In The Forest, players are faced with a pivotal choice at the end of the game - to save or abandon Timmy. However, in the highly anticipated sequel, Sons of the Forest (SotF), only the ending where Timmy is saved is considered canon. This decision has left some players feeling disappointed, as they yearned for their choices to have a more profound impact on the events of SotF.
One suggestion that could have addressed this concern is if SotF had allowed players to indicate their choice regarding Timmy at the start of a new game. This would have introduced subtle differences in the narrative throughout the game, while still maintaining the key events. For instance, interactions with characters like Jianyu Zhang and other Sahara operatives could have been expanded upon, potentially leading to divergent outcomes for the player. This approach would have added depth to the game's universe and made players feel like their choices truly mattered.
A prime example of a game that successfully incorporates player choices into its sequels is Life is Strange 2. Although the Life is Strange franchise differs significantly from The Forest, it demonstrates that even minor changes can reinforce the notion that choices have a lasting impact on characters and future games. Given that SotF delves into the concept of parallel universes, incorporating branching narrative paths and different timelines could have been a fitting addition to the overall story.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that many game developers opt for a single canon ending in their sequels. This choice is often made to maintain a cohesive narrative and prevent the proliferation of multiple storylines based on different choices from the previous game. Developers may also seek to avoid overwhelming players with an excessive number of variations and possibilities. While multiple endings can be exhilarating, they can also result in a surplus of sequels that cater to each individual choice made in the previous game.
Ultimately, the decision to have only one canon ending in SotF was likely made to ensure a focused and coherent narrative. Although it would have been intriguing to witness the impact of different choices on the game's events, the developers likely aimed to sidestep the complexities and potential inconsistencies that could arise from branching storylines. By maintaining a singular canon ending, they have crafted a tightly woven narrative that immerses players in a consistent and compelling experience.
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