Poll: How long is too long for a cutscene?
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Any game with Metal Gear Solid length cutscenes needs to be pausable. Some of us want to pause, make popcorn, and get back to watching our convoluted plot.Zhalath said:
I think it depends on several factors.
* What type of game are we talking about? I'll accept longer cutscenes in a Final Fantasy game than in an action-packed FPS, for example.
* Can it be skipped? If so, I don't mind if it's 10 mins long (unless it sucks...), because I know that next time, I won't have to watch it. Most cutscenes are fine, as long as I don't have to watch them over and over again.
* Where in the game is it? If it interrupts gameplay in the middle of a fun part of the game, it had better be short!
* Is the cutscene actually necessary? Does it add something to the game besides eye-candy (if that)? Does it present something important (character, area...)? Does it move the story forward more effectively than what could be achieved within the normal gameplay mode? If it's just the devs saying "look what I can do with 3DSMax!", then I won't put up with it for very long.
* Is it good? Is it well written? Does it keep me interested, or does it bore me? The better it is, the longer it can be.
So basically... I can't answer the question with any alternative provided.
* What type of game are we talking about? I'll accept longer cutscenes in a Final Fantasy game than in an action-packed FPS, for example.
* Can it be skipped? If so, I don't mind if it's 10 mins long (unless it sucks...), because I know that next time, I won't have to watch it. Most cutscenes are fine, as long as I don't have to watch them over and over again.
* Where in the game is it? If it interrupts gameplay in the middle of a fun part of the game, it had better be short!
* Is the cutscene actually necessary? Does it add something to the game besides eye-candy (if that)? Does it present something important (character, area...)? Does it move the story forward more effectively than what could be achieved within the normal gameplay mode? If it's just the devs saying "look what I can do with 3DSMax!", then I won't put up with it for very long.
* Is it good? Is it well written? Does it keep me interested, or does it bore me? The better it is, the longer it can be.
So basically... I can't answer the question with any alternative provided.
From here:__________________________to here.
That long.
Noes. As long as it's engaging and does not have bad voice atcing etc. a cut- scene could be 7-8 mins long and it wouldnt bother me.
However, once the cut scene has served it's purpose (introducing new character, revealing new plot stuffs) it shouldn't ought to carry on any further, as it would just be pointless. But I'm sure that goes without saying. I'm tired, so stating the obvious is allowed...
That long.
Noes. As long as it's engaging and does not have bad voice atcing etc. a cut- scene could be 7-8 mins long and it wouldnt bother me.
However, once the cut scene has served it's purpose (introducing new character, revealing new plot stuffs) it shouldn't ought to carry on any further, as it would just be pointless. But I'm sure that goes without saying. I'm tired, so stating the obvious is allowed...
In all honesty I liked the MGS4 cutscenes. So i'm going to have to go with none of those choices, as long as the cutscene is "good" I have no problem with it being fifteen minutes long. As for a length, I think anything over thirty minutes is pushing it unless its a final cutscene.
However long it takes for you to check all of the buttons on the controller twice to see if there is a button to skip the cutscene.
It's too long when there's a cutscene. If the game thinks it's own story is a higher priority then the game itself, it's not doing it right.
It's supposed to be game-play, not game-watch.
It's supposed to be game-play, not game-watch.
I would rather be told what I need to know during the loading screens or whilst I am actually in-game, really.
Cut-scenes in action games are completely unnecessary, they just leave me thinking...why can't the character do all that cool shit when I'm controlling him/her.
Cut-scenes in action games are completely unnecessary, they just leave me thinking...why can't the character do all that cool shit when I'm controlling him/her.
Any length is fine as long as it doesn't outstay it's welcome. Cutscenes have to be well scripted, entertaining and relevant. If I get bored, it's failed.
I hate games where there are almost more cutscenes than times of interactive gameplay. I want a game with a good story that is told while you play, not told in regular 5-minute wordy cutscenes.
I hate games where there are almost more cutscenes than times of interactive gameplay. I want a game with a good story that is told while you play, not told in regular 5-minute wordy cutscenes.
Duration of the cutscene does not matter.
A cutscene has become too long as soon as the player becomes bored. If you put in an incredibly well done 20+ minute cutscene that keeps the player engaged and riveted throughout, it's still perfectly fine. If you put in a 30 second cutscene that sends the player from the room in tears, it's too long and horrible.
It all comes down to the quality and interest the cutscene generates, more than it's duration.
A cutscene has become too long as soon as the player becomes bored. If you put in an incredibly well done 20+ minute cutscene that keeps the player engaged and riveted throughout, it's still perfectly fine. If you put in a 30 second cutscene that sends the player from the room in tears, it's too long and horrible.
It all comes down to the quality and interest the cutscene generates, more than it's duration.