Time to put on your nerd hat. Grab the asthma inhaler, insert the pocket protector, and put on the tape-wrapped horned-rim glasses. For the uninitiated, who for some reason God only knows is still reading: grab a smock or apron. Better yet, a raincoat. We're about to spill a lot of geek all over the place.
Right now, my beef is Star Wars games. Specifically, how the Force is portrayed.
Seriously, folks. Not too late to back out. Still with me? God help you.
Okay. Any Star Wars nut such as I knows what the Force is: an energy field created by life; it binds everything in existence, linking it so that one who properly understands the Force is able to utilize a kinship with the rest of the universe and influence it in direct or indirect ways. We try to ignore that shite about midichlorians (dammit, George!).
Those who were adept in the Force were sometimes known as sorcerers or witches, due to the mystery of the powers bestowed upon them. Someone sufficiently attuned with the Force would seem to be able to manipulate the world at the most base level, that of raw energy. The most simple application would be to physically move or affect matter: the ability to telekinetically lift objects; swat projectiles out of the air; or even accelerate one's own movement, resulting in lightning fast reflexes and towering leaps. They were granted precognition of varying magnitude: some could predict the enemy's next move, while some could foresee the outcome of a war. They were better able to master their own physiology and chemistry. They could read minds and implant suggestions or even imperatives.
My point? The Force--and the abilities it imparted--was inherently unquantifiable. There was no measuring, no categorization--except for that fine line between Light and Dark.
And yet, in the games, Force abilities are very carefully labeled and assigned. Requirements are applied to both player and character. Light and Dark powers are very specifically delineated. A Jedi can use Force Push, Force Speed, Mind Trick. A Sith can use Force Lightning and Force Grip (choking and crushing).
Yes, I understand that they are just video games. And video games require that elements be quantifiable. Buttons have to be mapped, and combos have to be assigned. Left Trigger + B Button must result in Force Power I, while Left Trigger + Y Button must yield Force Power II. I see it, I get it. I just don't like it. Having to abide by a specific moves list of powers robs me of the potential I felt while watching the movies and reading the books. It is simply too confining.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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Ok, I get your beef, but what's your solution then?
ReplyDeleteThat's actually part of my problem. I don't understand much of programming, but what little I do is that it requires quantification. Specific values have to be assigned. If such-and-such, then so-and-so. If player pulls Left Trigger and presses B, then character shoots lightning. This facilitates an easy move-list and a far more seemless sense of play, vital to an action title.
ReplyDeleteThe only way I can see to fix this (and admittedly, not many even consider it a problem to be fixed), is to broaden the categorization. Make it less about the right button combo, and more about choosing a single facet of one aspect of a nigh-inconceivable universal power. This will slow down the pace of the game, but I'm okay with that.
Of course, that isn't even in screaming-distance of reasonable. Not with the current generation of hardware. But one can look to the future and hope. I am a sci-fi geek, after all.