The Master System dialogue scenes layout

[Rockman Striker]

Hey guys! I've put up this poll because I can't decide how the dialogue cutscenes will look in the game, I would love to recreate the animated scenes as seen on MML but unfortunately I think it would be a several pain to get right, so I've put this poll hoping that you can help me decide what to do.

The poll works this way: you can choose up to two options, one for the background (if characters will appear in 3D or 2D) and one for the text box (plain text or with a small image of the character talking)

Basically the result should be just like one of the following:







Or if you have seen a different layout of dialogue scenes in a game that you particularly liked please choose "other" and post a screenshot of it if possible. You can also tell me why do you think the option you've chosen is better.

Thanks for reading!

[Mikéy]

Well... question.

If you could scale any of these in difficulty for your project, how would you rate each of them? That info might help push people more towards a vote.

[Rockman Striker]

There's not much difference of difficulty on any particular choice, I already have the 3D models and animations, if I would go that way I would only need to script when this animation plays and where the camera should move to, and maybe make some special animations as required.
If I would go with 2D portraits, I would have to draw them or make renders from the models I have, however, I would still need to make those portraits to fit them on the text box if given option is chosen.

The reason I'm not completely sure of which layout to choose is that you could say making 2D portraits is easier but it kinda makes the scene a bit boring, I would still need to animate the portraits according to the script (Characters fade-in/fade-out or sliding from one side to another whenever it's their turn to speak).

Animating the 3D characters should not create any problems as Blender has a special tab for mixing animations in whatever fashion is needed. One plus for this option is that scenes would look similar to the ones on Misadventures of Tron Bonne, except for the animated portraits. Making the scenes a bit more appealing.

So rating them in labor needed (From easier to harder):

*3D characters and text-only box (Overall dynamic scenes, however characters' faces would not reflect the emotion needed according to the script)
*2D portraits and text-only box (No dynamic scenes, portraits will show emotions according to the script, I would need to create the portraits)
*2D portraits and text box with portraits (This option is not taken in account because it's kinda dumb)
*3D characters and text box with portraits (Dynamic scenes accompanied with previously mentioned 2D portraits, this option would require double the labor from the previous options but the result should be better)

Now that I've put the options in that list I feel more inclined for the first option. However, you can still vote for whatever option you like.

[MegaTuga]

I think we would all be very accustomed to TMOTB style right? So I support the 2D portraits with the 3D environment as a background. Yes it is kinda awkward to see two of the same person on the screen but your focus shifts during cutscenes so I think it would be fine.

[Dashe]

I think just the text box will suffice. It did for Mega Man Legends, and it's fewer assets for you to have to create. I actually kind of miss that look in games to be honest.