Okey guys, first some updates:
I added another part to the appendices, about story Vs gameplay argument. If you want to discuss it, I highly recommend reading it first.
I also revised my super duper TLDR, because although it's supposed to be a little provocative, I think you got the impression I just want to talk shit about Larian, which is not the case. I have a big disagreement with Larian's design philosophy, but I don't think they don't care about their own game or their fans if that's the impression you received.
Now I'll address your individual comments:
Gaidax - I addressed your concern above, I'll just say that I don't think it's reasonable to dedicate so much time for this post if my purpose was just to "shit on Larian". That's what the steam forums are for.
Merry Mayhem - I addressed your other concerns above, but regarding " a story by a committee" point - never thought about it like that, but it does make sense. Maybe a Kevin Feige kind of guy is needed to organise things.
robertthebard - one word I forgot to mention (which made my whole argument appear completely stupid now that I'm reading it again) is artificially. Of course I have no problem with replay value, the opposite is true. I love these games because of their replay value. But there is a good way to create replay values and there are. Stupid and artificial ways to do so.
The best and most extreme positive example is The Witcher 2. One of the choices you can make during this game can completely change the story, the location you'll explore and the characters you will interact with. And the game does it really well.
Bad examples you can find all over doa2 and based on some interviews with Larian BG3 is on the way to make the same mistakes. The official plan right now for companions in Baldur's Gate 3 is that somewhere between the end of act 1 and the beginning of act two you will have to "commit" to a party. Which means that you will have 3 party members with you for the rest of the game, while the other 2 ( and probably more) will be gone. This is artificially creating replay value. Of course, the same was true in dos2, and there it was even worse, since it actively sabotaged the story. I can talk about it more if you like.
Last edited by Abits; 23/10/20 09:58 AM.
