POStudios Forum

The Royal Archives => TSL Public Demo => The Silver Age => Feedback => Topic started by: robertk2 on July 31, 2006, 02:24:30 PM

Title: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: robertk2 on July 31, 2006, 02:24:30 PM
Ok, so I played the demo.  Loved it, and left my suggestions on another thread already.  But I have a question for everyone?  What was your thoughts on the narrator?  Now, I don't want to start a bash session, as that is against the rules of the forum, but I just wanted to know what people thought about her.

Honestly, I thought she was good, she read everything fine and was clear.  However, it seems to me that the role of narrator while playing a guy (such as Graham in the demo) should be played by a guy with a voice simillar to that used by the character.  Remember KQV, with the narrator that sounded like an old guy who needed to clear his throat? And then KQVI with the younger, bolder narrator?  I think that by keeping the gender of the narrator the same as the character you are controlling, it makes you feel like you are the character and the narrator is the characters thoughts or internal voice.  Obviosly its too late in the development to change the narrator, that's not what I'm expecting nor really care to happen, but I just wanted to know what everyone else thought on the topic.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: doom saber on July 31, 2006, 02:54:47 PM
There's a speaking narrator in the game!?  Man, something is wrong with my sound configeration than since the voices would work on some scenes of the character.  Thought the narrator was silent.  Good to know it isn't.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Alexandar28 on July 31, 2006, 04:09:17 PM
I really liked the narrator.  I thought she was very clear and had a really good speaking voice.  I am jealous.  I want to sound like her. :)
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Baggins on July 31, 2006, 04:16:34 PM
Its a good narrator, but my favorite king's quest narrator will be still be the one in KQ6.

Its not King's Quest by top favorite sierra narrator was probably John Rhys Davies in QFG4.  :D
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: TribeHasSpoken on July 31, 2006, 07:08:07 PM
I've only just started playing the demo.

Quote from: Alexandar28 on July 31, 2006, 04:09:17 PM
I really liked the narrator.  I thought she was very clear and had a really good speaking voice.  I am jealous.  I want to sound like her. :)

Agreed.

Also, I laughed out loud at this bit in Graham and Valanice's quarters when you click on the wardrobe:

Narrator: Valanice's clothes occupy most of it
Graham: That says a lot about my fashion style
Narrator: Please note, dear player, that I didn't say that myself
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: koko_99_2001 on July 31, 2006, 08:16:22 PM
How did I miss those lines? XD
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: sarahrah on July 31, 2006, 09:45:47 PM
I agree she is very clear.  But I'll admit I also agree that a male narrator seems to fit more (I LOVED the one in KQVI).  But she is very good.  My only criticism - and this may be fixed in the actual release - is that she mispronounces some words - Valanice, for example.  There are other words and names in a thread in the forum I believe.  Overall though - very good.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: koko_99_2001 on July 31, 2006, 10:15:08 PM
Yeah, Neil said that even she realized afterwards that she had mispronounced Valanice's name. But I guess it's important to remember that the demo was put together in three weeks :) That might account for it. I'm sure it'll be fixed when the game comes out :)
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: TrueCrusader on August 01, 2006, 11:16:20 AM
Quote from: Baggins on July 31, 2006, 04:16:34 PM
Its a good narrator, but my favorite king's quest narrator will be still be the one was the one in KQ6.

Its not King's Quest by top favorite sierra narrator was probably John Rhys Davies in QFG4.  :D

Haha! The narrator in KQ6 Was Def My favorite! (Maybe that was because Kings quest 6 was the first game I ever played as a kid...) I thought this Narrator was Alright, lol it did sort of annoy me when I Listened to her say Valiance! lol
Title: Let me introduce you...
Post by: auroraambria on August 01, 2006, 11:25:57 AM
Hey everyone!  This is Amy Kurylo, the voice of the narrator!  I'm also the voice of a few characters and the vocalist on the theme song, "The Day You Were Gone." 

I appreciate all your comments.  The circumstances surrounding how I became the narrator are quite inconsequential  ;).  I will say this, I'm very honored and humbled by the opportunity.

Few things I'd like to mention:

Thanks to all who played the demo and worked so hard to make it a reality.
Amy K.


Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: TheGreatGraham on August 01, 2006, 02:31:22 PM
  I liked your narrating very much.  YOu said all the lines clear, and I didn't mind you don;t sound like Graham.
  Also, I was a bit worried Graham wasn't voiced by Josh Mandel, but he still sopunds very good.
Title: Re: Let me introduce you...
Post by: Yonkey on August 02, 2006, 08:47:16 AM
Welcome Amy and thanks for registering! XD

Quote from: auroraambria on August 01, 2006, 11:25:57 AM
I don't know why they chose me and not a guy to do the Narration, but I'm very glad that they did.
I can actually answer this.  Basically the guy who we first had as Narrator read them a bit too uninterestingly.  Then I tried out for the role, but Mike said my voice wasn't right for it.  Then we got the C&D and knew we needed a narrator, so Mike suggest why not a female?

The first thing that came to my mind, as well as Cesar's later that night when we talked to him was "Hmmm interesting...".  We knew Amy is a professional vocalist and is capable of producing high quality work even remotely, from her online auditions.  When we found out she was also a professional singer, it opened up a ton of more opportunities, namely TSL's current hit single "The Day You Were Gone" (http://www.postudios.com/archivedTSL/media/music/cd/). 8)

So, we made the design decision to go with a female, rather than the traditional male, and I think it works quite well.  It may feel odd for Graham to have a female voice in his head, but keep in mind that Graham will not be the only playable character in The Silver Lining. 8)
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: koko_99_2001 on August 02, 2006, 08:56:54 AM
I've never really thought of the narrator being the "voice" in the character's head. I've always figured if the playable character was going to think something, then the voice actor for the character would say it instead of the narrator...
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Yonkey on August 02, 2006, 11:59:58 AM
Well, I guess I meant for people that compare our Narrator with the ones in KQ7.  Although technically, KQ7 didn't have narrators.  It was just Valanice & Rosella talking to themselves. :P
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Throckmorton on August 22, 2006, 09:31:21 AM
Hehe...this may be kind of off-topic, but I thought I'd mention it since we're talking about narration.  What about the narrator from Gabriel Knight?  Wouldn't that be funny if, when Gabriel was thinking, it was in the voice of that old creole woman.  ("Get out of my head, you crazy lady!")

Anyway, great demo!  Amy's voice is perfect for the role of narration.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Novaman5000 on August 22, 2006, 02:43:41 PM
I think a narrator is more of a storyteller than the inner monologue of the characters (most of the time).  Kings Quest has always lent itself to a sort of fairytale setting, so it could easily be tales being retold by some removed individual.

I personally always like when they have someone older and wizened sounding doing the narration.  I think it can give a story a really mythological feel.  Take, for example, the narration in the game "God of War" (for Playstation 2... I'm hoping some of you have heard of this game).  In it, the old woman's narration is so fitting, in my opinion.  It just helps everything feel more epic somehow.  Still, I have absolutely no complaints about the narrator being a young woman for TSL.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Cez on August 22, 2006, 06:03:11 PM
God of War rules ;)
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Elessar on October 27, 2006, 10:50:43 AM
Quote from: TribeHasSpoken on July 31, 2006, 07:08:07 PM
Also, I laughed out loud at this bit in Graham and Valanice's quarters when you click on the wardrobe:

Narrator: Valanice's clothes occupy most of it
Graham: That says a lot about my fashion style
Narrator: Please note, dear player, that I didn't say that myself
I'm wondering if there could be a way to say these lines without the narrator actually addressing the player. As it is now, it sort of takes you out of the world of Daventry and reminds you that you're only playing a game. However, it could just be me.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: dark-daventry on October 27, 2006, 11:56:20 AM
The narrator is very clear, precise, and very well spoken. I believe that a female narrator is innovaotive, and innovation is good, at least in my opinion. Amy Kurylo is great at the narration, and is also a great singer. Her voice definetely fits the game in my eyes. Besides, I don't listen to the narrator often. Granted, they say very mean things to the character, and it can be very funny, but I usually pay attention to the game more than the narrator. The narrator in this game is great however and she definetewly fits it well!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: ksz4 on October 02, 2007, 08:57:31 PM
I LOVE that there is a female narrator. I think it is a nice change of pace from the other games (though I will never forget my endearment for the narrator in KQVI and his frequent notes that "alexander is carefully checking his pockets") But I think the female voice ads a new dimension to the game... a GOOD dimension.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: alethiometer on October 12, 2007, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: Elessar on October 27, 2006, 10:50:43 AM
Quote from: TribeHasSpoken on July 31, 2006, 07:08:07 PM
Also, I laughed out loud at this bit in Graham and Valanice's quarters when you click on the wardrobe:

Narrator: Valanice's clothes occupy most of it
Graham: That says a lot about my fashion style
Narrator: Please note, dear player, that I didn't say that myself
I'm wondering if there could be a way to say these lines without the narrator actually addressing the player. As it is now, it sort of takes you out of the world of Daventry and reminds you that you're only playing a game. However, it could just be me.

Hmm, I personally have no problem with that, and it is in fact part of the very reason it is funny. Great plays do that kind of thing all the time, in asides, for comedic effect. Just as long as it isn't done too often, i'm perfectly fine with it.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Jumpmann1 on November 21, 2008, 05:37:07 PM
The narrator sounds great! i wish you could skip it though. it takes too long sometimes.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: atec123 on November 21, 2008, 05:46:40 PM
Yeah, it sometimes does take quite long.  I love the voice though.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: PirateKingChris on November 21, 2008, 05:59:11 PM
I love when computer games have the narrator and main character interact a few times for comedic purposes. I believe it happens to great effect in games like Space Quest IV and Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Yonkey on November 21, 2008, 08:35:21 PM
Quote from: Jumpmann1 on November 21, 2008, 05:37:07 PM
The narrator sounds great! i wish you could skip it though. it takes too long sometimes.
You can actually, by either left-clicking or right-clicking during the narration.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: atec123 on November 21, 2008, 08:39:05 PM
Hmm, maybe it's the beta tester build that you couldn't skip, I seem to recall that.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: PirateKingChris on November 23, 2008, 11:43:30 AM
I sure hope you can skip, if the narrator is going to be repeating themselves...
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: snabbott on November 23, 2008, 01:47:33 PM
The narrator (Amy Kurylo) IS fantastic! And yes, you can skip dialog/narration (in all three versions, I believe) by clicking. You have to click outside the ChatHUD (the caption box), though.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: atec123 on November 23, 2008, 03:09:34 PM
Oh, that's my problem.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Seymour on December 02, 2008, 02:32:38 PM
Its good, clear and dosnt sound like some random tramp of the street, its also good how she didnt narrate the parts for when you use your hand thingy on doors which dont open and it only shows the text at the bottom, only problem for me was that the entire demo lagged alot.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: atec123 on December 02, 2008, 02:49:00 PM
Well, I think that will be different on the real thing.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Seymour on December 02, 2008, 03:05:50 PM
Quote from: atec123 on December 02, 2008, 02:49:00 PM
Well, I think that will be different on the real thing.

What the lagging or narration?
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: atec123 on December 02, 2008, 03:12:58 PM
Narration.  I think the're will be more of a variety of things it says when you click stuff, and I think they'll have a voice.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: snabbott on December 02, 2008, 03:26:44 PM
What are the details of your computer (processor, operating system, RAM, video card), Seymour? I know some of the slow-ness has been fixed, but some older computers may have issues, especially if they don't have much RAM.

Quote from: Seymour on December 02, 2008, 02:32:38 PM
Its good, clear and dosnt sound like some random tramp of the street
I'm sure Amy will be glad to hear that she doesn't sound like "some random tramp off the street"! XD XD

She's actually a professional musician. Her website is here: http://www.amykurylo.com/
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: atec123 on December 02, 2008, 03:47:30 PM
Cool!  I like music!  Anyways, my system is really slow, I doesn't run tsl in hi res very well, it goes fine 16 bit colours, and 640X480. :P
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Lily on February 24, 2010, 08:41:19 AM
Although I thought the narratress did a wonderful job, I didn't really like the dialogue so much; I felt like I was being talked down to a bit (that includes the written dialogue not just the spoken dialogue). And also like what Elessar mentioned, I felt like being addressed was a reminder that I was playing a game. I think I personally would prefer first-person narrative, and I think it's more comedic to have Graham poke fun at himself in thought for trying to grab at useless objects for example, rather than a separate entity.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the narrator
Post by: Haids1987 on February 24, 2010, 05:58:57 PM
Talking to yourself again, Graham? ;)