Avoiding clichés in a custom story???

[LeahTh]

I'm currently working on my own custom story titled "Amnesia: Ma Vie". It takes place in the past in France. You, as the main character, wake up in an unknown (or at least, that's what you think) castle. Your undying curiosity gets the best of you and you go deeper, exploring. What you find makes you wish you didn't.

I ask that question because I had to back-pedal the story a lot to avoid making it like Justine. (And I mean a lot. I had to rewrite all the basics of the story and everything). Is there any other little clichés I should watch out for?

Currently, I have no poofers written in.

[FlawlessHappiness]

Hmm...
You have to know that even clichés can be good, if they're pulled off right!

Waking up in an unknown castle CAN work out, if your story fits perfectly with it.
Yet, of course, that's how Amnesia started, and that gives a negative effect.


Almost anything has been used before. There won't be a time where you think: "Wow! This is something that has never been done before...", because it has!

Create YOUR story! Create the story you think makes the most sense.
Don't try to avoid clichés if by doing so makes the story unrealistic.


Poofers are ok too ^_^
So are jumpscares.

As long as you keep it fair to the player, fair to the story, fair to the climax and suspense, and fair to you!
Nothing should hold you back!

You are the creator.



Now your question was: What should I watch out for?
My answer would be: "Pay attention, Daniel. It's important that you keep going straight and make sure not to stray."
Meaning, don't change the story in an unrealistic way, to avoid a hole that might seem like an obstacle.
Maybe that hole is just the path continuing to your success


^_^

Good luck!

Also, welcome to the forum!

[LeahTh]

Hmm...
You have to know that even clichés can be good, if they're pulled off right!

Waking up in an unknown castle CAN work out, if your story fits perfectly with it.
Yet, of course, that's how Amnesia started, and that gives a negative effect.


Almost anything has been used before. There won't be a time where you think: "Wow! This is something that has never been done before...", because it has!

Create YOUR story! Create the story you think makes the most sense.
Don't try to avoid clichés if by doing so makes the story unrealistic.


Poofers are ok too ^_^
So are jumpscares.

As long as you keep it fair to the player, fair to the story, fair to the climax and suspense, and fair to you!
Nothing should hold you back!

You are the creator.



Now your question was: What should I watch out for?
My answer would be: "Pay attention, Daniel. It's important that you keep going straight and make sure not to stray."
Meaning, don't change the story in an unrealistic way, to avoid a hole that might seem like an obstacle.
Maybe that hole is just the path continuing to your success


^_^

Good luck!

Also, welcome to the forum!

Thank you! That really was helpful! The thing about the unknown castle is actually a spoiler to the story, so that's the only reason I didn't explain that more. But, that does work out in the end.

[Romulator]

While waking up could be cliche, the reason behind waking up, like a 10-15 second cutscene beforehand would not be cliche to me. Most stories start with that fade in scenario, which is okay, however just "waking up in a random dungeon" - why are you in this dungeon? What's its significance to you?

Avoid backtracking to the point of ridiculousness in finding an item to press on. Not exactly cliche, but it happens and is quite annoying.

Avoid the 'same' scare scenario. Make use of particles in the engine to create scares in your story which are well thought out, rather than just the "monster spawns after picking up key" scenario.

There are more, but I can't jump onto it right away, I'm not the greatest CS player.

While not cliche related exactly, I would also look at this thread:
https://www.frictionalgames.com/forum/thread-24918.html

Good luck on your CS! If you need help, I'm sure we can assist in some way!

[LeahTh]

While waking up could be cliche, the reason behind waking up, like a 10-15 second cutscene beforehand would not be cliche to me. Most stories start with that fade in scenario, which is okay, however just "waking up in a random dungeon" - why are you in this dungeon? What's its significance to you?

Avoid backtracking to the point of ridiculousness in finding an item to press on. Not exactly cliche, but it happens and is quite annoying.

Avoid the 'same' scare scenario. Make use of particles in the engine to create scares in your story which are well thought out, rather than just the "monster spawns after picking up key" scenario.

There are more, but I can't jump onto it right away, I'm not the greatest CS player.

While not cliche related exactly, I would also look at this thread:
https://www.frictionalgames.com/forum/thread-24918.html

Good luck on your CS! If you need help, I'm sure we can assist in some way!

Thanks for the help! From what I've learned so far, my waking up in the castle is okay (it gets explained throughout the game why you're there and who you are).

Thanks for the tips and encouragement!

[MrBehemoth]

Hi there. Here's my contribution: don't confuse tropes and clichés.
A trope only becomes a cliché when it is overused, or used carelessly.

I'm assuming you're making a horror story. Horror relies on tropes to function. You need to signify to the player that there is something to be scared of. Waking up in a spooky old castle is one way to do that.

A good technique in horror is to use tropes to signify that something scary is going to happen and build up the tension but then release it, for example: there's a rumble of thunder; the wind picks up and blows out the candles; there is a sound in the darkness and you just know that there is something in the room with you; you light your lantern and glance around ... but there's nothing there...

All of those tropes could be called "clichés" but if you use them well then people won't see them as such. It will leave the player wondering what made the sound, feeling sure that it was something threatening because the tropes set it up that way... and because the scenario of there not actually being a slavering creature in front of you doesn't match up with what you expected, it will be slightly jarring, and therefore unnerving...

...and then keep building tension with no pay off in this way until you think the player almost can't take any more... and then slap a jumpscare on them.

Also, I highly recommend these two videos (and the Extra Credits channel in general):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSKtTBjS...vPCOr_Uydg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyiAR2BX...vPCOr_Uydg

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My answer would be: "Pay attention, Daniel. It's important that you keep going straight and make sure not to stray."

Yes Flawless, but what's the reason for the darkness?

[FlawlessHappiness]

My answer would be: "Pay attention, Daniel. It's important that you keep going straight and make sure not to stray."

Yes Flawless, but what's the reason for the darkness?

There is a good reason for it. But you can light the lamp now, if you wish.

[The Lynx]

I would like to help out as a Voice Actor if you still need one.

[LeahTh]

I would like to help out as a Voice Actor if you still need one.

Sorry for the late reply! But, as of right now, I think I have enough! But I will certainly ask you if I need anymore!!