When Game Trailers Confuse More Than Excite
by Betheo
© 2009 Beth Sasagi
If you are looking for an exciting game set on a mysterious island, infested with all manner of strange creatures and a captivating story that draws you in, do not bother watching the trailer to Risen, being brought to us by Pirahna Bytes and Deep Silver.
It is the perfect example of a trailer that reveals little and does little to generate interest. Okay, go ahead and watch it, because it is a good study in what not to do.
The game’s trailer from late last year starts off with a man and a woman desperately running through a dark jungle, while behind them a creature that appears to be some form of mutated gorilla chases close on their heels. From the start, it is clear that the graphics are not exactly what you would expect from a modern game.
• Risen First Intro Trailer.
The characters appear stiff and the emotions displayed are rigid as the ‘terrified’ travelers run on. The man falls and calls to the woman to go on without him; she does and he dies. The woman makes it into a town where a man who appears to have a permanent squint or is constipated informs her that, “No one may leave the city by order of the inquisitor”. Followed by, “Sir, we found her!” WTF?
The trailer continues on with dramatic music and quick shot cuts, displaying an evil-looking man with one eye and a very strange eye-patch (obviously the inquisitor), a strange eyeless beast, and a temple rising from under the island, followed by a malevolent voice saying the word ‘Risen’.
The trailer leaves a number of questions: why can’t people leave the city? What are those strange creatures? And what exactly, is the plot behind the game? At one point you can hear the hopeless cry: “The gods have forsaken us”. They look to be the gods of plot, visual presentation, and gameplay.
• Risen: Mood Trailer #1 (Recent release)
As I said, the trailer really doesn’t help.
It doesn’t show any in-game play or what sort of game it will be (though it obviously leans toward RPG).
The fan site World of Risen attempts to sum up the plot:
On a remote island with a Caribbean flair, strange things are happening. Old ruins rise from the ground (hence, the game’s name) and with them, weird monsters appear. An organization called “The Inquisition” has decided to investigate these events and seized power on the island. No one is allowed to roam on the land freely but as a newcomer, washed ashore without memories, you have no choice…
Caribbean flair? And who the hell are you?
• Risen Mood video #2
The premise does sound vaguely promising, with the hope of great battles and thrilling quests, if only the trailer didn’t let it down. The recent arrival of the three mood clips, each detailing some portion of the island begin to show a bit more.
Although they are rather dull, they at least give you the impression that the in-game graphics may be decent, if not much better than the trailer. The look appears to be very similar to that found in Fable (Caribbean flair aside), and whilst this is not necessarily a bad thing, that was a first gen Xbox game.
Unfortunately it appears that this game will not be all that its developer Piranha Bytes and publisher Deep Silver want it to be, but there is still hope for the game, at least until some gameplay videos or a demo is released. Perhaps they should have done more with the game before showing the trailer.
• Risen Mood Trailer #3
What do you think?
Comment in the section below.
© 2009 Beth Sasagi
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Filed under: 3rd Party Games, Console gaming, Editorial, New Game Information, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 Game Previews, Xbox 360 News Tagged: | "new xbox games for 2009", "world of risen", 360, Deep Silver, Fable, Game Trailers, New Xbox 360 Games, OXCGN, PC, piranha bites, Piranha Bytes, priranha-bytes, Risen, Xbox 360
If you really value high production values and (melo)dramatic moments over talented design, kill yourself.
Instead of a note, print out a picture of your stupid xbox avatar. That way the authorities will understand why you did it (i.e: came to realization that you don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about ever and needed to end the cycle of worthlessness)
Oh and they are called “Mood Clips,” not “Mood Trailers.”
See for yourself:
http://risen.deepsilver.com
So you really can’t judge them as if they were trailers.
I’m sorry that was editorial garbage.
I literally stopped reading by the third paragraph.
Your entry is bad and you should feel bad!
WOW!
Well qualities of the article aside, I’ll grant the writer kudos for starting a conversation about a game that at least for me didn’t exist previously.
Personally I think the trailers are horrible and do a disservice to what otherwise looks like a promising and eclectic premise.
Kudos to Cam for the level headedness and constructive critique and advice given to the writer.
If you’re who I think you are… I’ll see you at E3 mate!
“The premise does sound vaguely promising, with the hope of great battles and thrilling quests, if only the trailer didn’t let it down.”
There, see, i said it sounds PROMISING (vaguely to be honest)
And i also said, the TRAILER let it down.
not the plot.
I feel the plot seems kind of awkward, but that is what i think.
Im not calling you all ‘idiots’ and ‘pathetic’ (thank you Streesth and Gamla) so, think of something clever to say if you must insult me.
And read the WHOLE article before posting.
I guess your message didn’t come through clearly. I’d suggest working on your analytical and communication skills a bit.
Also, ignore the personal insults, reflexive unthinking flaming, and other knee-jerk reactions, particularly of a product with a large following, seem to be a fact of internet life. If you pay attention, you will go nuts. Consider it white noise and look for the comments that actually try to argue a point.
I grant even I got a little personal towards you. Apologies.
That should have read –
Also, ignore the personal insults. Reflexive unthinking flaming, and other knee-jerk reactions, particularly related to a product with a large following, seem to be a fact of internet life. If you pay attention, you will go nuts. Consider it white noise and look for the comments that actually try to argue a point.
ah, its fine, i think i was in a cranky mood when i wrote that comment then (i know, three hours ago)
And i saw someone who flamed a little, but at least they ave points about why they didnt like the article.
I do have to say that i appreciate everyone who voiced their honest oppinion and not just hatin on me (lol)>
Critiquing a game based on a trailer is like saying you wouldn’t move into a house based of a first sketch. The trailer is a snapshot, a single point in time. A rough movie, if you will. The finished product may well be significantly different.
A side point addressed in the critique: Graphics. I for one am sick to death of the fixation with graphics and eye-candy. You want all that crap? Go to an Imax. I want an engrossing immersive story and fluid game mechanics. I don’t make judgments based on trailers. They are nothing more than doodles on a napkin, IMO. YMMV.
I agree with all of this. I didn’t mention graphics whorism in my posts, but yeah, that annoys the hell out of me too!
On the subject of the graphics. If you know even just only a little about CRPGs then you know that they have always lagged behind the visuals of FPS and ‘Action’ games.
This is because there are fewer calculations to process per second of gameplay. Action games are largely about where the player is, where the monsters are, and where the bullets are.
CRPGs just have a lot more going on behind the scenes. This all takes up more processing power. Which leaves less processing power for crazy visual.
This fact puts CRPG developers in a no win situation for reviews such as the author of this preview.
When developers of CRPGs push the visual, and end up with low frame rates they are criticized. This happened with Gothic 3.
Learning from this lesson, that actual gameplay, in the end, is paramount, I think PB has scaled back the graphics to provide a better gameplay experience.
Of course, this makes them now a target of, ‘your game looks so last-gen-ish.’
The MTV-ization of gaming has been a huge set back to the hobby. Too many gaming sites worshipping the ‘all show no go’ games and are quick to criticize games that show a hint of creativity while perhaps not looking all ‘bling’ in the process.
xboxoz360
“…The modelling is extremely chunky and almost first-gen Xbox level, rather than high-end PC or even PS3/360 levels when compared to other leading games out such as say BioShock, Gears Of War, Metal Gear Solid, Killzone 2…”
———————————————-
Let’s take a moment to analyze that ridiculous statement, shall we?
First, Bioshock was developed by a subsidiary of 2K Games, which in turn is a subsidiary of the even larger mega-publisher Take-Two Interactive.
Next, Gears of War, was developed/published by Epic Games. Like Bioshock, it too utilizes the Unreal Engine (3 in this case, 2.5 with certain beta-elements of 3 in the former).
Then we come to MGS, by Kojima Productions, owned by Konami. They use a proprietary in-house engine that is said to be on par with the UE3.
Lastly, Killzone 2, whose developer, Guerrilla Games, is owned by Sony Computer Entertainment. They use an engine that, again, is said to rival the UE3.
See a pattern emerging? Each game is backed by a large corporation, each operated on a substantial budget (look up the figures and stand in awe), each had a development team roughly five times the size of Risen’s (if I recall correctly, MGS4 had a team of roughly 125+ people, whereas Risen has roughly 40). Details of the rendering engine have not yet been released, however, I doubt PB’s operating budget had room for the enormous licensing fee of the UE3 (consider that the fee for the UE2 alone is $350,000 with a non-refundable payment due on initial signing and 3% of all profits thereafter).
In short, you are comparing apples and oranges. Or, more appropriately, you are comparing what are akin to the massive studios of Hollywood that put out CG-heavy flicks like X-Men: Origins to the small-time folk who fill the Cannes Film Festival with such gems.
You, mate, need to understand that each development house is aimed at vastly different markets and competing with wildly different resources on hand. Next time you want to throw out some wild comparisons, do your research first…
…also, at World of Risen you can actually chat with the developers of said game. They take community suggestions and have a “Bug-Me” thread for random queries from their fans. I have never seen any major studio host such a thing.
Also, I second what every other rational individual has said in regards to this “article.” The author’s assumptions are unfounded and constitute, at best, pure opinion. Finally, there is nothing derogatory about calling someone “missy.” Get over it.
All valid points, and details well taken. I suppose when you look at it from a single genre followers point of view, it (any game) seems or presents its self well. Nowdays, (to the detriment of many games unfortunately) many expect greater things from their games. I think it has grown a great deal faster since 2005 when gaming seemed to take a huge push forward. Bringing with it many new gamers that may not have even thought of such genres – or even seen them for that matter.
Sadly this has created a different view point in the various ages groups that are attracted to the different genres. Those who love the fast paced action and glossy Unreal Engine looks are quick to pull apart a slower paced, and different visually presented game. We all have our opinions on things, and we all will never agree on many issues in general. But it’s always great to see ppl willing to say their mind (so long as it’s civil) and debate the issues. Just like these last two comments. You both have pointed out items that may have slipped through the cracks and opened our eyes to other possibilities towards Risen.
This IS how we all learn as well. Through these sorts of things, one can educate the other as to the finer points on a particular game, I’ve learnt lots from such things, and visa-versa. We are always open to correction, that’s how a site grows, all we ask is that it be done in a civil manner, so both sides have a chance to express themselves like adults. Which seems to be the case here, well – with most of it
.
On the other foot, others have to realize that not everyone sees the same things in the same game. We’ll all view the same sceen through different eyes, and give a different representation of it. That’s the beauty of games really. As each one offers a gamer a different perspective.
NOTE:
If someone is willing, and able, we’d invite them to do a piece on Risen, pointing out the various points of such a game. We’ll publish it, and credit you naturally. This will give a balanced view coming from two perspectives. So if anyone is up for it, simply email us using the Contact Us button at the top of the right column. We’re always open for contributions.
This article is pathetic because of the reasons everyone above me stated. Oh, and the people defending the writer are also as pathetic as the article – way to go INTERNET WHITE KNIGHTS.
Wow, very convincing argumentthere mate – not. At least you could offer some ideas as to why “you” think the article isn’t factual or offer rebutal details. But no, you just throw insults, which is usuallythe way for many who lay masked behind the internet.
Writers are given a job to do, to view something and then pass on their thoughts about it. You don’t have to agree with them, but calling the writer names is less than adult, its simply childish in the extreme. Tell me something . . .
Have you ‘ever’ written anything . . .
Has your work not been liked by others . . . ?
Did you still feel right regarding your thoughts when writing your article or piece, but had others think otherwise. ?
Or perhaps you’ve not actually written anything – ahh, that could be the problem . . .
Wow. Comparing graphics of an open world game to a railroad light rpg that’s split into 100s of small maps like Fable is daring.
At least the author could have cared to peek at the role playing convention (RPC) videos that are at youtube before writing an article full of ass-umptions.
i did,
thank you,
and i retain my point of view,
perhaps YOU shouldn’t make ass-umptions
Ok, not an ass-umtion: you ridiculed yourself with this called ‘preview’ *period*
And people (including me) make a lot of positive ass-umptions about trailers for games we are excited by too…
Trailers are there to get interest in your upcoming product. Clearly this one did with many of you, but again some of us were not as impressed.
The author drawing conclusions based on a trailer…we do that all the time with games, film, tv…whatever. If you see a bad trailer you often will assume the product will also be bad…Trailers are there for us to draw conclusions (they hope good ones…).
Actually this is a flaw with the trailer system. It is designed to create enthusiasm for a product, and then incorrectly leads people into drawing conclusions on the final product. This is probably intentional, and is defnitely kind of dishonest. Unfortunately it isn’t going to go away. To counteract it, viewers need to be critical, and not get too swept un in enthusiasm (some is fine
.
So to some degree the author can be forgiven for making this mistake – although as a journo she should be more resistant to such an error. Hopefully she will learn from this experience.
Basically it is best to remember that a trailer is propaganda that may provide an indication that the product is worth following up further – via reviews, forums, word of mouth, or demo’s.
Opinions are like asses though, everyone has one and rarely does anyone want to know much about yours.
I think this article is more a big waggle of opinion than a quick flash and it makes a lot of, pardon the pun, ass-umptions on the game when very little is known.
This article seems confused.
It starts out critiquing a trailer, which is a fairly bizarre thing to do anyway, outside of tutorial on how to make a trailer (kind of a slow news day, huh?). It does a mediocre job of this (complaining of lack of plot/storyline closure in a teaser is just weird). But then, it diverts into apparent comments on the upcoming game, which are impossible to substantiate given the source information.
In essence, it devolves from a fairly poor ‘review’ of a trailer into rampant speculation, and then, unebelievably, it draws conclusions based on those speculations. Say what?
This is article shows a lack of critical analytical skills on the part of the writer. I am surprised this individual is able to work in a professional capacity as a gaming journo! If you are reviewing the trailer then stick to reviewing the trailer, and critique based on the information you have.
At best you could have concluded the trailer (and the trailer alone) was poorly constructed, quite possibly was not representative of the final product, and did not, in your case, inspire interest in the actual game. You cannot draw conclusions on anything else.
Thank you for your opinion,
i dont agree with it,
but i am glad someone at least backed up what they had to say, rather than attack without reason.
and the personal insults (pathetic) are getting a little grating
Everyone has a valid opinion on this, but calling people ‘idiots’, ‘not bright’ or the most condescending of all, ‘missy’, shows a lack of respect for those with a different perspective.
The article explains well why she wasn’t impressed and she is entitled to think as she wants. Any Gothic-type game has my interest, but the trailer really is basic by today’s standards.
Take Oblivion’s trailer from 2005 and compare it.
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/8822.html
Oblivion’s trailer was dramatic and so much better than this. I believe they should have waited to polish it before doing the video.
Czorrect, we’re looking at what is being “presented” for an audience of todays standards, not one 3-5 yrs agao (ie 2004-5). The Mood Trailers do nothing for the game, they are jerky, square, no real form and basically, to present a New Game, they need to be a great deal more “polished”. One only has t9o stand these besides other games, in the same genre for todays standards, and you can see the huge difference.
Not everyone will agree with how a game resents itself to the viewer on the storyline. But that is why we all like different genre’s. Given that fact, the main critical area is how it is being presented for this market. It’s comparable to a late PS2 or late Xbox game, not a PS3 or 360 or even highend PC game.
The game could well turn out to be great – stoiry wise, but will ppl buy it when it’s throw in amongst the huge RPG’s of todays level and actually come out with decent sales . . .not as it stands. It will be interesting to see if their next lot of trialers are somewhat more polished and detailed and show more actual gameplay as well. Ideally there could be mention of it at E3, judging by the way Deep Silver are throwing the Mood Trailers at GamesPress recently.
If the writer had any intelligence at all, then she would have known that the first trailer is not made using in game graphics. It is a pre-rendered movie. So the writer starts saying the graphics are not good based on a teaser made not using in game graphics. Sorry, but is clearly obvious the teaser is not using in game graphics.
Also if the writer had any intelligence at all, they he/she should have known what a teaser is. I have never seen a teaser have the information he/she was wanting in a teaser.
Also, it is not unusual for developers to throw videos out there that do nothing but show off the landscape graphics during development, which is what the mood videos are really.
And wow, comparing this graphics of this game to Fable 1, or any other late PS2/Xbox game? Maybe if your eye sight is horribly bad and all you see is blurs
Yeah, but you’re forgetting that Oblivion is complete garbage trash shit
Wow, what a horrible article. The author is not very bright. Guess the writer doesn’t know how “teasers” work
Actually the writer is bright, and the articles is also aimed at the less than stella production of the teaser. The graphics are noting “Thjis-Gen” and ask the question, why-so.
The modelling is extremely chunky and almost first-gen Xbox level, rather than high-end PC or even PS3/360 levels when compared to other leading games out such as say BioShock, Gears Of War, Metal Gear Solid, Killzone 2, etc etc etc. Just because it is PC-ported to console does not give the developer an excuse to cut corners if they want to make an impression on the “This-Gen” gaming public. PC gamers might be up for less than stella looks in some of their games, but when a developer heads into the Lounge-room gaming arena, they had best make sure it looks the level that is required.
The animation is forced and not very fluyid, and as a “Teaser” it does very little and having been around for ‘some time’ – it certainly doesn’t engauge me into looking further into the story. It has 1 small trailer, and th FOUR Mood Trailers. Wow . . 4 trailers on Mood, basically looking at the scenery, and 1 showing some basic storyline, way too go to sell a story, NOT.
Wow, I hope this article is a joke.
“The trailer leaves a number of questions”
Yeah.. that’s the point of a teaser trailer. It makes you want more.
“Perhaps they should have done more with the game before showing the trailer.”
..and maybe in the next one they’ll tell us the entire plot line including the ending. I want more content in my one minute trailers!!
You dont dont need the plot line,
just an idea if there is actually a plot.
The plot is you are shipwrecked on a strange island. I’m sure more details will be revealed later on as the game as it’s pretty early in the development stage. But the point of a teaser is to leave you wanting to know more and IMO they accomplished this.
Lots of us following the game at this point are familiar with the Gothic series and thus realize that the plot will be unveiled as you play the game. Gothic plot lines are typically complex and can’t easily be explained in one or two minutes.
I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you’ve never played any of the Gothic games developed by Piranha Bytes. But seriously, to simply make rash assumptions on the the quality of game based upon a short trailer and a couple of environment shots is kinda absurd. That’s why you are getting the backlash you are.
You would have done yourself a favor by researching the game and realizing that Piranha Bytes isn’t new to the RPG genre and these trailers are simply an attempt to gain a following from the existing fans of the Gothic series. You seem more intent on taking everything at face value without any research into the developer or the genre (which is nothing like Fable). Maybe you should hit up Fox News as you’d probably work well as a one of their “reporters”.
missy,stick to your wii games, and let your fingers from real games…
?
Uhm someone has mommy issues. He says we found “it” , and it is clearly unrelated to the part with the woman returning to the city.
Either this is a joke article or the author is an idiot. The trailers are promising.
Ouch. I thought the trailer gave a cinematic and narrative driven feel to a genre that is so focused on allowing you to create your own story that they fall short of a meaningful plot.
Is this a joke article of hate ?
Gothic are some of the best RPGs of all time as Risen will 99.99% be, the plot seems fine to me