Full Motion Video in Gaming
Full motion Video in video games play similarly to interactive movies. These medium features live action or animated footage including actors to play a certain character. For example. Dragon’s Lair is the most popular FMV game on the market. The game was released on July 1, 1983, in arcades. Dragon’s Lair was created by Rick Dyer and Don Bluth (known for The Secret of NIHM and American Tail), the plot is about a knight called Dirk the Daring on a mission to rescue Princess Daphne from evil dragon. Players can control Dirk using quick time event using directional button to navigate through levels. Most iconic thing about the game is death scenes which Family Guy did parodied in one episode. Due to the success of the first game, there was a sequel, animated tv show and potential live action movie.
There are other FMV games like Nightrap, Phantasmagoria and Cliff Hanger (Lupin the 3rd), each title uses Laserdiscs. Which allows high quality visual but at high price because standard hardware issues. Due to higher cost, technology improved and games production has gone up, developers stopped making FMV games for arcades. In 1990s, they have watched to CD-Roms because of 3D graphics becoming a big hit in gaming. CD Roms has become cheaper than LaserDisc, which developers stop using them. Also, in arcades price to play them has gone up as well. Game developers has switch to home console than of arcade. 7th Guest was ported to PC which offers replayability and puzzles to keep the player guessing.
Continue
The game features main protagonist Ego that stumbles inside a mansion to stop Stauf (a mysterious toymaker and owner of the house) from killing other guests. 7th Guest features live action actors and puzzles that Stauf throws at you. I have played this game during my pc gaming era before I switch to consoles only. This game has given me trouble because of the puzzles. If you want to try out the game, its available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC along with mobile devices. Another game I have played was Ladies Don’t Tempt my Immortality, which is about the main protagonist trying to become immortal being. The game allows you to build relationships with female characters and use quick time events as well. The game is similar to Phoenix Wight, which you can investigate items and have multiple routes like visual novel games.
Depending on choices in the game, there is multiple endings long with chapters. Special thanks to WhipShadowRider for the game during the live stream giveaway. I did a playthough (video below) of the first couple of chapters. If you want to buy the game, its available on Steam (PC) and worth playing. FMV uses 30fps along 640×480 video resolution with MPEG-2 DVD format during 1990s before 720p60fps became a thing. There are consoles like Sega CD and PlayStation One that use CDRoms to run FMV games unlike Nintendo 64 which uses still-images. Mortal Kombat 4 is the perfect example because of port hardwire limitations. During endings of MK4, PlayStation version, there are FMV like Sub-Zero Mythologies.
Other FMV Uses?
Nintendo 64 version doesn’t have FMV, but Dreamcast and PC has. Final Fantasy VII have FMV along with Myst. Full Motion video can use in fighting games, role playing and other genres in the 1990s. Sonic CD use animated intro just there is a show called “Sonic Boom”. This game is not only one who has animated full motion video like Burning Rangers, Tekken and Silhouette Mirage uses them. There is some FMV games still made to this day because not as popular during 80s and 90s. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Stat Wars and Star Trek has FMV games but known to players that’s poorly receive. I have forgotten Wing Commander III: Hear of the Tiger that features actors like Mark Hamil, Malcolm MCDowell and John Rhys-Davies. Personally, I haven’t played the series but heard its most innovative computer game of all time.
There is some anime FMV like Ninja Hayate, Time Gal and The Space Adventure – Cobra the Legendary Bandit. FMV games are for everyone, which offers interactivity for players to live through the story. What about next gen consoles? Full motion video is available on PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace and other online retailers. You might buy a Laserdisc player on Amazon (if they still have them). I am not expert of Laserdisc whatsoever but notice popularity in multimedia back in retro days. Some of these games are of low quality but have improved over the years. Do you enjoy watching your favorite movies and tv shows? Is it okay to put up the controller and put yourself in hero’s shoes?
Closing
What are you thoughts on full motion video in games? I haven’t much of them in my time but blows my mind. Let me know in the comments and thank you for reading this blogpost. Tell me what you favorite FMV games of all time, is it Tex Murphy or something else. Tune into the next one from yours truly.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.