Thursday, October 11, 2007

Video Game Ending Guide

So I decided to make a small guide to video game endings, pointing out what (imo) differentiates good endings from bad endings by mainly listing the basic forms that an ending comes in, and grading it. So here we go.

1. The Star Wars Ending.
- Basically, you finally win the game and your reward is a block of text slowly moving up the screen. Sure, depending on what the text says, it can be somewhat satisfying, and more often than not, some sort of pictures fill in the background to remind you of every primary point of your adventure. It's kind of like a nostalgic trip back over the last two hours, but it's definitely not worth seeing twice.
Example: Super Contra.
Grade: C-

2. The Literal End.
- Rare in these modern times, this version is one of the most dreaded outcomes to a hard fought victory. The screen fades black, and the credits roll, and then... "The End" appears on your screen. No resolution. No fancy art. Nothing.
Grade: D- (Yes, there is one worse on my scale)

3. The Result.
- Castles collapsing, buidlings blowing up, main male lead kisses main female lead. Basically any action/adventure game utilizes this ending.
Grade: B

4. The Epilogue.
- The Epilogue is resolution. Your character's(or s') fate is explained, the effect on the world is shown, and everyone feels good about themselves. Usually...
Example: Final Fantasy 6
Grade: A-

4b. The Cliffhanger.
- Cousin to the epilogue, the cliffhanger usually ends exactly with the same cheery tone as the epilogue, except a nasty surprise waits after the credits. Either the main villain remains, or an even darker threat is waiting to reveal itself. Sometimes exciting, sometimes annoying.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time (there are better exapmles, but it's late and I can't think)
Grade: B+

5. The Void
- Worst possible ending, usually to a long RPG. You work like crazy to level your guys, complete quests, collect gear, and finally slay the bad guy... and then someone tells your characters "You will have no memory of this adventure." Sure, you saved the universe, but no one knows; it's like it never happened. Is there any bigger let-down? I mean, your guys deserve parades, fame, honor, etc. Not only that, any friendships your characters formed are lost. Chrono Cross even has quests to reunite lost loved ones, but with the ending, it's all wiped away.
Examples: Chrono Cross, Zelda: Ocarina, Final Fantasy 1
Grade: F

6: Chrono Trigger
- Gets it's own level, since it has 10 endings, and almost all of them are better than most any other game. Frog's ascent to Magus, the new future, the Prophet's challenge of Lavos, the Quick Win scenario. All great moments.
Grade: A+

I'm sure there are more, and that you could break these down, but this is what I'm starting with. Feel free to post additions, revision, or comments on changes.

- FInished episode 13. Just need to upload it onto my PC. I have today off, so I'll try to get it done sometime. Check back for updates later on; i'll let you know when it's up, if you care.

3 comments:

Varda said...

Hmmm. Very good points. And wonderful that you put Chrono Trigger in its own category. It's a one-of-a-kind.

YAY!!! :D :D :D The new episode!!! :D :D :D Should I go type it onto your comp? I could. I could go do it right now. :D lol

David said...

yes, let her if it will get it posted earlier ;)

Joe said...

your mind is amazing! where did that train of thought begin?