Interactive Loading Screens

[LobsterFeng]

Just out of curiosity, do you think developers should look into making more interactive loading screens, or do you think that they should make it simple so that the game can load faster (although I honestly don't know if that's how it works, just my assumption.)

And by interactive loading screens I mean stuff like in Devil May Cry 3, where you got to shoot and stab the loading screen. The best example I've seen has surprisingly been from a DBZ game. You had to mash buttons to make Vegeta do push ups, and there's a little counter right by him to show how many you've done. The reason I liked that is because every time the loading screen came up, I would franticly mash buttons and try to beat my record, and I would actually get slightly disappointed if the game loaded before I could get to or beat my record.

I think developers should look into this more, I mean imagine yourself having fun before the game has actually started.

 

[razelas]

I really liked Bayonetta's practice/loading screen, and I hope it catches on in fighting games.

 

[Shepard's Shadow]

I liked Bayonetta's loading screen because I got to practice combos. I don't like/dislike interactive loading screens but I would like less noticeable load screens. I thought the first Mass Effect did it the best with elevators.

 

[Saelune]

Could also try to minimize the need for load times. A fantasy maybe...but still. Cant improve if you dont try.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

I liked the one from the DBZ game where you basically grew Cybermen by mashing buttons like a maniac. With help, a friend and I actually got about 20 of them to pop up before the game loaded once. ^_^

 

[Titan Buttons]

Yes it's a good way to take the players mind off waiting and in such cases as Crash Team Racing it can be quite amusing

 

[Midnight Crossroads]

I liked Okami's loading screen. You won something from it, and it was the only loading screen I thought didn't last long enough.

 

[Wuffykins]

I remember this one old PC game that had a version of Space Invaders to play during the loading screen, using sprites from the game as aliens and such, and it let you play for as long as you wanted before hitting 'OK' to continue into the game proper.

The reason I don't remember the name of this game off-hand is because I had more fun playing the loading screens than the game itself. I'm also quite happy that I only played the demo of it.

 

[Zergadooful]

The Assassin's creed loading screen is nice if you're immature and like humping the air. (Something I've clearly never done before)

 

[Raistlinhawke]

The best example of an interactive loading screen I've ever seen is Onechambra: Bikini Zombie Slayer. A little 8-bit hack-and-slash side-scrolling action beset by the buffering bar, best part of the game by a long shot.

In terms of using interactive loading screens in general, it depends on the game. Some titles may require loading times regardless of overall product quality, and in that case, some form of interactivity during the cutscenes would go a great deal towards making them bearable, especially if they are long. Most games, however, can eliminate loading screens almost entirely with a little effort.

 

[Exius Xavarus]

The Metroid Prime series did pretty well with it, albeit a little slow when you're trying to rush through a level. I just wish more developers could figure out what background loading was. .___.

 

[CM156_v1legacy]

I remember this one old PC game that had a version of Space Invaders to play during the loading screen, using sprites from the game as aliens and such, and it let you play for as long as you wanted before hitting 'OK' to continue into the game proper.

Man, that would have really helped me durring Mass Effect 2.

OT: I do sudoku's on my iPhone while waitine, and am up to about 516 of them. Perhaps something to hold interist would be nice.

 

[rossable]

this concept is failsause! this would turn loading into a mini-game and distract from the main game. i refuse!