendo laser focused on memorable gameplay, not memorable storytelling. "Video games are meant to be just one thing. Fun. Fun for everyone," Satoru Iwata proclaimed. Even though you weren't hanging on the edge of your seat anticipating the flavour of the cake, Super Mario 64 embodied the fun factor.
So, is storytelling necessary for video games? It depends on how you view gaming in general. If you're someone who casually pops in a disk or cartridge to have a good time, then gameplay would probably take precedence instead of storytelling. However, if you look at gaming as an immersive, cinematic experience, then scout out story-driven games.
Play the story or let the story play you.
About the Author
As a local GTA resident, Mohammed Maxwel Hasan enjoys the treasure trove of effective storytelling in a variety of contexts. Starting with the N64, he found gems within the video game world and looks forward to what the future brings. For storytelling in video games, feedback on this article, or just want to connect, you can directly email him mohammedmaxwel@gmail.com or visit his website https://maxwel92.wixsite.com/mohammedmaxwelhasan.
Guest Blog Post - Thoughts on Bit Bazaar From Brian Yoon
/Friend of the site Brian Yoon checked out this past weekends Bit Bazaar and was kind enough to give some thoughts on the games he played. You can check Brian's Soundcloud right here, and follow him on Twitter here.
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It was my first game event that I attended that was not a game jam. I was there to promote the game that I made music for called The Dungeon Crew by Clockwork Kraken (https://www.clockwork-kraken.com) and it was amazing! The hours are definitely gruesome, however it was fun and fulfilling.
The gaming garage inside CNE displayed array of games. Anywhere from boardgames to console games were there. Also there was a street fighter tournament happening as well. On the right side as soon as you enter, was game full of indie developers around Toronto. I was really surprised by all the different types of games that Toronto had to offer. There were games that are action driven to narrative games. I tried almost all the games that was there and I must say I was impressed and honoured to be part of such talented scene! Here are some of my favourite highlights. I will try my best to keep it nice and brief. Also they are in no particular order!
This is a story driven puzzle game where you play as a Shepard that controls the weather. With your weather controlling powers, you guide animals to safety. This game reminded me of Black & White except you are not a god. The game design was simple and yet had depth. Player is given a level of freedom to manipulate the weather however the player wants. I really like the concept and idea of involving something as simple as weather to project the game.
2) Way Of The Passive Fist by Household Games
This game reminded me of the 80s game side scrolling fighting games as such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or any of the games you played that sucked all the quarters out of you in the arcade. However, this game takes it a step further. This game is about parrying and doing the enemy to charge up for your attack, hence the name Passive Fist. The art work reminded me of Mad Max mixed with some samurai. The concept of the game is what sold me. We often think of button mashing and "hack and slash" games when it comes to fighting and action packed games. This game has as much action as those types of games and it takes a step further by having players' full attention to mechanics and surroundings. Not only that, these guys brought a homemade arcade machine to really give the arcade feel. Amazing.
Super casual game! If you liked 2048 on your phone, then you are going to love this. This game has similar game play without math. Who likes math anyway?
4) The Dungeon Crew by Clockwork Kraken
I know I made music for this and it could be self promotion type of thing. But I really think this game has potential. Easy mechanics and visuals to satisfy all age and gamers. Also very casual because it can be played on your mobile devices.The game features different class of heroes that you can control and manipulate as the game progresses. Don't let cute animation and characters fool you, this game is more challenging than you think! Release date is likely to be next year.
Overall, I really enjoyed discovering and exploring all the different types of games at BitBaazar. I hope this event becomes a bigger platform for indie game companies to shine and display their product in the future.
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Thanks to Brian for putting this all together, we'll have another person's take on Bit Bazaar soon!
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Bleed Out Now To Xbox One and PlayStation 4 This Week
/Little late on this one, but Bleed from Ian Campbell is out now on PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Check out the trailer below!
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Maize From Finish Line Games Launches On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Next Month
/Maize released on Steam last year, and now we're getting an Xbox One and PlayStation 4 port that will be out next month. You can check out the announcement trailer below.
You'll be able to hang out with Sentient corn September 12th on console, or right now on Steam.
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Light Fingers Announced For Nintendo Switch - Coming 2018
/The gang over at Numizmatic had a huge day today - announcing that their turned based multiplayer game Light Fingers will be releasing on Nintendo Switch next year. The announcement was made during the Nindies showcase this morning.
What do skulking thieves do after a night of procuring shady spoils? They gather at a favorite tavern and wager it away on a friendly game of Light Fingers!
Played on a magical clockworks game board, this turn-based multiplayer game has real-time action and devious opportunities for misdirection, all in the pursuit of securing more loot than your opponents.
After all, bragging rights for the most deft are the greatest steal of all!
The game will feature local pick up and play, and take place on a game board that unfolds into a miniature world. The game will be out on Nintendo Switch in 2018.
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Planet of the Eyes Releases On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Next Month
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Block Dropping Out Now
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Jamhammer Games Teases Shwip News Coming This Week
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Shwip is expected to come out for PC and Xbox, but that may change and we'll have to wait and see. Until then, make sure to follow them on Twitter.
New Trailer For Tram-Panic From Bitr Blok Games
/Bitr Blok Games, a group of George Brown Game Design students, have released a new trailer for Tram-Panic. The game has you controlling a street car from our beloved* TTC, and you can check out some screenshots and the trailer below:
Welcome to Tram-Panic! Play as a streetcar operator in the city of Toronto, picking up people throughout the day as bringing them to their stations. Use buffs from your fellow operators to protect the passengers and try to get the highest score or reach your objective before time runs out!
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Block Droppin' Out August 24th
/They were looking for Beta testers not to long ago, and now it looks like Block Droppin' is ready for the masses. Rocketship Park's puzzle game will be available on iPhone and iPad August 24th as a free download.
"Block Droppin' is a fast-paced puzzle game of sliding tiles and falling blocks. Players race against the clock to make shapes in the upper playing field, and then drop those shapes into the well below to clear lines. It's the sort of experience that blends classic concepts into something wholly unique and (we believe) has the potential to secure a permanent spot on the homescreens of puzzle loving gamers."
New Trailer For Debris
/I missed this one, but it looks like Debris had a trailer launch last month as well as putting the game page on Steam. According to the Steam page its set for release October of this year. If you want to get your hands on the game before that, you can check it out at Bit Bazaar at the CNE later this month.
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Skies of Fury Update Coming This Week
/Skies of Fury, the World War 1 aerial combat game will be getting a big update this week, which includes 50 new missions.. You can download the game for free on iOS here, and Android here.
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Arrow Heads Coming to Steam on September 21st
/Arrow Heads by OddBird Studio will be released on Steam on September 21. Arrow Heads is a local and online multiplayer archery game that includes a single and co-op mode. OddBird showed this game at LevelUp! 2016, winning Best Overall Game and Best Artistic Achievement, as well as winning at the ESAC Student Game Competition.
Severed now Available on Nintendo Switch
/DrinkBox Studios has announced that their critically acclaimed game Severed is now available on Nintendo Switch. It previously has been available for PlayStation Vita, Wii U, iOS, and Nintendo 3DS.
Severed won the Best Mobile/Handheld Game and Best Musical Score at the Canadian Video Game Awards 2016, Best Mobile Game 2016 on Destructoid, and 2016 iPad Game of the Year from Apple. Check out the Nintendo Switch release trailer below!
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Chivalry 2, the hotly anticipated sequel which is coming to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S has gone gold ahead of its June 8th release date. The game, which will feature crossplay across the board, is also currently having an open Beta from May 27th to June 1st, the Beta is also cross-play enabled.