Achievement Unlocked: Destroy Immersion
Nov 22nd, 2011 by Ninja Dodo
So I’m playing Shadow of the Colossus in its new PS3 incarnation.
I reach the first colossus. I stab it in the heel, clamber up its leg, across its back and onto its head to deliver the killing blow. The colossus falls. Sad music plays…
*pling!*
“Throphy Unlocked! Valley Wanderer”
Why, Sony? Why?
If ANY game deserves to be free of the immersion-destroying abomination that is trophies/achievements it is this one.
The greatness of Ico and Colossus both lay in their minimalist elegance which could be felt in every aspect of the game. Interrupting it with a pop-up to let you know that “hey, you just made incremental progress!” is not only redundant, it completely destroys the atmosphere the game worked so hard to create.
Now while I would personally argue Trophies should never have been added in the first place I am aware that there are many who enjoy that kind of thing… so, all I’m asking is that Sony please add an option to PS3s to disable Trophy notifications, so that those who want to play without, can.
Xbox and Steam already have this option. Why doesn’t PS3?
There is an option called “Do Not Display” in Notification Settings, but it only works for friends signing in and invites and such. Either make this option include ALL notifications, or create a separate one for trophies.
Your games deserve it.
[also posted here, with comments]
Hi Christaan,
I saw the sketch of the RTS game you wanted to make when you were 14 or 15. I think you’re really talented. Like you I also want to develop games, I’m a programmer and I don’t really have much experience on the graphics side.
If you’d like to do a project together where you do the graphics, I do the programming, and we work together in a partnership, then let me know by email. Thanks.