You awaken cold and damp on the forest floor. How did you get here? Your memory is fogged by the dull ache in your head. You remember crossing a bridge in a downpour. The river flooded... The bridge collapsed, and you fell...
This is my entry for the Bioware writing contest. I hope you enjoy it.
7.0 INTO THE WOODS (216TH TESTED MODULE) This is my updated scoring system structured around the format provided by Bioware. The final score is still consistent with my old system, but I hope to give clearer feedback within the new guidelines. NB: Judging any material is always subject to personal taste. I have tried hard to be as objective as possible. Remember, this is only my opinion; Bioware?s is the one that counts! If you believe I have scored your module unfairly, or I have missed something of importance, please email me at ?email_althea@blueyonder.co.uk? and I will consider any comments made. All nine Bioware points can score a maximum of 1 point each, leaving 1 point for my personal interest/like of the module. Text of Module: (1.75 out of 3) The Writing: (I do not scan the writing looking for errors, but if I notice something while reading it, I will note it here.) I noticed misuse of punctuation, poor sentence structure (?At toothy ???). Also alright > all right. (0.5) Characterization: Vorlan was average, the girl was quite good, but the manticore appeared out of place. (0.5) Dialog Flow: This flowed most of the time, although I was confused by the relationship between the manticore and the girl. The conversation did not make it clear. Also, the manticore suggested there was reason not to trust Vorlan. Why? (0.75) Concept Execution: (4.5 out of 6) Originality/Creativity: Although confusing in places, I enjoyed the idea of the story. (1.0) Logical Flow: This was another module with some illogical moments. The mentioning of a harp was out of the blue. Why would Vorlan run off without us? I was not sure in the end whether I had encountered a ghost or a will-o-wisp. What was the manticore on about and where did it come from? (0.5) Drama: There were a number of dramatic moments throughout. (1.0) Pacing: The pace was maintained well throughout. (1.0) Character Development: There was development in the girl. (0.25) Multiple Paths: I have assumed at least three endings. (0.75) Conclusion: Technically, this module scored average in the writing in my opinion. (1.75/3) The story scored above average in my opinion. (4.5/6). My personal score is 0.75 out of 1.0 because I did like the idea, even if I was left confused at the end about exactly who was what. The scripting added a great deal of atmosphere as well. MY SCORE SYSTEM (IMHO): 5 Not up with the competition. 5 - 6 Average. 7 - 8 Above average. > 8 An exceptional piece PERSONAL SCORING FACTORS (IN ORDER OF MY PRIORITIES): GRAB FACTOR: How quickly am I involved in the action? Do I have direction? PLOT: Is the story engaging? Is subject interesting? Varied conversation choices? CHARACTERS: Are they easily identifiable? Are they rounded/memorable? SPELLING GRAMMAR: Is the text easy to read? Are there quite a few errors? OTHER FACTORS (MINOR INFLUENCE): Design for atmosphere scenery, including sounds props. Quality of module stability; does it break easily? _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by ZimTheGreat at on03/12/06
This module started strong and maintained intrigue throughout. The setting and situation were built well through the dialogue alone, even without the rich visual environment. The situation and plot were refreshingly unique - really breaking the mold of the typical quest. I enjoyed the ever-growing sense of fear and urgency that was created. Also, it's surprising how vivid and full the writing is, especially in the face of not have the benefit of relating to a larger game, characters, etc. The writer really drew me in with the sophisticated and nuanced descriptions and dialogue. Probably my favorite module all-around.
Posted by Berra at on03/03/06
Interesting and original plot. It also had good writing. Well done! _________________________ /// Berra (Hall of Fame, Reviewer's Award and Golden Dragon Winner): Berra's Module Collection (All of Berra's NWN1 works) Interviews: NWN-PODCAST INTERVIEW GOLDEN DRAGON AWARD INTERVIEW. Reviewer's Award and Golden Dragon Award for: Surviving Horror 2. Other Downloads: NWN1 - Berra's Module Favorites, NWN2 - Berra's Module Favorites. Homepages: Berra's NWN Blog Berra's YouTube Channel (Features original horror movies). CONTACT ME HERE. Everyone: your VOTES are highly appriciated. A vote is like gold for an author. No kiddin'. ;)
Posted by nereng at on02/28/06
First to the other voters: we IGNORE the scripting. That means no plus poins and no minus points. Also: there is only custom content in a module if you have to put something in another folder than the .mod folder. This was an enjoyable module! I didn't find anything wrong with the writing. The characters were OK. The plot is interesting and original.
Posted by Talmud at 2006-02-2807:22:43
Syberduh: I think that if you play through again you may change your mind about the manticore. I found that I had to mention the manticore in order to find out more about him. MikeLM9215: Actually, the hobby horse has been in since NWN came out. If it were custom content it would require a hak pak, which it does not.
Posted by MikeLM9215 at on02/27/06
So much scripting I shouldn't like this but I do. Got caught up in it despite a few errors where you can see the W'oW when a fire is supposed to be there. They are suopposed to be evil you know? Could be very confusing what to do next. Good use of mood. Do believe stick-horse custom content. Good writing. _________________________ The road to Ravenloft is paved with good intentions.
Posted by Syberduh at on02/25/06
I feel that the writing style and the atmosphere of the mod were top notch, but as others have said, there are very few choices. In the context of a game, there's very little for the player to strive for - or have the opportunity at which to fail. ***SPOILERS*** The motives and nature of the Manticore are never adequately explained. What is he doing there in the first place? Why does he really care? His stated reason is weak. The story would be more compelling if the manticore needed something from the player and the player had the option to help or not help.
Posted by sexpansion at on02/24/06
This is a hard module for me to rate. On the one hand I feel like the writing is quite strong. I was not a huge fan of the descriptive language in the dialogue options, as opposed to just including dialogue, but that's more of a personal preference and in the context of the module I think it works. What I didn't like about the module was how railroaded I felt. It seemed like my character had no real choices to make and only one option available at all times. The dialogue choices were fine, but outside of that the module was constraining. Good work all the same. Nice module.
Posted by herrjeff at on02/24/06
Interesting use of the limited area but losing consciousness again and again had a bad effect on the pace of the mod. Good development with respect of the two main NPCs. Limited dialog options in the final part.
Posted by RangerX at on02/23/06
the mod looks and plays well but based solely on the writing i have to disagree. theres good use of dialog but the flow is not always even or natural. keep up the good work though, you obviously have talent!
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