Cinematic flourishes DO help

[Frogacuda]

I get prioritizing the depth and size of the game world, but since this seems to be getting a bit more than the minimum threadbare funding, at some point I do think the conversation should shift to presentational extras that will enhance the mood and atmosphere of the game.

And atmosphere is very important. Would Fallout have been the same without its legendary opening cut scene? I think some money should be budgeted for a small number of cinematic scenes to help set the tone and make the world more real.

If money is a huge concern, you can even do these with illustrated still shots with voiceover and music, and still be pretty effective. I'm sure there is a way to balance both depth and presentation.

[PiPboy]

I remember reading an interview with B.F saying he is happy he can save money that none of the fans want cut scenes.

[ravenshrike]

He may do still shots, since those wouldn't qualify as cut scenes and can convey quite a bit of setting. But actual animation is right out, except possibly machinama. But that doesn't really count as cutscenes either.

[Roger Wilco]

Cinematics aren't necessary to set the mood and that type of animation is too expensive to include with the budget for this game. Drawn or digitally painted still shots can be just fine for any needed establishing scene.

[Ekaros]

I believe the war never changes type sequence is doable with limited budget, just need writing, rights and some voice acting... Not sure if animated would be done unless some fan did something like it for free.

[Frogacuda]

I believe the war never changes type sequence is doable with limited budget, just need writing, rights and some voice acting... Not sure if animated would be done unless some fan did something like it for free.

Exactly. Let's not act like he has to do everything like Square Enix. There are ways to do these things well on a budget, and it shouldn't just be taken off the table.

[Celtic927]

An image here or there would be NICE, but I'd rather see a well oiled machine of a game than a cheap laser light show...Mechanics, size, character depth, and all the stuff that matters need to come before any thoughts at cines See what $$$ left over after the fact.

[homeslice82]

No cutscenes. Ever.

[Celtic927]

Come on even MS Pacman had cut scenes...I don't think its something we need slam the door on, but I think its last priority

[Brother None]

Come on even MS Pacman had cut scenes...I don't think its something we need slam the door on, but I think its last priority

This, pretty much.

The problem with "cinematic flourishes" is not that people deny their utility period, it's that the way they're made nowadays is just too expensive. I would expect Wasteland to have some sort of cutscenes, opening and ending, though not much else.It's just not important.

[Vryheid]

Cutscenes would be nice, but we can survive without them. Personally I like the in-game pseudo cutscene approach, which was really all the rage in RPGs until you started getting big prerendered scenes in FF7. Ironically in-game cutscenes seem to be coming back in fashion with games like Skyrim. It would certainly save some time just animating models that already exist rather than having to make totally new ones for one cutscene.

[krellen]

I'd be okay with a slide-show "cutscene", such as featured at the end of the original game.

[homeslice82]

I'd be okay with a slide-show "cutscene", such as featured at the end of the original game.

Or at the end of Temple of Elemental Evil. This I coud abide.

[Tanglebones]

If I remember right, Dragon Wars had a sort of comic bookish slideshow ending "cutscene." That's something that could work for an intro/ending... and perhaps in-game cutscenes as needed too. Just... sparingly. A short slideshow type thing when I meet a major figure (Finster) or do something pretty important (fix Max) could be neat, but cutscenes are way over-used as a narrative device in video games these days (not that I think InXile is going to fall in to that trap, but, you know).

[Mort2]

I get prioritizing the depth and size of the game world, but since this seems to be getting a bit more than the minimum threadbare funding, at some point I do think the conversation should shift to presentational extras that will enhance the mood and atmosphere of the game.

And atmosphere is very important. Would Fallout have been the same without its legendary opening cut scene? I think some money should be budgeted for a small number of cinematic scenes to help set the tone and make the world more real.

If money is a huge concern, you can even do these with illustrated still shots with voiceover and music, and still be pretty effective. I'm sure there is a way to balance both depth and presentation.

I agree and I would be surprised if they wont use this tool. Considering that this is more of an "old school" title, I dont expect to see heavy use of Cinematic, I just want to see an opening and ending (the fallout ones were good and can be very simply improved with some basic artistic tricks) and something for the mood in between.

[Celtic927]

Some form of something would be good I don't want to totally close the door on this idea but I'd rather just a solid game first then maybe have some still drawing with moving text like in the ICEWIND DALE games

[Mort2]

I disagree, an opening Cinematic is granted, but I would want the ending Cinematic be an integral part of the game, not an after thought. I dont think that icewind dale fits as it was based around the main protagonist and his story (thus all the chapters). I'd prefer to see fallout like ending, which looks the same but is basiclly a big slideshow of the consequences of your actions(in this case it would be your party actions), giving you a nice sense of closure and a accomplishment after all that time you invested in the game.

For reference:
Icewind - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdWeoSUqsxw
Fallout 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCmZySvYiXk
Fallout Tactics - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ewKOcVW2E

[gool]

If you can't do it in-engine, don't do it at all.

[Lucius]

Yeah some kind of narrated slide show would be fine and probably not over budget. I mean, when the game ends do we really want a The End. and that's it? Some kind of closure would be nice. I'd say an opener as well but that is less necessary.

[Celtic927]

I DIDN"T mean EXACTLY like ICEWIND DALE, I just meant with pictures. You could discuss the ramification of your actions in a slide show or through book pages turning...Why are some people SO anti-cut scene? As long as its cost efficient what does it matter if its in engine.