The Vault Dweller
always looking for water.
Now I've noticed some games have huge amounts of references to other things including other entertainment mediums. Some games also have almost none.
In your opinion do you like or dislike references in games? Does it depend on how they're presented?
A reference can add a lot of joy from a passing thing in a game when the player gets it, but it can also detract from the experience by trying to draw entertainment from another separate source implying that the original content isn't expected to hold the players attention. Fallout 2 often felt this way to me.
What if the reference fits so well that it isn't noticed and seems naturally a part of the story unless someone is very knowledgeable on what's being referenced? I've always felt that a reference should be included in such a normal way that those who don't get it don't even realize one is there and thus don't feel disappointed at missing something of interest or have to look it up just to know.
Also I'm surprised this has never been discussed before or at least as far as I'm aware of it.
Sincerely,
The Vault Dweller
In your opinion do you like or dislike references in games? Does it depend on how they're presented?
A reference can add a lot of joy from a passing thing in a game when the player gets it, but it can also detract from the experience by trying to draw entertainment from another separate source implying that the original content isn't expected to hold the players attention. Fallout 2 often felt this way to me.
What if the reference fits so well that it isn't noticed and seems naturally a part of the story unless someone is very knowledgeable on what's being referenced? I've always felt that a reference should be included in such a normal way that those who don't get it don't even realize one is there and thus don't feel disappointed at missing something of interest or have to look it up just to know.
Also I'm surprised this has never been discussed before or at least as far as I'm aware of it.
Sincerely,
The Vault Dweller