This is NOT a Game

[Pet_Raxa2]

First of all, let me clarify this point to everyone who thinks this is a game. This is NOT a game. Yes, yes, technically it is, but it's not.

When you buy Thirty Flights of Loving, play it and complete it in that short span of 15-20 minutes or so, you either get it or you don't. I feel annoyed by so many people who disparage the game because it didn't offer them the experience they thought they ought to have deserved. And frankly I understand why people feel this way. Developers could have marketed the game better and maybe reviewers shouldn't have sugar coated the game too much.

Thirty Flights of Loving is more like an interactive film rather than an interactive game. You take in what you see and you formulate your own ideas of what you think is going on - all made possible through film technique known as montage. This is what makes this game deceivingly sophisticated. When you play, don't try to over think why you're doing what you're doing, rather, try to piece the scenes together. If you love filmmaking or the art of film itself, you'll definitely love Thirty Flights of Loving. I honestly loved every minute and aspect of the game, especially the credit scene (those who've played should know what I'm talking about).

People say that paying $4.99 for this game is insane. Think of it as paying $2.50 to see a short 15 minute film. I say $2.50 because Gravity Bone is included with the purchase, although Gravity Bone is actually distributed for free over the web.

Like I said, you either get it or you don't. I don't blame you people for buying this game under false pretenses, but know that this title is a great addition to your steam library. I do hope developers continue to create stories and update this game.

[Shadowspaz]

I do think this is different than a movie, though. Your interaction with it allows you to spend as much time as you want in various parts, and through my many playthroughs, I've started noticing little details scattered here and there, things that raise more questions, and some things that are just kinda funny (Posession of alcohol punishable by quesomancy).

I guess this isn't so different from a movie, in that you are seeing what was intended to see. In TFoL, though, if you see them or not is up to you. You need to explore to find the things you wouldn't see otherwise. And I guess, in film, there will be little tidbits here and there, but you're much more along for the ride. It's a rail-shooter, and you only have what's onscreen, as it goes by, to piece together.

I really do prefer this form of storytelling over that of movies, simply because you have that bit of interaction. You ARE the character, regardless of how much control that gives you. And what that means is up to you.

[Pet_Raxa2]

I'm a bit baffled by your contradictory statement but as long as you like the game I have no qualms. You see what most people can't see in this game and that's great.

[Shadowspaz]

What contradictory statement? It is different than a movie. Then I stated how they could be seen as similar. Then closed with how the supposed similarities still have very prominent differences. Where am I losing you?

Edit: I guess the phrasing of my paragraphs there could get convoluted, but not if you read it all... But if you want to talk about contradictions:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Pet_Raxa:

This is NOT a game. Yes, yes, technically it is, but it's not.

[Pet_Raxa2]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Shadowspaz:

I do think this is different than a movie, though.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Shadowspaz:

I guess this isn't so different from a movie,

Don't get so defensive or cynical, it's like you said - the phrasing of your paragraph is not that great. And I did read it all.

[Shadowspaz]

Quote the whole sentence. :P

[ZM3]

I have no problem paying for a great short story but I did not find it in Thirty Flights of Loving. Perhaps I just "didn't get it". I enjoyed the commentary and played through it 3 times to see what I'm missing. What concerns me is whether the people who say this changed their perception of storytelling have watched many great films or read classic novels. This was interesting but I can't see promoting it as anything but experimental for the medium.

I should note that I have no problem with this being considered a game. To me an interactive film is a type of game, just like an interactive book. Interaction being the key difference.

With respect to cost: worth the money, maybe not worth the time. This could easily be because I expected more out of it than I felt it delivered.

[Shadowspaz]

I wouldn't say it "changed my perception," but it definitely brought a new method of storytelling to light. I mean, in five minutes, the game tells you so, so much. It's definitely experimental, in the fact that it hasn't been applied to anything other than Citizen Abel games, but as far as storytelling in games goes, it's covering new ground. I just wish we'd see more of this kind of narrative-less story in more games, that had more substance.

[ZM3]

I'm not sure that I disgree with you much. One way I could descrbe how I see the game is to say that it seems like it went in new directions with storytelling more than it did with story. I hadn't seen much of the strong jump cuts or fast-forward sequences in a game before. There certainly was a lot to take in and it was a unique, concise story that was very Tarantino-esque. My issue was that I expected a leap forward as seen in Journey and To The Moon, games which evoked emotions rarely stirred by the medium while at the same time presenting the story in a way that challenges our current expections of what makes something a game. That said, I'm not sure what more you could pack into 15 minutes.

[Pet_Raxa2]

@ZM3

I agree with pretty much everything you had to say. It just feels like many of the official game reviewers out there hopped on the bandwagon and hyped it like it was some kind of game changer for the industry. You are certainly right, Thirty Flights of Loving shouldn't be characterized as something revolutionary, it was experimental but still a fresh one at that.

Quantity was the biggest issue for me. I wanted more, which is why I said I hope developers continue to create new episodic short stories in the future. On the other hand, qualitative aspects of the game had no problems meeting my needs and standards.

And yes. it was definitely Tarantino-esque. The developers obviously gave tribute, made references to Tarantino's directorial style such as describing the characters in matters of seconds, distortion of time, and the close up scene of the bullet flying out the barrel of the gun.


Edit: Seems like you are in the same shoes I am. We both want more.

[angrykenji]

what i gather is this game is purely about narrative and 'story'

the dev explains a few things in this video:
http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/rf446n/gt-one-shot-narrative-in-games--unexplored-territory
Narrative in Games: Unexplored Territory