Originally posted by IronFist
If the game is short and doesn\'t have much replay value, then it\'s not worth the money. I can have a $5 experience, or the same experience that costs $45 more.
Perfectly understandable point regarding replay value.
And yet when it comes to computer adventure gaming...I really wonder if adventures will ever be considered replay-able given the scripted nature of actions that must occur to move the story forward. Honestly, is it possible that a developer will be able to create an open-based, inviting, story -- when its characters must pull this lever to enter this room, climb that rope to get to that level, open the 2nd door to move down through the chamber that leads to the next level... Script is script...paint it how you wish, but it may be the only way to move a story (any story...who hasn\'t read a book? Its always going to have the letters and words arranged the same way everytime)...BUT if the story is enthralling in and of itself...if its characters move you to extremes in emotion...if you fall away from reality for just a while to explore "their world"...then perhaps you have enjoyed an adventure...no matter its length.
I hope I argue above for both of our points. As you suggest, without a personal sense of "replay" value, why bother spending $45 for an experience (even a wonderful one) if you don\'t believe you will appreciate the same emotions the second go round. Yet, not unlike reading a book, we sometimes re-read it only to find twists & turns we never understood the during the previous read.
Thanks IronFist. Again, this is not a rebuttal per se, just an opportunity to lightly explore the nature of adventure games and what they mean to gamers.
