Video Games: Openings and Story
In this episode, we catch pokemon in the tall grass, find ourselves paralyzed in a hay cart with other Nordmen, and then beat the game by throwing refrigerators!
Cast
Hosted by Dean Karpowicz, with Sarah Willis and Molly Krasel.
Content Discussed
What should a good opening do?
“It’s just level 1!”
–Sarah
“Those games are first-person. They make me barf.”
–Sarah
Bioshock Infinite: Indebted to the wrong people, Booker DeWitt must rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned in the sky-city of Columbia. Forced to trust one another, they harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities, as they fight on zeppelins in the clouds, along high-speed Sky-Lines, and down in the streets of Columbia – all to survive the threats of the sky-city and uncover its dark secret.
3:15: The Best Openings
Dean: “…and then you hear the Joker’s voice. Well, not THE Joker…”
Sarah: “Yeah, that would be a different entirely!”
Mass Effect 2: The galaxy has seen better days. A deadly group has decided to invest in abducting human colonies and it’s up to you and a crew of elite fighters to save the day. Surviving the mission is one thing, but getting your peers to respect you is a whole new and very difficult adventure. Everything you say affects the story and the way other characters will act towards you — good luck getting recruits for that major suicide mission that’s waiting for you.
5:22: Games That Get In Their Own Way or Need Structure
“You can’t have a cut scene every two minutes in Pokemon. RIDICULOUS!”
–Sarah
Pokemon: Gotta catch ’em all!
“The reason is to explore the world!”
–Molly
Minecraft: No explanation! You don’t get one in the game, so don’t expect one here!
ARK: Survive! (with dinosaurs, so it’s more fun.)
17:46: Worst Openings?
Molly: “Skyrim!”
Sarah: “Bold Stance!”
Dean: “Admirable!”
Skyrim: The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered. Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution: Set in the year 2027, Human Revolution focuses on ex-SWAT officer Adam Jensen, who is employed as a security officer for Sarif Industries, a company on the leading edge of advanced and controversial artificial organs dubbed “augmentations”. An attack on Sarif Industries that apparently kills researcher and Adam’s ex-girlfriend Megan Reed also leaves Adam critically injured. To save him, company CEO David Sarif subjects him to an extensive augmentation procedure: six months later, now recovered and possessing advanced augmentations, Adam sets out to pursue his attackers and the shadowy organization behind them
21:56: Middle Ground Openings
“Will my grade be curved at the end of this tutorial?'”
–Dean
Moonlighter: During an archaeological excavation – a set of Gates were discovered. People quickly realized that these ancient passages lead to different realms and dimensions. Rynoka, a small commercial village, was found near the excavation site – providing brave and reckless adventurers with treasures beyond measure.
“There’s really no way to monkey wrench some story into play cards.”
–Sarah
Magic: The Gathering: Cards on computers, in other dimensions!
To listen to the episode, click below, and if you want to listen on your phone, we’re available on Spotify, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also find more episodes of The Pub right here on Straylight, including more discussion of video games and story.
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