Opinions on cut scenes

[wyldfae28]

Just wondering what the community is feeling about the cut scenes that play out as you get to know the townies better. I don't want to diminish the efforts of the devs here. So far, the overall game play of Coral Island is very appealing in a number of ways. I think this game has great potential.

But I'm just feeling like some of the cut scenes with the townies are kind of....flat? Or that they lack any particular direction, or significantly enhance the relationships involved? Like the one with Ben trying to tell a joke to Sam in the store. Or the several strange ones with Ben's duck. One would really be enough. (yeah, Ben is definitely an amusing character, and humor in a game is good. But I dunno. Just a bit much?) There are others, but I don't remember them all. I think the only cut scenes that have felt meaningful so far for me were one with Theo giving my character a guitar lesson that was really sweet. And one where I was asked to meet some people at the beach and we all hung out for a while. Most of them are kind of empty and not really well developed or written.

Part of what I feel makes games like CI special is the ability to form relationships with the townies, even up to and including marriage and family. If they can get this right, it could really make this game stand out. I am putting this out there not to criticize, but to suggest that this could be done better. The cut scenes are special and don't happen often. So making them more meaningful could have a significant impact on the feel of the game. Just my two cents. Anyone else have opinions on this?

[exwiretamer]

I feel this, I have the highest level with Scott and ended up being super disappointed with the 3 heart event with him, so much so that I'm starting to hate his character now because of it when before he was my favorite. There have been a few enjoyable ones, with Ava, Theo and Noah though.

[wyldfae28]

I ran into one today with Emma and Dippa conversing in the store about cookies. They were sort of arguing about what kind of cookies they last made that turned out badly. Went back and forth a number of times between pineapple and blueberry. Ended up with strawberry but Emma worrying about whether Dippa was right. It was mildly amusing in places but mostly...kind of pointless. It didn't really advance the player's knowledge about the characters or their relationship nor did it have any depth.

I think part of my problem here is that 1) I'm a writer and I'm probably too picky. :) 2) I'm not sure what the native language is of the devs or if they might be having difficulty creating meaningful interactions in several languages for this game. Would be challenging.

Not every conversation has to be earth shattering or anything. Just give us more insight into the townies and how they feel about things and each other. The regular conversations we have day to day seem to carry more of that than the cut scenes do. I really did like the one where Theo taught my character how to play guitar. That endeared him to me more. I'm hoping for more good scenes with other characters.

[Sister Starlight]

I very much agree with this sentiment. I love the way the game plays but so many cutscenes feel disjointed and confusing to me especially when my character isn't directly involved with them. I can't even share specifics because they didn't leave a lasting impression on me beyond confusion, but I saw one between Millie and Yuri that honestly made me feel like I was being a creep more than I was deepening my relationship with my neighbors. I really hope the devs consider reworking some of them.

[Deagle Trainee]

Originally posted by Sister Starlight:

I very much agree with this sentiment. I love the way the game plays but so many cutscenes feel disjointed and confusing to me especially when my character isn't directly involved with them. I can't even share specifics because they didn't leave a lasting impression on me beyond confusion, but I saw one between Millie and Yuri that honestly made me feel like I was being a creep more than I was deepening my relationship with my neighbors. I really hope the devs consider reworking some of them.

I walked into the clinic for the first time today. And for some reason, the cutscene that plays is my character just deciding to walk in on a patient and doctor, to give my unasked opinion... And neither the doctor nor the patient tell me to leave. So weird.

I just got 5 hearts on Wakuu, but it feels like I get about the same amount of progress for characters I barely talk to.

[GrandTickler]

so far from what i've seen im like: ok so what was the point of watching that?
as you say they feel incredibly flat and pointless.

[wyldfae28]

Originally posted by Deagle Trainee:

Originally posted by Sister Starlight:

I very much agree with this sentiment. I love the way the game plays but so many cutscenes feel disjointed and confusing to me especially when my character isn't directly involved with them. I can't even share specifics because they didn't leave a lasting impression on me beyond confusion, but I saw one between Millie and Yuri that honestly made me feel like I was being a creep more than I was deepening my relationship with my neighbors. I really hope the devs consider reworking some of them.

I walked into the clinic for the first time today. And for some reason, the cutscene that plays is my character just deciding to walk in on a patient and doctor, to give my unasked opinion... And neither the doctor nor the patient tell me to leave. So weird.

I just got 5 hearts on Wakuu, but it feels like I get about the same amount of progress for characters I barely talk to.

Yes, I just walked into the clinic recently and I guess because I don't go there often it triggered 3 cut scenes in a row. One of them was the one with Sonny and I felt horribly awkward just walking in on a private doctor/patient visit and offering my opinion. Really? So rude. I also had that experience in some townie's homes where I was basically eavesdropping on highly personal family situations. I guess that's the only way the game can show you their interactions? But strange, nonetheless.

[LTea]

I have a lot to say on this, also speaking as a writer, but I also know I'm not that far into the storyline of the game to really speak so I shall leave it right now with this:

I completely agree, so many cutscenes are weird and empty. It is something I really hope the developers will work on, if only because it will help their game be re-playable, and also give their characters a lot more... well, character. I know the main storyline with Pufferfish is currently very lacking, so I hope this is just something they have yet to get around to properly developing, but I also have my doubts.

Until then, I shall continue my playthrough, while also writing my own 'cutscenes' that I make up in my head to fill in the gaps.
(Also, I know they are writing for a lot of languages but that is no excuse for bland storytelling. I've watched plenty of non-western shows to know they can cook and serve when they want to.)