GBGD209_Crystal Lim_Games Title Screen Proposal

Ok, so this time it’s the game title screen. So what is a game title screen? Well, according to Wikipedia, a game title screen is the initial screen of a computer, video, or arcade game after the credits and logos of the game developer and the publisher are displayed. As quoted by Mr. Hilmy in class, the title screen has become intro cut-scenes – many of which are like movies - in many of today’s current games. Having said that, I've spent some time thinking back and doing some research in to the “old school” games I’ve played and their title screens:

Starting with Super Shinobi from 1989, the intro to the title screen is short with a clear message. First, there's the logo of Sega to tell you that the game is made by Sega. Then comes the interesting part. You are a ninja. You jump like a ninja, throw shurikens like a ninja, you even even cover your face like a ninja! Oh, and did I mention you get to deflect shurikens off your blade like this uber cool ninja? PLAY NOW! THE SUPER SHINOBI! MadeBySegaIn1989MusicByYuzoKushiroMadeIn1989NameIsTradeMarkedBySega. *phew* So that's the deal. Due to the technological limitation at that time, the graphics obviously ain't that good, and the colours are limited. Add to the fact that the animations are actually about 10 frames for the whole thing. But it DOES the deal. Coupled by the sound effects, it's all the more obvious that it was promisingly action packed.  It give you a mini story right at the intro to pull you in, make you feel that you want to know more about what's going to happen. That's why I think this is a good title screen.

Next up is Super Mario World by Nintendo in 1990. Starts off with a cherry little tune which signals a fun game. Then your eyes would be captured by an actual game play. You see enemies that you'll encounter, awesome pick ups you'll have a chance to get and how to use them against those enemies. Most importantly, you'll get a feel for the world. 

Next up is Ultimate Air Combat made in 1992. That's it. It's just that ridiculously simple title screen that tell it all. It's a flying combat game. (No shit Sherlock). But it does the job, and it does it well.

Super Metroid 1994 too made it sweet and simple. The haunting music coupled by the blinking lights of a dark laboratory short of place just gave me the goose bumps. Shown together with a short scene of the rest of the place promises dark secrets just waiting to be found. 

From old school to present day game, I bring you Super Metroid Remake HD. With exactly the same scenes and music, current technology has made an old but good title screen all the more awesome. Amazing what current technology can do to make things look that much nicer right?

But that's not the only game. In 2008, a game called Afrika was released. The title screen was a beautiful,, fully rendered 3D, animated scene of Africa itself. Never ending plains, clear blue skies, zebras grazing, the occasional green trees... It just sets the mood of the game right of the bat. Simply awesome. 

In the same year, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was released. The title screen really caught my attention because there was an animated video, which told a short story playing as the title screen itself. It promised adventure and stories.

In contrast, Xenoblade is as simple as Metal Gears was complicated. All it showed was a blade stuck to the ground in this beautiful field.  And all I could think was, that's an awesome looking blade. Where's the owner? Why is it here? Where is everyone else? It made me WONDER. And that's important for title screens. It makes you want to find out more of the game. 

Other simple title screen would include The Last of Us and Bioshock Infinite. The Last of Us basically just shows a broken window with a rather beat up curtain blowing in the wind from the shattered glass. The walls are stained and dirty as well. From the window you can also see over grown leaves slowly growing into the house as if slowly trying to take over the place. It shows that the place has gone through something bad, and that the place has been abandoned for quite awhile. And with the soft creepy music playing in the background? Bad vibes! It's creepy!

Bioshock Infinite too is quite simple. Sophisticated looking people from a particular time period. Smoking, or chatting. And with the appropriate music from the right era, it really set the mood and feel of the game right of the bat. The background and the art assets compliment this, overall putting the finishing touches of the illusion for the player to get started on the game.

But let me top the cake with one last title screen, Civilization IV. It has to be hands down one of the best title screen I know. It's simple in a way. Rising sun, earth, clouds moving. But when the sun goes down, suddenly you see lights flaring up from the land down on earth. And what does it signify? Civilization. That's exactly it. A story within the title screen itself. Nothing too complicated, but so brilliant in it's execution. Simply, simple. 

If there was a game title screen that I don't like... Meh... It just means that it did not merit my attention long enough. Doesn't mean that it's bad, just didn't attract me. But back to the main point. What do all these videos have in common? Well, first things first, they all show the developer's name to show that they name it. Some have copyrights on the title screen itself. All give a clear message and mood to their own game. So new or old, they all serve a purpose. To set the mood of the game. And so here is my game plans for my coming assignment. 

Idea 1

1. Introduce apple pie and unity logo, just 3 seconds 
2. Fade out and into main game title screen 
3. Picture of haunted house. Dark and spooky 
4. It’s raining 
5. Flashes of lightning followed and the sound of thunder 
6. Game title with suitable font 
7. “Press anywhere to start” at bottom of the screen 
8. Over all sound effect is the sound of rain and the occasional thunder and wind blowing.

This idea gives off the vibes that there is something creepy in the house. And that you're about to explore it. It sets off the creepy mood.

Idea 2

1. Introduce apple pie and unity logo, just 3 seconds 
2. Fade out and into main game title screen 
3. To the right of the screen is an image of a wooden door. 
4. Underneath the wooden door, blood is seeping out of the crack of the door. 
5. Faint sound of rain and occasional thunder 
6. Occasional flashes of thunder from underneath the crack of the door. OR: 
7. Occasional flashes of thunder from off screen window opposite the door, illuminates the door, wall and the blood off the floor for a couple of second. 
8. Center of left side is “Press to start.” 
9. When start is pressed, the door will slowly creak open, fade to black and fade in to the game. 

This idea creates the suspense and tension for players. There's blood, is there a dead body behind that door? Is it male or female? IS it an accident? Murder? What happened? Why. It creates all sorts of questions for the players. Mystery. Story. Want to find out? Only one way. Play.

Idea 3

1. Introduce apple pie and unity logo, just 3 seconds 
2. Fade out and into main game title screen 
3. Locket drops from the top and starts to sway from left to right like a pendulum and does not stop. 
4. Background is completely black. 
5. Beneath the locket is “Press to start” 

Because I am working alone on this, I will be doing everything. I am thinking on using either Stencyl or use Sony Vegas (it's a video editing software). 

This just sets an air of mystery. What is that locket? Is it important? Who does it belong to? What is it's significance? It'll set the player wanting to know more.

So these are my ideas. My team and I and currently discussing what is best for my team. But any suggestions and opinions are welcomed to help improve our game as much as possible. 

Sorry for the long post, hope you enjoyed it. That's all for now.

Love, 

Crystal