Why do games have to be 'epic', why can't they just be hilarious?

[lacktheknack]

Why so binary?

For instance, we have Skyrim, which tries to fit the "epic" scope.

Then we have Sam and Max, who have always fit the "funny" target.

But then we have the Sims, which scratches the "passive fantasy" itch.

Or Myst, which sits dignified in the "understated epic" scope, which is distinctly different from a standard epic.

And then there's Silent Hill, which is content to be "depressing drama" in one game, and "mind-curdling terror" in another one.

Etc.

I don't see why all games must be epic or funny, especially since the best games fall in a different category entirely.

 

[G-Force]

There are games which are simply really funny. Like portal. In the sequel I probably had more fun listening to Stephen Merchant than solving the puzzles. Yet at the same time the humour seemed to break all ties to the half life universe that the first game loosely held too. Yes, i did want to see mantis men, Yes every word made me laugh. But no, i didn't feel like i was in a real world in comparison to HL2.

PLEASE tell me you played Timesplitters 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF4ZLtVIk8o

It's use of time travel and paradoxes was BRILLIANT. You have to play the game to see how it flows together

 

[gigastar]

I would seriously trade all the dragons in skyrim just to overhear a sense of humour in one of the taverns.

You wouldnt get much for that. Skyrim has wyverns, not dragons.

 

[putowtin]

Let's face it well never agree what is funny, what is serious, what is moral high ground and what is moral grey area when it comes to life let alone video games.

snip.

Thinks Dragon Age: Origin's takes itself to serious, while I find it a compelling yet funny game.
Am I right?
Are they?

We both are, because we cannot be made to agree with another's perceptions.

 

[Scrustle]

I dont know what your going on about

its all about the game having a tone...what tone is good/bad is all personal preference

But apparently to be powerful you must be humourless. I guess devs think that their power fantasy will be more fulfilling if its set in a world where everything is serious, so people take your power seriously all the time. Killing dragons is dangerous and brutal, and it seems there's no room for a joke when the world's about to get eaten.
.

it depends on what kind of humoru and how its handled...

personally I really don't like "funny" or "meta" stuff (think adventure time) I want to be emotionally engaged, somtimes that IS the case like with portal...somtimes it isnt

in Mass Effect series theres alot of serious shit going on...but the occasional peice of humour..just like in the real world...same with the fallotu series (excpet fallout is a little mor removed from anything real)

Well, like I said, there are many games that go against that logic, but that's just what I think the logic is for why certain games might not have humour. Doesn't mean that similar games can't or don't, it's just the reasoning behind why certain examples might not. It's just why that game has that certain tone.

But even Skyrim isn't totally without humour. You have M'aiq the liar and Sheogorath for example, as well as some of the books in the game. But they do tend to be the exception to the rule.

 

[Thommo]

Why is there no humor but tons of epic-ness. Cos Epic sells better than comedy

 

[King Aragorn]

Why so binary?

For instance, we have Skyrim, which tries to fit the "epic" scope.

Then we have Sam and Max, who have always fit the "funny" target.

But then we have the Sims, which scratches the "passive fantasy" itch.

Or Myst, which sits dignified in the "understated epic" scope, which is distinctly different from a standard epic.

And then there's Silent Hill, which is content to be "depressing drama" in one game, and "mind-curdling terror" in another one.

Etc.

I don't see why all games must be epic or funny, especially since the best games fall in a different category entirely.

This. Different games are all made for different tones, different purposes. And it's not just limited to a genera, by the way. Compare Deus Ex to Skyrim. Deus Ex has some humorous moments and scenarios, and it's an RPG. Skyrim lacks that, and it's an RPG.

 

[captnb2thep]

There are some games that are based almost entirely on humor AND huge scale. Saints Row 3 opens with jumping out of a helicopter taking out dozens of guys in mid air and catching a woman only to let go of her to crash through an airplane cabin. Uncharted is a good example of both. There is plenty of humor and quirkiness in the Metal Gear Solid series which is pretty grand as well as GTA IV which tried to go all academy in tone compared to the other ones.

On the topic of Uncharted. I feel people are thinking way too much into it. Its one of the games I enjoy BECAUSE of it's tone. I don't wanna say "mindless" fun but I will say they are made like summer blockbusters, I'm not gonna watch Transformers for emotional and mental stimulation and depth. I love the humor in the games and even though Nathan Drake isn't a "good" character if you wanna use words like "arc" and "depth" and"dynamic/round" I feel like he is still very likeable in the way that everyone has that friend who is just that lovable oaf.

Part of the reason I think some people don't like Drake is the same reason the i think the OP implied in this thread: between humor and epic-ness/large scale drama, many think that only one works well at a time, or you just need one or another.