127 - Eternal Darkness

[matt]

I actually recorded this a while back and forgot to upload it. Whoops! Anyway, here are my thoughts on Eternal Darkness and how it stands up today:

[JPrice]

I've always been interested in trying out Eternal Darkness, though I don't own a Gamecube so I never got the chance hahaa

Interesting perspective on the fourth wall breaking moments. I do agree that they can potentially rip you out of the games atmosphere, I suppose the best way to approach it is by having not many of them so that it doesn't affect it all that much. It's sad to hear though that the game hasn't really aged all that well! But as you said not every game needs to and I think Eternal Darkness has gotten the respect it deserves in recent years.

Though I still love the concept behind fourth wall breaking. Two of my favourite instances of it are definitely within Batman: Arkham Asylum and Spec Ops: The Line.

Arkham Asylum is a perfect instance of only doing it once and it paying off well. I won't say where or how it is in case people haven't checked it out already but it's rather jarring when it happens . Though what I love is how it makes some semblance of sense within the actual game, given the powers and capabilities of one of the villians.

Though my favourite instance of fourth wall breaking is definitely within Spec Ops: The Line.
What I love about this is how gradual it is as it starts off like a predictable and same old, same old FPS. But slowly and surely the real concepts and ideas behind the game come to fruition. Along with this gradual change are instances of fourth wall breaking moments such as the various quotes on loading screens and certain pieces of dialogue that are spoken throughout the game. What I love about them though is how they don't rip you out off the experience, I mean the loading screen fouth wall breaking make sense as that's one of the most "gamey" parts of the experience. The certain pieces of dialogue are rather subtle however as they are meant to be spoken to the protagonist, but could be interpreted as something meant for the player as well. The pinnacle of this fourth wall breaking however comes right at the end when you find the person you've been looking for through the entire game. Even though he's talking to the protagonist, you can clearly construe that he's talking directly to you the player also.

Man I forgot how much I loved Spec Ops: The Line hahaha
Might even replay it at some point soon once I'm done with this work!

But back on topic, I'm sure I'll get around to trying Eternal Darkness eventually, just to see how I personally find it

[matt]

I expect you could play Eternal Darkness in the Dolphin emulator without a GameCube. I played Resident Evil GameCube remake on the Dolphin because it was too hard with the proper saved games. hahaha

I think if you are interested in horror, it is definitely worth giving it a try. I am really glad I played it, but it definitely felt a little rough around the edges these days.

I definitely think there are times when breaking the 4th wall can be used brilliantly, and I think The Stanley Parable is a perfect example. I haven't played Spec Ops, but I did play Arkham Asylum... I don't remember anything about 4th wall breaking. Would you mind saying what you are referring to perhaps with some big spoiler tags?

[JPrice]

I'd like to put in some spoiler tags but I'm not sure what the code for it is hahaa
I tried
text here
(Unless it just doesn't just show up on my phone!)
but that didn't work so!

Do you know what it is per chance Matt haha

[RightClickSaveAs]

Hmm yeah I couldn't find spoiler tags either, I don't think they're active here.

Here's a video I found on Youtube though. I'd actually forgotten about that part, it's kinda a small thing but makes you think something's... happened to your computer, without getting too specific.

Batman Arkham Asylum Spoilers!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPzzfHGC3fA

[JPrice]

Ahhh yes that's the one!
It is interesting yes, especially considering it comes out of nowhere hahaha

[matt]

aaaah, I remember that now. Yeah, that was pretty cool. Thanks for the reminder!

We don't support the spoiler tag yet. I'll see if I can add it.