/vr/ - Retro Games

>>4648209
I'd have to give that a lot of thought, but there are two things in particular I'd try my utmost to do: I'd focus more on foreshadowing and building up to the reveal, and I'd have delivered the big reveal during a more climactic moment, in a more relevant and important setting.

FFVII actually isn't a terrible example to follow in terms of story structure: Cloud's strange behavior was emphasized at many points early on, often leaving us wondering what's going on in the lead up to confronting Sephiroth. The truth behind Cloud's odd behavior and his identity is revealed in three major phases, and each one feels like a climax and catharsis, and ties Cloud's character arc together. The Great Northern Crater, inside the Life Stream, and finally the optional Nibelheim flashback with Zack. Assuming one gives even half a shit about FF7's story, those reveals were all heavy anticipated scenes taking place in meaningful settings. They felt important. Like the part after Zack is shot to death where the camera pans up to show the backdrop of Midgar City? Say what you will about FF7 as a whole, that scene was well done. And it provided clarity to something you were wondering about. Compare that to the way FF8 throws twists in your face with very little momentum behind them, in particular the basketball court epiphany and Gardens being owned by weird monster things.

So I can't tell you in precise detail on the spot how I'd have handled FF8's twists, because I'd put a great deal of thought into it. As opposed to throwing it in your face in one big vomitous exposition that takes place nowhere in particular. And all that is assuming I had to keep the plot the same.

>>4648149
I mean, technically the amnesia thing I guess, but I get what you're saying. Poe's law and all that.