For quite some time Arenanet is using Real Life References for naming various aspects of their game. Boss names like Enadiz (Zidane), cultural references in titles (People Know Me and such) and oneliners taken from movies and converted to the GW-universe (Balthazar blasted drakes on a plain...)
At first glance, I liked these little inside-jokes. Made me wonder what funny boss would be around the next corner. On the other hand, these references completely destroy the world of GW for me, making it just a substitute of our world. Compared to other roleplaying games, GW hasn't got decades of lore to back it up, everything has been invented in the last 5 years or so. So I'd rather have some references to the 'Gods of Old' or such, further expanding the GW-universe, then yet another funny remark about a new song some populair person has just released.
I'd like to hear some of your opinions about this matter. Are you people content with all these references, or would you rather like a closed-off world?
Gr. Arduinna
Your opinion on 'Real Life References' in Guild Wars
Arduin
howlinghobo
you want games with lots of lore? play text based games where the author writes up 10 pages of the stuff and see whether you can read through half a page of goblin warlord god masters rebellion or something
Mr. G
well they only destroy the game if you know the refernce, few of them are game breaking (no comment on the latest KoaBD)
you can always just pretend they arnt there?
I love them personally, specially the shouts
you can always just pretend they arnt there?
I love them personally, specially the shouts
shrouded^god
I think keeping in touch with reality is a good thing...No matter how bad someone wants to emerge themselves in another "world"...it can cause problems in your actual life if you become too detached from it. I know tons of my own guildies who have skipped school/work to stay home and play guild wars, or who have stayed up too late the night before playing, so they sleep in the next day. I find that even this is a little disturbing but...to each his own.
Ayano Mitsu
Aside from the latest titles in the KoaBD track, I find the real life references quite refreshing and amusing.
Arduin
Well, I for one like to immerse myself completely into a video-game. As far as I can tell, I am still able to keep in touch with the real world, but I now some (Asian?) people died because they played a video-game for over 24 hrs non-stop. So it's a positive thing developers are implenting stuff to keep you from getting addicted, 'you have been playing for x hours' is a nice example.
When I first started playing Guild Wars, at the official launch date 2 yrs ago, a whole new world opened for me. You got 5 Gods, everyone of them worshipped by certain professions, you got the Guild Wars themself, a remnant of the past. There was a mysterious desert, where people were seeking 'ascencion' to get them closer to the Gods... It seems to me that a lot of the mystique has been left out during the release of the two succeeding chapters. People are so fucosed about what new armor/green weapons/skill will be released, it seems to me the entire story gets a bit neglected by all this new content...
When I first started playing Guild Wars, at the official launch date 2 yrs ago, a whole new world opened for me. You got 5 Gods, everyone of them worshipped by certain professions, you got the Guild Wars themself, a remnant of the past. There was a mysterious desert, where people were seeking 'ascencion' to get them closer to the Gods... It seems to me that a lot of the mystique has been left out during the release of the two succeeding chapters. People are so fucosed about what new armor/green weapons/skill will be released, it seems to me the entire story gets a bit neglected by all this new content...
mazik
So....you'd prefer they have less new content simply so that you can completly block out having a life outside your computer?...I think you're a minority here.
And besides, I quite like the references from movies and such. I laughed so hard when I first did the 'drakes on a plain' quest. And the Grabthar's Hammer green(reference from Galaxy Quest) had me smiling too
. It's not like everything that happens in the game is a reference, so if you want to stay with the story then stay to the story, do nothing but missions, whatever makes you happy.
And besides, I quite like the references from movies and such. I laughed so hard when I first did the 'drakes on a plain' quest. And the Grabthar's Hammer green(reference from Galaxy Quest) had me smiling too
. It's not like everything that happens in the game is a reference, so if you want to stay with the story then stay to the story, do nothing but missions, whatever makes you happy.
Avarre
I don't mind as long as they at least somewhat still fit in; things like 'I'm Very Important' at least make sense in context.
Darcy
If you don't read the wiki notes or the forum posts about where people think ANet got the name, you'll probably never connect it on your own, at least not to the same source.
To me Nightfall means Isaac Asimov's short story, but when suggested, it was immediately decried as not being a possible connection. (No one reads the classics anymore.) As the story concerns a struggle to prevent the fall of civilization, I thought it was more relevant than the first 3D game.
I also (not being male) am not a big Monty Python fan nor a fan of the "how stupid can it get" movies. (Not bashing, proven facts about male/female preferences in TV/films.) In addition, I don't seem to listen to the right music, so I missed all those connections.
So, ignore the posts by the trivia hunters and stick to the Lore section of guru for your satisfaction. They have created some wonderful background for GW.
To me Nightfall means Isaac Asimov's short story, but when suggested, it was immediately decried as not being a possible connection. (No one reads the classics anymore.) As the story concerns a struggle to prevent the fall of civilization, I thought it was more relevant than the first 3D game.
I also (not being male) am not a big Monty Python fan nor a fan of the "how stupid can it get" movies. (Not bashing, proven facts about male/female preferences in TV/films.) In addition, I don't seem to listen to the right music, so I missed all those connections.
So, ignore the posts by the trivia hunters and stick to the Lore section of guru for your satisfaction. They have created some wonderful background for GW.
Longasc
I agree with Arduinna.
Too many pop culture references destroy the immersion and are rather cheap. This asks if the actual story of the game itself is so weak that it cannot make do without thigh slapper one-liners or pop culture references.
Do not get me wrong, those references are nice in the right dose. But they have totally overdone it with inscriptions and in Nightfall's quests/NPCs.
Too many pop culture references destroy the immersion and are rather cheap. This asks if the actual story of the game itself is so weak that it cannot make do without thigh slapper one-liners or pop culture references.
Do not get me wrong, those references are nice in the right dose. But they have totally overdone it with inscriptions and in Nightfall's quests/NPCs.
Narcism
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Originally Posted by Arduinna
these references completely destroy the world of GW for me
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IlikeGW
I don't really like the cornball references either. It's cute but when entire quests are based on bad pop culture jokes it becomes a bit much.
Orbberius
It's kind of hard to feel any immersion anyway when you occasionally get messages like "so-and-so wins the Hall of Heroes and keeps the favor of the gods for Europe"
dargon
This thread (and others like it) just go to show that there are some people that just must have something to complain about, no matter how inane it looks to every one else.
Doomus
I think that the pop-culture references, smartly done, are great - I also lol'd at 'Drakes on a Plain'. However, sometimes in Nightfall it seems like almost every shout and inscription seems to be a reference to some film or song, and at times it can get a bit close to breaking immersion for me. It's not a big issue by any means, but it's something which, ideally, I'd like to see handled with a bit more restraint in future.
Corinthian
It reminds us that games are just games. It's GOOOOOD to be in contact with REALITY.
Arduin
Of course everyone is free to play this game to their liking, and I know I've enjoyed it a lot for the past 2 years and will probably enjoy it as much for the years to come. Maybe Guild Wars 2 gives the developers a new oppertunity the make the GW-universe a bit more compelling.
Stuff like 'zone-wide-events' made me get excited already, I did like the Factions idea of the Luxon-Kurzick Alliance Battle, if not the implimentation... If something like this is implemented in Guild Wars 2, like some epic battle, or the need to defend a town against an onslaught of monsters in realtime (defend Ascalon from the Charr?) it will be a nice addition to the game. These kind of content would give you the feeling you actually are important to this world, and not some innocent bystander that randomly finishes some quests or missions and isn't bothered what's going on in the rest of the continent.
Gr. Arduinna
Stuff like 'zone-wide-events' made me get excited already, I did like the Factions idea of the Luxon-Kurzick Alliance Battle, if not the implimentation... If something like this is implemented in Guild Wars 2, like some epic battle, or the need to defend a town against an onslaught of monsters in realtime (defend Ascalon from the Charr?) it will be a nice addition to the game. These kind of content would give you the feeling you actually are important to this world, and not some innocent bystander that randomly finishes some quests or missions and isn't bothered what's going on in the rest of the continent.
Gr. Arduinna
freekedoutfish
My opinion is that you're taking it far too seriously. You dont think using references from films like "Anker man" is funny? Its Anet having a laugh, and paying homage to a great comedian and film.
Lighten up a bit
Lighten up a bit
Westofeden
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Originally Posted by dargon
This thread (and others like it) just go to show that there are some people that just must have something to complain about, no matter how inane it looks to every one else.
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Dreikki
It's funny.
Especially the Monty Python references. There are loads of Monty Python references such as "It's just a flesh wound", "Victory is mine", "None shall pass", "Victory is mine".
Just look at these and you'll understand.
http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Special...y+python&go=Go
But yeah, to be honest, the new titles in KoaBD track are going too far.
Especially the Monty Python references. There are loads of Monty Python references such as "It's just a flesh wound", "Victory is mine", "None shall pass", "Victory is mine".
Just look at these and you'll understand.
http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Special...y+python&go=Go
But yeah, to be honest, the new titles in KoaBD track are going too far.
Arduin
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Originally Posted by Dreikki
It's funny.
Especially the Monty Python references. There are loads of Monty Python references such as "It's just a flesh wound", "Victory is mine", "None shall pass", "Victory is mine". Just look at these and you'll understand. http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Special...y+python&go=Go But yeah, to be honest, the new titles in KoaBD track are going too far. |
Mournblade
I absolutely love the veiled humor. (I'll let the higher ranks of KoaBD slide but they go do go overboard.) From the blue oysters to the drakes on a plain. You can get caught up in the challenge of the game sometimes and then all of a sudden you get this "I like pie." comment and you have to laugh. It's all in good fun!
Superdarth
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Arduinna
For quite some time Arenanet is using Real Life References for naming various aspects of their game. Boss names like Enadiz (Zidane), cultural references in titles (People Know Me and such) and oneliners taken from movies and converted to the GW-universe (Balthazar blasted drakes on a plain...)
At first glance, I liked these little inside-jokes. Made me wonder what funny boss would be around the next corner. On the other hand, these references completely destroy the world of GW for me, making it just a substitute of our world. Compared to other roleplaying games, GW hasn't got decades of lore to back it up, everything has been invented in the last 5 years or so. So I'd rather have some references to the 'Gods of Old' or such, further expanding the GW-universe, then yet another funny remark about a new song some populair person has just released. I'd like to hear some of your opinions about this matter. Are you people content with all these references, or would you rather like a closed-off world? Gr. Arduinna |
Besides that there is a good deal of lore around, not as much as WoW and not realy worked out in the finest detail but its enough to work with, and after doing a little digging you might find immersion alot easier to achieve.
But lets face it: Roleplaying is near-impossible in this game, so i dont value immersion all that much tbh.
Amon Warrior
Making real world references can actually be a relief from the real world, considering that most of the pieces of 'wisdom' are taken from cultural entertainment lore.
I personally don't mind, as long as they don't over do it. I agree that with titles such as KoaBD they're extending that shared inner-joke a bit too much, because it's much more visible and an important reference to our progression in the game. They could have used a formal/informal approach, getting their inspiration on the game lore itself. The developers don't take the game lore too seriously then? And that spoils the atmosphere and the mood of the game a bit...
So, these inner-jokes for me are okay if inserted into a lighter context, such as skills, which considering the sheer amount of them, are really a good medium for that. But for certain game features that have a more visible or permanent exposure, they should stick with the game lore.
I personally don't mind, as long as they don't over do it. I agree that with titles such as KoaBD they're extending that shared inner-joke a bit too much, because it's much more visible and an important reference to our progression in the game. They could have used a formal/informal approach, getting their inspiration on the game lore itself. The developers don't take the game lore too seriously then? And that spoils the atmosphere and the mood of the game a bit...
So, these inner-jokes for me are okay if inserted into a lighter context, such as skills, which considering the sheer amount of them, are really a good medium for that. But for certain game features that have a more visible or permanent exposure, they should stick with the game lore.
MSecorsky
I enjoy some of the other references that get overlooked... from the Irukandji to the Jacaranda, names that look made up at first but are in fact real life based. (The Irukandji, as you may know, is a species of the box jellyfish, and the Jacaranda is a tree you can see here: http://www.floridata.com/ref/J/jaca_acu.cfm )
Plus, look at the classes! Everyone has a real life reference, from the Dervish to the Mesmer to the simple Warrior. Let's face it... real life is too ingrained in our real life to completely cast aside.
As for the more subtle "Drakes on a plane" type references, refreshing and brilliant.
Plus, look at the classes! Everyone has a real life reference, from the Dervish to the Mesmer to the simple Warrior. Let's face it... real life is too ingrained in our real life to completely cast aside.
As for the more subtle "Drakes on a plane" type references, refreshing and brilliant.
Krispy
Way back in the day, I used to mod the games I played to include sounds from Monty Python and Beavis and Butthead, among others. I would change out the music to songs that I like to listen to rather than the canned stuff that comes with most games (GW being an exception. Now if only I could get DirectSong to actually work :P )
If I want immersion, I'll go off and read a book somewhere alone. When I'm playing a game, I'm looking for some downtime, but I'm still very aware of the dog barking, the phone ringing, my daughter playing, etc. I prefer to have some humor and clever pop-culture references in the game.
If I want immersion, I'll go off and read a book somewhere alone. When I'm playing a game, I'm looking for some downtime, but I'm still very aware of the dog barking, the phone ringing, my daughter playing, etc. I prefer to have some humor and clever pop-culture references in the game.
HawkofStorms
Eh, I like it as it is at the moment. GW is emersive enough without overdoing the pop culture references.
However, there are many references that go over people's heads. The only ones that annoy me are ones that are "required" to understand. When there are quests or something in the game that makes no sense if you don't know the reference (More Cowbell Quest in factions for example), it can be kinda irritating.
However, there are many references that go over people's heads. The only ones that annoy me are ones that are "required" to understand. When there are quests or something in the game that makes no sense if you don't know the reference (More Cowbell Quest in factions for example), it can be kinda irritating.
WarKaster
I to love having a good laugh at the pop culture references.
I mean come on running around in Vabbi and coming up to three guys named
Lari Moh and Kurli thats just awesome. Drakes on a Plain I laughed so hard when i saw that quest. Not the mention all the inscriptions that take me back to the hay day of Saturday Morning Cartoon. "I have The Power" , "Knowing is Half The Battle", hell even the Rit skill "Sight Beyond Sight". There are tons of literary references as well as references to really famous songs "Riders on the Storm", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Don't Fear The Reaper". I love finding crap around in GW and realizing that the Dev's have a sense of humor and realizing that a lot of them grew up watching the same movies and TV shows most of did as well as reading a lot of the same books and listening to the same music.
I mean come on running around in Vabbi and coming up to three guys named
Lari Moh and Kurli thats just awesome. Drakes on a Plain I laughed so hard when i saw that quest. Not the mention all the inscriptions that take me back to the hay day of Saturday Morning Cartoon. "I have The Power" , "Knowing is Half The Battle", hell even the Rit skill "Sight Beyond Sight". There are tons of literary references as well as references to really famous songs "Riders on the Storm", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Don't Fear The Reaper". I love finding crap around in GW and realizing that the Dev's have a sense of humor and realizing that a lot of them grew up watching the same movies and TV shows most of did as well as reading a lot of the same books and listening to the same music.
clawofcrimson
as long as it doesnt get too out of hand.... I think its great. It lightens me up. Especially when I played the mission with star wars quotes in it. And things like the three stooges npcs.... etc..
Poghan passage:
http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Kurli
Poghan passage:
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There are several references to Star Wars during this mission: The base is nicknamed "The Moon Fortress" due to its shape, that of a crescent moon. This was probably the inspiration for the rest of the Star Wars references due to its relation to the Death Star, a fortress of the Empire in Star Wars, which was mistaken for a "small moon" by Han Solo. If you take Zhed, you, he, and Margrid will reenact a funny dialogue from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope before entering the fortress. Also, if you take Zhed, you will tell the guards that he is being transferred from cell 1138, which is the same as the cell that Han says Chewbacca is being transferred to. In its original usage, this was also a reference to the film THX 1138, the first film made by George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. One of the options the Prison Guard gives you for the prison code is "Blue Harvest", which was the production code for Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Should you choose not to escort the Sunspear Prisoners for that part of the bonus, the dialogue for declining is, "These are not the guards you are looking for," a reference to a line spoken by Obi-Wan Kenobi. The code for the prison (20-1-8-7) is Princess Leia's cell number when she is being held on the Death Star. Right before the area with the demon, there are two guards talking, one being at a loss for words trying to describe how awful the gruel is with the other supplying the word he wants to use as "soylent." The latter then advises the former not to eat the cornbread. This conversation is a reference to the movie Soylent Green. The reference to cornbread may also be a reference to the movie Aliens In the end, you fight a boss named Captain Nebo. This could be a reference to Captain Nemo. There is a closed gate on the west side of the port, but you still can walk through it. If Kihm is in the party, she will be disguised as a male Kournan soldier, instead of a female one. |
Dr Strangelove
For the life of me, I don't get the immersion crowd. I know I'm playing a game. If the game designers put stuff in it that amuses me, all the better. When I'm playing the game, I ruin the immersion by myself by talking like a human about everyday things. I dunno, I think I'd blow out a blood vessel if I had to stand around all day pretending to be Legolas Arrowfletcher, mighty elven ranger and vanquisher of skale, who inexplicably has a full-on hobo beard.
So yeah, keep things entertaining for me. As for the immersion crowd, can't you just pretend that a copy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail was somehow sent back through time/across universes into the game world?
So yeah, keep things entertaining for me. As for the immersion crowd, can't you just pretend that a copy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail was somehow sent back through time/across universes into the game world?
clawofcrimson
http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/The_Black_Beast_of_Arrgh
^ oh yeah.. this made me laugh from monty python.
^ oh yeah.. this made me laugh from monty python.
savage vapor 33
Anet needs to keep you in touch with RL. Hey, sometimes its how some people discover whats goin on in the real world. Some1 doesnt know Zidane, and now they can learn about him. Or Monty python, anchorman, and other references. Now they can learn about these references in real life because of this game.
Toutatis
I like the pop culture references that I keep finding all over Tyria. I still laugh when Koss uses Dismember followed up by "Victory is Mine!"
I enjoy a bit of immersion and some role-playing along with my gaming, but in the end it's still just a game to me. If a pop culture reference makes me laugh a bit, then it increases the game's enjoyment value and makes me want to play a bit more to see what other references I can find
I enjoy a bit of immersion and some role-playing along with my gaming, but in the end it's still just a game to me. If a pop culture reference makes me laugh a bit, then it increases the game's enjoyment value and makes me want to play a bit more to see what other references I can find
Diddy bow
i like it, its just a bit of fun 
Dougal Kronik
I like the cultural references. They are amusing and mesh very well with what's going on in the game.
The real life distractions that should bother you are; the bio breaks, snack replenishment, and the coffee/beverage of choice requirement.
The real life distractions that should bother you are; the bio breaks, snack replenishment, and the coffee/beverage of choice requirement.
Giga Strike
WoW has been packed full of easter eggs since before GW was even out. i think that its good that GW is catching up to WoW in more ways than just gameplay.
can't believe no1 mentioned rodgort yet though.
can't believe no1 mentioned rodgort yet though.
ShadowsRequiem
dunno you might be taking it a step to far :P
I think most of the references are funny as hell and it adds to the enjoyment of the game
I think most of the references are funny as hell and it adds to the enjoyment of the game
lyra_song
More silly real life stuff please.
Silly is good.
clawofcrimson: That wiki entry is bogus. I distinctly remember reading an interview that the shape of Gandara is based on the the crescent moon, the symbol of Islam.
Silly is good.
clawofcrimson: That wiki entry is bogus. I distinctly remember reading an interview that the shape of Gandara is based on the the crescent moon, the symbol of Islam.
KamikazeChicken
Humor is never a bad thing. O.o
WTB: I Have Many Leather-Bound Books
WTB: I Have Many Leather-Bound Books
Sir Skullcrasher
I think you're taking things too seriously. If real life were funny than we're all comedians on a stage known as Earth! 