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SnowStorm - Dev Poll : Gameplay and script
🕑 Added 2021-11-07 13:48:12 +0000 UTCHello
This is a very important decision to make as there will be no turning back once I have started the game, and it's about the language that characters speak.
Let's remind the context :
You are in some northern lands for some reason, and you meet what seems to be Vikings. But you are not a Viking! You speak English and most Vikings are not supposed to speak/understand English. They even hate the fact you are speaking it as it means you are probably an enemy. Some of the Vikings in-game have more or less some notions of English, but most won't be able to talk in English at all.
1/ To keep the immersion and the realism, I wanted at first to make the Vikings speak their real language: NORSE (except the leaders and a few important characters), of course at first, you don't really understand what they say, and they won't understand what you say, you will have to find some other way to communicate.
In this configuration, the game is a bit more narrative, you will think a lot to yourself. However, there are 3-4 characters with whom you will be able to communicate fully in English.
With some other characters, for example Astrja here, the idea is that little by little as you progress with her story, you will teach her some English, and you will learn some Norse as well. So the dialogues will be evolutive. With other characters, you won't even need words, action will be the way to communicate. etc.
2/ The other option is to neglect the realism and prioritize the dialogues. In that configuration, I'll make all characters speak English even if it doesn't make sense.
In this configuration, it is easier to make dialogues, it will be probably a bit easier and pleasant to follow for the player, but the immersion and character development will be not as original and deep.
3/ The last option is a bit hybrid. It's like the first option (but with translation inside brackets)
For example :
Astrja : Bravo Soltinn? (Want some bread?)
I think it's not as good as option 1 in terms of immersion. It can be a decent compromise even though it will be weird to be able to know what she says, while not being supposed to understand her. It's also a little more work.
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It's really an important gameplay/writing choice that can change completely how the game is enjoyed. I was going for option 1/ but I'm having some doubts whether it will be pleasant for the player or not.
What do you think?
