80 days

Definition

80 days refers to the narrative structure and gameplay concept popularized by the game '80 Days', where players embark on a journey around the world in 80 days, making choices that affect the storyline and outcomes. This concept emphasizes choice-based narratives and branching storylines, allowing players to explore various paths, strategies, and endings based on their decisions throughout the game.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The game '80 Days' was inspired by Jules Verne's novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days', blending classic literature with modern interactive storytelling.
2. Players navigate through different cities and countries, encountering unique characters, challenges, and events that shape their journey.
3. The game features a dynamic world where time management is crucial; players must balance travel speed with resource management to complete their journey in time.
4. Multiple endings are possible based on the decisions players make throughout the game, encouraging replayability and exploration of different narrative paths.
5. '80 Days' is notable for its rich writing and visual style, creating an immersive experience that enhances the impact of player choices on the storyline.

Review Questions

• How does '80 Days' utilize choice-based narratives to engage players in its story?
  • '80 Days' engages players through choice-based narratives by allowing them to make decisions that directly influence their journey around the world. Each choice can lead to different paths, events, and interactions with characters, creating a sense of agency. This dynamic storytelling encourages players to think critically about their decisions and consider how they affect both their progress and the outcome of the game.
• What are some ways that the branching narrative structure in '80 Days' contributes to its overall gameplay experience?
  • '80 Days' employs a branching narrative structure that enhances gameplay by providing players with multiple pathways and endings based on their choices. This structure adds depth and complexity, allowing players to tailor their adventure according to their preferences. The variety of possible outcomes means players can replay the game numerous times, each time discovering new stories, interactions, and consequences of their actions, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
• Evaluate the impact of player agency in '80 Days' on its narrative depth compared to traditional linear storytelling in games.
  • '80 Days' exemplifies how player agency significantly enhances narrative depth compared to traditional linear storytelling. By allowing players to make meaningful choices that affect plot progression and character relationships, it creates a more personalized experience. This interactivity fosters emotional investment in the story as players see the direct consequences of their actions. In contrast, linear narratives often limit player involvement, leading to a more passive experience where outcomes are predetermined.

Related terms

Branching Narrative: A storytelling technique where the plot diverges based on player choices, leading to multiple outcomes and experiences.

Interactive Fiction: A genre of games that emphasizes narrative-driven gameplay, allowing players to interact with the story through decision-making and exploration.

Player Agency: The ability of players to make meaningful choices within a game that impact the narrative and gameplay experience.