Interactive Storyline: The Decision

Evil versus Good decision making

We see this alot in video games. It is interesting to see how these different paths will determine the entire story. For many players these options do not matter, because they would want to follow one path in the story. Personally for me though, I enjoy having these decisions to make in some games. I get a kick out of being evil for some reason. In DC Universe Online, I chose to join the evil side. I enjoyed the character customization and how The Joker is your mentor in the game. I did happen to create a character on the good side as well, just to see what it would be like. (Of course evil was what I enjoyed the most!) Another great example of this scenario takes place in all the inFamous games. In these games Cole McGrath (InFamous 1 and 2) and Delsin Rowe (InFamous: Second Son), the player has the option to commit both evil deeds and good deeds in the games. The player’s actions reflect on how the story will play out and if the people can trust you or not. When a game heavily relies on the “evil versus good” decision making, it is very important that the player does not get lost in these options. These options should enhance the storyline in great ways, whether the player chooses the good path or the evil path.

Choosing an answer

In these games evil versus good does not necessarily matter as much. In fact, most games will not include this because the game is based solely on one story. Many times games will have the player go through many of the answers and then get to the final answer. This strategy is commonly used in platformer games. For example in Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, you have a pirate conversation with one of the bosses. You have to do your best at talking pirate slang because he will not give you an answer, if you select the wrong one.

The Good and Bad of giving player’s decisions

Good: May give the player some control over decision making.

Bad: May interfere with the story.

Good: May add alternate options of storytelling.

Bad: May give the player too many options.