Yeah, almost always this is the main aim. It's all about getting a resolution/conclusion (whatever it may be). But that really is the basis of all plotlines I think. A massive amount of movies/books/games are all about "beat the bad guy/organisation, good ending". But how exactly the bad guy is defeated and what this means for the characters involved isn't always the same. Usually once you get one good ending in a movie/book things really can't go further than than that. Except in a game you get to go back and change that 1 ending to result in more varied resolutions. And of course the paths towards getting there is always different.mikey wrote:You win the girl's heart, good ending.
But I realise that this is all stuff you may only realise once actually`delving into a given genre.
But you know interestingly enough I have thought about a similar thing once except with an adventure game. I think it'd be cool if after you 'save the world' you could get to randomnly wander and see how saving the world affected each of the people in each town that you met before when everything was in danger
I'd think if someone is in a relationship and happens to play such games, it'd be all the better because you can identify with the characters all the more in their predicament of 'finding love', even if they've 'been there' done that'. Unlike perhaps someone who isn't in one and doesn't care for relationships or romance. But naturally this isn't always going to be the case.mikey wrote:Thing is, people with relationships will find this samey after a game or two. There are no problem solving issues, no games focused on sustaining rather than just getting a relationship.
But I think once you 'pursue' one character's path you get to do 'problem solving' and 'sustaining'. Not after the fact usually no although no doubt, in the vast world of Japanese renai games, there are probably games that explore that option (like the Memories Off example).
When I play an RPG I am stepping into another characters shoes and with bishoujo games I actually take the same stance and perceive it as playing a different character. So in such an instance I guess its not an issue.mikey wrote:So, in short when I play the games she feels real, the story feels real, but not my relationship with her. It's always a romantic relationship, never a loving one.
I can see your point though and generalisations will happen. "All generalisations are wrong" (get the joke? ). But seriously, you're right that from an outside perspective it is easy to make a mistake when assessing things. Just like some people assume that all anime is "adult porn" whilst others assume it's all "kids stuff". These statements refer to the same thing but contradict each other.
But of course those who actually watch a variety of anime can experience that there *is* variety and be more informed as a result. For renai games I think that the possibilities are endless and whilst the bare skeleton bones of a renai game may be similar from one to the next, as is common in media that fits under a genre label, the depth at which such games can go to build upon that is interesting and if people assume they're the sum of one part then it's in their interest to be informed of their other options (liken on this panel? ...), which they can take or leave.
Simply - it fits the purpose it sets out to do. Therefore its a successful game in its individual aim. And people that enjoy them aren't 'idiots' (sorry if it appeared as if I was saying that) because thats simply what their purpose are for and they are personally happy with that purpose. If a game set out to be a philosophical account of some deep meaning and didn't deliver then it would probably be considered "bad". But not when it aims to be a game that has a sexual focus and delivers upon that. It's just when people assume that other games within the same genre which do not have the same focus are unsuccessful it is problematic in my opinion for those who would rather have the option to play such games. Because then they are limited to the perceptions of the majority who have the power of greater cash flow But I think this is simply a fact of the genre as it seems a perception that is even in Japan. As I heard Clannad, which apparently was a bold move for Key to remove any sex, wasn't as successful as their previous games due to this decision. But still there is a wide variety of games out there in this genre so there are those that strike a balance. And it'd be nice if people were made more aware of the fact that there is a variety of options out there so that they can be more informed and make a decision as to what they personally want from such games.mikey wrote:In fact I have played several English titles that were very good porn games. Instant action, lots of girls and variations, it's actually very much the point of a sex game. And I don't find that if someone enjoys a non-plot sex game it automatically makes him a brainwashed idiot. It especially doesn't mean that a Horny Bunnies is a bad game, because it doesn't meet literary standards.
There's certainly no blame to be laid because the players are just going off what they see available and the importers are just going off what the players seem to buy (it is a business after all).
Anyway interesting points Sorry if any of this sounds off, in a bit of a rush!
EDIT: Nevermind. I was gonna try and do a video thingy but then realised how useless I am at video editing