we had a thread about this years back IIRC, but considering I can't find it (search still seems to be broken), and reviving it would have been seriously Necroing at this point, i thought I would start up another



for those not familiar with the terms:


a Linear Continuity is a series where you really have to play the previous game(s) in the series to fully understand whats going on, who the characters are, and what the overarching plot is.. games like Assassin's Creed (up until the end of 3 anyways..) or Mass Effect would fall into this category..

an Episodic-Linear Continuity refers to a series where all the games take place in the same world with a few overarching plot points or characters, but you really don't have to play the previous titles because each is its own self contained story, although you may see small references to the previous titles as you play.. games like The Elder Scrolls or Might & Magic would fall under this category..

a Purely Episodic series is a series where, other than having a very similar name, the games all take place in entirely separate universes that may just share similarities.. off the top of my head, Final Fantasy would fall into this category..

I prefer Episodic-Linear Continuity. I prefer it in books, movies and TV as well as games.

When I was growing up, all the TV I watched was purely episodic. Everything that happened in last week's episode was apparently forgotten at the beginning of this week's episode. Even as a kid, that seemed very odd to me. It didn't square with my experience of life.

I like the idea of linear continuity, in theory. But in practice I find it makes me a little anxious. If i miss a game in a series or a single episode of a TV show I can get paranoid that I've missed something important, I wonder if I've put myself at a disadvantage by not keeping up. It can be an unpleasant feeling for me.

Episodic Linear Continuity suits me best. I'm not really a linear type of person, I think, when it gets right down to it. I think that's why I like the Elder Scrolls so much. With this type of narrative I don't feel led by the nose through a restrictively linear plot, yet there is still some continuity to tie things together. It is a satisfying middle ground for me.

I agree with Pseron. I like the episodic Linearity form, myself. Having what I did in previous "noticed" is nice, but also jumping in wherever is good, too. The other "types" are really hit or miss for me.

I chose the last one. As long as I'm having fun I don't care. For example I enjoy Mass Effect, TES games, and the Final Fantasy series.