I fancy doing a "Let's Play...", what would I need?

[Lt_Bromhead]

Well, the title says it all.
I'd like to give it a go.

I'm sure I'll pick up the technique after experimenting for a bit.

But in terms of software/hardware, I could do with a pointer to get me started.

Obviously I'll need a game, but that can be sorted later.
I've got a microphone.
I've got a computer. (I don't own ANY consoles, by the way - not sure if that affects anything)

So yeah - I've not really got an idea of how to record the video/sounds of the game or my voice so....any pointers?

Cheers guys!


Captcha: You're onform

 

[hazabaza1]

Fraps in generally the go-to software for LPs. There's a few others, but that, a microphone, and a way to render the videos (even WMM will do) are pretty much all you need.

 

[AlternatePFG]

Well, there are different kinds of Let's Plays. There are video ones, screenshot ones, text ones, etc. All have their different formats and ways of doing them. If you're going to do a video one, you'll need some capture software and very least. FRAPS works. (And for the love of God, not Unregistered Hypercam 2)

 

[TakeyB0y2]

If you want a great free capture program, I suggest aTube Catcher [http://atube-catcher.dsnetwb.com/video/] (I actually recommend it over fraps, as it is COMPLETELY free, won't put up a watermark, and has no limitations on recording length).

Also, when recording, you'll have to use two different recording programs at once; one to record the game audio/video, and another for the microphone audio (I just use Window's Sound Recorder for that). You'll have to use editing software (I use Sony Vegas for my LPs) to sync up the microphone audio with the game audio/video. It's also handy if the microphone can pick up some of the audio from the game, as that'll make it easier to sync up.

Good luck

 

[Rawne1980]

As said above, have a play around with fraps. It should do you for videos.

 

[Lt_Bromhead]

Okay, cheers guys!

I'll start investigating the programs recommended here.
Like I and yourselves have said - experimentation is the best way to figure stuff out.

Thanks again for the head start and the swift advice!

 

[GoAwayVifs]

In terms of video editing I'd recommend AviSynth, it is free and very powerful. Also in terms of the process this image from the Something Awful LP sub-forum should help

Spoiler: Huge flowchart

Additionally I have to say for the love of all that is good, do post commentary. It will take more time but the end product will be much, much better.

e: Forgot to mention you need to get audacity for audio editing

 

[TakeyB0y2]

Spoiler: Huge flowchart

Sheesh, that makes doing LPs seem more complicated than I really needs to be.

 

[Lt_Bromhead]

In terms of video editing I'd recommend AviSynth, it is free and very powerful. Also in terms of the process this image from the Something Awful LP sub-forum should help

Spoiler: Huge flowchart

Additionally I have to say for the love of all that is good, do post commentary. It will take more time but the end product will be much, much better.

Okay, that seems like a useful little chart to keep around!

I'll start practicing now, I think.
Then I'll probably give it a proper go on "Space Marine" when that's out...

 

[GoAwayVifs]

Spoiler: Huge flowchart

Sheesh, that makes doing LPs seem more complicated than I really needs to be.

To do a good LP takes work. If you want to turn out crap then you can much easier than this.

 

[chronicfc]

An interesting game, something different, maybe an old game, or perhaps cash in on the nearing release of Deus Ex or Dead Island. Depends on what angle you're taking it, for example I'm watching an LP for Shogun2 and the commentator needs to be extra entertaining to make up for the excess loading screens.

 

[Lt_Bromhead]

An interesting game, something different, maybe an old game, or perhaps cash in on the nearing release of Deus Ex or Dead Island. Depends on what angle you're taking it, for example I'm watching an LP for Shogun2 and the commentator needs to be extra entertaining to make up for the excess loading screens.

Doing an LP for a game as long as Shogun sounds like quite the endeavour....!

O.O

 

[GoAwayVifs]

I almost forgot, I would recommend that you not do an LP blind. Doing it with atleast one run under your belt will make your LP much more focused, and with less wasted time. That is not to say that blind LPs can't work, look at pokecapn's Sonic 2006 LP, but it will generally not turn out well. Especially if it is your first LP.

To reply to the guy above me, doing post will eliminate the problem with loading screens as they can be edited out, and you do have to reachfor things to say, or resort to gimmicks to fill time. You can script out what you are going to say and the LP will be better for it.

 

[chronicfc]

An interesting game, something different, maybe an old game, or perhaps cash in on the nearing release of Deus Ex or Dead Island. Depends on what angle you're taking it, for example I'm watching an LP for Shogun2 and the commentator needs to be extra entertaining to make up for the excess loading screens.

Doing an LP for a game as long as Shogun sounds like quite the endeavour....!

O.O

Yeah, its kinda the LP I watch when I want to relax, I'm telling you having an Irish accent would definitely an LP.

 

[TheRocketeer]

Some of the greatest LP's are of bad games, so I would suggest liquor.

Something high-proof, preferably; you'll want to burn something sooner or later, and saving yourself that step will make be a big time-savings when you're hammered.

 

[Lt_Bromhead]

I almost forgot, I would recommend that you not do an LP blind. Doing it with atleast one run under your belt will make your LP much more focused, and with less wasted time. That is not to say that blind LPs can't work, look at pokecapn's Sonic 2006 LP, but it will generally not turn out well. Especially if it is your first LP.

To reply to the guy above me, doing post will eliminate the problem with loading screens as they can be edited out, and you do have to reachfor things to say, or resort to gimmicks to fill time. You can script out what you are going to say and the LP will be better for it.

Good advice.

I'm thinking of doing a dry run and a post one as well, so the gameplay will be the first run through, but not necessarily the commentary. Then I can snip anything that doesn't work and put in some scripted dialogue, but I also retain any particularly witty repartee that happens to spew forth on the spur of the moment.

An interesting game, something different, maybe an old game, or perhaps cash in on the nearing release of Deus Ex or Dead Island. Depends on what angle you're taking it, for example I'm watching an LP for Shogun2 and the commentator needs to be extra entertaining to make up for the excess loading screens.

Doing an LP for a game as long as Shogun sounds like quite the endeavour....!

O.O

Yeah, its kinda the LP I watch when I want to relax, I'm telling you having an Irish accent would definitely an LP.

Hmmm... Problem there.
I've got a rather posh English accent.

Still, at least it means I've got understandable diction.

 

[chronicfc]

Hmmm... Problem there.
I've got a rather posh English accent.

Still, at least it means I've got understandable diction.

As a fellow Englishman I personally like those with a nice English accent, and apparently so do other people, based on the success of TotalBiscuit and the Yogscast. I demand a link to the YouTube Channel you shall be uploading this to, you have yourself a subscriber

 

[Lt_Bromhead]

Hmmm... Problem there.
I've got a rather posh English accent.

Still, at least it means I've got understandable diction.

As a fellow Englishman I personally like those with a nice English accent, and apparently so do other people, based on the success of TotalBiscuit and the Yogscast. I demand a link to the YouTube Channel you shall be uploading this to, you have yourself a subscriber

I shall remember to send you one once I've got it sorted and uploaded a video then, my friend!

And hell, one before I've even started recording - good start!

 

[AlternatePFG]

Also, as someone who has utterly failed at a Let's Play before, don't try to keep up a ridiculous schedule on updates. (Like one a day >>) Do things at your own pace.

Edit: Also, a mix of insightful and funny commentary helps alot. That's why in my opinion, blind runs usually aren't that good, especially for a first time through, because you can't give a whole lot of insight to the game. But that's just me.

 

[DarkRyter]

A general direction.

Are you the Funny Commentator, the Helpful Commentator, or the Charming Commentator?