Companions talk too much - pls, adjust "infrequent" option

fiender66

Companions' dialog capability should be made better.
Sometimes Mirri tells me proper things, like when she prompts me to move when I fall in crowd control, but most of the time her lines are simply not appropriate and detract from the immersion.
An example? In the final rush quest in the semi delve in Glenumbra, when we were striving to kill Angof and putting down the not-so-difficult but numerous obstacles, she kept telling that she was famished, not to mention that "take off load" at the inn. Uhm...and this is not the only example that can be made. I wonder how someone can appreciate that robot-like conversation and even want more of it.

colossalvoids

Absolutely agree, not even sure infrequent option actually works.

Arguments about not using them are ridiculous, for example I won't be using them after getting all the achievements, sure, but a lot of (majority obviously) people wanted a combat buddy, not a broken record player. They should most definitely have an option of actual infrequent replies to their actions. Some want more intelligent followers, some want less modern lines, so the best they can do is to make more actually working options while people waiting for desired archetypes to be released (if ever).

drunkendx

colossalvoids wrote: »

Absolutely agree, not even sure infrequent option actually works.

Arguments about not using them are ridiculous, for example I won't be using them after getting all the achievements, sure, but a lot of (majority obviously) people wanted a combat buddy, not a broken record player. They should most definitely have an option of actual infrequent replies to their actions. Some want more intelligent followers, some want less modern lines, so the best they can do is to make more actually working options while people waiting for desired archetypes to be released (if ever).

Agreed.

infrequent should be, you know "infrequent, not comment 9/10 times you harvest something.

And those who say "don't use them" [snip]. That's a fact [snip]

[edited baiting]

Alurria

drunkendx wrote: »

colossalvoids wrote: »

Absolutely agree, not even sure infrequent option actually works.

Arguments about not using them are ridiculous, for example I won't be using them after getting all the achievements, sure, but a lot of (majority obviously) people wanted a combat buddy, not a broken record player. They should most definitely have an option of actual infrequent replies to their actions. Some want more intelligent followers, some want less modern lines, so the best they can do is to make more actually working options while people waiting for desired archetypes to be released (if ever).

Agreed.

infrequent should be, you know "infrequent, not comment 9/10 times you harvest something.

And those who say "don't use them" [snip]. That's a fact [snip]

Solution is don't use them [snip]

[edited for baiting]

vallisas

^ Agreed, [snip] and most of us aren't easily annoyed by some quick sentence said by a companion after they've killed something, you know like how companions have always been in every single RPG they've ever been included in. From Dragon Age, to Fallout, to Skyrim, to Divinity to Outerworlds to Dragon's Dogma they've always been this way. Moan about a real issue, not companions being companions. If you find you don't like how companions are supposed to work and have always worked, if you find you cannot handle how companions work. Here's the solution, you can not pick them up. And spare us and this board, by repeating the same nonsense everyday because you don't understand what a companion is in an RPG, please. It's not "bad game design", it's how companions have always worked. They simply don't work for you, and that's ok. But don't make a non-issue out of your own irritation over a system that has always been. And certainly don't bash hard working talented voice actors (both of which have done numerous voiceovers in this very game beyond these two characters) over your annoyance.

[edited for baiting]

Elsonso

Luke_Flamesword wrote: »

I really like whole idea of companions but if I have to spent hundreds of hours with specific companion, you can't just destroy my brain with so much repeating. I get it, you want it to make first impression "they have so much to talk in so many different situations". But now I know it and I'm sick tired ot this. This is just pocket version of "dragons in your own homeland".

You know, I like to think I'm agreeable...

Would it be an Elder Scrolls game if some NPC that latched onto us didn't ramble on about the same thing every few minutes or every few times something happened?

"Hey, look! A cave! I wonder what's inside?" Uh, we just came out of there a couple minutes ago, don't you remember?

These companions are not some sophisticated AI, and the curse that comes with them is listening to the same couple hundred dialog lines over and over. Even if they play more infrequently, if it is something that bothers you, it won't be infrequent enough.

vallisas

^ Preach it

[snip]

There is no mute option currently in the game. Again, I am 100% for the infrequent options. [snip]

[edited to remove quote and baiting]

VaranisArano

The group of Worm Cultists worshipping the Dark Anchor as it rips the sky of Tamriel open are caught by surprise as fiery chains lash out and whisk their Mages Guild captive back to safety.

The cultists grab their weapons to meet Varanis and Mirri charging up the hill towards the dolmen.

"There's trouble brewing here. Stay alert!" Mirri shouts.

The fight rages as the anchor chains fall, shaking the ground as they pull tight and start slowly winching Nirn up into Oblivion. Varanis flame whips the last cultist down. "You don't say."

"I like to think I'm agreeable."

Blue cold-fireballs drop from anchor ring above, plummeting towards them. Where it lands, daedra blossom from the smoke.

"All right, but don't cry for mommy," Mirri declares as she engages the nearest Xivkyn.

"Do daedra even have mothers?" Varanis wonders. "I'll ask Lyranth later."

Mirri is dueling a daeroth when a clannfear leaps across the battlefield and takes a nasty bite out of her shoulder. "Ow, that fetching smarts!"

Varanis bats a cauterizing fireball at her in between trading blows with a Harvester.

"That's much better! Don't suppose you'll work this knot out of my shoulder while you're at it?"

"Later, Mirri!"

As they clise the anchors, the portal rumbles ominously. A great glob of coldfire gathers as Molag Bal muses, "Whatever happened to that Prophet fellow? Did his sacrifice really mean anything in the end? Sai Sahan and Titanborn's didn't."

A daedroth bursts from the portal, plummeting towards the ground. Mirri grimly draws her daggers. "This is going to be a fight. Let's not make it our last."

"I've handle loads worse than a dolmen boss, you know."

When its all over, Molag Bal is grumbling about flying skin-banners and Varanis kicks open the dolmen chest.

"Finders keepers, as they say." After a pause, Mirri adds, "You know, I like to think I'm agreeable.

"You know, I'm thinking I've got to do two more dolmens for your Fighters Guild daily. Would you mind - I dunno - talking less?"

Mirri stares coldly at her. "What did you fetching say?"

"I'm used to fighting alone. It's nice having someone who's handy with a dagger around, but the constant chatter is a little much."

"That's it. I'm fetching leaving, you fetcher!"

Mirri stomps off towards the nearest wayshrine. Varanis sighs, then settles in to wait for the next group of cultists to show up. "I didn't want her to leave. All I wanted was a little bit of peace and quiet!"

SilverBride

They could just add an additional option... never.

Over time a lot of players will get sick of hearing the same things over and over. It would be nice to be able to turn this feature off.

Fennwitty

Infrequent vs. Normal does appear to work, but it's not huge.

There also seems to be a setting where when you zone in somewhere the companion is almost guaranteed to say something when you pick a node or some other activity regardless of setting.

I'd advocate a "Rare" setting be added.

For instance, on the Rare setting, companions won't do self-congratulatory victory laps unless one of the following is true:


(A) One of the enemies was a boss

(B) One of the enemies had more than 100,000 hit points

(C) The fight took more than 2 minutes from start to end


Kill three skeevers blocking a node: "No Bastian. *NOT* 'Huzzah'!"

ZOS_Lunar

Greetings!

Due to some posts violating our rules on baiting and bashing, we have removed them from this thread. It’s okay and very normal to disagree with others, and even to debate, but provoking conflict, baiting, inciting, mocking, etc. is never acceptable in the official The Elder Scrolls Online community. If you do not have something constructive or meaningful to add to a discussion, we strongly recommend you refrain from posting in that thread, and find another discussion to participate in instead.

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lillybit

[snip]

How companions work in other games, you mean. That's not really relevant to how they work in this one so no, not facts.

They could also carry things, wear any gear and use any weapons and be told to stay put in other games, so it's pretty much comparing apples to oranges.

[edited to remove quote]

Luke_Flamesword

VaranisArano's post reminds me situations when Bastian is telling: "They made their choices. So be it." and I must remind him: "Bastian, that was a bunch of bog dogs, they don't choice anything, this is their nature"

vallisas

lillybit wrote: »

[snip]

How companions work in other games, you mean. That's not really relevant to how they work in this one so no, not facts.

They could also carry things, wear any gear and use any weapons and be told to stay put in other games, so it's pretty much comparing apples to oranges.

How they've worked universally. Including in this very series. So yes, very relevant, very much facts.

Alurria

SilverBride wrote: »

They could just add an additional option... never.

Over time a lot of players will get sick of hearing the same things over and over. It would be nice to be able to turn this feature off.

This is how you ask for that option^ no bashing of Zos employees no bashing of voice actors no over the top drama like it's the end of the world. Asking for a option while simultaneously bashing companions is just way over the top. I can reasonably understand people asking for the option to turn companions dialog off if it gets tiresome. It doesn't bother me however but then I have worked with Alzheimer patients in my past so my tolerance for repetitious dialog is pretty high. After all this is 1. New 2. AI all this bashing is just that a way to dramatize things. It's not the end of the world and it isn't game breaking.

Shantu

And who couldn't see this coming? An option to mute a companion after you've heard the same dialog for the thousandth time is a no-brainer.

anitajoneb17_ESO

I love companions' dialogues.

They don't repeat "stack on crown" over and over.
They don't bash ZOS endlessly.
They don't complain about other players.
They don't complain about other players' companions.
They don't ask me about my gear nor about my DPS.
They don't complain about their gear nor about their DPS.
They don't brag about their gear, their DPS or their achievements.
They're not obsessed with XP/hour or CP counter. (Or if they are, they don't mention it).
They don't want to borrow gold from me
They don't want me to craft them anything ithout knowing what they actually want
They don't want to sell me anything
They don't want me to join their guild.


Companions are true angels. I love them :-)

Arunei

vallisas wrote: »

Arunei wrote: »

vallisas wrote: »

Because judging by your examples of the inoffensive comments you seem annoyed by and then wanting an "almost never" or "mute" option it sounds like you don't actually want them to begin with LOL. So what is the point? You get tired of the comments you can simply dismiss them for a time, you have that option. I cannot for the life of me understand the rampant complaining sometimes on this board of compeltely optional things.

So someone not wanting them to talk as much, or at all, automatically means they shouldn't use the Companions?

Precisely, there's been several games now by Bethesda, You know how their companions are by you KNOW what you signed up for. This is how they are, this is how they've always been. It would be like asking Bioware to make their companions silent. And in this game, they don't carry your stuff, so there goes that excuse. Instead of filling up the board with the same complaints, simply don't use the entirely optional companions. No one is forcing anyone to endure this "pain" but themselves. If someone does not want companions to be companions, you shouldn't be rolling companions. It's very simple. "I want silent companions" which has never been an option in any single game by this company. Why should they now. Just like in the single player titles you aren't forced to go around with a companion. And you can entirely run a build to solo most of the non-vet content yourself.

Now, i'm not directing all this entirely at you specifically or the situation you have personally, moreso the people who are constantly whining on the board "omg this voice actor on this companion","my god mirri does this, bastian does this!!!" some of which coming from the same posters daily. Nobody is forcing you to run with them, stop wasting the devs time over something optional. This thread didn't even get many post despite it's views, because it's just not a huge issue for the majority. Most understand what companionss are.

Now something ZOS should spend some time fixing, all these quest update icons on Mirri LOL

Your first mistake is making the assumption that OP or anyone else really have played other Bethesda games/games with "companions" to...what, have some idea of what other games were like with them? You're acting like just because people are playing this Bethesda game that they've played other Bethesda games, or other games with "companion" features, which is a little asinine. Just because other games have done X or Y with Z system doesn't mean every single game has to.

As for your point about "oh but it's entirely optional", you're also missing the point that Companions largely exist to a) help people with content and b) to give someone a sense of, you know, companionship. People are very capable of liking one aspect of a thing and not another. No one deserves to be told not to use something they want to, but find an aspect of annoying. [snip]

[snip] If it doesn't bother you that's entirely fine. What's not fine is coming into the thread to repeatedly bash people who get annoyed by the Companion dialogue and just want an option to mute it. It's not really adding anything to the conversation at this point.

[Edit for Baiting.]

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alberichtano

Luke_Flamesword wrote: »

VaranisArano's post reminds me situations when Bastian is telling: "They made their choices. So be it." and I must remind him: "Bastian, that was a bunch of bog dogs, they don't choice anything, this is their nature"

Funny coming from the guy that claims that he doesn't like killing, eh? ;-)

AuraoftheAzureSea

I don't see a problem with players providing feedback about their preferences for companion dialogue frequency. Not using them at all is not a solution for people who genuinely like the idea of companions, but don't want to hear immersion breaking chatter (or at least want a reduction of how often it happens) and don't want to hear the same line so many times that they get sick of it (again, very immersion breaking). There are definitely games that manage that balance well.

For single player games like Skyrim, we have mods like RDO to let players adjust frequencies to their taste. Not much of an option for this.

Kalik_Gold

I turned his chat to frequent... *shrugs*

Hapexamendios

I don't really need Mirri commenting on "sampling the local cuisine" every time I use a wayshrine.

phaneub17_ESO

I got a new Bastian quote, I don't know what the hell it means...

"Reachmen say that fires are only dangerous when they get bored. That's why we tell them stories and let them lick our food"

lillybit

From the patch notes:

"Increased the minimum cooldown time for Companion VO, in addition to reducing the likelihood to hear the VO, when the Companion casts an ability which provides a synergy for you."

This will help!

Mik195

I tend to think of Bastian as a golden retriever. It makes his "squirrel" comments easier to ignore.

Of course, I play with the bear so I'm used to doing my thing and assume the bear will handle any aggro I don't feel like noticing.

anitajoneb17_ESO

phaneub17_ESO wrote: »

I got a new Bastian quote, I don't know what the hell it means...

"Reachmen say that fires are only dangerous when they get bored. That's why we tell them stories and let them lick our food"

I'd interprete this as follows :
"Reachmen consider fires like beings, that need to be entertained and fed. That's why they tell stories by the fires and cook food in the fires".

A rather successful attempt at some poetry, in my opinion.

KyraCROgnon

ectoplasmicninja wrote: »

I agree with this too. I want them to talk more, but I also wish they had more to say, and that more of it was intelligently contextual.

It may have been a lucky random , but today while soloing a wb i ran out of ressources and Bastian told me something along "we're running dry, you should drink a potion" . So except for the little detail that my potion button was on CD (so my answer to the voice in my head was "don't i wish i could") , he was right on topic

I globally like their little talk now and then. Even if it does feel weird when he doesn't comment on us killing a WB and then get all exited about a dead mudcrab

LadyLethalla

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I do think the harvesting lines could be toned down but outside of that I actually wish he talked more.

Every freaking area is a great area for harvesting...

Honestly I wish they had more lines like, "Hey, I've never seen anything like this place before". As it is, I wish there was an option to turn OFF the Companions' reactions all together.

KyraCROgnon

A serious question here : is there any game sound that are really needed for gameplay ? Since all quest dialogue is written too ? I remember some cry from bosses that give fighting clues , but having raid notifier on gives you the same clues in blinking red capital letters.
So when the game noices get irritating / boring, i can turn the sound off completely and play ESO while listening to music (Manowar is perfect for going around bashing heads ) , and voilà, problem solved.

And when i want to be completely absorded in a quest / an event , i turn the sound back on and enjoy it fresh again.

PS : the "most irritating sound in ESO" imo is the sound from the Indrik mounts. They sound like my kid rubber ducky ! Not quite epic , and even if some look cool, i could never use them as regular mount with sound on