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I have the newest iteration of the Pokemon series (Omega Ruby? Something like that) and I've been a little bemused for a few days in trying to figure out why I just don't like this one as much as I liked Pokemon X. The characters are just as cute, the dialogue is just as well-done, the system is much the same, the pokemon are just as adorable--
--but I can't define what my character looks like, beyond Boy or Girl. No choice in skin or hair or features, no choice in outfits. Which shouldn't be a problem! I've played plenty of games with a distinct specific character whose story I'm playing through--
--but she's not distinct and specific. She's a player-projection cipher, if adorably drawn. She has no dialogue lines, and no reactions beyond being Good and Helpful when the plot calls for it. Other people have strong emotional reactions to her, and she has parents and a sort of vague background, and...they might as well all be reacting to a couch for all she does beyond Do Plot Thing Here.
I don't mind games that let me play as a very specific person. I don't mind games that let me do player projection by giving my lots of character customization. But having the audience identification character be unadjustable--no real dialogue choices, no appearance choices--is like the worst of both worlds. No wonder I'm having a hard time connecting. I can't even say "Oh, that's not the sort of shirt I'd wear, let's put on this shirt instead."
Ah well. I am enjoying it anyway. But I suspect I'm going to enjoy Persona Q, with its unchangeable set characters who have distinct personalities, a lot better. (And I'm going to enjoy the new Dragon Age, if I ever find a way to run it decently, rather more for the exact opposite direction.)
--but I can't define what my character looks like, beyond Boy or Girl. No choice in skin or hair or features, no choice in outfits. Which shouldn't be a problem! I've played plenty of games with a distinct specific character whose story I'm playing through--
--but she's not distinct and specific. She's a player-projection cipher, if adorably drawn. She has no dialogue lines, and no reactions beyond being Good and Helpful when the plot calls for it. Other people have strong emotional reactions to her, and she has parents and a sort of vague background, and...they might as well all be reacting to a couch for all she does beyond Do Plot Thing Here.
I don't mind games that let me play as a very specific person. I don't mind games that let me do player projection by giving my lots of character customization. But having the audience identification character be unadjustable--no real dialogue choices, no appearance choices--is like the worst of both worlds. No wonder I'm having a hard time connecting. I can't even say "Oh, that's not the sort of shirt I'd wear, let's put on this shirt instead."
Ah well. I am enjoying it anyway. But I suspect I'm going to enjoy Persona Q, with its unchangeable set characters who have distinct personalities, a lot better. (And I'm going to enjoy the new Dragon Age, if I ever find a way to run it decently, rather more for the exact opposite direction.)