True Endings

[Late Bloomer]

I can't think of a "true" ending which was worth the extra effort tbh. All my favorite endings are straight up ones which just emotionally grab you by the bollocks and leave a lasting impression (Phantasy Star 4, FFX etc.)

I like the idea of alternate endings, but it should be based on C&C and actions you encounter throughout the game, not having to fanny about on some 30 hour excursion which you'd never do without a guide.

https://www.gameskinny.com/93f3b/persona-4-golden-true-ending-requirements-guide

True Endings have taken on a life of their own. I agree with you that choice and consequence based endings certainly have a place. Having various ending with a variety of outcomes is fine. But having one "true ending", one that is often the ending that is canon to the lore, locked behind a myriad of what more often than not, amount to a very specific set of guidlines is bad design. True endings take away player choice for fear of missing the real actual ending. Many times, based of guides and webistes, players look up before they play the game, what they need to do. These true endings usually involve a harsh set of circumstances to pigeonhole the player into a very specific way of handling various situations. For me, it is the opposite of roleplaying. Making most people use a guide either by alt tabbing out while playing or having the guide at hand. Some people like the previous poster insinuate that one must be skipping text or low iq. Perhaps that is true with some VN's. But just a quick look at the above posted guide or previous examples tells a different picture.

 

[Mauman]

I've seen at least one ending where the "True Ending" actually made things worse in every way.

I had to admit I found it funny.

 

[Late Bloomer]

In another thread it was mentioned quite casually concerning the game Anvil of Dawn that

The game has multiple endings (Bad, Good and True). You can only get the True Ending if you do everything right and figure out what a certain spell does, and cast it at the right time.

Anyone have experience with that game?

 

[Volourn]

'True' endings don't belong in any game that involves c&c because it implies that any decisions that didn't lead to it were 'naturally' wrong which is ridiculous. In a JRPG style game it isn't a big deal since you don't make many legit c&c anyways.