Video Game Storytelling: Revised Cutscene

Story Synopsis

“Into the Darkness” is a first-person shooter action-adventure RPG game with interactive cut scenes.  You play as the character Jordan Parker, a former U.S. Army Ranger now employed as the Dragonfly Team Leader for Markum Consultants, a private military contracting firm based in Houston, Texas.

At the beginning of the game, the topic of child trafficking and the U.S. government's role in stopping it is introduced, including a brief introduction of Markum Consultants. 

After the introduction, the Player will select their preferred version of Jordan Parker.  At release, there are two versions of Jordan Parker.  In future game updates, there will be additional versions of Jordan Parker from which to select.  Each version will have its backstory with built-in strengths and weaknesses.  Option 1 is a white female, and Option 2 is a black male.

After making your selection, Chapter 1 of the story involves you doing a training course with Jordan.  The training course involves a tactical shooting range involving pistol, shotgun, and rifle, and close combat training involving knife and hand-to-hand.  Based on the results of the training chapter, the game will make recommendations on weaponry that result from the predetermined strengths and weaknesses, as well as the course results.  However, the Player may choose whatever weaponry is available to them.

Chapter 2 involves the briefing of the mission to capture or kill Naeem Zarouq.  In this chapter, you will choose several options to design a plan.  These options will provide the order in which the game flows.  After selecting the mission plan, Jordan will select her team members.

The Dragonfly team is a six-man team. Jordan will be the team leader, and then the player will select four of the remaining five team members from a pool of available contractors, each with their strengths and weaknesses.  However, in an unusual move, the sixth team member is selected by the owner of Markum Consultants.  That member is Major Nathanial Charles, former USAF Pararescueman and newest member of Markum Consultants.  He prefers to be called by his call sign, Gray Wolf, and is the companion NPC in the game.  However, depending on the choices made by the player, Gray Wolf can and will work either with or against you when the mission commences.

Chapters 3-10 involve the mission itself.  The mission always begins arriving in Juba, South Sudan.  It is the rainy season, so the gameplay here will often be dark and gritty.  Depending on the mission plan, the Dragonfly team will proceed north to the Ez Zeraf game preserve, where the Zarouq compound is believed to be.  The first side mission option is also available to the Player in Chapter 3.  In this chapter, Jordan can be killed, and the game ends.  No other members of the Dragonfly Team will be harmed.

In Chapter 4, tragedy will strike the Dragonfly team.  Depending on the mode of travel chosen and the direction taken, some or all of the Dragonfly team members will be killed, except for Jordan and Gray Wolf.  Later in the chapter, Gray Wolf will part ways with Jordan to facilitate the mission in advance. At the same time, Jordan performs tasks and seeks to complete the mission on his own, becoming adversarial to Jordan.  Jordan will not be killed in this chapter, and the game continues.

Chapters 5-7 involve Jordan on his/her own, or with any surviving members of the Dragonfly team, except Gray Wolf.  During these crucial chapters, one or the remainder of the Dragonfly team will be lost, ultimately leaving Jordan alone going into Chapter 8.  There are optional side quests available to the Player during these chapters, each with varying risk/reward to Jordan and/or members of the Dragonfly Team.  Jordan can be killed anytime in these chapters, and the game will end.

Chapter 8 begins the final push to the Zarouq compound, where Jordan and Gray Wolf reunite.  By choosing to save the fisherman, Jordan can save the fisherman and heal and replenish weaponry that has been lost and expended leading up to this moment.  Gray Wolf returns here and aligns with Jordan for the remainder of the game, even if the fisherman is not saved.  Bypassing the side mission finds Gray Wolf returning later and adversarial.

Chapter 9 is the assault on the compound.  Depending on decisions made prior, Jordan will either be successful in capturing Zarouq and freeing the captured children, successful in killing Zarouq and freeing the captured children, failing to capture or kill Zarouq who will escape but freeing the children, failing to capture or kill Zarouq who destroys the compound which kills all the captured children, or Jordan will be killed.

Chapter 10 is the return to Juba. Jordan and Gray Wolf are now escorting the children back to Juba, along with Zarouq if he is captured. The return to Juba will not be easy, though, as there are still dangerous elements and challenges on the road in the form of people and wildlife. Jordan, Zarouq, and some or all of the children can be killed, and the game can end.

Chapter 11 is the final chapter.  It involves debriefing the mission from Jordan’s perspective on whether she survives.  If Zarouq is captured and survives the return trip to Juba, Jordan and Gray Wolf will be allowed to interrogate him.  Depending on questions asked and answers provided, Jordan and Gray Wolf will potentially uncover a more extensive, more sinister child trafficking operation in Houston itself, hinting at the next game in the series.

If Jordan is killed at any point in the game, the game will close with a cut scene with Gray Wolf debriefing what happened in the game. Depending on the relationship between Jordan and Gray Wolf at the time, the debriefing will either praise or criticize Jordan.

 

CUT SCENE 7 - FIGHT WITH CROCODILE (OPTIONAL SIDE QUEST)

EXT: Shores of Lake No, South Sudan - Night (Full Cloud Cover with Lightning and Thunder but Not Raining.)  The player has selected to attempt to rescue a local fisherman being attacked by a Nile crocodile.

FADE IN:

Jordan runs toward the lakeshore toward the sound of the voice he heard calling out from the dark moments before. He stops to scan the lakeshore, looking for anything to gain his bearings, but sees nothing in the blackness of the overcast dark. To locate the voice, Jordan calls out to gain his bearings.

JORDAN

Hey there!  Can you hear me?  Call out so I can see where you are.

Jordan continues to scan left to right and back again, searching.

JORDAN

Hello!  Are you out there?

A voice answers from the darkness to Jordan’s left.

FISHERMAN

Yes!  Yes!  I can hear you!

(Speaking in Dinka) Help me! Help me please!

Jordan turns toward the voice and looks.  In the prolonged flash of lightning, Jordan can see the fisherman tangled in his fish netting.  Also tied into the fish netting is a Nile crocodile, about 8 feet.  It is a juvenile but still very lethal.

Jordan drops his rifle and field pack and runs towards the fisherman, drawing his knife.  As he approaches the lakeshore, he notices a tree stump about three feet high and manages to hurdle it before arriving at the fisherman.

JORDAN

(panting) Hey man, hang in there.  I'm going to help you.  Just hang on for a second!

Jordan watches as the crocodile yanks on the netting, pulling the fisherman back towards the water. 

RESCUE FISHERMAN (INTERACTIVE)

Jordan looks back and realizes the tree stump is about ten feet behind him.  He looks down at the M3 Trench Knife in his right hand.  PLAYER is prompted to make a selection.

If the PLAYER selects to pull towards the tree, Jordan will drop his knife and grab the haul rope to the fishing net, tying it around the stump to keep the fisherman from being pulled into the water.

If the PLAYER chooses the knife, Jordan will start to cut the fisherman free from the net.

[SELECT SCENE]

PLAYER selects to use the knife.

Jordan grabs the knife and runs to the fisherman.

JORDAN

Hang on!  I’m going to cut you free and get you out of there.

FISHERMAN

(In Dinka) No, don’t do that!  It will take too long, and the crocodile will pull us into the water.

JORDAN

(Confused look on face because he doesn’t understand Dinka) Don’t worry, I’ll get you out.

Jordan begins cutting at the net, but the process is slower than expected.  He starts frantically sawing at the netting when the crocodile pulls hard.  Jordan falls over, the knife falling from his hand.  The fisherman slides into the water to his upper legs.  Lightning flashes, and Jordan is looking the crocodile in the eye, its green eye illuminated by the white streak of lightning.  A loud clap of thunder follows as the crocodile flashes razor-sharp teeth, and the light fades from the lightning.

FISHERMAN

(curses in Dinka at Jordan’s decision)

(English) You’re going to kill us both!

SECOND EFFORT (INTERACTIVE)

Jordan looks over to his left and sees his knife.  Next to the knife, he sees the fisherman’s flare gun in the sand. Behind both is another of the net haul ropes.  He quickly looks back and sees the stump is now twice as far away.  PLAYER is prompted to make a selection.

If PLAYER selects to reach for the knife, Jordan will attempt to cut the net again.

If PLAYER selects to reach for the flare gun, Jordan will let go of the net and fire at the crocodile.

If PLAYER selects to reach for the rope, Jordan will turn his back to the fisherman and crocodile and move towards the stump.

[SELECT SCENE]

PLAYER selects to grab the flare gun.

In a single, smooth motion, Jordan lets go of the net, grabs, raises the flare gun, and fires at the crocodile’s head.  A bright red streak flies over the fisherman and hits the crocodile in its right eye, exploding.

JORDAN

(Excited) Haha!  Got you, you sonofabitch!

The crocodile lets out a loud, rumbling roar and thrashes to the left.  The action causes the net to pull further into the water, dragging the fisherman into the water up to his chest.  Horrified, Jordan drops the flare gun, reaches for the net, grabs it with both hands, and pulls towards the stump.

FISHERMAN

(In Dinka) Dear God, please save me from a cruel death.  I will do anything you ask of me!

Jordan digs into the sand with his heels and pulls with all his strength. He manages to pull the fisherman up to where he is out of the water from his stomach. Jordan gives another pull and has the fisherman halfway out of the water.

FISHERMAN

          (Says thankful prayer in Dinka)

JORDAN

I told you I’d save you from that river monster.  Hang tight now, I’m going to give another pull.

FISHERMAN

(In English) Thank you and God Bless!

Jordan tenses up and prepares for another pull when the crocodile roars again and pulls outward to the water.  The action causes Jordan to scream in pain as his left arm is dislocated at the shoulder.  Jordan falls to the ground, clutching his shoulder.  He looks up through sand-covered eyes to see the fisherman sliding further into the water.

FISHERMAN

(In English) Help me please!  I don’t want to die!

JORDAN

(Screaming In a Painful Voice) You’re not going to die!  I’m not fucking losing anyone else!

FINAL EFFORT (INTERACTIVE)

Jordan rises to his feet.  A long, brilliant lightning flash lights up the scene for several seconds.  Jordan sees several pairs of green eyes starting to converge on their location.  Jordan takes a deep, painful breath.  Jordan looks at the net five feet in front of him.  At his feet is the haul line.  PLAYER is prompted to make a selection.

If the PLAYER selects to grab the net, Jordan will hold the net with his right hand and attempt to pull the fisherman up the beach.

If the PLAYER selects to grab the haul rope, Jordan will hold it and move towards the stump.

[SELECT SCENE]

PLAYER selects to grab the haul rope.

Jordan grabs the haul rope and runs toward the stump, trying to loop the rope around it and use it as a pully to compensate for his lack of ability to use his left arm.

JORDAN

(Yelling back to the Fisherman) Hang on!  I’m going to get you out.

Jordan reaches the stump. As he starts to loop the rope around the stump, he feels an incredible pull on the rope. It knocks him over, landing on his left side.

JORDAN

(Screaming in pain) Motherfucker!

Jordan scrambles down on his hands and knees to grab the rope.  As he secures it, he feels himself being pulled towards the water.  He turns on his back and digs his feet in the sand to stop the momentum.  There is a pause, then more pull.  Jordan feels the rope sliding through his hand, burning his palm.

Suddenly, the pull stops.  There is a brief pause, and the rope begins pulling quickly up shore with force.  Jordan sees the net with the fisherman and the crocodile coming on shore.  He looks back over his head and sees a tall figure in the dark.

TALL FIGURE

Well, son, you sure have gotten yourself into one Hell of a mess.

JORDAN

(Shocked) Gray Wolf?  Is that really you?

GRAY WOLF

(Laughing) The Last time I checked, it was. Now, hang on there for a minute. I’m going to tie this rope off, and then we can go get that fella out of the jaws of death.

The Gray Wolf takes the slack of the rope, quickly ties it around the stump, and secures it. Jordan looks and can see the net with the fisherman and the crocodile fully on shore.

FISHERMAN

(In Dinka) Thank you!  Thank you, God, for sending these Angels and saving my life!

The Gray Wolf walks up and kneels beside Jordan.

GRAY WOLF

Alright, the rope is secure, and that net isn’t going anywhere. I’m going to fetch that fella out of the net, and then I’ll be back to check in on you.

JORDAN

(Falls back in the sand) Ok, thank you.

GRAY WOLF

(Draws a Bowie knife and smiles) Be back in a flash.

The Gray Wolf runs at full speed, his Bowie knife drawn and ready to strike.  In a few strides, he reaches the crocodile trapped in the net and plunges the blade into the middle of its head, scoring a direct hit into its brain.  The crocodile roars, utters a few spastic tail lashes, and goes silent.

Pulling himself upright, Jordan watches as the Gray Wolf pulls and tosses two grenades into the lake.  Two geysers of explosive water rise with a muffled boom as another lightning flash lights up the sky.  The green eyes are gone.

The Gray Wolf frees the Fisherman from the netting and helps him up the shore next to Jordan.  He then turns and tends to Jordan.

JORDAN

(Exasperated) Holy shit, Wolf!  Where in the Hell did you come from?

GRAY WOLF

I've been tracking you since Thar Jath.  During my time alone after the crash, it occurred to me that you might be right.  Getting home alive is important but finishing this mission to get that child-thieving son of a bitch is permanently out of business is more important.

JORDAN

(Lowers head) I don’t know, Wolf.  I don’t know what to think since we got shot down.

GRAY WOLF

(puts his hand on Jordan’s head gently) Justice is more important than vengeance.  We get justice for all those children and for the rest of Dragonfly by finishing this mission.  Now take a deep breath.

The Gray Wolf pops Jordan's shoulder back into place.  Jordan lets out a muffled cry and exhales shakily.  Gray Wolf proceeds to wrap Jordan’s shoulder and makes a makeshift sling.  After a few deep breaths, Jordan can speak again.

JORDAN

Thank you.  You saved both of our lives.  I’m truly grateful.

The fisherman in the background responds.

FISHERMAN

(in English) Yes, yes.  Thank you, my friend.  My family owes you a debt.

The Gray Wolf nods.  He shakes his knife and heads towards the water to retrieve the crocodile carcass.

JORDAN

(Confused look) Where are you going?

GRAY WOLF

(Smirk on his face) Relax Boss. I’m going to get that crocodile.  The meat will feed that fisherman’s family for at least a week.  Besides, I need a new pair of cowboy boots.  I figure Nile crocodile ones tell a better story than regular old gator boots.

Jordan laughs as the Gray Wolf walks down to the shore to haul the crocodile from the net and field dress it.

FISHERMAN

(In English) Thank you again for saving my life. Please return to my village with me. There, we can give you food, medicine, and clean water.

Jordan takes a deep breath and exhales.  He wipes the sand from her arms and face.

JORDAN

That really isn’t necessary.  I saw a person in distress; it was the right thing to do.  No one should ever have to die in that manner.

FISHERMAN

(In English) Yes, yes, this is true.  It is a horrible way to go, but (in Dinka) this is Africa.

JORDAN

(Smiling) What was that last part?

FISHERMAN

(In English) “This is Africa.”

Both laugh and look up at the night sky.  The clouds are breaking up, and they catch sight of the moon peering through.  They see an illuminated Gray Wolf walking in their direction, a crocodile over its shoulder.

FISHERMAN

(Rising and speaking in English) Now, let us go to my village.  I also have a gift for you.

The Fisherman helps Jordan to his feet.  Jordan wipes the sand off his pants with his good hand and collects his rifle and field pack.  The fisherman motions to a truck parked along a row of trees.  The three load into the truck, Gray Wolf in the back with the crocodile, and get settled.

JORDAN

(Turning to the Fisherman) So, what exactly is this gift?

The fisherman starts the truck. He smiles widely, his teeth as bright and white as the moon.

[SOUTH SUDANESE MUSIC BEGINS]

FISHERMAN

(In English) We can give you weapons.  Lots of weapons.  And we have villagers willing to help.  It is everything you need to take out that son of a bitch Zaroug.  He has taken many children.  He must be put down like the monster he is.

Jordan looks at the fisherman and smiles, nodding.  With his right hand, he clasps the fisherman’s right hand with a loud pop.

JORDAN

Oh yeah! Let’s go fuck him up.

[SOUTH SUDANESE MUSIC INTENSIFIES THEN FADES]

FADE TO BLACK

Revision Effects on Other Groups

By revising the script from the previous version, the entire cut scene options will need to be reshot with the altered and extra choices for the player to choose when deciding how Jordan will attempt to save the fisherman from the crocodile.  In addition to this, AI/Coders will need to make changes to the actions of the crocodile, the landscape, and the change in weather where we move from moonlit with broken clouds to complete cloud cover and darkness with the addition of lightning and thunder in the sky.