RPGs and Epilogues

[TheCommanders]

I just finished DA:O for about the fifth time and was happily spacebaring my way through the epilogue, reading up on what had happened to all the people I'd influenced throughout the game. I was wondering, what the hell happened to these? I remember them being one of the reasons I really liked origins, and Fallout New Vegas, and some other older games, because they made me feel like everything was nice and wrapped up, and that everything I did had an impact. Lately, however, the trend seems to be to have all choices enter an equation that spits out one of two or three pre chosen endings, then have a short cinematic say which ending you got. Obviously the big discussion right now is about ME3, but DA2, and DE:HR went this route as well. Hell, some games with decision making barely have any acknowledgment of what's been done at all (i.e. skyrim).

I'm curious, would people like to see these return? Did you hate them with a fiery passion? Do you think they should return, but in a more updated format? Thoughts?

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Why give an epilogue when you can leave it on a cliffhanger and try to force a franchise out of a single game? Everyone is looking to make a damn trilogy, so a standalone game is ludicrous.

Also, is that the dad from the Boondock Saints?

 

[ChupathingyX]

Fallout: New Vegas only came out in 2010 so I wouldn't say they're dying out or anything like that.

If an RPG is big and open with multiple characters and storylines then yes, I like to have some kind of epilogue that gives me some nice closure. Fallout: New Vegas in particular did a great job and included all of the major factions, locations, characters and even had epilogues for all of the DLC.

 

[Clive Howlitzer]

I am a massive fan of a video game giving me closure and not ending on a stupid cliffhanger every time. I am also a big fan of epilogue. In a way, I almost wish some games would have some quests after the main plot is over, that show the aftermath a bit. I am sure I am in the minority, but I wouldn't mind it.
Of course, this is also coming from someone that would be fine with no main plot, and just lots of tighter storylines and relationship building over the game with your companions.

 

[TheCommanders]

Also, is that the dad from the Boondock Saints?

Why yes it is, good eye!
"Boys... Daddy's Working"

 

[Smooth Operator]

Well the interconnected plot points are tough to make and devs are on a short leash trying to pump out games as fast as possible.
For example one of the devs on DA:O said they actually started planing things 9 years before release, now try telling your publisher you need 9 years... he will have you in a straight jacket before the meeting is over.

Yes we were all expecting the old ideas to grow into ever more amazing worlds but they seem to be shrinking instead, and don't anyone dare mention it or there will be fanboy wars of epic proportions... again.

 

[Lucem712]

I really enjoy the way Fallout:NV did it. You getta hear about everyone and everything you might of affected.

Skyrim's end didn't feel as...closed, but I suppose that was because you didn't really fix anything, I mean sure you killed the doom-bringer but other wise? You don't really change anyone's life, except extend it.