test content
Logo
What is the Arc Client?
Install Arc
Starfarertheta's Mission Dialogue Revamp Thread.
starfarertheta
Member Posts: 740 Arc User
I've come to the conclusion that the dialogue in my missions could use an improvement. Some of the dialogue can actually be rather cringe worthy, especially in my first four foundry missions: "A Routine Mission," and "The Unsung Mission" series.
So I'll be going over all of my missions to give them a very thorough dialogue revamp.
I have no idea how long it'll take. Most likely a few months, but It'll take however long it'll take.
Why am I telling you this? Because over the course of having several missions published for several months, the dialogue tends to be a common point of criticism. I want you to know that I'm working on it.
Edit:
Here's a link to a document containing dialogue from my missions. You may give your suggestions if you so desire.
Link.
So I'll be going over all of my missions to give them a very thorough dialogue revamp.
I have no idea how long it'll take. Most likely a few months, but It'll take however long it'll take.
Why am I telling you this? Because over the course of having several missions published for several months, the dialogue tends to be a common point of criticism. I want you to know that I'm working on it.
Edit:
Here's a link to a document containing dialogue from my missions. You may give your suggestions if you so desire.
Link.
Post edited by starfarertheta on
0
Comments
And typos. Blasted things. I try looking for them, but there are some that just elude me.
Link.
It's just the grant dialogue and first dialogue tree of "A Routine Mission," but more will be added when I find the time.
I browsed through a made a few suggestions (nothing major, just wording
1. Do you really need a second set of responses in the first dialog tree (branches 1-3). Personally, the initial 3 dialog options seem to set the player tone quite well.
2. I think your crew is a little too informal (even for my preferences.) Try to write bridge dialog closer to what you see in the shows or other STO missions (with conventional orders where appropriate, ex. "ahead, full impulse") or at least to include "traditional bridge dialog" as a consistent option players can decide to use.
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
Yeah, that's because when I made this particular mission I was having some fun with it. I never realized at the time that it would get 900+ plays! That's partly why I've decided to go on a dialogue revamping mission.
Just FYI, my lastest set of mission, Omnitabula, doesn't quite have the amount of silliness my early missions do.
It might be a trend.
My first impulse with my first mission was to play the silly card too with captain dialog. Fortunately only few small parts survived into the published build, not including the "pretend to be a complete idiot" option with the Planetary Security Coordinator.
PSC: "Please, don't try to antagonize the Gorn any more than is strictly necessary."
You: "Hey, I've never met a Gorn that I couldn't make smile!"
Mission two only has a few "funny" bridge/captain options and those are very specific to a given scene (where it's largely circumstance that's providing the humor.) Anyway, I'll definitely be able to provide more suggestions on the rest of the dialog whenever that's ready for inspection.
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
And I changed the name of this thread.
My character Tsin'xing
For example:
A random Orion captain hails you. Does she even know what your rank is? In that case captain(with a small c) might be best.
You talk to Admiral Quinn in his office. He obviously knows your rank, what reason would he have to call you captain or Captain?
My character Tsin'xing
Same.
If I need to have some sort of interaction between Captain and crew where "Admiral" doesn't flow particularly well I'll use "sir." If I need to make it a bit more personal and/or Direct, I'll edge in a [Last Name]. The "Captain" tradition isn't something explained or utilized (I don't think) in game. As much as we might assume everyone's familiar with the effective command subculture of the shows/movies (or militaries on which it's based) there's probably a few players out there who are more familiar with STO's ranking system. For them it could be a little jarring when a title is thrown at them which they apparently left behind 10, 20, or even 30 levels ago.
But how much intelligence do they have? A random Orion hails you but they may have access to the KDF information database which has tagged the USS Whatever to Vice Admiral Whosit. If you go with "captain" in this case it would definitely work for the scene but it implies a knowledge gap which might undermine what else you're trying to do to characterize that Orion.
If they're intended to be a little unawares, then go with cap little c. But if they're the calculating main villian with a master plan afoot or an attachment of that TRIBBLE, then you may want to show that you don't have them at a disadvantage (and immediately knowing who you are and what rank to call you is a very easy short hand to get to that.)
So basically you have to think about it. Any choice here is going to say something about just how the player is fitting into the story.
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
— Sabaton, "Great War"
Check out https://unitedfederationofpla.net/s/
I'll use my own judgement then. Appreciate the feedback!
And I've added 5 dialogue trees to the doc.