SubJeff on 29/12/2013 at 13:37
Yeah, Freeman is the only one it really works for IMHO.
Thirith on 29/12/2013 at 14:04
Gotta say, I can't remember a single instance of a silent protagonist that bothered me. Doesn't mean I prefer my protagonists to be silent - I liked Garrett for his sarcastic quips, for instance - but the blank slate approach also works fairly well for me in many instances.
I'm curious to see how the Dishonored DLC feels different from the main game, though, mainly due to playing a more clearly defined character.
Malleus on 29/12/2013 at 15:04
Quote Posted by NuEffect
Yeah, Freeman is the only one it really works for IMHO.
I think it got awkward in HL2 and the episodes. It was bad in Metro too, especially in LL. Corvo's case was even stranger since we had dialogue options. Playing as Daud was better in this regard. For me the silent protagonist thing only really works if the main character has minimal social interaction with other characters, like in FEAR. Otherwise is just weeeiiiiiird.
Renzatic on 29/12/2013 at 17:53
Quote Posted by Thirith
I'm curious to see how the
Dishonored DLC feels different from the main game, though, mainly due to playing a more clearly defined character.
I loved Dishonored, thought it was great, but I personally found the 6 DLC missions to be a considerable improvement on just about everything in the main game. The fact Daud talks and has actual conversations with people is only one of many parts that help make it work and feel better.
Jason Moyer on 29/12/2013 at 17:54
I still think the move away from a silent protagonist is what has kept me from really getting into the newer GTA's. I found it easier to get into "run around driving over random people and generally doing ludicrous things" mode when playing as "nod and make a generally expressionless grimace" guy.
Fafhrd on 29/12/2013 at 20:03
Quote Posted by Malleus
I think it got awkward in HL2 and the episodes. It was bad in Metro too, especially in LL. Corvo's case was even stranger since we had dialogue options. Playing as Daud was better in this regard. For me the silent protagonist thing only really works if the main character has minimal social interaction with other characters, like in FEAR. Otherwise is just weeeiiiiiird.
One of the things that made it work in FEAR is that (iirc) they hung a lantern on it by having the one guy talk about how it creeped him out that Pointman never talks.
june gloom on 29/12/2013 at 22:19
In Metro Last Light I started picking up the habit of nodding my head yes or no whenever someone asked me a question (based in part on how Artyom responds to the kid he runs into in the first game.)
This led to a funny instance where one of the characters in the faction pack DLC asked me if I was alright after I'd just gotten fucking mauled to a million pieces by nosalises. I shook my head no, he said "Great! Glad you're okay!" (Not exact quote, but)
catbarf on 30/12/2013 at 04:57
In the book, Artyom generally stays quiet because he is so utterly naive and clueless about the Metro that he ends up sounding like an idiot when he asks questions or offers input. But again, it's a game where it's just weird for the player character to never speak, because Artyom's motivation and understanding of the world around him is a big part of the story and the narration during level loading screens really doesn't cut it.
I think the silent protagonist is getting overused, because I keep seeing games use it where it just doesn't fit. Like Malleus said, it's fine for games where the player character is just a vehicle for the game (FEAR and Half-Life 2), but for games where your player actually has an identity it's strange. Dishonored is a great example but there are plenty more.
DarkForge on 30/12/2013 at 08:07
Yeah I'm playing through Crysis 2 at the moment. I don't think they've bothered explaining why Alcatraz doesn't talk and it feels weird. I feel like the guy should be replying to the people who contact him and barking out orders to other soldiers. To have him not say a word comes across to me as... un-natural given the situation he finds himself in.
thrawn_121 on 30/12/2013 at 10:39
On Crysis 2, have you gotten up to the part where you're examined yet? I think Alcatraz doesn't speak because he can't speak. Guy has a flail chest segment, gunshot damage to his heart, lungs and spine... He's described as a corpse walking, only thing keeping him alive is the suit.
