Team Bondi (2011). LA Noire. PC, PS3, Xbox 360. Rockstar Games.
This technology allows the player to use their intuition to enable them to determine whether their subject is trustworthy or not, by reading their facial expressions and body language. This amazing amount of detail was achieved using high tech motion capture equipment, where cameras would shoot the actors from every angle to be translated into lifelike 3d models, with expressions that would otherwise be unachievable.
In the above article, it's mentioned that LA Noire is blurring the lines between game and film. 'When we’re able to combine the strengths of TV and films with the interactivity of video games, we’re left with the open possibility of an amazing blank canvas where video games evolve and can build to be the predominant form of entertainment for the 21st century.' Brendan McNamara, writer and director of LA Noire.
I think it's amazing that this is now possible, and that games can be potentially so much more than just games now. The push on technology and realism means that story is now all the more necessary, so the emotion and atmosphere that we feel from these games holds true.
If we compare a game series like Wolfenstein, for example, there's an obvious difference in the
amount of story portrayed.
amount of story portrayed.
Muse Software (1981). Castle Wolfenstein. Apple II, DOS, Atari 400/600, Commodore 64. Muse Software.
In Castle Wolfenstein for example, the first game in the Wolfenstein series, there is little to no involved story at all. The objective of the game is to make your way through the levels of the castle and find the secret war plans. Pretty much all you need to do is sneak past, sometimes kill guards, and escape alive. Considering graphical capacity, there isn't a lot they would have been able to do story wise.
But then if we look at the latest instalment, still to be released, you only have to watch the trailers to know that there will be a strong, engaging storyline, along with all the intense action and explosions. (...Just going to include a couple of trailers because I can't pick between the two of them. They look so good arghhh!)
Machine Games (2014). Wolfenstein: The New Order. Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4. Bethesda Softworks.
Machine Games (2014). Wolfenstein: The New Order. Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4. Bethesda Softworks.
I think I've said in a previous post how much I'm looking forward to this game. The cinematic trailers are really captivating, because they suck you in to the story as if it were a film.
"Europe, 1946. World War II rages across Europe. Where once the Allies pressed advantage, the Nazi forces have turned the tide in dramatic fashion behind the technologically advanced war machine of General Wilhelm Strasse -- Deathshead. When a final Allied assault on Deathshead's compound fails, the Allies’ greatest hope falls with it.
Europe, 1960. The war is over. And the Nazis are triumphant victors. Using unrelenting force and brutal intimidation, the Nazis have brought even the most powerful nations to their knees. The Nazi regime now rules the globe (and Moon they colonized) with an iron fist.
You are Captain B.J. Blazkowicz, the American War Hero. After emerging into this world of darkness, you must launch an impossible counter-offensive against the monstrous Nazi regime. Only you dare stand up against an unstoppable army of Nazi robots and hulking Super Soldiers. Only you can stop Deathshead. Only you can rewrite history."
Just in this small blurb, let's call it, there is a massive advancement in story from Castle Wolfenstein to now. In just over 20 years! Even just in this series, it's clear how much games are evolving from just the act of playing the game to the ends of mindless addiction to making block-buster, emotion-evoking games to really sink your teeth into. By the looks of the trailers, the New Order also looks like it will have some really nice, grisly scenes thrown in too, which will just add massively to the awesomeness of the game.
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