Originally Posted by Fairygdmther

Interesting review - Randy certainly seems nonplussed by the game, and makes it sound more like porn than erotica, but maybe that's just my take on his review.

Oh, it's porn allright. But it's comic-book porn, with mostly stills and some animation. I have the original French version and my rusty French is up to it. It's available in several languages, don't think it's been translated into English though.

[Ninja Dodo]

I don't remember seeing any love scenes in Laura Bow 2...

Originally Posted by deadworm222

Ragnar has been getting a lot of bad feedback regarding the gay characters in the game, and the profanity, so it seems like lots of people do mind, especially in the USA.

Just another whiney evangelist...

When will these people learn that some things are just not suitable for their fragile little minds? They should just shut up and let others enjoy it in peace. Nobody's forcing them to play the game.

[Swordmaster]

Originally Posted by Ninja Dodo

I don't remember seeing any love scenes in Laura Bow 2...

I thought there was at least one where you walked in when Yvette was "at it" with someone (well, she was "at it" with most everyone)? Although, it has been years since I last played The Dagger of Amon Ra...

[stepurhan]

Originally Posted by remixor

Well, that and many Vertigo comics tend to be incredibly violent...

Speaking for the ones that i read I wouldn't say they were incredibly violent. Violence plays it part and has been known to be shown quite graphically but, like the sex, it's not the most important part of the story.

What I was trying to say is that sex (and/or violence) do not have to be central for something to be considered for adults rather than children. While children do seem to grow up all too quickly these days it is still possible to have concepts that are too complex or disturbing to be suited to a younger audience.

[Fairygdmther]

Originally Posted by Fienepien

Oh, it's porn allright. But it's comic-book porn, with mostly stills and some animation. I have the original French version and my rusty French is up to it. It's available in several languages, don't think it's been translated into English though.

If it were actually a decent game, I wouldn't mind it not being available in English - I think my rusty French is probably up to it as well, but if it is only just another porn story, then I'd rather not bother.

As for the other comments made, I do actually mean other forms of adult or mature themes. But in Puritan America, sex is the primary taboo.

FGM

[fov]

Originally Posted by stepurhan

What separates erotica from porn? Is it a matter of personal viewpoint?

Maybe, but I think a lot of people see erotica as something with a bit more artistic and/or literary value. So, not necessarily "gratuitous shagging".

[Wormsie]

Difference between erotica and pr0n? "A plot you can't summarize in diagrams." - Susan from the British sitcom Coupling

[BoyToy]

I liked what Swordmaster said.

And for the topic of sex in adventure games, I think I would only like it, if it was done to improve the storytelling, makeing it more immersive or more plausible.
Other than that, I'd even say "no, please!", because it would really serve to distract me. And I prefer if I can manage to keep my hands above the table when playing an adventure game.

[Wormsie]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

(You will probably be quick to point out games that do include such characters but I'm talking about having one as our protagonist and/or make the overall theme of the game more mature, not just include a minor character).

Play the amateur game Dead City. I was actually shocked for a while, having to identify with a... well, you'll see if you play! Anyway, it's an amateur game, so it's not that good, but an interesting experiment nontheless.

So I, too, believe erotica & mature themes suit games well. The Gabriel Knight games are a very good example of this. However, games also become more... interesting if they have physically attractive characters.

But I'm 19.

...And then we have a thread saying that there should be more games for 8-13 year olds.

[jaf]

I played GK2 many years ago, but still remember some quite arousing erotic scene...

[Wormsie]

Originally Posted by jaf

I played GK2 many years ago, but still remember some quite arousing erotic scene...

The one with Gabe and the lawyer guy?

[fov]

Originally Posted by deadworm222

The one with Gabe and the lawyer guy?

mmm... Von Glower...

Actually, I remember thinking the scene with the blonde was a little gratuitious, but maybe it just made me mad at Gabe. I tend to identify with Gracie.

[stepurhan]

Originally Posted by deadworm222

Difference between erotica and pr0n? "A plot you can't summarize in diagrams." - Susan from the British sitcom Coupling

Though, as I recall, Steve in the same series attempts to describe a porn film subtly titled (spoiler to spare the easily shocked)

Spoiler:

Lesbian Spank Inferno

as a sort of high-brow arthouse film. Something about the characters being a film collective who punish each other for making bad films.

(Dammit you've made me want to get the DVDs out and watch the whole series again now.)

As for the main topic I think you shouldn't put anything into a game just for shock or titillation value. I have no problem with sex being portrayed in games as long as there's a reason for it in the tale the game is trying to tell. Phantasmagoria 2 managed OK in this respect in my opinion. The trip to the S & M club sat well with the whole "ordinary man descending into darkness" theme of the game.

[bakersboy]

Originally Posted by stepurhan

Though, as I recall, Steve in the same series attempts to describe a porn film subtly titled (spoiler to spare the easily shocked)

Spoiler:

Lesbian Spank Inferno

as a sort of high-brow arthouse film. Something about the characters being a film collective who punish each other for making bad films.

(Dammit you've made me want to get the DVDs out and watch the whole series again now.)

As for the main topic I think you shouldn't put anything into a game just for shock or titillation value. I have no problem with sex being portrayed in games as long as there's a reason for it in the tale the game is trying to tell. Phantasmagoria 2 managed OK in this respect in my opinion. The trip to the S & M club sat well with the whole "ordinary man descending into darkness" theme of the game.

Why not? I know this is a personal thing and I for one, also wouldn't be drawn to this either BUT to say this shouldn't be put in maybe misses the point. The bottom line for any software firm is to sell games....if it sells, it's right....and a lot of people are drawn to porn in whatever medium it appears.

We don't have to necessarily agree but, if we don't, like TV, we don't have to look.

[squarejawhero]

Sex in games hasn't been handled properly so far... other than Mafia, but that gave me the giggles. It was actually quite elegant in it's execution, it's just when it's two game characters from a two-year old 3D title it's a little like watching a perv bang Barbie and Kevin together and moaning.

Leisure Suit Larry was too funny. Then again, I don't play games for sexual gratification. I have sex for that.

*runs*

[Wormsie]

Originally Posted by squarejawhero

Sex in games hasn't been handled properly so far...

You're probably NOT talking about those games in which sex acts are (usually) merely suggested (GK3, etc), not shown?

[Wormsie]

Originally Posted by stepurhan

As for the main topic I think you shouldn't put anything into a game just for shock or titillation value.

I don't know about that... If it's done well, then I think yes, it'd be OK just for the shock value. In Russia there are some new writers... but now I'm leaving the topic...

[Kolorabi]

Originally Posted by squarejawhero

Sex in games hasn't been handled properly so far... other than Mafia, but that gave me the giggles. It was actually quite elegant in it's execution, it's just when it's two game characters from a two-year old 3D title it's a little like watching a perv bang Barbie and Kevin together and moaning.

Mafia was actually supposed to have real nudity - you know, nipples and stuff - but that was taken out before release. The main character was supposed to visit a bordello, and previews (at least in UK mags) showed pictures with real nudity. It was probably removed to make sure the game didn't get an Adults Only-rating.

[Manhunter71]

I really don't see any problems with erotica in games, as long as it's in context. It would have been great to see a taster of Gabe and Grace getting it on. The same goes for George Stobart and Nico in the Broken Sword games!
I'm not talking about full graphic action, but just a hint of what was happening.
The underlying sexual tension is obvious and as these games are really more adult-oriented I don't think it would be too out of place.

Hehe A few years back my girlfriend persuaded me to buy Erotica Island
She thought it would be fun to play an "adventure game" together!
Boy was she wrong

We bought the game on a theatre trip to London and started playing as soon as we got home - - by 7pm that evening the game was completed, without a single erotic encounter!!!

Don't ever buy this game!

[squarejawhero]

So, who's buying Luna 3d?

BTW RE Mafia, I remember complete nudity in my version, I'm certain. Would there be a diff' between the UK and US versions?