Darkened Software

So all game companies put in game tips during the loading screen to pass the inactive screen time TCR’s.  But as always if you are going to do something then there is no excuse for not do it right.

Here is the problem I see a lot, if I am 8 hours into a game and I have died 5 times in a row and I am forced to watch the loading screen before my next chance to die.  Guess what I do not want to see in my time of frustration, informational tip “Press X to Jump”.  Its likely I got a handle on that tid bit already, how about something on how to dodge the attack that is killing me.

Darksiders, I am looking right at you as the most recent and frustrating offender with the same 5 useless tips for the entire game.

At the very min make sure you have unique loading screen tips for each level and only cycle through the ones for the level or at the very least weight them a lot stronger in the rotation.

Even better is if you can detect why they are reloading the level and provide hints that make sense for it.  Maybe put up hints on the latest move, weapon, spell or item they  acquired.

I am not recommending going to the extreme that was the loading system in Bayonetta which let you practice attack moves the loading screens.  Although it was interesting there should never be a reason for its existence.   They had to go there since they had > 2 min loading time, a crime that had not been seen since the mess that was Crash Bandicoot 2.  I am sure the gaming community would have rather seen the developers spend more time and making sure the load times were in line than putting in mini games for them to waste their down time on.