NPCs & Enemies Revamp NPC Dialogue

[Hickory]

A lot of NPC dialogue feels dated and is either cheesy and awkward (see Demolitionist inexplicably roleplaying blowing your leg off with an explosive as one of his interaction quotes) or simply doesn't match Terraria's current lore (see Cyborg's quote on the Steampunker). A small revamp to touch up some of the dialogue that hasn't aged as well or to retcon in the current lore would go a long way in making the game feel more complete. It's sort of similar to some of the older sprites in a way, like how jarring the Red Ryder, Bloody Machete, and Toolbox sprites are, still being boldly in the older, chunkier style. It's a place where the game hasn't received the touch-ups and maintenance it has elsewhere and it shows if you're paying attention.

While having the NPCs generally acknowledge the game's lore as it pertains to them would already be a nice flourish, I think it'd be even better if tied to certain contexts. The Merchant having his quotes about the Eye of Cthulhu is a really great touch early game that gives it a little build up and makes it feel more like a real part of the world, and when I first saw a lantern night in 1.4 after defeating a boss, it gave a genuine feeling of having accomplished something for my world like I hadn't felt since I was a kid playing the game in its much older days.

Something like having the Mechanic mention her unease in regards to having built the mechanical bosses and knowing they're still out there once you enter hardmode then express relief when you start defeating them would make your actions in progressing the world feel like they really have an effect on the characters living in it. Adding contextual quotes like these would compliment the happiness system 1.4 added in making the NPCs feel a little more like people and a little less like cardboard cutouts, and I think it's one of the most glaring places where there's obvious room for improvement.

I know Terraria is regardless very much not a story-based game, and this likely isn't a priority for the dev team, but it'd be nice to see.

 

[TheGuideIsEvil]

A lot of NPC dialogue feels dated and is either cheesy and awkward (see Demolitionist inexplicably roleplaying blowing your leg off with an explosive as one of his interaction quotes) or simply doesn't match Terraria's current lore (see Cyborg's quote on the Steampunker). A small revamp to touch up some of the dialogue that hasn't aged as well or to retcon in the current lore would go a long way in making the game feel more complete. It's sort of similar to some of the older sprites in a way, like how jarring the Red Ryder, Bloody Machete, and Toolbox sprites are, still being boldly in the older, chunkier style. It's a place where the game hasn't received the touch-ups and maintenance it has elsewhere and it shows if you're paying attention.

While having the NPCs generally acknowledge the game's lore as it pertains to them would already be a nice flourish, I think it'd be even better if tied to certain contexts. The Merchant having his quotes about the Eye of Cthulhu is a really great touch early game that gives it a little build up and makes it feel more like a real part of the world, and when I first saw a lantern night in 1.4 after defeating a boss, it gave a genuine feeling of having accomplished something for my world like I hadn't felt since I was a kid playing the game in its much older days.

Something like having the Mechanic mention her unease in regards to having built the mechanical bosses and knowing they're still out there once you enter hardmode then express relief when you start defeating them would make your actions in progressing the world feel like they really have an effect on the characters living in it. Adding contextual quotes like these would compliment the happiness system 1.4 added in making the NPCs feel a little more like people and a little less like cardboard cutouts, and I think it's one of the most glaring places where there's obvious room for improvement.

I know Terraria is regardless very much not a story-based game, and this likely isn't a priority for the dev team, but it'd be nice to see.

Mechanic quote idea:

“Thanks for destroying my creations..and I apologize for their ingenuity. They were built for war. I’m glad they’re not able to destroy any more civilization.”

(Said after all mechs die)

 

[TwentY!]

great idea!

I also say have the guide give better tips as you progress. when I use the help button he usually tries to tell my how to get the stylist or some other random npc. he doesn't really hint super well at what you are supposed to do, and that might make the new player experience a little better.

 

[TheGuideIsEvil]

great idea!

I also say have the guide give better tips as you progress. when I use the help button he usually tries to tell my how to get the stylist or some other random npc. he doesn't really hint super well at what you are supposed to do, and that might make the new player experience a little better.

Maybe also have simplistic animations in his dialogue box related to some tips

E.g. a blank npc mining certain ores

 

[MoultonLava]

Witch Doctor: I have mixed feelings about you taking out the Golem. On one hand, I left them and the Golem a long time ago, but on the otherhand, I grew up with it. (obviously after defeating Golem)

 

[AmberTheSeal]

One small part I wish they fix if they do this is them only having dialogue referencing other NPCs if they currently live in the same town as them. Like, someone living in the Underground Tundra would have no way of telling what the other guy on the other side of the Ocean would be doing.

 

[Hickory]

One small part I wish they fix if they do this is them only having dialogue referencing other NPCs if they currently live in the same town as them. Like, someone living in the Underground Tundra would have no way of telling what the other guy on the other side of the Ocean would be doing.

I'm not strictly opposed to having them reference far away NPCs with how rare it'd make some of their quotes if they didn't, but at the same time I do agree that it'd make the game feel more responsive to your actions and what's happening in the world, especially with the emphasis 1.4 put on spreading out NPCs into different towns with the pylon network.