Dark Brotherhood - somewhat disturbing

ausmack2014

I'm probably going to be a voice in the wilderness here, but I have to say that I find certain aspects of Dark Brotherhood to be disturbing.

The whole 'run around and knife people in the back' thing in particular. While I've had no issue in the past with sneaking and stealing (which is quite fun) I find the graphics for the DB assassinations to be very confronting. Was it really necessary, in this age of excess and graphic violence online, to add this disturbing level of cutaway?

As I say, I'll probably be in the minority with this opinion, but it is getting to the stage for me that I probably won't continue with the DB guild line because of this. I just wish there was an option to not have these cutaways show.

PS: I knew it was an iffy opinion to post, since so many people enjoy this sort of visceral graphic gaming. Yes, I did indeed play Skyrim for a little while - not for long as my computer at the time couldn't really handle it. I don't recall it being so bloodthirsty but perhaps time has glossed over the memory. I won't stop playing this very enjoyable game because of one small aspect, and as has been suggested, I can avoid it personally. I was literally just voicing an opinion on that small aspect. Its fine if you disagree, but if you could do it without being a poopoohead that would be nice.

SleepyTroll

Don't use the blade of woe.

Foxesz

ausmack2014 wrote: »

I just wish there was an option to not have these cutaways show.

In most cases you can loot the body after the kill. However you can immediately press E after pressing X to loot the body and "skip" the kill animation. Not guaranteed to always work as there isn't always loot, but it's something.

ausmack2014

SleepyTroll wrote: »

Don't use the blade of woe.

There is that option, of course. It means not using it will not allow me to gain achievements connected to it, but I guess I could skip those.

Nifty2g

ausmack2014 wrote: »

I'm probably going to be a voice in the wilderness here, but I have to say that I find certain aspects of Dark Brotherhood to be quite disturbing.

The whole 'run around and knife people in the back' thing in particular. While I've had no issue in the past with sneaking and stealing (which is quite fun) I find the graphics for the DB assassinations to be very confronting. Was it really necessary, in this age of excess and graphic violence online, to add this disturbing level of cutaway?

As I say, I'll probably be in the minority with this opinion, but it is getting to the stage for me that I probably won't continue with the DB guild line because of this. I just wish there was an option to not have these cutaways show.

Didn't you see the rating of the game? It's even at the bottom of the forums.

Strider_Roshin

ausmack2014 wrote: »

I'm probably going to be a voice in the wilderness here, but I have to say that I find certain aspects of Dark Brotherhood to be quite disturbing.

The whole 'run around and knife people in the back' thing in particular. While I've had no issue in the past with sneaking and stealing (which is quite fun) I find the graphics for the DB assassinations to be very confronting. Was it really necessary, in this age of excess and graphic violence online, to add this disturbing level of cutaway?

As I say, I'll probably be in the minority with this opinion, but it is getting to the stage for me that I probably won't continue with the DB guild line because of this. I just wish there was an option to not have these cutaways show.

You're not alone my friend.

phairdon

Oddly enough, found sticking the blade through someone's head, kind of disturbing too, considering how many npc & monsters killed during other quests. Guess the non DB quest kills are not quite as personal, if that is the right way to describe it.

disintegr8

I agree with the OP, that there is not really a need for such graphics in any game, but it is not the main story line and nobody is forced to play the Dark Brotherhood DLC. There have been more offensive games out there and it is a personal choice whether to avoid what you find offensive or not.

The rating does not mean that no-one has the right to be offended, we all have different opinions on what we like or do not like to see in a game. I also think this level of imagery is a sign that we are relying less on our own imaginations and more on modern games to supply every little detail to us.

Korah_Eaglecry

ausmack2014 wrote: »

I'm probably going to be a voice in the wilderness here, but I have to say that I find certain aspects of Dark Brotherhood to be quite disturbing.

The whole 'run around and knife people in the back' thing in particular. While I've had no issue in the past with sneaking and stealing (which is quite fun) I find the graphics for the DB assassinations to be very confronting. Was it really necessary, in this age of excess and graphic violence online, to add this disturbing level of cutaway?

As I say, I'll probably be in the minority with this opinion, but it is getting to the stage for me that I probably won't continue with the DB guild line because of this. I just wish there was an option to not have these cutaways show.

I take it youve never played an Elder Scrolls game before. Because lobbing heads and limbs off or just down right eviscerate an NPC has been something Bethesda loves to add to its games. Skyrim constantly showed animations in which your character would "finish" and NPC off with a brutal killing blow that often saw someone lose their heads, legs and arms.

This game is also NOT for kids. Its rated M for Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, and Violence. If you were looking for a game that WASNT containing these things. Youve come to the wrong place.

JD2013

When I first used the Blade of Woe on PTS I just sat there at my keyboard for a few seconds thinking "did that really just happen??" With my mouth slightly open.

But this is, of course, the Dark Brotherhood. I don't relish the violence, not even a little. But they are a Guild of contracted murderers. And this game is rated M for mature.

Now, this doesn't explain the leap from the violence you've seen in the rest of the game to this, because as stated this seems more personal. More intimate if you will in the way people are dispatched with the blade.

But you can just choose to dispatch with your weapons too if it makes you uncomfortable. It can be a little gratuitous so I can understand where you're coming from, OP.

Jhunn

disintegr8 wrote: »

The rating does not mean that no-one has the right to be offended, we all have different opinions on what we like or do not like to see in a game. I also think this level of imagery is a sign that we are relying less on our own imaginations and more on modern games to supply every little detail to us.

People are too easily offended. It's a game and you're pretty much over-analyzing the DB cut-scenes.

Phinix1

ausmack2014 wrote: »

SleepyTroll wrote: »

Don't use the blade of woe.

There is that option, of course. It means not using it will not allow me to gain achievements connected to it, but I guess I could skip those.

Just pretend you're helping a friend scratch an itch with it and they are so satisfied that they fall over from pure happiness!

Tryxus

I've seen worse

Nemeliom

You killed thousands of people, animals, you stole, lied, betray, and you worry about an animation? o.0

Tryxus

Nemeliom wrote: »

You killed thousands of people, animals, you stole, lied, betray, and you worry about an animation? o.0

Those animations are a bit more graphic than regular kills:

- blood gushing
- blood gargling
- throat slits
- head kebabs

phairdon wrote: »

Oddly enough, found sticking the blade through someone's head, kind of disturbing too,...

- ...

So yeah, some ppl might be a bit disturbed to say the least...

SG_Celerrimus

I have to just straight up disagree with you. I love the animations for the assassinations, and I think they fit in well and feel at home in this game. Skyrim had animations very similar. Also, this game is rated 'M', so I see no issue with it.

Tabbycat

Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, send your child unto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear.

http://www.imperial-library.info/content/kiss-sweet-mother

Abeille

It is disturbing, but it is fitting. That is why only one of my characters, who I made specifically to be an assassin of the Dark Brotherhood, does it. My other characters didn't even do the first quest (which nets you the Blade of Woe).

Considering they are a cult that assassinate people for a living, it has to be somehow disturbing.

cyclonus11

I wish there were two options you could take: join the Dark Brotherhood and participate in their activities, or fight against them.

Like in Skyrim if you chose to kill Astrid instead of the captives.

timidobserver

I am glad that the content based on assassination has actual assassination in it. I was expecting something Disney-fied to suit people like the OP.

Forumer-in-Prison

Sorry but this is an Elder Scrolls game.

Also, this KILL MOVE animation has been requested here on the forums for like... "A Million..." times.


We finally got it.

Mojmir

I think it's actually an ineffective way to be an assassin, it should be quicker,cleaner,and quieter.

Teridaxus

Well, you sure will like the final db main quest then

GrumpStump

Personally, I think it should be even more realistic. There's nothing worse than a bloodless kill.


GrumpStump

Wreuntzylla

Nifty2g wrote: »

ausmack2014 wrote: »

I'm probably going to be a voice in the wilderness here, but I have to say that I find certain aspects of Dark Brotherhood to be quite disturbing.

The whole 'run around and knife people in the back' thing in particular. While I've had no issue in the past with sneaking and stealing (which is quite fun) I find the graphics for the DB assassinations to be very confronting. Was it really necessary, in this age of excess and graphic violence online, to add this disturbing level of cutaway?

As I say, I'll probably be in the minority with this opinion, but it is getting to the stage for me that I probably won't continue with the DB guild line because of this. I just wish there was an option to not have these cutaways show.

Didn't you see the rating of the game? It's even at the bottom of the forums.

Sure, but up until now it has been cya gloss. Prior to this patch, children, sexual violence, gore and general depravity were almost nonexistent. I this patch, you start with a human trafficking of a child quest... When ZoS embraces Sithis, ZoS uses hands and legs...

AmberLaTerra

I think their should be more of these animations in the main game myself, I mean we are using brutal weapons in swords, maces, daggers, and bows the sheer lack of blood and gore in the main game is more unrealistic and offensive to the idea of true immersion into the game world.

Let's face it combat with the weapons in this game in real history was a bloody and gory business, it was not clean and bloodless. The only weapons that come close to their real effects are staffs or enchanted ones what will occasionally leave a kill burnt to a pile of ash or froze in a pillar of ice.

Give us more realistic effects of our weapons to make the immersion more real.

WhoThenNow7

I'm on Xbox so I haven't played it yet, but I'm actually REALLY looking forward to that kind of thing. I loved the kill animations in skyrim and was a little disappointed to not see something like that in ESO. This dlc will probably hit home for me. Sorry you don't like it; and not trying to be a jerk, but honestly the game ratings are there for a reason. If you prefer something that isn't graphic, I'm sure there's an MMO rated T somewhere out there... I mean what did you expect though?

Kalante

i love gore in video games. the more gore the better. muh immersion.

Troneon

I feel like im playing assasins creed one again except it's a cheap repetitive version over a decade old

Honestly you could buy assasins creed one on steam for way cheaper and get more of a game and content than DB DLC lol

Not saying it's bad for ESO overall but for sure it's almost identical in assassins creed one gameplay and design, especially the sacraments..

LadyNalcarya

Well, if you scroll the page down, you'll see this:

And your char is already a cold-blooded murderer, if he/she joined DB. Graphics or lack of them dont change much.

Ajaxduo

I find that these animations are far from 'disturbing'. I mean sure you impale, slit throats and stab your victims but there is no overly 'graphic visual' (the blade of woe simply clips into the targets model). By which I mean there is no entry points, decapitation, etc - unlike Skyrim. I am not complaining however, I am content with what we were given and it fits the rating which the game was given. If I want truly graphic gore I will play Doom, Mortal Kombat or something like that