A Query · 9:38pm Jul 1st, 2014
Let me start off by saying that I apologize for saddling you all with my burdens. But anyway, the criticisms left by MythrilMoth in his/her recent comment have been weighing heavily on my mind as of late. Because of them, I've considered making serious revisions to the third chapter of Thirteen Moons. Among other, smaller fixes, I intend to perform a complete overhaul of Twilight's character, and more importantly, I am considering the complete removal of the more "video game-like" elements from the story (in other words, the boxes). While I fully intend to revise Twilight's scene and make the other small fixes, I wanted to ask you all your opinions on the boxes. You don't need to sugarcoat your opinion- if you think they are the worst fucking idea ever put to paper, then do not hesitate to tell me exactly that. I just want to get an overall consensus before making this specific change.
I can't really say I found the boxes to be terrible. Is the existence of the games being referenced by Pinkie, etc. going to be any sort of plot point relevant to the overall story? If so I could see logic in leaving them in.
If the boxes are a critical plot element (for some reason,) then keep them. Otherwise, you can replace most of them with Calling Your Attacks-style verbal components. (This is Final Fantasy, after all. If Silence stops you from using magic, that means you have to say something.)
As for Twilight, maybe have Spike give some backstory on why she is how she is. (Twilight's obviously not going to volunteer it.) Knowing how this instance of Purplesmart deviated from the norm could make her much more sympathetic. That, or don't have her quite so callous about putting untrained teenagers in mortal peril. Either or.
In general, as I've noted, don't feel constrained to the limitations imposed on the franchise for the sake of playability. Stories are open. Pinkie isn't the only one who can break the rules.