Longer episodes or more variation?
Its clear that the episodes that Telltale releases are becoming shorter then usual. For example: episode 1 from Batman S2 was 2 hours long and episode 4 was just 1 hour. However, episode 4 had a lot of variation in scenes. And it seemed that choices finally mattered more then usual. So I have a question for you guys. Do you rather have a long episode of more then 2 hours long or more different scenes in the the shorter episode for better replayabillity?
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i don't know for others but i prefer more different scenes for a better replayability.
I would prefer more variation.
I like the inconsistent nature as strange as it sounds. Some episodes serve as being longer due to more character/plot driven scenarios that need to be addressed, and another episode coincides with the previous smaller choices you made in a previous lengthier episode making for a shorter but "you" driven experience. I liked what we've gotten so far with Enemy Within, and hope it continues through with other series.
I'd go for more variation, but it doesn't really matter. As long as the product is well crafted and I enjoy it, it's all good for me.
To be honest, I think a balance can be struck nicely, as most -- if not all episodes of Guardians each featured some good variation to an appropriate length. None of the episodes (at least for me) ever dipped below the 1h30m mark, and I was greatly satisfied with the amount of choices and tailoring throughout.
I fully agree with freelance, it's a pretty nice balance having both longer episodes and episodes that are shorter but cater to our choices from previous ones. The first episode, in my opinion, should always be long as opposed to 'choice-driven' so that it can set everything up properly for the rest of the season and give us those choices that can become templates for unique experiences.
I've really beaten this to death by now, so short version:
Variation > Length
Writing > Both
I would prefer development time be spent more on variations than padding, but I wouldn't want this at the expense of writing. Shoe-horned exposition and character development can kill your story. I think the best formula is to have a beginning and an end, but to have divergent paths in the middle. You can have a cohesive story, but still include choices and variation within.
It's not like they're mutually exclusive, definitely not an either/or situation. We should be demanding both tailored and long episodes not thinking about which quality we should allow Telltale to be lacking.
I guess it boils down to what is acceptable for your money. I love Telltale's Batman series, but let us look at the 4th episode.
At around 50 minutes, it wastes no time in getting into the action. It is a fast paced and fun episode where based on your choices John can do 1 of 2 things that have very cool pay offs. This season...choices do have a significant impact. Good job guys!!
But at 50 minutes, some things get short changed. The entire Alfred subplot enters into a new phase...but it is over as fast as it starts...and Tiffany...there was a great missed opportunity to explain to her...Your Batman. Also there should have been talk about what sacrifices you go through for the fight against crime. the broken bones...the stab wounds, the idea that loved ones like Alfred could become targets if you are not careful.
I think an hour and a half is the least amount of time an episode ever runs...because there is always things you can do to enrich the story. It goes back to TWD S2...Episode 5 had many faults and cool moments...but the time to get the group around a campfire and just talk, was a very nice moment that added heart to an episode filled with death.
I am all for a fast paced story...but do not miss out on the things that used to make Telltale special..which is the heart and humor they put into some of their best games. Sometimes less is more...but more often than not...less is just less.