Voice-Acting in Games. Do ya like it or not?

[Sefie1999AD]

I think the voices in video games are a good addition if they're done well, like in KH games, for example. I couldn't really imagine playing RTS games like C&C or StarCraft without the units responding when I click at them. I also think the version of "Day of the Tentacle" with voices was better than the one without voices.

The voices tend to get annoying when the voice acting is weak, though. For example, I have mixed feelings about FFX's voice acting. On one hand, the voice acting was done well for Rikku and Auron (IMHO), but on the other hand, I thought the voice acting for Tidus, Yuna and Seymour was quite lousy.

[JKTrix]

Gamers are becoming increasingly impatient. Perhaps not 'veterans' such as some of us, but the ADD generation of gamers is growing. If they have to sit through long text sequences, they would either get bored of it or skip it altogether--missing the story. The voice acting at least stimulates another part of their senses to keep them more interested than simple text alone would, no matter how good or bad the quality of the writing or voice work is.

I thought it was odd that Midna actually 'talks' in Twilight Princess. She's the only character that does. Everyone else just makes emotive grunts, but she talks in her jibber for the whole time she's speaking. It doesn't bother me or 'detract from the experience', but it does seem a little out of place.

For voice acting in general, I prefer if a game does in fact use voices. It does add to the immersiveness and your emotional connection to the characters. I can deal with a game being all text and no voice (after all, that's how games were a long time ago), depending on the style. Phoenix Wright works.

[fantasyjunkie]

Taking away a point from a Zelda game for not having voiceovers is ridiculous. I wouldn't trust that reviewer at all.

Exactly

[ljkkjlcm9]

Gamers are becoming increasingly impatient. Perhaps not 'veterans' such as some of us, but the ADD generation of gamers is growing.

This is true in multiple cases. For instance with PSU, many players are complaining about the time between updates, complaining they have gotten bored and maxed "everything" weeks ago, which basically means they played the game far too much in the first place. Considering I have 250 hours on it and have not maxed everything because I've taken my time playing the game to actually enjoy it. Many gamers nowadays just seem to complete the game as fast they can then toss it aside. I may have a lot of games, but I enjoy everyone. I have games unopened because I take my time with the games I am currently playing before opening them.

Voiceovers can be a good thing, and help to speed up a game, however I don't think it should be a "requirement" at this point, nor should it ever be. Is a movie with fancy CG required? No, but it makes some movies a lot better, and completely makes other movies, while some are actually worse because of how over the top it is. Are movies required to be in color? No, Sin City wasn't in color, except for key things and that movie did well.

Just because technology is at a certain level, does not make certain things a requirement

THE JACKEL

[LunarWeaver]

it depends of how well it was done. for instance, tales of symphonia voice acting was horrible

Symphonia's cast has some of the highest caliber voice actors ever in it. o_O

[Roto13]

it depends of how well it was done. for instance, tales of symphonia voice acting was horrible

Symphonia's cast has some of the highest caliber voice actors ever in it. o_O

It's true. Kratos' VA was a tad dramatic at times, and Lloyd was... just a touch on the annoying side, only periodically. Everyone else was good or great. Raine, Presea, and Regal especially. Even the kids, like Genis and Mithos, were really good. Actually, the only voice I found consistantly annoying was Noishe, and he's a weird dog thing who just makes noises.

[Timerk]

I thought it was odd that Midna actually 'talks' in Twilight Princess. She's the only character that does. Everyone else just makes emotive grunts, but she talks in her jibber for the whole time she's speaking. It doesn't bother me or 'detract from the experience', but it does seem a little out of place.

It kind of reminds me of the way color was used in The Wizard of Oz.

I think it is a cool idea, but I guess it remains to be seen as to how it will play out.

[Dreddz]

Zelda games shouldn't have voices, it just takes away from the experience

Thats so stupid.

You saying that makes me doubt that you have ever played a Legend of Zelda game. It wouldn't be the same if characters actually talked more than vague noises. I had a hard time dealing with Midna's constant babble in Twilight Princess. It does take away from the experience.

Stop blindly sticking up for the game, you've never played a Zelda game with voices so how would you know whether it would be good or not. If this was any other game Im sure you'd gladly criticize. But this is just what fanboys are like nowadays I guess....

[Madame Adequate]

Nintendo has said many times that they don't use much voice acting in Zelda games as an artistic decision, so I think reviewers should accept that and not act like it is some surprise.

Isn't that kind of like not commenting on an impossibly difficult level because it's designed that way? I mean, I don't know that Zelda would work with voices but.

Anyway depends on the game, really. I don't think it's necessary, but when it's done well, it really does help.

[Roto13]

Zelda games shouldn't have voices, it just takes away from the experience

Thats so stupid.

You saying that makes me doubt that you have ever played a Legend of Zelda game. It wouldn't be the same if characters actually talked more than vague noises. I had a hard time dealing with Midna's constant babble in Twilight Princess. It does take away from the experience.

Stop blindly sticking up for the game, you've never played a Zelda game with voices so how would you know whether it would be good or not. If this was any other game Im sure you'd gladly criticize. But this is just what fanboys are like are nowadays I guess....

Suddenly giving Zelda games voices at this point would be like suddenly giving Mario a shotgun.

[Cruise Control]

Stop blindly sticking up for the game, you've never played a Zelda game with voices so how would you know whether it would be good or not. If this was any other game Im sure you'd gladly criticize. But this is just what fanboys are like are nowadays I guess....

You couldn't point out a fanboy unless I gave you a mirror.

EDIT: And WTF. He specifically mentioned one with VA, you quoted him. Are you smurfing blind.

[KentaRawr!]

I really like it when it's done well as in games like the Kingdom Hearts series, the Metal Gear Solid series, Tomb Raider: Legend and Dark Chronicle.

I know what you mean, though. It's nice to imagine how the characters sound like and such, but in some games it would just be dull without any voice-overs.

The Zelda games have never really had voice-overs, though.

Well, except for Wand of Gamelon, but since nobody likes that game to begin with, that point is moot.

Don't forget Zelda's Adventure, the Faces of Evil, and the Satellaview games.

[Mirage]

Suddenly giving Zelda games voices at this point would be like suddenly giving Mario a shotgun.

Oh, I'd buy that game.

[Fire_Emblem776]

Suddenly giving Zelda games voices at this point would be like suddenly giving Mario a shotgun.

Oh, I'd buy that game.

Their is a fan made version of it. Mario guns down gumbas

[LunarWeaver]

When Dragon Quest got localized and they added voices nobody died, and nobody would die if Zelda had someone reading the dialogue you will be reading yourself anyway. I think what Dreddz is trying to say is that Zelda is only getting away with it because it is an established franchise, and if it was the same exact game with a different title on the box gamers would be criticizing it for its lack of voices instead of praising it.

And before you eat me alive, I could care less if Zelda goes forever without voice acting honestly, I'm just saying I think this is what Dreddz is trying to get across.